Résonance: a LingOrm's Story

Chapter 17: Warm Embrace

Things between Ling and Orm had gradually been getting better. The misunderstandings and stress of the past seemed to dissolve, and Orm found herself falling deeper for Ling with each passing day. Even though they hadn't officially labeled their relationship, they both found comfort in each other's company. It was unspoken, but something between them had shifted—there was a quiet understanding, an ease that had settled between them like a warm blanket.

As the holiday season approached, Orm was excited. It had been a long time since she'd gone back to her hometown. Now that she had saved enough money, she was eager to spend time with her family. She hadn't told Ling about her plans yet, knowing how busy she was with the travel agency. This time of year, always saw a surge in bookings, and Ling was practically running herself ragged to manage everything.

Orm, too, had been busy. Between university, her café shifts, and the freelance work she did for various brands, she was constantly on the go. She wanted to finish everything before the holidays began so she could leave with a clear mind, but as the days passed, she hadn't realized how much she was taking on.

That night, after finishing her last event, she finally allowed herself a breath. She checked the time—it was already midnight. The convenience store near her dorm was quiet, illuminated by the soft glow of its fluorescent lights. She grabbed a bottle of water and sat down, feeling utterly worn out. Her body ached from the long hours, and exhaustion hung heavy over her like a cloud.

Orm stared at her phone, contemplating whether to call Ling. She didn't want to be a burden. Ling had so much gone on, and she didn't want to add to her stress. But she felt too tired to make the trip back to her dorm on her own. With a sigh, she pressed the call button.

Ling picked up after a few rings, her voice immediately filled with concern. "Orm? It's late, are you okay?"

Orm didn't have much energy left. "P'Ling... I'm so sorry. I didn't realize how late it was. I'm just... I'm so tired. Can you come pick me up?"

Ling could hear the exhaustion in her voice and felt a pang of worry. "Don't worry, I'm coming right now. Just stay where you are."

She grabbed her keys and rushed out of the house, her heart pounding in her chest. The thought of Orm being so tired and alone in the middle of the night sent a wave of panic through her. Ling couldn't bear the thought of Orm pushing herself like this.

It didn't take long for Ling to arrive at the convenience store. When she spotted Orm sitting on the bench outside, her heart ached. Orm looked small and fragile, her head resting in her hands as she tried to fight off the fatigue.

Ling hurried over, dropping to her knees in front of Orm and gently pulling her into an embrace. "Orm, why didn't you call me sooner?"

Orm leaned into Ling's chest, feeling the warmth and safety of her embrace. She didn't have the energy to explain. She just wanted to feel Ling's arms around her, anchoring her. "I didn't want to bother you."

Ling tightened her grip on Orm, her voice soft but firm. "You're never a bother, Orm. Never."

After a moment, Ling pulled back and brushed Orm's hair out of her face, studying her tired eyes. "Do you want to go back to your dorm? Or... would you rather stay at my place tonight?"

Orm hesitated, not wanting to impose, but Ling's eyes were filled with concern. "Stay with me. Please."

The offer was too comforting to resist. Orm nodded slowly, her exhaustion overwhelming her. "Okay."

Ling smiled gently and helped Orm to her feet. She led her to the car, keeping a protective hand on her back. Once they were on their way, Orm leaned against the window, her eyes half-closed as the city lights blurred past them.

Ling kept glancing over at her, still worried. "You've been working too hard," she said softly. "You need to take it easy."

Orm nodded sleepily, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know... I just wanted to get everything done before the holidays."

When they arrived at Ling's apartment, Ling guided Orm inside, helping her take off her shoes and jacket. "You're staying with me tonight," she said softly, her voice full of tenderness. "I'm going to take care of you."

Orm smiled weakly, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. She didn't have the energy to argue, and the thought of being taken care of by Ling was too comforting to resist.

Ling led Orm to the bathroom, handing her a towel and a change of clothes. "Take a shower. It'll help you relax."

After Orm emerged from the shower, her skin flushed and her hair damp, Ling was waiting with a cup of tea. "Drink this," she said softly. "It'll help you sleep."

Orm sat down on the couch, sipping the tea slowly, feeling her body relax for the first time in what felt like days. Ling sat beside her, gently brushing her fingers through Orm's hair, her touch soft and soothing.

After finishing the tea, Orm let out a soft yawn. "Thank you, P'Ling."

Ling smiled and stood up, pulling Orm gently to her feet. "Come on, let's get you to bed."

They made their way to Ling's bedroom, where the bed was already turned down. Ling helped Orm climb in, pulling the covers over her. Orm felt a wave of warmth wash over her, the comfort of the soft sheets and Ling's presence lulling her into a sense of peace.

Ling hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should join Orm, but Orm reached out, grabbing her hand. "Stay with me?"

Ling smiled softly, her heart swelling with affection. "Of course."

She climbed into bed beside Orm, pulling her close. They lay there in the dark, the silence filled with a sense of calm. For the first time, they were sharing a bed, their bodies close, their breathing in sync.

Orm nestled into Ling's warmth, her exhaustion finally catching up with her as she drifted off to sleep. Ling watched her for a moment, her heart full of tenderness as she stroked Orm's hair. She couldn't help but feel protective over her, wanting nothing more than to keep her safe.

As the night grew deeper, Ling wrapped her arms around Orm, pulling her close. This moment, this connection—they both needed it more than they realized. And in the quiet of the night, beneath the covers, they found comfort in each other's warmth, knowing that no matter what happened, they had each other.