Against the Wind || LingOrm [ Under Revision ]

CHAPTER 12

Thursday Night

Orm was a mystery to Lingling, and she yearned to know the enigma that was her. But she knew that prying into her life was beyond the bounds of their friendship. So, she shrugged it off, dismissing her curiosity. A part of her recognized the feelings stirring within her, but she was hesitant to acknowledge them. Perhaps she was afraid of the potential disappointment that could arise if her feelings weren't reciprocated.

As she stepped outside, she saw Ying gazing into the distance, a melancholy smile gracing her lips.

"What are you standing there for?" Lingling asked, catching up to Ying.

"Just thinking," Ying replied.

"Don't you think it's funny?" Lingling began. "I never thought we'd be walking like this together again."

They walked in silence, enjoying the night vibes of Bangkok just like the old days, when the two of them were closer than they could ever be.

"Many things have changed," Ying opened the conversation, a stark contrast to their usual interactions.

Lingling chuckled and nodded, "You're even taller than me now." She said, making Ying look at her in disbelief and laugh.

And just like that, something on their heavy hearts lightened. They didn't know a simple laugh could make them feel more comfortable than the usual.

"How are you anyway?" Lingling asked, glancing at Ying. She just realized how much she missed this kind of moment, the moment where you're with the person who understands you more than anyone else. But that was before, before everything went upside down.

"Not okay, but better, I guess. You know how complicated my life is," Ying responded, shrugging it off a little. "You? How's your life lately?" she asked back.

Lingling pulled up her pants and sleeves a little, revealing bruises she had been hiding from Orm.

"He still hurts you? When will you learn?" Ying frowned upon seeing them. If there was one person who knew what kind of person Lingling's father was, it would be her. The only friend approved by Lingling's father because the Prakobrit and Kwong connection had always been a strong bond.

"I don't think he'll change. He's a little more abusive lately," Lingling sighed and fixed her clothes again.

"Lately? I thought he's abroad? Orm told me," Ying stated, but when Ling looked away and bit her lower lips, she added, "You're lying to her..." It wasn't a question but a statement.

"She'll be furious if she knows that Dad is still hurting me," Lingling said, not even realizing how easily she was opening up to Ying. It just felt like she was still her best friend who understood her and her most unreasonable reasons.

"Are you afraid that she'll get mad or she'll distance herself from you?" Ying asked.

"Both?" Lingling shrugged. "You know, the first time she saw my bruises, she cried and asked me to get a medication so we can report it to the police, just like the first time you knew about my father's abusive behavior," Lingling stated, earning a side glance from Ying. Ying could already imagine the worry in Orm's face, knowing how much the younger one cared about other people, making her charming and lovable among all the gorgeous people she knew.

Lingling sadly smiled at Ying, "It's okay if she gets mad or distances herself away from me, thinking that it might be better for me if she's not near me. But what I'm afraid about all of this is I might lose her the way I lost you. I couldn't get another heartbreak like that, Ying. It will kill me," she confessed, making Ying stop walking and just stare at the back of Ling, who continued to walk slowly.