Résonance: a LingOrm's Story

Chapter 36: The Unseen Storm

Two years had passed since Ling and Orm had started dating, and life had settled into a comfortable, loving rhythm. Despite their busy careers, they made time for each other, finding balance amidst the chaos. Ling was still heavily involved in running her travel agency, which had expanded significantly. With the success came more responsibility, which often left her working late into the night. On the other hand, Orm had settled well into her role as a finance analyst, impressing her team with her hard work and dedication.

Their relationship had only grown stronger with time. Ling, though often tired from managing her growing business, made it a point to spend weekends with Orm. Whether it was quiet nights at home, cozying up in front of the TV, or taking spontaneous trips to the beach, they cherished every moment together. Orm, who had always been carefree and cheerful, thrived in the love and care she received from Ling. Their bond was undeniable—warm, steady, and filled with deep affection.

As close as they were, Ling made sure Orm stayed connected with her family as well. Every few months, they'd visit Orm's parents, spending weekends in the warmth of her childhood home. Orm's mother, Mae Koy, had grown especially fond of Ling, treating her as part of the family. Ling loved those visits; she enjoyed seeing Orm in her element, surrounded by the people who had raised her.

Life was good—until one evening, when a company get-together introduced an unexpected complication.

The Company Get-Together

Orm's company had organized a casual gathering after work, a chance for the team to unwind and socialize outside of their usual work environment. It wasn't the first time Orm had attended these events, and though she preferred quiet nights with Ling, she knew it was important to bond with her colleagues. Ling, who had a late-night meeting, encouraged her to go.

"Have fun, Orm," Ling said, leaning down to kiss her on the forehead before heading out the door. "You work hard—you deserve to relax a little."

Orm smiled up at her girlfriend. "I'll be back before you know it, P'Ling."

The evening started off as expected—light chatter, drinks flowing, and the team gradually loosening up. Orm was seated with a small group, including her mentor, P'Tun, a senior finance manager who had taken Orm under his wing since she joined the company. He was a well-liked figure in the office, knowledgeable and approachable. To Orm, he had always been nothing more than a friendly, guiding figure, someone she respected professionally.

But that evening, something shifted.

As the night wore on, P'Tun seemed unusually attentive toward Orm. He refilled her drink before she even noticed it was empty, and his compliments, which had always been professional in tone, started to take on a more personal nature.

"You know, Orm," P'Tun said with a smile, leaning slightly closer, "you're not just good at your job—you're an amazing person. I've really enjoyed getting to know you over these past two years."

Orm, slightly tipsy and caught off guard, smiled politely. "Thanks, P'Tun. I've learned so much from you. You've been a great mentor."

P'Tun chuckled, but there was a hint of something else in his eyes—something that made Orm shift in her seat. "I've tried to be, but honestly, you've made it easy. You're smart, capable, and you have this... glow about you. It's hard not to notice."

Orm laughed awkwardly, brushing off the compliment as nothing more than casual conversation. "Thanks, P'Tun, but really, I've just been focused on doing my best."

But P'Tun wasn't finished. He leaned in a little closer, lowering his voice. "You know, Orm, I've been meaning to ask you something for a while now. Maybe we could grab dinner sometime? Just the two of us. I feel like we don't get to talk outside of work."