The Girl Who Stole My First Kiss

Chapter Six - Childhood

Ling

Orm's booming voice echoed through the entrance gate this morning, "Lingling Kwongggg!" the first thing I hear when I see her. The cafeteria wasn't any different. Alone, I drown myself in the wait for time to pass, only to be startled by another, "Lingling Kwongggg!" There she is again, a whirlwind of open arms, a gummy grin, and those amber eyes that turn my day on a dime.

I play it cool, turning away with a feigned indifference. But secretly, I take smaller steps, hoping she'll catch up, hoping for a chance to walk together.

It's a childish game, this love-hate with her height. On one hand, I feel less masculine beside her Amazonian frame. On the other hand, there's the stolen glimpse of her impossibly white neck, a vision that lingers at the corner of my eye. But right now, a black monstrosity of headphone hangs there.

I'm starting to hate headphones.

"Lingling Kwongg!" Orm whispers, her voice right by my ear. The sudden closeness sends a jolt through me. I can practically smell the choco-vanilla scent that's uniquely hers, and my traitorous heart starts a frantic drum solo in my chest. I instinctively step back, afraid she might hear the thunderous rhythm. She pouts, rolling her eyes in that way she has - a habit that always leaves me guessing, is she mad, happy, or maybe even jealous?

Maybe I appear nonchalant on the surface, but trust me, seeing Orm across from me is enough to stop my heart. Gap and Ying know the struggle. Sometimes, they have to resort to low-key smacks to break my trance. Can you blame me? She's always been the girl who holds a piece of my heart, the little girl I thought I'd lost forever.

In childhood, solitude was my sanctuary. Peace reigned supreme, whether I was at home or trapped in a classroom bustling with chatter and fashion shows (who wore the prettiest dress, anyone?).

One day, during a Girl Scouts camping trip, the teacher tasked us with gathering dry firewood for the evening bonfire. Naturally, my introverted soul gravitated towards the farthest reaches of the woods, seeking quietude away from the cacophony of their playful banter and wandering footsteps.

Lost in my task of collecting twigs, I was startled by a sniffle cutting through the stillness. Curiosity piqued, I followed the sound, and there I found her - a wisp of a girl with pigtails, clad in the familiar Girl Scouts uniform. Maybe six or seven years old, she was considerably younger than me.

Her whimpers were punctuated by soft murmurs of "Mommy, Mommy." The sight of her tear-streaked face, framed by those captivating amber eyes, triggered an involuntary smile. It was an undeniably adorable sight.

"Hey there!" I called out softly. Her head snapped up, revealing wide, tear-filled eyes that instantly dried. I offered her a reassuring smile and suggested we head back to the campsite together. But she remained rooted to the spot.

"Are you the forest goddess?" she blurted out, her voice surprisingly strong for such a little one. "I'm so sorry for bothering you, Your Grace! I'm lost, and I was hoping you could help me find my way back." Her dramatic delivery, complete with an elaborate title for me, sent a blush creeping up my neck. This kid already knew how to charm the ladies, even at such a young age!

"N-no goddess here," I stammered, trying to match her playful tone. "But I can definitely help you get back. Look, we're even wearing the same outfit!" My attempt at childishness elicited a giggle and a nod from her. Hand in hand, we retraced our steps, her curious gaze never leaving me.

"Wow, she's beautiful," she whispered, a secret shared only between us that sent a silent giggle rippling through me.

"Orm! Orm! There you are! Where did you disappear to?" A familiar voice called out. The other girl, presumably her friend, expressed gratitude for my help before they scurried back to their tent. Not before little Orm, with a mischievous glint in her eye, blew me a playful kiss.