The Girl Who Stole My First Kiss

Chapter Twelve - Vacation II

Discontent etched on her face, June, who loathed walking, grumbled, "This is way too far to be considered near Orm's place. Did you just lead us astray? My feet are already protesting!" Nearly an hour into their walk, her complaints were a testament to her growing discomfort.

"We're getting close," Orm assured her, though fatigue was starting to creep into her own legs. The last time she'd been here, her father had carried her most of the way, making her underestimate the distance.

"You've said that a hundred times already," June pouted, her displeasure evident.

"Put up or shut up," View, who had been unusually quiet throughout the trek, finally spoke. "How about I give you a piggyback ride?"

A wide grin spread across June's face as she settled comfortably on View's back. "Let's do it! Distance be damned!" she declared, eliciting laughter from everyone, including View herself.

Lingling, noticing the growing redness of Orm's feet, expressed concern. "Are you okay?" she asked kindly.

Orm winced slightly. "Yeah, just a bit of pain here," she replied, pointing to the area under her ankle. Lingling, ever the considerate one, announced a break to the group.

With gentle hands, Lingling removed Orm's sandals and began massaging her tired feet. Orm sighed in relief, deeply appreciative of Lingling's delicate touch. It felt like Lingling handled her with the utmost care, as if she were a fragile treasure that could shatter with the slightest mishandling.

"Lingling Kwong," Orm murmured, the name of her girlfriend a silent wish on her lips. When Lingling looked up at her, she simply smiled and blew a playful kiss, which the latter caught in the air before tossing it away playfully.

"Hey!" Orm exclaimed in mock protest, a smile tugging at her lips as Lingling's laughter echoed like the sound of wind chimes.

A gasp escaped Love's lips as she finally laid eyes on the hidden waterfall. "Wow, this is incredible," she breathed, the long walk instantly forgotten.

"See, I told you it was worth it," Orm replied with a triumphant grin. "Here's a cool fact: the water that feeds these falls flows all the way to the ocean near our resort, but somehow they never mix! There's some scientific explanation for it, but hey, that's beside the point."

They settled down on a large, flat rock, one of many where tourists often left their belongings. "Go ahead and take a dip in the falls," Orm suggested. "It's really refreshing. I'll whip up some food for us first." Her friends didn't need any further encouragement, diving into the cool water with squeals of delight.

"Why aren't you joining them?" Orm asked, noticing Lingling lingering on the shore.

"I... I don't know how to swim," Lingling confessed, a tinge of shame coloring her cheeks.

Orm's eyes softened as she saw Lingling's embarrassment. Taking Lingling's hand, she pressed a reassuring kiss to it.

"Hey, it's perfectly okay," Orm soothed. "Let's get these snacks ready first, then we can go in together. I'll hold you close, alright?"

Lingling nodded eagerly, a spark of excitement replacing her earlier worry. After all, she trusted Orm completely.

Panic surged through Lingling as her panicked screams and complaints echoed throughout the serene spot. She had trusted Orm completely, believing her girlfriend's promise to hold her close. But as they ventured into deeper water, Orm playfully let go, sending a jolt of terror through Lingling.

The sudden lack of support sent Lingling into a frenzy. She thrashed about, unintentionally swallowing mouthfuls of water, the fear constricting her airways. Witnessing Lingling's struggle, Orm swiftly swam to her rescue, the playful prank instantly dissolving into genuine concern.