Unscripted Love | Lingorm

Droplets of realisation

The lobby of the grand hotel buzzed with activity, filled with the low hum of murmuring journalists, the rapid clicking of camera shutters, and the excited whispers of fans waiting for a glimpse of their favorite stars. It was the kind of chaotic energy Ling had never quite grown used to, and today, it felt even more overwhelming.

Ling stood backstage, her heart racing as she adjusted the collar of her fitted black blazer. She'd been standing in front of the mirror for a few minutes now, fixing her hair, straightening her jacket, and then fixing her hair again. Her fingers trembled slightly as she tried to steady her nerves. The show was nearing its release, and the promotional interviews were in full swing.

"Fan service," she muttered to herself, the director's earlier words echoing in her mind.

Just the thought made her palms sweat. Ling knew exactly what was expected of her and Orm today—they had to promote the chemistry between their characters, Earn and Fahlada. The director wanted them to tease the audience, to spark excitement about their dynamic, which had grown into something electric onscreen. But off-screen, that electricity made Ling feel all too exposed.

"You'll be fine," a familiar voice broke her thoughts, soft and steady.

Ling turned to see Orm approaching her, looking effortlessly composed as always. Orm was breathtaking, her blond hair falling in loose waves over her shoulders, contrasting sharply with the soft ivory of the elegant dress she wore. Her features were sharp yet delicate, her amber eyes calm but hiding something Ling couldn't quite decipher. Ling had always admired Orm's ability to maintain her poise, but today, even Orm couldn't completely mask the hint of nervousness in her gaze.

"Are you ready?" Orm asked, her voice gentle but carrying a quiet confidence.

Ling nodded, though her stomach twisted in knots. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Orm gave her a small, reassuring smile. "It's just another scene, right? We've done this before."

Ling tried to focus on Orm's words, but her eyes kept drifting to how perfectly Orm fit into her dress, the way the fabric hugged her waist and cascaded down elegantly. It was distracting, to say the least. Ling could feel her cheeks heating up, and she quickly looked away, nodding absently.

But it wasn't just another scene. Not anymore.

Just as Orm had spoken, the director appeared, clipboard in hand, his eyes flickering between them. "Listen, girls. The show's release is coming up fast, and we need to get people buzzing. I know you've both heard the fans already shipping your characters, right? We're gonna use that today. Play it up. Get people excited. Chemistry like yours can really sell this show."

The words landed heavily on Ling's shoulders. The pressure to perform wasn't new, but this felt different. More personal. Her mind raced as she nodded numbly.

"Ling," the director's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts. "You've got this. Just trust it."