Against the Wind || LingOrm [ Under Revision ]

CHAPTER 9

Lingling removed Orm's helmet as the intoxicating aroma of street food wafted through the air, causing Orm to salivate uncontrollably. It had become an unspoken agreement between them—Lingling would always put on and take off Orm's helmet whenever they rode their motorbike.

"Lingling, hurry up!" Orm exclaimed excitedly, her steps quickening as she rushed towards the food stalls. Her stomach was growling, and she couldn't wait to satisfy her hunger. Lingling simply shook her head and smiled, her heart swelling with joy at her best friend's enthusiasm.

"What do you want?" Lingling asked, noticing a sudden change in Orm's expression. "What's wrong?" she inquired, concern lacing her voice.

"All this food will make me fat. I don't want to eat anymore," Orm whispered, her voice barely audible. She didn't want the vendors to hear her express her concern about gaining weight. "Maybe I could just drink some tea at home," Orm suggested, turning away and leaving.

Lingling sighed and purchased a spicy shrimp soup, stir-fried pork with holy basil, grilled pork, and fried noodles. Upon returning to where she had parked her motorbike, she found Orm waiting there.

"Here, eat this," Lingling offered, placing the grilled pork in Orm's hand.

"I don't want to eat it, Lingling Kwong," Orm replied, although her eyes were fixed on the food with a longing gaze.

"Why? You can just eat it, N'Orm. It won't make you fat. You're already thin. You should eat more," Lingling tried to persuade her. "I know you're hungry. Say ah."

Orm averted her gaze, her mind racing. She was unsure what was happening but suddenly lost her appetite.

"N'Orm..."

"I said I don't want to eat it, Lingling Kwong," Orm exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes for an unexplained reason.

Lingling's eyes widened in concern as she saw the tears streaming down Orm's face. She quickly put down the food she was holding and grabbed her handkerchief to wipe away Orm's tears.

"Shh, it's okay. I'm sorry... don't cry... gosh, why are you crying?" Lingling said, her voice soft and soothing.

"I don't know too," Orm replied, her lips curving into a smile, but her eyes remained teary.

"What?" Lingling asked, confused.

"Crap, it hurts," Orm suddenly whined, clutching her abdomen. It clicked for Lingling. She sighed and massaged her temple, realizing her best friend was acting moody due to her period.

"Wait for me here. I'll get these foods packed," Lingling said, leaving to grab the food.

Orm couldn't help but feel annoyed at Lingling. She was just acting out for an unknown reason, and when she saw Lingling return, she rolled her eyes at her.

Lingling bit her lip, noticing Orm's reaction. She didn't know girls could become so irritable during their periods, as she herself didn't experience such mood swings. Instead, she became clingy whenever she had her period.

"Come here. I've already booked a taxi," Lingling said, ignoring the glare from her best friend. As much as she wanted to use her motorbike, Orm might feel more uncomfortable on it, so she decided to book a taxi and ask her cousin, June, who lived nearby, to get her motorbike instead.

Inside the taxi, there was a noticeable distance between them. Lingling couldn't help but chuckle every time she stole a glance at Orm, who was acting as if she would die if they had any physical contact. While it should have made her sad, Orm's pouty lips, fluffy cheeks, and cute glares were undeniably adorable.