Live With Your Blood || LingOrm

Chapter 7: Proper Conversation

The air inside the café was thick with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, mingling with the sweet scent of pastries from behind the counter. The soft hum of chatter filled the space, blending with the quiet clinks of cups and spoons. Wooden tables were scattered around, adorned with potted plants, giving the shop a cozy, almost rustic vibe. A few students huddled over laptops, while a couple at the far corner whispered in soft tones, lost in their own world. The exposed brick walls were decorated with abstract art, and the warm yellow lighting bathed everything in a gentle glow.

Orm sat at one of the smaller tables, wiggling her legs impatiently as she waited for her caramel latte to arrive. Her fingers tapped nervously on her phone screen as she scrolled through social media, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She had promised to meet someone today, and the anxiety was starting to creep in.

"Sorry, I'm late." A woman's voice interrupted Orm's scrolling. She glanced up as the woman pulled out the chair opposite her and sat down. The woman's presence was almost ethereal, with a calm aura that made Orm both intrigued and uneasy.

The woman seated, looked at the empty table. "Have you ordered yet?"

Before Orm could respond, a waitress appeared with a steaming caramel latte, gently placing it on the table in front of her.

"Miss, would you like to order now or later?" the waitress asked.

"Just one iced chocolate, please."

As the waitress walked away, Orm took a tentative sip of her latte, trying to focus. But the tension in the air between her and that woman was undeniable.

"You don't drink coffee?" Orm asked, breaking the silence.

Ling gave a small nod, but before she could elaborate, Orm asked, "do all vampires don't drink caffeine?"

Ling's eyes widened instantly, her hand flying to her lips as she shushed Orm, glancing around to make sure no one had overheard.

"Not so loud!" she whispered fiercely. "You can't just say that word out in public. There are hunters everywhere."

"Hunters?" Orm raised an eyebrow, stifling a laugh. "You mean like the government? Or what, the DNP, wildlife department?"

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Note: DNP is stands for The Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, an agency of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

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"This isn't a joke. Vampires are still being hunted," Ling's face darkened, and she shot Orm a sharp look.

Orm, seeing her seriousness, straightened up. "Alright, alright. No more jokes. Let's talk about last night." She leaned in, her voice lower now. "You said there are vampires living among humans. And you're one of them?"

"Yes." Ling nodded, sighing as she spoke. "Like I said, what you saw and remember is real. I bit you that evening to wake you up. That was my only intention."

Orm raised her eyebrows, leaning back slightly. "And why, exactly, did you track me down at the police station? Telling my mom we're friends?"

Ling glanced down at the table, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of her cup. "I just had to make sure. Someone I trust asked me to confirm if I left my venom behind when I bit you."

"Venom?" Orm echoed, still confused. "What's that about?"

Just then, the waitress returned, placing a tall glass of iced chocolate in front of Ling. She thanked the waitress, then took a slow sip through the straw, gathering her thoughts before continuing.