The Story of Us | LingOrm

Chapter 7: A Heart Divided

The convention center loomed before them, a behemoth of glass and steel that seemed to pulse with the excitement of the fans within. As they stepped out of the car, Ling's hand ghosted over the small of Orm's back, a fleeting gesture of support that sent a shiver down the younger woman's spine.

Inside, the auditorium buzzed with anticipation, fans filling every available seat, their chatter creating a crescendo of excitement. Backstage, Ling and Orm stood side by side, the last vestiges of their intimate morning clinging to them like a secret shared only between the two. They exchanged a look before squaring their shoulders and preparing to step into the spotlight.

The stage manager's voice crackled over the headset, "Two minutes, ladies." Orm took a deep breath, and Ling's fingers briefly intertwined with hers, a silent reassurance. Then, with practiced poise, they stepped forward, ready to face their adoring public.

As they walked onto the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers. Ling's hand lingered on Orm's back, guiding her gently. She remained close as they took their seats, her protective instincts on high alert.

The event began with the usual format. A moderator introduced them, eliciting another round of enthusiastic applause. Throughout the session, Ling's attentiveness to Orm was evident. When a particularly excitable fan directed a rapid-fire series of questions at Orm, Ling smoothly intercepted, giving her partner a moment to collect her thoughts. She'd occasionally lean in, whispering a reassuring word or sharing a private smile that seemed to instantly relax Orm's shoulders.

During the photo op section, Ling noticed Orm shivering slightly in the air-conditioned room. Without a word, she shrugged off her jacket and draped it over Orm's shoulders. The gesture didn't go unnoticed by the fans, who cooed appreciatively.

The most noticeable display of Ling's protectiveness came during the fan interaction segment. As Orm leaned forward to accept a gift from a fan, her short dress rode up slightly. Quick as a flash, Ling casually draped a nearby blanket over Orm's lap, preserving her modesty without drawing attention to the near-mishap.

Throughout the event, Ling remained hyper-aware of Orm's presence. She consistently positioned herself slightly in front of the younger actress when they moved through crowds, created space for her when fans pressed too close, and kept a watchful eye for any signs of discomfort or fatigue.

As the event neared its conclusion, the host unveiled one final surprise for the fans.

"Ling," she began, a mischievous glint in her eye, "we all know that you play guitar." The crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers. "As a parting gift to all your fans here in Hong Kong and the thousands watching internationally, could you offer us a short song?" On cue, a floor assistant appeared, carefully carrying a guitar towards the stage.

Caught off guard, Ling's eyes widened momentarily before a shy smile graced her lips. She accepted the instrument with a graceful nod, her fingers instinctively curling around the familiar shape. Beside her, Orm's face lit up with excitement, joining the crowd in encouraging cheers.

As Ling settled the guitar on her lap, her mind raced. The unexpected request had left her scrambling for a song. She closed her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath to center herself. In that moment of quiet amid the buzzing excitement, a melody floated to the surface of her thoughts.

A soft smile played on her lips as she remembered why this song held a special place in her heart. It was one of the first songs she had learned to play, drawn by its simple chords and beautiful message. As her fingers found their positions on the fretboard, Ling's eyes drifted to Orm, and suddenly, the choice felt perfectly fitting.

She strummed a few experimental chords, reacquainting herself with the instrument's feel and sound. As the crowd's excitement simmered to an anticipatory hush, Ling leaned towards the microphone.