Falling for a Bet

Short story(only 1part)

Ling had always been the center of attention—bold, confident, and captivating. When her friends dared her to win over Orm, the quiet girl from their literature class, it seemed like a harmless challenge. Ling accepted without hesitation, viewing it as just another game. But as she began to charm Orm, the lines between the bet and her true feelings blurred.

Orm was initially wary. Ling's sudden attention felt overwhelming, but she found herself intrigued by Ling's vibrancy and warmth. Their time together turned into something beautiful, filled with laughter and late-night conversations. But Ling kept the secret of the bet hidden, creating an unspoken tension beneath their budding romance.

One evening, while walking together under the stars, Ling's friends called out to her. "How's the bet going? Still trying to win over the wallflower?" they teased. Ling laughed along, but deep down, guilt began to seep in. She could see how Orm's smile faltered at their words, but she pushed the discomfort aside, telling herself it was all part of the game.

Days later, while Ling and her friends were chatting at a café, Orm happened to pass by. Ling's heart raced as she watched Orm look in, then quickly turn away, her expression a mix of hurt and confusion. Ling wanted to call out, to explain, but the words stuck in her throat.

Later that week, Orm overheard Ling and her friends discussing the bet. Ling had left her phone on the table, and a notification caught Orm's attention. "I can't believe she actually fell for you! You should totally go for it!" one friend laughed. Orm's heart sank as she realized the truth: she was nothing more than a pawn in Ling's game. The revelation shattered her.

That night, Orm confronted Ling, tears streaming down her face. "Was it all just a bet to you? Did you ever really care?" Ling's heart broke at the sight of Orm's pain, but she struggled to find the right words. "It started as a bet, but it became so much more! I care about you, Orm! I love you!" But Orm couldn't believe her, feeling too hurt and betrayed.

As days turned into weeks, Orm withdrew into herself, her heart heavy with sorrow. Rith, a charming classmate, began to notice her distress. He approached Orm one afternoon while she was sitting alone in the library. "Hey, you seem down. Want to grab coffee? I could use some good company," he offered with a gentle smile.

Orm hesitated, her heart still aching for Ling. But the kindness in Rith's eyes made her want to escape her pain, even if just for a moment. "Sure," she replied softly, forcing a smile.

Ling watched from a distance, her heart sinking as she saw Orm and Rith laughing together over coffee. Each laugh felt like a dagger to Ling's chest. She wanted to shout, to run to Orm and explain everything, but she felt paralyzed by guilt. Maybe she didn't deserve Orm after all. Maybe Orm was better off with someone like Rith, someone who could treat her right.

Ling's friends encouraged her to let it go, but the thought of losing Orm was unbearable. "You can't just give up," one friend urged. "You need to fight for her!" But Ling felt trapped, unable to reconcile her feelings with the hurt she had caused.

One evening, Ling decided to approach Orm, hoping to talk things over. She found her sitting on a bench, staring blankly at her phone. "Orm, can we please talk?" Ling asked softly.

Orm looked up, her expression unreadable. "What's there to say, Ling? You made your choice. You wanted a game, and I was just a prize." Ling's heart shattered at Orm's words.

"No! It was never just a game! I didn't think I'd fall for you like this! I love you, Orm!" Ling pleaded, her voice cracking. Orm's gaze softened for a moment, but then she turned away.

"Love doesn't hurt like this, Ling. I thought you were different." The pain in Orm's voice was palpable, making Ling's heart ache.

Days passed, and Rith continued to pursue Orm. They spent more time together, sharing laughs and discussing their favorite books. Orm felt guilty for enjoying Rith's company, but she also found comfort in his kindness. Yet, every time she laughed, a part of her felt like she was betraying Ling.