The Constant Beat - LingOrm (Completed)

Chapter 7

It was Thursday evening, and after a long day at work, Seline found herself at the grocery store, pushing a cart down the aisles as she mentally checked off her errand list.

She stopped in front of the oatmeal section, inspecting a few brands when a familiar figure caught her eye.

Just a few feet away, Keia was stacking shelves, unpacking boxes, and arranging products with a focused but cheerful expression.

Seline blinked, confused. 'What's Keia doing here?' She thought, her curiosity piqued. As if on autopilot, she moved closer without even realizing it, just in time to overhear an elderly woman approaching Keia.

"Excuse me, miss?" the woman asked, her voice a bit shaky.

Keia turned to face her with that signature smile of hers, the kind that lit up her whole face. "Yes, ma'am? How can I help you?"

"Could you tell me where the tea aisle is?" the elderly woman asked.

"Of course, it's right this way" Keia responded, leading the woman toward the tea section, her tone warm and friendly.

There was something so natural and gentle about the way she interacted with people that Seline couldn't help but smile to herself, despite the situation between them.

After helping the woman, Keia returned to her task, grabbing more boxes from the back room and continuing to stock the shelves.

Watching her, Seline's heart unexpectedly skipped a beat. She seemed so happy here, she thought, a wave of memories washing over her.

– Flashback –

It was a lazy weekend, and Keia had stayed the night at Seline's apartment. Keia always preferred staying over at Seline's place because her own home was too crowded, with her parents, grandparents, and annoying younger brother constantly around.

That morning, Seline was getting ready for work, even though it was Saturday. She stood in front of the mirror, pulling her hair into a tight ponytail, while Keia lounged on the couch, glued to her phone, playing a mobile game.

Seline had told Keia to clean up the place before she left, but Keia had other ideas.

"Can you not go to work today? It's your day off, right?" Keia asked her voice light but teasing. Without warning, she grabbed Seline's hand and playfully pulled her down, making Seline fall on top of her.

"I....I need to go, N'Keia. I have papers to check and deadlines." Seline said with as much belief as she could muster, but the determination in her voice faltered.

Keia smirked. "Please?" she asked softly, giving Seline those pleading eyes that always made her weak.

Before Seline could protest further, Keia kissed her, slow and deep, her lips soft but insistent. Seline's melted instantly.

The kiss was intoxicating, and soon enough, what started as a gentle kiss turned into something more intense.

In what seemed like the blink of an eye, Keia had switched their positions, now hovering over Seline. She kissed and sucked Seline's earlobe, her lips tracing a path down to her neck and toward her chest.

Clothes were tossed aside, landing carefully across the room, and soon both of them were completely naked.

Keia's touch was everywhere, and Seline's breath hitched as she moaned softly, the pleasure building until she couldn't take it anymore.

"Ahh," Seline gasped, her skin flushed, her body trembling as she reached the height of her pleasure.

It wasn't until afterward when the passion had subsided and she was lying in Keia's arms, that reality hit Seline hard.

She groaned, frustrated with herself. She hadn't meant to give in. She had work to do, important work, and now she was late.

Seline quickly grabbed her discarded clothes and headed straight for the shower, fuming at both herself and Keia.

She muttered angrily under her breath, annoyed that she could never say no when Keia seduced her like that.

When she emerged from the bathroom, freshly showered but still irritated, Keia was lying on the couch, naked and happily playing a game on her phone, as if nothing had happened.

Seline threw on her clothes and laced up her sneakers in a hurry. "Don't do that again when I need to work," she snapped. "And make sure you clean the place before I get back."

Keia didn't even look up from her phone, just gave her a lazy smile. "I'll clean it, Teerak." She promised, the term of endearment rolling off her tongue easily.

"I'm already late because of you." Seline said, her frustration bubbling to the surface as she grabbed her tablet and headed for the door.

Keia jumped up from the sofa, still naked, and dashed over to give Seline a quick kiss on the lips. "Not just me. We did it together." she teased before racing back to her phone, shouting in excitement over the game.

Seline sighed heavily and left the apartment, feeling a mix of annoyance and lingering affection.

– End of Flashback –

Back in the present, Seline found herself wondering what had changed. Why was Keia working at a grocery store now? The pay was probably low, but Keia didn't seem to mind. In fact, she looked... happy.

Seline watched as Keia lifted heavy boxes and organized shelves without a hint of complaint, greeting customers with a bright smile despite the rush hour crowd.

Seline couldn't help but admire her. Even in a seemingly simple job, Keia found joy and purpose.

There was something beautiful about that, and it tugged at Seline's heart in a way she wasn't prepared for.

Realizing she had spent too long standing there, Seline quickly returned to her own shopping, finishing up her errands.

When she finally checked out and paid for her groceries, she glanced back one last time at Keia, who was still busy working but looked content, smiling as she helped another customer.

As Seline left the store, she found herself smiling too, a soft warmth spreading in her chest. Keia had always had that effect on her, even when she didn't want to admit it.