Live With Your Blood || LingOrm

Chapter 6: Party Showdown

Ling stepped into the party hall, her hand looped through Gulf's arm, feeling the weight of every gaze on her. The red off-shoulder midi dress clung to her figure, highlighting her elegance, but also making her feel like a beacon in a sea of glitter and noise. Heads turned as they made their entrance, eyes following them with a mix of curiosity and admiration.

Ling leaned closer to Gulf, she whispered through gritted teeth, "Why do I feel like a walking spotlight? You didn't tell me this dress was... this noticeable. It feel like I'm on a runway."

Gulf grinned innocently. "It's not my fault! Bow and Mint approved it, remember? They said you'd look amazing. No one's gonna complain about that."

Ling sighed, already knowing this was all part of their ongoing inside joke-teasing her for being out of her element. Social events weren't her scene, but they couldn't resist pushing her into them.

"What did you expect in that dress? You look stunning, and you know it." Gulf grinned, clearly pleased with the reaction.

"I should've known you three were up to something." Ling rollied her eyes.

"Hey, you look great. They approved it, so I thought it was a winner," Gulf defended himself, raising his hands in mock innocence.

"Of course they approved it," Ling muttered. "They're all trying to turn me into the social butterfly which I'm not."

As they moved deeper into the hall, Ling took in the scene. The atmosphere in the hall was vibrant-neon lights flickered across the room as the DJ spun some heavy beats, mixing house music with classic dance anthems. Poseur tables scattered around were surrounded by groups of people chatting, laughing, and occasionally bursting into spontaneous dance moves. It was crowded, noisy, and exactly the kind of scene Ling usually avoided.

Gulf started introducing her to his colleagues-models, behind-the-scenes crew with easygoing vibes, and even a couple of producers and directors. Each introduction came with a chorus of compliments, and Ling tried to respond graciously, though she felt a bit embarrassed by the attention.

"Wait, this is your sister?" a producer exclaimed, his eyes widening. "How did you keep her a secret?"

"Gulf didn't mention he had such a beautiful sister," the directors said, genuinely surprised.

"Yeah, well, he doesn't usually bring me to these things," Ling said with smile, trying to brush off the compliment. "But hey, you all make sure to take good care of my little brother on set. But if he's causing trouble and misbehaves, don't hesitate to call me. I'll come down and knock some sense into him first before anyone else gets a chance."

The group laughed at her playful threat, and Ling felt herself relaxing a bit. Her ability to charm and banter quickly put everyone at ease. She was used to talking to people, after all-her job at the therapy center had taught her to connect quickly with strangers.

"Oh come on, sis! You're supposed to make me look good, not scare off potential gigs." Gulf playfully groaned.

"Just keeping you in check," Ling quipped, flashing him a wink.

After a while, Ling leaned in toward Gulf. "So, where's this mysterious woman you've been swooning over? June, is it her name? I haven't seen her yet."

Gulf scanned the room, his eyes darting from one corner of the hall to another. "Weird... she should be here by now. Maybe she's running late."

Before he could finish his sentence, someone from the production team grabbed his arm and dragged him toward the group of models for a photo op. He looked back at Ling with an apologetic expression, mouthing the words, "Sorry, I'll be right back!" Gulf mouthed to Ling, gesturing toward a cluster of poseur tables. "Wait for me there!" he signaled, mouthing his apology with a sheepish grin.