Serenade in a Coffee Cup

Be my Guest

The late afternoon sun cast a warm, golden hue over the streets as Orm strolled towards the coffee shop, her guitar case slung over her shoulder. The familiar sound of bells chimed as she pushed open the door, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeting her. It had become her daily routine to stop by the shop after her band's rehearsals, her favorite part of the day.

Ling looked up from behind the counter, her face lighting up as she spotted Orm. "You're early today," she teased, her voice carrying a hint of playful reproach.

Orm grinned, leaning against the counter. "Couldn't stay away from my favorite coffee shop—and my favorite barista."

Ling rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. "Flatterer. Are you here for your usual?"

Orm shook her head. "Not today. I just came by to see you. Thought I'd wait until you're done so we can walk home together."

Ling's heart fluttered at Orm's words. It had become their routine—Orm waiting for her after work, walking her home, and sharing stories about their day. It was something small, but it made Ling feel special, like she was someone worth waiting for.

"Give me a few minutes to close up," Ling said, her voice softening. "I'll be quick."

Orm nodded, taking a seat by the window, watching Ling as she moved around the shop, tidying up. There was something so calming about these moments, just the two of them in the quiet of the evening, sharing in the simple pleasure of each other's company.

Once Ling finished, she grabbed her bag and joined Orm by the door. "Ready?" she asked, her smile warm.

Orm stood up, offering her arm to Ling with a playful bow. "Shall we?"

Ling laughed, a soft, musical sound that made Orm's heart skip a beat. "Such a gentle-woman," she teased, slipping her arm through Orm's as they stepped out into the cool evening air.

The walk was a comfortable one, filled with light banter and laughter. But as they neared Ling's apartment, Orm's usual confident demeanor shifted slightly. She glanced at Ling, her expression thoughtful, as if she was debating something.

Ling noticed the change and tilted her head in curiosity. "Something on your mind?"

Orm hesitated for a moment before speaking. "There's something I wanted to ask you," she began, her tone unusually serious.

Ling's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing with possibilities. "What is it?"

Orm stopped walking, turning to face Ling, her gaze intense but gentle. "I have a concert in Bangkok this weekend. It's a big one, and... I was wondering if you'd like to come?"

Ling blinked, caught off guard by the invitation. "You want me to come to your concert?"

Orm nodded, her usual confidence returning as she leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a softer tone. "Yeah. I'd really like it if you were there. It would mean a lot to me."

Ling's cheeks warmed at the sincerity in Orm's voice. "I—I'd love to come," she stammered, her heart pounding in her chest. "Are you sure you want me there, though? I don't want to be a distraction."

Orm chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ling, you're the furthest thing from a distraction. If anything, having you there would make me feel more at ease. Besides," she added, her voice turning teasing, "who else am I going to serenade in the crowd?"

Ling's blush deepened, and she looked away, trying to hide the smile threatening to take over her face. "You're impossible," she muttered, though the words lacked any real bite.

Orm reached out, gently turning Ling's face back towards her, her touch warm and reassuring. "And yet, you still put up with me," she said softly, her gaze holding Ling's. "So, what do you say? Will you be my special guest?"

Ling's heart swelled with affection, and she found herself nodding before she even realized it. "Yes, Orm. I'll be there."

Orm's grin was wide and genuine, her joy evident. "Great! I'll pick you up on Saturday, then."

They continued their walk, the air between them now charged with a new energy. When they finally reached Ling's apartment, neither seemed in a hurry to say goodbye.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" Orm asked, her tone hopeful.

Ling nodded, her smile soft. "You'd better," she teased.

Orm chuckled, leaning down slightly. "Goodnight, Ling."

"Goodnight, Orm."

With a lingering look, Orm turned and walked away, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. Ling watched her until she disappeared from view, her own heart racing with excitement and nerves.

The night of the concert arrived quickly. The venue in Bangkok was buzzing with energy, the crowd eagerly anticipating Orm's performance. Backstage, Orm was pacing, her nerves finally catching up with her. But when she spotted Ling in the crowd, her heart settled.

Ling stood near the front, looking up at the stage with wide eyes, a mixture of awe and excitement on her face. Orm's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. There was something about seeing Ling in the audience, knowing she was there just for her, that made everything feel right.

As the lights dimmed and the first chords of the opening song filled the air, Orm took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage. The roar of the crowd washed over her, but her focus remained on Ling, who smiled up at her with such warmth that it made Orm feel invincible.

Throughout the performance, Orm's gaze kept drifting back to Ling, her presence grounding her in a way that nothing else could. And as she sang the final song, a slow, heartfelt ballad, she made sure to pour all of her feelings into the lyrics, hoping that Ling could feel just how much she meant to her.

By the time the concert ended, the crowd was on their feet, cheering and clapping. But for Orm, the only thing that mattered was the look of pride and affection on Ling's face as she made her way backstage.

Ling met her with a smile that was both shy and radiant. "You were amazing," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

Orm grinned, her heart soaring at the compliment. "Thanks, but I think it's because you were here."

Ling's blush returned, and she ducked her head, clearly flustered. "Stop it," she mumbled, though the smile on her face betrayed her embarrassment.

Orm chuckled, reaching out to take Ling's hand in hers. "Come on, let's get out of here. I want to celebrate with you."

Ling nodded, allowing Orm to lead her away from the noise and chaos of the venue. And as they walked together into the night, their hands intertwined, both couldn't help but feel that this was the start of something truly special.