The Girl Who Stole My First Kiss

Chapter Eight - Threat

Ying

We were heading to lunch when I asked Ling about her weekend plans. She sighed and confessed her mom had been hitting the alcohol again, a constant problem since her father died two years ago.

I offered to tag along with Gap since we were free, but before she could answer, we were swarmed by students wanting autographs and pictures. This hero worship routine drove me crazy, but Ling handled it like a pro while I struggled. Finally, after what felt like forever, they dispersed. Gap was laughing with Ling, probably teasing me again.

That's when I saw June sitting with them, a rare sight since she was practically glued to View's side. "Hey June, good to see you! Where's View?" I asked.

"Stuck with Orm on their art project," June pouted. "They wouldn't let me join because it's a competition."

"Figures," I teased, and we all chuckled. "Looks like Orm's taken your spot, huh?"

June playfully swatted at me. Curiosity got the better of me and I pressed June about the rumor she'd messed with Orm about Earn.

" I don't know, it's fun to see her overact huhu ," June confessed. "We all know Orm was Ling's first love."

Everyone's eyes darted to Ling, who looked confused. Gap chimed in, asking about the weird dynamic between Ling and Orm. They seemed closer, but Ling still acted distant.

"Shy, maybe?" June teased, earning a playful glare from Ling.

I couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. "Shy? I saw Orm practically clinging to her, asleep like a baby in her arms!" Ling's blush confirmed my story. It was fun teasing her; she's an open book.

Suddenly, June announced Orm's arrival with her signature, enthusiastic greeting: "Lingling Kwonggg!" Ling tried to appear nonchalant, but I couldn't miss the small smile that played on her lips before she looked up at the girl she clearly adored.

" Lingling Kwongg!!" Orm repeated her, the longing in her voice evident. I envied Ling for having someone like Orm in her life, someone I could never have.

Orm's bubbly personality filled the air as she greeted us all. Ling, however, ignored her. This frustrated me. Ling could easily reciprocate Orm's affection, but she just kept quiet. Seriously, Ling, what's holding you back?

June then invited us to View's mom's birthday party this weekend. Orm eagerly awaited Ling's answer. I really hoped she'd go. Dealing with her troubled Mom alone couldn't be healthy. But Ling declined, citing prior commitments.

Just then, Orm reached out and took Ling's hand. My friend's worries seemed to melt away as she stared at their intertwined hands, a genuine smile gracing her face. If only Orm wasn't talking to June, she'd see how deeply Ling felt about her.

June caught up with me as we walked towards the gym. Since she didn't have class, she decided to watch our game while waiting for View.

"So, anything on Orm?" she asked, curiosity etched on her face.

I pulled out my phone and showed her the information I found. "Turns out, she's been in a coma for four years. Apparently, it was only because of her mom's connections that she's even caught up on her studies."

June's jaw practically dropped. "Holy cow! No wonder she doesn't remember us. We used to be practically inseparable when we were little." This mirrored my own initial reaction perfectly. "Do you think Ling knows?"

I shook my head. "Not yet. I was planning to tell her this weekend, but..." I trailed off, a sigh escaping my lips. "Knowing Auntie, she might have another episode." June sighed in understanding.