This is the last time I fall in love

What if I wasn't done loving you?

For seven years, Orm was trapped, confined to a prison of pillows and pain. A severe back condition stole her adolescence, forcing her to watch life pass through the window. But after a liberating surgery, she wanted to break free, see the world through her own eyes rather than through pictures or videos.

Her dreams were filled with vibrant streets, exotic markets, and breathtaking landscapes. She longed to immerse herself in new cultures, taste new dishes, meet different kinds of people with all kinds of different backgrounds and traditions.. The world, once a distant fantasy, was now within reach.

She had a plan, you see, she'd go to college to get a degree in finance, her parents were paying for it so that was the deal, she'd study finance and the rest of the time she would do what she wanted, usually it involved drawing or painting, doing so was her escape when she was trapped in bed, imagining the world out there and what it had to offer. She would maybe work for around a year to save money and then her adventure would begin.

But one day, everything changed. What was supposed to be a simple break on her college campus tour turned out to be something that turned her world upside down.

She burst through the door of the coffee shop near campus. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries enveloped her, immediately lifting her mood. Scanning the room, her eyes landed on a girl sitting in the corner, lost in a book. There was something about her that drew her in.

As their eyes met, she felt a spark of connection, like they were two puzzle pieces clicking together. She hurried over, her smile spreading wide. "Hey! Is this seat taken?" She asked, already plopping down.

The girl looked up, startled, her cheeks flushing. "Um, no," she murmured.

"I'm Orm!" She exclaimed, extending her hand. The other woman's handshake was gentle, but her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Ling." The woman replied.

"What are you studying?" Orm leaned in, intrigued by the book in her hands.

"Just literature," Ling whispered, her shyness adorable.

"Nice! Stories are the best adventures, right?" She grinned, and Orm saw Ling's reserved demeanor begin to crack.

"Pride and Prejudice," Ling replied, when Orm asked about her favorite.

"Darcy is such a dreamboat!" Orm replied. "I'm more into fantasy, though. Dragons, quests – sign me up!"

As they talked, it seemed like their words danced, and Orm found herself anchored to this moment, to Ling. For the first time in what feels like forever, she paused, and Orm considered the beauty of stillness.

After that day, suddenly, Orm's grand plans seemed to fade into the background. The thrill of exploring the world wasn't as alluring as before...

As Orm and Ling spent more time together, her feelings for Ling grew and grew, and they didn't seem to want to stop, not that Orm wanted them to. She wanted to tell Ling, but she knew Ling's gentle soul needed time to blossom, and Orm was willing to wait, not with her arms crossed of course, she knew Ling needed a little push and Orm was more than happy to oblige.

She began dropping subtle hints, testing the waters. A lingering touch on her arm, a playful tease, or a meaningful glance. During their coffee shop visits, Orm would sit closer, their knees touching. Ling wouldn't move away, she'd tense for a moment before relaxing and almost leaning into the touch. Her shyness was adorable, and Orm revealed the slow burn of attraction.