Résonance: a LingOrm's Story

Chapter 6: Navigate the Feeling

The afternoon sun streamed through the office windows, casting a warm glow over Ling Ling's desk. The usually calm atmosphere of the office was punctuated by the subtle hum of conversations and the occasional clatter of keyboards. Ling Ling, deep in thought, was reviewing a set of documents when the door to her office creaked open. Ying strolled in, her demeanor as composed as ever, but with a glint of mischief in her eyes.

Ling Ling looked up, momentarily startled. "Ying, what's up?"

Ying slid into the chair opposite Ling's desk, a playful smile curling at her lips. "Just thought I'd drop by and see how things are going. You seemed a bit preoccupied lately."

Ling Ling raised an eyebrow, setting her pen down. "Preoccupied? Just busy with work, as usual."

Ying leaned back, crossing her arms. "Oh, come on. Don't play coy with me. I've noticed you've been particularly distracted. And I'm not talking about your workload."

Ling Ling's eyes narrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean," Ying said, her tone taking on a more teasing edge. "You've been all smiles and quick to check your phone. And let's not forget the glow on your face whenever you mention her name."

Ling Ling's cheeks flushed a delicate pink. "We've talked a bit, that's all."

"Just talking, huh?" Ying's eyes sparkled with amusement. "From what I hear, you two have been quite the conversationalists. And you seem to be looking forward to these chats more than you care to admit."

Ling Ling shifted in her seat, her composure slipping. "I don't see why it matters. It's just friendly conversation."

Ying leaned forward, her expression serious but still laced with a hint of playfulness. "Ling, you're not fooling anyone. You've been more engaged than you've been in a long time. It's clear you're developing feelings for her."

Ling Ling sighed, rubbing her temples. "It's complicated. She's younger, just starting out. I don't want to make things difficult for her."

Ying's gaze softened, though her tone remained probing. "Ling, relationships aren't always about age or experience. Sometimes, it's about finding someone who makes you feel something real. You can't control how you feel, but you can control how you act on those feelings."

Ling Ling glanced away, staring at a spot on the wall as she considered Ying's words. "I know, but I'm not sure if I should... pursue this. It feels like I'm not the right person for her."

Ying's voice grew more earnest. "Sometimes, we're too quick to judge ourselves based on what we think we should be rather than who we are. Maybe it's worth exploring what could be, rather than worrying about what isn't."

Ling Ling looked back at Ying, her eyes reflecting a mix of vulnerability and determination. "You really think so?"

Ying nodded. "Absolutely. If Orm makes you feel this way, it's worth seeing where it goes. Don't let fear or hesitation hold you back. You might miss out on something wonderful."

Ling Ling let out a slow breath, nodding slightly. "Okay. I'll think about it."

"Good," Ying said, standing up. "Just remember, if you need someone to talk to or some advice, you know where to find me."

Ling Ling smiled faintly, appreciating Ying's support. "Thanks, Ying."

As Ying left the office, Ling Ling sat in silence, her thoughts swirling with contemplation. The conversation had been both challenging and enlightening, and she knew she had some decisions to make.

Meanwhile, at the university café where Prig and Orm often met, the atmosphere was lively, with students chatting and sipping coffee. Prig and Orm were sitting at their usual table, Prig animatedly waving her hands as she spoke.

"So, did you have a good time with P'Ling yesterday?" Prig asked, her tone laced with curiosity and mischief.

Orm rolled her eyes playfully. "It was fine. Awkward, but fine."

Prig leaned forward, eyes wide with interest. "Awkward? How so?"

Orm took a sip of her iced coffee, a grin spreading across her face. "Well, it was a bit of a comedy of errors. I managed to spill coffee on myself and knock over a sugar jar. It was like I was auditioning for a slapstick comedy."

Prig laughed, nearly spilling her own drink. "That sounds like classic Orm. Did P'Ling at least find it funny?"

Orm nodded, her smile softening. "Yeah, she did. She was really sweet about it. I could tell she found it endearing, even if I felt like a walking disaster."

Prig leaned back, crossing her arms with a satisfied grin. "So, she thinks you're cute when you're clumsy. That's a good sign."

Orm blushed, shaking her head. "I don't know about that. I think she was just being polite."

Prig smirked. "Uh-huh. And let me guess, you were just thinking about how cute she looked when she smiled at you?"

Orm's cheeks reddened further. "Maybe a little. She does have this way of making everything seem less awkward, even when I'm making a fool of myself."

Prig's eyes twinkled with mischief. "You're totally smitten, aren't you? I can see it all over your face."

Orm groaned, hiding her face behind her coffee cup. "Stop it. It's not like that."

"Sure, sure," Prig teased. "So, what's next? Are you going to ask her out again, or are you going to wait for her to make the next move?"

Orm shrugged, her gaze thoughtful. "I'm not sure. I think I'll just see where things go. I don't want to rush anything or make her uncomfortable."

Prig's expression turned serious for a moment. "That's fair. But don't forget, sometimes you have to take a chance. You never know what might happen unless you try."

Orm nodded, considering Prig's words. "Yeah, you're right. Maybe I should just enjoy getting to know her and see where it leads."

Prig grinned again, nudging Orm playfully. "Exactly. And in the meantime, just remember to keep being yourself. P'Ling seems to like you for who you are, clumsy moments and all."

Orm laughed, feeling a sense of reassurance. "Thanks, Prigkhing. I guess I'll just keep being me and see what happens."

As they continued their conversation, the café buzzed around them, filled with the energy of students and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Orm felt a sense of excitement and nervousness about what the future might hold with Ling Ling, and Prig's playful encouragement only made her feel more hopeful.

As Ling Ling walked out of her office later that day, she couldn't help but reflect on Ying's words. The conversation had been a turning point, making her reconsider her approach to her feelings for Orm. She was determined to follow her heart, even if it meant stepping out of her comfort zone.

At the same time, Orm felt a renewed sense of optimism after her chat with Prig. The playful teasing and heartfelt advice had given her the confidence to embrace whatever might come next with Ling Ling. She was ready to see where their connection might lead, without overthinking it.

Both women, in their own ways, were navigating the complexities of their budding relationship, but with a newfound clarity and excitement. The journey ahead was uncertain, but it was one they were both willing to embrace, one step at a time.