Hearts Collide (Lingorm)

Chapter 5

In the dim light of the early morning, Orm stood in the kitchen, carefully preparing breakfast and lunch for Ling. The routine had become almost ritualistic—each morning, she packed everything neatly, making sure it was just right before heading out to the south side of the city. Her friends had tried to stop her countless times, but Orm was relentless.

It wasn't long before her friends caught up with her at their usual hangout spot. Prig was the first to speak up, her frustration barely concealed. "Orm, this is getting out of hand. You're risking so much just for a doctor who barely acknowledges your existence."

May nodded in agreement, her voice softer but no less concerned. "You know Faye would lose it if she found out you were going to the south side every day. And for what? A few cold words and nods? This is dangerous, Orm. Ling isn't even interested in you."

Milk, the most blunt of the group, crossed her arms and stared Orm down. "Let's be real, Orm. This isn't love, or even a crush. You're obsessed. Ling's like a brick wall. Why are you wasting your time on someone who clearly doesn't care?"

Orm shrugged, brushing off their concerns as she had done countless times before. "You don't get it. She's just... reserved. I know there's more to her than what she shows. I just have to keep trying."

"Trying?" Prig threw her hands up in exasperation. "You're stalking her, Orm! This isn't healthy."

But Orm was undeterred. "You all just don't see what I see. She's different. She's worth the risk."

The friends exchanged weary looks, realizing their words were falling on deaf ears.

Orm was back at the hospital, following Ling through the hallways like a shadow. Ling, as usual, was focused on her work, her expression unreadable. Orm walked beside her, rambling on about her day, her life, anything she could think of to get a reaction from the doctor.

"You wouldn't believe the traffic this morning," Orm said, trying to catch Ling's eye. "I was stuck for almost an hour. But I managed to get your lunch here on time, so that's a win, right?"

Ling didn't even glance at her, simply nodding as she checked a patient's chart. "Good."

Undeterred, Orm continued, "And then there's this new café that opened up near my place. We should go there sometime. They have the best croissants."

Ling gave a noncommittal hum, her focus still on her work.

This what've been making Orm Malirrason get up everyday 5AM sharp, prepare breakfast and lunch and drive 50 minutes ride, only to get a one word response or just a hum.

[ DAY 5]

Lingling was walking briskly down the hospital corridor, her eyes glued to the clipboard in her hands. "Another day, another surgery," she muttered to herself, only half-aware of her surroundings. The last thing she needed was another distraction, but she knew better than to expect a quiet day, especially with a certain someone constantly showing up. Right on cue, Orm appeared beside her, a bright smile plastered on her face.

"Good morning, Dr. Kwong! How's my favorite surgeon doing today?" Orm chirped, holding up a neatly packed bento box as if it were a peace offering.

Lingling barely looked up, but she couldn't hide the slight startle at Orm's sudden appearance. "Miss Sanitada, what are you doing here? Again," she asked, her tone exasperated.

Orm's grin widened as she pushed the bento box toward Lingling. "Just making sure you don't skip breakfast. I made your favorite—well, what I think should be your favorite, anyway."