After the Fall

Chapter 2: The Bet Begins

"Ling, you think you can charm anyone, huh?" Gap teased, taking a sip of his drink as they lounged in the cozy living room, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement and friendly rivalry.

Ling smirked, leaning back against the plush couch, her confidence radiating. "I can charm anyone, especially the newbies."

"Prove it," Ying chimed in, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I dare you to make Orm fall in love with you within a month."

Ling raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what's the wager?"

"First one to make her cave in wins," Mew added with a playful grin. "And you can take her virginity, too."

The group erupted in laughter, and Ling's competitive spirit ignited. "You're on!" she declared, the thrill of the challenge coursing through her veins.

As the days passed, Ling became increasingly focused on her new mission. She had seen Orm at the party, the way her cheeks flushed when she turned down Ling's kiss. There was something undeniably captivating about the girl. Orm was different from anyone Ling had ever encountered, and that intrigued her. In a world filled with superficial relationships, Orm's authenticity stood out.

Ling made it her goal to learn everything she could about Orm. Through casual conversations with their mutual friends, she discovered Orm's nerdy interests in books and art. The more she learned, the more she realized that this challenge might be harder than she had anticipated. Orm's passion and intellect were a stark contrast to the shallow connections Ling was used to.

Ling began to take notes, crafting her plan to win over Orm's heart. She carefully chose her moments to interact with her, often positioning herself near Orm during group outings, subtly trying to draw her into conversation. Each exchange was a delicate dance, filled with laughter and teasing that hinted at a budding connection.

Meanwhile, Orm remained blissfully unaware of the bet that loomed over their interactions. She found herself enjoying Ling's company, even if it was laced with underlying tension. Orm's cheeks flushed as she nodded during their conversations, trying to avoid Ling's piercing gaze. The way Ling looked at her sent shivers down her spine, and she often wondered if Ling's intentions were genuine.

The days turned into weeks, and Ling continued to orchestrate opportunities for them to spend time together. She invited Orm to art exhibitions and book readings, wanting to immerse herself in Orm's world. Each shared moment felt electric, and Ling was determined to break through Orm's defenses.

One afternoon, while they were studying together in a quiet corner of the library, Ling felt an undeniable urge to bridge the gap between them. Orm was explaining the nuances of her favorite book, her eyes lighting up with excitement. Ling leaned in closer, intrigued by Orm's words.

Ling's heart raced as she devised new strategies, determined to make Orm notice her. Little did Orm know that this playful bet was only the beginning, and Ling was prepared to do whatever it took to win.