Twilight of Shadows | LingOrm (GxG)

NINE (M)

Lada stepped into the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, the crisp evening air doing little to settle the chaos inside her. The usual calm she found in this place was nowhere to be felt tonight. Too many thoughts-work, her empire, that kiss with Earn-had been swirling in her mind all day.

She shook her head, pushing the memory of Earn's lips away as she focused on squash. Burning off this tension was the only thing that might help her stay grounded.

After her session, just as she was about to leave, her phone buzzed. It was Narin.

"Mommy, can we build my Barbie house tonight? Weekend tomorrow! "

Lada smiled, the tension in her chest loosening a little. She typed a quick reply, "Of course, baby. Mommy will be home soon ya."

As she walked to the club's cafe for a quick drink before heading home, she froze in her tracks. There, sitting at a table, was Earn-deep in conversation with a group of middle-aged men and her manager, Nook.

Lada's heart stopped for a second. She hadn't expected to see Earn here, not in the one place she thought she could escape everything. A storm of emotions rushed back, but she knew she couldn't just turn around and leave. This needed to be addressed.

She took a deep breath and walked towards them, her heart pounding louder with every step.

"Uhmm... Hi. Sorry to interrupt. I was just passing by the cafe and saw you and Earn here."

Earn's head snapped up, eyes wide, her face betraying her shock. She looked like she'd just seen a ghost.

"Shit," Earn muttered under her breath, avoiding Lada's gaze as she shifted in her seat.

Nook stood up quickly, all smiles. "Khun Fahlada! What a pleasant surprise," he said, offering his hand. The other men nodded, introducing themselves as producers and industry executives.

Earn remained silent, her eyes glued to the table in front of her. Nook, sensing the awkwardness, kicked her lightly under the table.

"Earn, aren't you going to say hi to Khun Fahlada?" Nook prompted, giving her a pointed look.

Earn stood slowly, her body tense. "Hi, Khun Fahlada," she mumbled, the formality in her voice almost painful. Lada raised an eyebrow. The last time they spoke, things had been... different.

Lada tried to catch her eyes, but Earn was determined not to look at her. The frustration inside Lada grew, but she kept her composure.

Nook, ever the smooth operator, gestured to the empty seat. "Khun Fahlada, would you like to join us for a coffee? We were just discussing some potential projects. Your company has ties in the entertainment industry, right?"

Lada smiled politely, though her mind was far from business. "Sure, I'd love to," she said, sliding into the seat across from Earn. Her eyes, however, never left Earn.

"Earn, would that be okay with you?" Lada asked, her voice soft but with an edge of challenge.

Earn hesitated, visibly uncomfortable. "Y-Yeah, it's fine."

The conversation at the table resumed, though Lada barely paid attention. Her focus was solely on Earn-how she was avoiding looking her way, how stiff she seemed. The silence between them was suffocating, a barrier neither of them was willing to break.

Under the table, out of sight, Lada made her move. She slipped off her shoes, and with only her socked foot, she brushed it gently against Earn's leg.

Earn nearly jumped out of her seat, choking on her drink. Everyone turned to her, concerned.