The Story of Us | LingOrm

Chapter 2: Shadows of Love

The lingering warmth of the sun-soaked day clung to their skin as Ling and Orm stepped into the cool sanctuary of Ling's house.

Ling's fingers brushed against Orm's as they moved through the entryway, a subtle touch that sent a flutter through both their hearts. The weekend had shifted something between them, deepening a connection that had always simmered beneath the surface.

Orm reached for her phone first, her movements unhurried. As the screen illuminated, her eyes widened slightly:

Mom - 2 missed calls

Her brow furrowed slightly. "Huh, I wonder what Mom needs," she mused, a hint of concern in her voice.

Turning to Ling, Orm gestured with her phone. "I should probably call her back. Do you mind if I...?"

Ling nodded, her smile reassuring but tinged with a hint of disappointment at their moment being cut short. "Of course, go ahead. I'll check my messages."

As Orm stepped away to a quiet corner, phone already dialing, Ling's attention turned to her own device. The notification light blinked insistently:

5 unread messages

She sighed softly, her thumb hovering over the screen. The real world was calling, demanding their attention once more.

Ling watched Orm for a moment, struck by how the younger woman seemed to glow even in this mundane moment. Then, with a small shake of her head, she turned her focus to her messages, ready to face whatever awaited her there.

In her corner, Orm listened to the rhythmic ringing, waiting for her mother to pick up. Her free hand absently played with a loose strand of hair, still windswept from their ride. Despite the intrusion of reality, a small smile played on her lips - a lingering trace of the joy she'd shared with Ling.

After a few more rings, a soft click signaled the call's connection. Orm's eyes brightened, a small smile playing on her lips as she heard her mother's voice.

Orm warmly greeted her mother, "Hello, Mæ̀. Sorry I missed your calls. I was out and left my phone behind. Did you need something?"

As she spoke, Orm's free hand unconsciously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a habit she often displayed when slightly nervous.

Orm's mother, Koy Narumon, greeted back, "Oh, hello, dear." Her voice carrying a mix of warmth and curiosity. "Yes, well, I just want to remind you of our family gathering next week. I haven't had a chance to check your filming schedule, but I wanted to give you a heads up, just in case you forgot."

Orm's eyebrows raised in surprise, "Wait, it's that time again already?" Orm's brow furrowed slightly, her fingers drumming a light pattern on her thigh as she processed the information. The realization of how quickly time had been passing was evident in the way her shoulders tensed momentarily.

Chuckling softly, her mom answered "Yes, dear, it is. Time flies, doesn't it?"

There was a knowing undertone to Koy Narumon's laughter that Orm could almost visualize - the gentle crinkles around her mother's eyes, the slight tilt of her head that always accompanied her knowing looks.

Gently probing, her mom added, "You're usually home by now on Sundays, catching up on sleep. Have you been busy with something... or someone?"

At this, Orm's cheeks flushed a delicate pink. Her eyes, wide with a mix of surprise and something akin to guilt, flicked towards Ling across the room. Ling, engrossed in her own phone, didn't notice the glance, but Orm quickly averted her gaze anyway, as if caught in the act.