CH-08

Lingling carefully opened an old wooden box that had been tucked away in her wardrobe for years. She handled it with such caution, as if worried that the slightest touch might damage whatever was inside. From within the box, she retrieved a small framed painting of herself.

Unconsciously, a faint smile formed on her lips as her eyes settled on the image—a reflection of her younger self from years ago.

Just as Ling was lost in her thoughts, the sound of a car engine from downstairs snapped her out of her reverie. Quickly, she placed the frame on the small table beside her bed and moved toward the window. Peeking through a gap in the curtains, she saw a car she knew all too well pulling up right in front of the house.

It was Orm’s car.

Without a second thought, Ling left her room. Her steps were swift as she descended the stairs, the sound of her footsteps echoing through the quiet hallway. Just as she reached the ground floor, the front door swung open, revealing Orm, radiating the same cheerful energy she always carried with her.

"Good morning, P’Ling!" Orm greeted brightly, her voice as lively as ever.

"Good morning," Ling replied, a smile spreading across her face. Her gaze lingered on Orm, who seemed as energetic as usual. That was when she noticed the plastic bag in Orm’s right hand. "What did you bring?" she asked, curiosity evident in her tone as she followed Orm into the kitchen.

"Breakfast for P’Ling. The usual—your favorite," Orm answered as she placed the bag on the kitchen counter.

Ling frowned slightly. "Huh? Why did you buy breakfast today? You didn’t cook?"

Orm let out a small smile as she unpacked the food. "Didn’t you say my cooking wasn’t good and that you were tired of it? So, I figured I should just get your favorite food again from now on."

Ling blinked, confusion flickering across her face. "Did I say that?"

Orm simply looked at her, pausing briefly before replying, "You said it two days ago." She then continued setting up plates and utensils as if it were no big deal.

Ling scratched the back of her neck—a habit she had whenever she felt awkward. "I... I don’t remember saying that," she muttered, feigning ignorance. "Honestly, I’d rather you keep cooking for me. I’m actually more tired of eating the same thing every day."

Orm turned to her, raising an eyebrow slightly, though her tone remained gentle. "How strange..." she murmured. She was well aware of how often Ling contradicted herself, and this was no exception.

Ling simply offered a small smile and said nothing more. Resting her chin on her hands, she silently observed Orm as she busied herself in the kitchen.

Orm’s appearance had changed so much over the years. Ling still found it hard to believe that the shy, nerdy girl who had once been her roommate was now standing in front of her—confident, poised, and undeniably different.

Suddenly, Orm became aware of Ling’s lingering gaze. She turned to face her and asked, slightly puzzled, "Is there something wrong with my face, phi?"

Ling was caught off guard and immediately blinked a few times. "Huh? No, nothing’s wrong," she responded hastily. "I was just... looking at the food you’re preparing. I’m starving," she added, quickly coming up with an excuse.

Orm gave her a knowing smile but chose not to press further. "Maybe it’s just my imagination that P’Ling was looking at me," she murmured under her breath.

Moments later, Orm placed a plate of food in front of Ling, along with a drink. "Enjoy your meal, P’Ling," she said softly.

"Aren’t you eating too?" Ling asked, noticing that there was only one portion on the table.

Orm shook her head with a smile. "I already ate before coming here. So this is just for you."

Ling glanced at the plate before picking up her spoon. Every now and then, in between bites, she stole quick glances at Orm, who remained occupied with something in the kitchen.

•••••

The clock struck five in the afternoon. The atmosphere at Siam Paragon Mall grew increasingly lively, especially in front of the Prada store, which was hosting the launch of its latest handbag collection. The crowd thickened, filling the elegantly arranged event space. Photographers, journalists, and fans eagerly tried to capture shots of the celebrities attending the event.

Among the distinguished guests, Lingling, a rising actress, drew significant attention. With graceful poise, she stepped into the Prada store, dressed in a simple yet elegant black gown that exuded sophistication. However, her steps came to an abrupt halt when her gaze landed on a familiar figure standing before her.

"It’s been a while, Khun Lingling," greeted a woman in a striking red dress, her hair neatly styled, and a sweet smile adorning her face.

Ling offered a faint smile, though it lacked warmth. "It has been a while indeed, Khun Ying," she replied in a calm, measured tone, carefully masking the emotions she had buried for years.

The woman before her was Ying Anada Prakobkit, a former college friend who now existed only as a memory from the past. Their friendship had crumbled under the weight of inevitable rivalry, especially during their time competing in beauty pageants. Once, they had fiercely vied for the top spot, but fate had led them down different paths—Ying had chosen a career as a professional model, while Ling had risen to fame as a successful actress.

Despite the years that had passed, Ling still harbored resentment. Memories of a life-changing incident resurfaced—the time when Ying had "accidentally" pushed her down a flight of stairs, resulting in a fractured leg that shattered her dream of auditioning for a crucial role. The physical pain had long faded, but the emotional wound remained.

"Let’s go, Orm," Ling said, her gaze never wavering from Ying.

Orm, who had been silently observing the unexpected encounter, snapped out of her thoughts. She quickly nodded, though her eyes briefly lingered on Ying, recalling their past at university. Ying had once been a kind senior in the Economics faculty, often lending a helping hand to Orm. This meeting was certainly unexpected.

"Yes, P’Ling," Orm responded, obediently following Ling as she headed toward the VIP seating area reserved for them.

Just as they settled into their seats, Orm suddenly felt a discomfort in her stomach. Leaning toward Ling, she whispered, "P’Ling, may I go to the restroom for a moment? I won’t be long, just about ten minutes."

Ling studied Orm for a brief moment before nodding. "Alright, but don’t take longer than ten minutes."

Orm sighed in relief and quickly made her way to the restroom. After a few minutes inside, she stood at the sink, washing her hands and fixing her appearance. That was when a soft voice came from behind her.

"How have you been, N’Orm?"

Orm looked up, meeting Ying’s reflection in the mirror. A wave of awkwardness washed over her, but she composed herself.

"I’ve been well, P’Ying," she replied with a polite smile, though traces of discomfort lingered from their earlier encounter.

Ying stepped closer, standing beside Orm as she rinsed her hands. "It’s nice to see you again, N’Orm. It’s been over a year since we last met. I lost contact with you."

Orm nodded. "That’s true, P’Ying. It’s good to see you again too. You must have been really busy lately."

"Are you working with Khun Lingling now?" Ying asked, her tone laced with curiosity.

"Yes, but I’m still in my probation period as her assistant," Orm replied politely.

Ying gave a slow nod, then smiled faintly. "If I still had your contact, you might have been my personal assistant instead." She let out a small chuckle before pulling out her phone from her purse. "May I have your LINE contact again? I promise I won’t lose it this time."

Orm hesitated briefly before offering a small smile and taking Ying’s phone. After entering her LINE ID, she handed it back. "There you go, P’Ying."

Ying’s smile widened in satisfaction. "Thank you, N’Orm. I’ll message you later. Maybe we can set up a time to meet and catch up."

"Of course, P’Ying," Orm replied, reminiscing about the times they used to hang out with friends.

Ying patted Orm’s shoulder lightly before stepping away. "I should get back to the event. See you around."

Orm nodded, watching Ying leave before heading back to Ling, ready to resume her duties as a diligent assistant.

•••••

"Let's go home!"

Orm exclaimed enthusiastically, her smile wide and her eyes sparkling as she watched Ling wrap up her work for the day. It had been a long day for both of them. Orm had accompanied Ling from a photoshoot for Kazz Magazine to attending the launch of Prada’s latest handbag collection. Despite the exhaustion, Orm’s energy never seemed to wane.

However, Ling’s response took Orm by surprise.

"I don’t think I want to go home just yet," Ling said, briefly gazing out the window at the night sky.

Orm stopped in her tracks, furrowing her brows at Ling’s words. "Why?" she asked, puzzled. "Do you want to go somewhere before heading home?" There was curiosity in her voice. Normally, after an eventful day like this, Ling would be eager to return home and rest.

Ling offered a faint smile and turned to Orm before answering. "Yes, I want to take a walk by the park before heading home." Her eyes reflected a longing for tranquility in the quiet night.

"But it’s already nine at night, P’Ling," Orm replied, concern evident in her tone. "The park is probably deserted. Isn’t that dangerous?" She looked at Ling anxiously, imagining the possible risks of wandering around so late.

Ling let out a deep sigh, as if releasing the weight of the day’s fatigue. "That’s exactly why I want to go," she murmured. "I’ve spent the entire day surrounded by crowds and cameras. A quiet park sounds much more appealing." She glanced at Orm, her expression calm yet hopeful. "Are you too tired? If you are, you can go home first. I can go alone."

Hearing this, Orm shook her head firmly. "That’s out of the question!" she declared, her voice more resolute now, her eyes filled with determination. "I have to go with you. What if someone bothers you? I’ll protect you from all of them!" She added, playfully demonstrating a boxing stance as if ready to fend off any troublemakers.

Ling chuckled at Orm’s antics, though she knew Orm’s concern was sincere. "You’re adorable," she said softly, her smile lingering. "Alright, then. Let’s go for a short walk. Just for a little while."

Orm nodded, relieved that she wouldn’t have to let Ling go alone. "Okay, P’Ling. Let’s go before it gets even later."

With steady steps, the two of them made their way toward the park near the CH3 building. The streets had quieted down, and the city lights cast a soft golden glow along the sidewalk. The night felt peaceful, with a gentle breeze adding to the comforting stillness after such a hectic day.

Walking side by side, Ling and Orm silently embraced the rare tranquility, a stark contrast to the constant presence of flashing cameras and curious eyes that usually surrounded Ling.

"Do you feel better now, P’Ling?" Orm suddenly asked, breaking the quiet.

Ling turned to her and nodded with a small smile. "Yes, much better. Thank you for coming with me, Orm."

Orm grinned, pleased that her presence had made a difference. "Of course, P’Ling. I’ll always be here to keep you company and look after you whenever you need," she replied sincerely.

Ling slowed her pace slightly, letting Orm walk a step ahead. The cool night air felt refreshing against her skin as her thoughts drifted to something she had kept buried for a long time. Then, in a quiet yet clear voice, she finally spoke.

"Thank you for the painting, N’Orm."

Orm’s steps came to an abrupt halt. She turned around, stunned, as if those words had awakened a memory she had once thought was long forgotten. Slowly, she faced Ling, confusion written all over her face.

"Huh? P—painting?" Orm stammered, her voice uncertain, as though she wasn’t sure she had heard correctly.

Ling took a step closer, her expression soft but knowing. "I never got the chance to thank you for the painting you gave me back then," she said with a small, warm smile.

Orm stood frozen, struggling to find the right words. That memory—the moment she had given Ling a small painting years ago—suddenly resurfaced in vivid detail.

"I remember now… that you were the little girl who used to share a room with me," Ling continued, her smile growing as she watched Orm’s face shift from confused to flustered. The confident and energetic Orm suddenly seemed different—like the shy girl Ling once knew.

"H—How did you remember that?" Orm asked, her voice slightly unsteady, betraying her nervousness. Ling had never brought up the painting before, and now, after all this time, it had somehow resurfaced.

Ling exhaled softly before replying, "I only just found out from a friend. I’m sorry it took me so long to realize that you were that Orm." There was a trace of regret in her voice, as though she felt guilty for not recognizing it sooner.

Orm quickly shook her head, trying to ease Ling’s remorse. "You don’t have to apologize, phi. That was four years ago. It’s understandable that you forgot," she said with a small smile, hoping to lighten the mood.

Ling studied Orm for a moment before speaking again, her voice quieter this time. "But you never forgot about me..."

Orm hesitated before smiling, albeit a bit shyly. "You were my senior… an actress who always appeared on TV. Of course, I always remembered you," she replied, attempting to mask her lingering nervousness.

Ling nodded slowly, but there was still one question that had been lingering in her mind.

"About the painting… why didn’t you give it to me in person on my last day at the dorm?" Ling asked, curiosity evident in her gaze.

The question caught Orm off guard. She bit her lip, considering her response. "Well… I was too embarrassed to give it to you directly," she admitted at last, her voice quieter than before. "Besides, it was just a simple painting. I was afraid you wouldn’t like it or… even throw it away."

Ling stepped even closer, her eyes filled with warmth. "Even if it seemed simple, I really loved that painting," she said sincerely. "That’s why I’ve kept it all this time."

Orm lowered her head slightly, trying to hide the smile that crept onto her lips. "I’m glad you liked it…" she murmured, almost in a whisper.

Ling observed Orm’s bashful expression, and without thinking, she bent down slightly to match Orm’s height. Gently, she reached out and placed a soft hand on Orm’s head.

"The shy little girl I knew has grown into a passionate, confident woman," Ling said, stroking Orm’s hair lightly. Her gaze remained fixed on Orm, admiration evident in her eyes.

Orm’s heart suddenly pounded louder than usual. A rare nervousness overtook her, different from what she usually felt around Ling. The proximity between them was close enough that she could feel Ling’s warm breath against her skin. She instinctively averted her gaze, but her body refused to move.

"Ehhmm…" Orm cleared her throat softly, trying to shake off the nervousness creeping up on her. Quickly, she took a step back, putting some distance between them. "Of course! I didn’t want to stay timid forever," she declared, forcing herself to regain her usual confident demeanor.

Ling chuckled at Orm’s flustered reaction. "Yes, your energy never seems to run out. It amazes me sometimes," she teased, her smile never fading.

"Because this is who I am—Orm Kornnaphat!" Orm declared proudly, flashing a bright grin. She then quickened her pace, walking ahead of Ling as if trying to escape the lingering awkwardness. But even as she walked, she could still feel her heart racing in her chest. She placed a hand over it, trying to steady herself.

Ling watched Orm move ahead before calling out with a smile, "Orm, wait!" She quickened her steps, following closely behind.