The Girl Who Stole My First Kiss

Chapter Nine - The Girl Who Stole My First Kiss

An hour of silent observation finally reached its end. June, unable to hold back any longer, voiced her question. "Why don't you just ask her out? Staring from afar isn't going to get you anywhere."

Lingling, without turning around to acknowledge June, retorted, "Why don't you ask View out then?" Her focus remained fixed on Orm, who was now practicing with Diana and Ying.

"It's different," June mumbled, resting her chin on her hands as she glanced towards View, who was diligently typing on a bench across from them.

"How is it different?" Lingling finally turned, her brow furrowed in confusion.

June sighed. "It's obvious Orm is interested in you. View, on the other hand... she wouldn't even look my way unless it's about schoolwork."

Lingling mirrored June's sigh. "You just don't understand. Orm might seem like she wants me, but there's something in her eyes... something I can't quite explain." This piqued June's curiosity even more, especially considering her recent conversation with Ying.

"Did you talk to Ying?" June inquired. Lingling shook her head, noting how Ying's behavior had also shifted recently.

Determined to get some clarity from her more introspective cousin, June asked, "How are you dealing with the fact that Orm doesn't remember you?"

Lingling offered a helpless shrug. "Honestly, I don't know. I try not to dwell on it. It's not her fault; she was just a kid back then. I'm just grateful she's here with me now, even if..." Her voice trailed off to a whisper, "...even if she doesn't remember me."

Unable to contain herself any longer, June blurted out, "Didn't you say you met her before? Remember that time we went to the club because of Gap?"

Lingling couldn't help but reminisce. That night at the club, sparked by Gap, held the most cherished memories of her life.

June, with her notoriously low tolerance for alcohol, mumbled, "Come on, let's head home. I'm sleepy."

Lingling, who had only one glass of wine, replied, "Just rest here for a while. I'll call your driver later." Their friend Gap, the reason for their night out, was already wasted, sprawled unconscious on a couch. Ying, meanwhile, was lost in the throes of dance with a random guy on the dance floor. Clubbing and drinking weren't Lingling's style; she preferred to sit back and keep an eye on her friends.

The stifling atmosphere, thick with cigarette smoke and alcohol fumes, was starting to get to Lingling. She decided to escape the chaos and headed outside for some fresh air.

The cool night wind and the dimly lit street brought a sense of calm. Lost in her thoughts, Lingling was startled by the soft sniffles and muffled sobs of a girl nearby. Compassionately, she offered the girl a clean tissue from her purse.

Orm, completely intoxicated and unaware of the reason for her tears, took the tissue without a word before looking up to thank the stranger.

The moment their eyes met, Lingling felt the world tilt on its axis. A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she recognized those familiar amber eyes staring back at her. Memories of the little girl she once loved flooded back, momentarily paralyzing her.

"Are you an angel sent from heaven?" Orm, captivated by the beauty before her, blurted out.

"O-Orm?" Lingling stammered, barely a whisper.

"Oh, you know me?" Drunk and playful, Orm reached out and snaked an arm around Lingling's waist, pulling her closer. Lingling couldn't help but notice how much Orm had grown.