Résonance: a LingOrm's Story

Chapter 30: Orm's Graduation

The months since Ling and Orm had become an official couple had passed in a blur, but the two were still adjusting to their new dynamic. The foundation of their relationship was strong, built on the small, tender moments they shared—Orm laughing at Ling's quiet wit, Ling gently teasing Orm for her clumsiness. They complemented each other, balancing out the rough edges in each other's lives. Weekends had become their sanctuary, with Orm often staying at Ling's apartment, filling the once quiet space with her light-hearted energy.

It wasn't perfect, of course. There were still moments of awkwardness and learning. Ling had never been in a relationship like this before—so much affection, so much vulnerability. And for Orm, it was her first real love, the kind that both excited and terrified her. But they were committed, and their bond was deepening by the day.

Ling had fallen hard for Orm, and Orm, despite her usual carefree attitude, was head over heels for Ling. The once-stoic and composed Ling had softened in ways that surprised even herself. She found herself eagerly driving Orm to her various engagements, from her university classes to influencer gigs. She loved these moments—the feel of Orm's hand on her arm, the sound of her voice filling the car as she chatted about her day. Ling was delicate and thoughtful in everything she did for Orm, and Orm soaked it all up, treasuring every kind gesture, every soft word.

Now, as time marched forward, a major milestone was approaching—Orm's graduation. It was less than a week away, and Orm was buzzing with nervous energy. She had been working hard to balance her studies, her influencer work, and her life with Ling. It wasn't easy, but the end was in sight, and Orm wanted to make this moment special for her family.

Orm had been carefully planning her family's trip to Bangkok for her graduation ceremony. She wanted everything to be perfect—her parents and younger siblings would be visiting the city, and she wanted them to be comfortable during their stay. It was an important moment for her family too, as they had supported her through the ups and downs of her university life, despite their financial struggles.

Orm sat at Ling's desk one evening, fiddling with her phone as she crunched numbers on a piece of paper. Her brow was furrowed, and her lips pursed as she tried to make everything fit into her budget.

Ling walked in from the kitchen, carrying a mug of tea for Orm. She placed it gently on the desk beside her and peered over her shoulder at the numbers. "Need some help?" she asked softly.

Orm glanced up, grateful for the interruption. "Yeah... I'm trying to figure out how to make this trip as smooth as possible for my family. I want them to have a good time, but I don't want to overspend."

Ling pulled up a chair and sat beside her. She took the paper from Orm's hand and studied the figures. "You're doing a great job already," she said, impressed by how careful Orm was being with her budget. "But we can tweak a few things. I can help you find better deals on hotels, and maybe we can cut some costs on transportation."

Orm smiled, feeling a bit more at ease with Ling's help. "Thank you. I want them to be comfortable, but I also don't want to go overboard. My mom's already hesitant about me spending too much."

Ling nodded, understanding the weight Orm carried when it came to her family. "We can find a balance. Let's make it special for them without breaking the bank."

They worked together for the next hour, Ling suggesting different options and offering tips on how to adjust the budget. After a while, Orm felt more confident in her plan. She called her mom that evening, explaining the details of the trip.

On the other end of the line, Orm's mother, Koy, hesitated. "Orm, I don't want you spending too much on us. You've worked so hard to save, and you should be using that money for your future."