After the Fall

Chapter 14: The Test of Time

A month had passed since Orm and Ling's emotional encounter at the café. In that time, Orm had done everything she could to distance herself from Ling. She needed space—space to think, to heal, and to process the betrayal that still clung to her heart like a weight she couldn't shake. Though Ling had apologized and poured her heart out, Orm hadn't yet decided how to move forward.

Ling, however, was suffering through the distance. Every day felt like a punishment as Orm's silence gnawed at her. She had always been one to act first and think later, but now, all she could do was wait. Wait for a text, a sign, anything that would tell her Orm was willing to meet her halfway. But the more days passed, the more desperate Ling became to prove that she had changed.

Meanwhile, Orm had been reconnecting with her friends—Prik, Yeena, and Mint—who had been her lifeline through the tough times. They kept her grounded, offering support whenever the weight of her feelings grew too heavy to bear. And then, there was someone else. Popor.

Popor had always been around, a friend in Orm's circle who made Ling's skin crawl. A confident tomboy with a cocky grin, Popor had never hidden her feelings for Orm, even when they were just friends. Ling knew, deep down, that Popor was waiting for an opening—an opportunity to swoop in now that Ling had messed up.

Ling's jealousy only intensified when she saw a photo of Orm and Popor together at a cozy café, tagged on social media. Ling's hands tightened around her phone as she stared at the image. Orm looked relaxed, even smiling faintly, while Popor leaned in a little too close for Ling's comfort.

Ling felt her heart tighten, jealousy swirling violently inside her. She couldn't lose Orm—not to Popor, not to anyone. She had to act.

Without hesitation, Ling grabbed her jacket and headed out the door. She needed to see Orm. She needed to remind her that she wasn't giving up on them, not even if Popor was trying to wedge herself between them.

When Ling arrived at the café, she spotted them immediately. Orm and Popor were sitting close, laughing softly over their drinks. Ling's heart clenched at the sight, but she didn't hesitate. With firm steps, she walked over to their table.

"Orm," Ling called out, her voice steady but thick with emotion.

Orm looked up, surprised to see Ling standing there. Popor smirked, leaning back in her chair as if she had been waiting for this confrontation.

"Ling," Orm said, her tone cautious. "What are you doing here?"

"I needed to talk to you," Ling said, her gaze flickering to Popor, then back to Orm. "Alone."

Popor's smirk grew wider as she leaned forward, eyeing Ling. "We're in the middle of something. Maybe you should come back later."

Ling's jaw tightened, anger simmering beneath the surface. "This isn't about you, Popor. It's between me and Orm."

Orm sighed, clearly sensing the tension between them. "Ling, now's not the time. Popor and I are just hanging out."

"I know what this is, Orm," Ling said, her voice more pleading than confrontational. "I know Popor's been waiting for this chance. She's trying to slide in because we're going through a rough patch, but you know that's not right."

Popor chuckled, crossing her arms. "Or maybe I'm just being there for Orm in a way you weren't, Ling."

Ling shot her a deadly glare. "Stay out of this, Popor."

Orm stood up suddenly, cutting off the exchange. "Enough," she said, her tone sharp. She turned to Ling, her eyes filled with a mix of frustration and hurt. "Ling, I told you I needed time. Coming here and pushing me like this is only making it harder."

Ling's breath caught in her throat. She had come here hoping to close the gap, but now it felt like she was making things worse. "Orm, please," she said softly. "I'm not trying to push you. I just... I can't stand the thought of losing you. I know I messed up, and I know I hurt you. But I love you, Orm. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to earn your trust back."

Orm's expression softened for a moment, but then her eyes filled with pain again. "Ling, you hurt me bad. What you did wasn't just about the bet—it was the lies, the way you made me feel like I was nothing more than a game to you."

Ling's heart sank. Hearing Orm put it into words made it even more real, more devastating. "I know, Orm," Ling whispered, her voice trembling. "I know I hurt you. And I'm sorry. I'll spend the rest of my life proving to you that I'm not that person anymore."

Orm sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Ling, I don't know if I'm ready to believe that yet. You hurt me in a way that's hard to just forgive. I need time to think. I need space."

Ling felt the sting of rejection, but she nodded, understanding the gravity of what she'd done. "I understand," she said, her voice barely audible. "I'll give you the time you need. But please... just know that I'm not giving up on us. I love you, Orm. And I'll be here when you're ready."

Orm looked at Ling, her eyes reflecting a storm of emotions—pain, confusion, and maybe, just maybe, a flicker of hope. "I need time, Ling," she repeated, her voice softer now. "Just give me that."

Ling nodded, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill over. "Okay," she whispered. "Take all the time you need. I'll be waiting."

With that, Orm turned and walked away, leaving Ling standing there, heart heavy and filled with regret. She watched as Popor followed Orm out, her smirk gone, replaced by a neutral expression.

Ling knew this wasn't over. She had hurt Orm deeply, and she couldn't fix things overnight. But she was determined. She would give Orm the space she needed, but she wouldn't stop trying. She wouldn't let Popor—or anyone else—come between them.