The Constant Beat - LingOrm (Completed)

Chapter 13

By the time she arrived, she was sweating slightly, but she plastered on a bright smile and greeted her supervisor at the entrance.

"You're late." He said, his voice clipped and laced with irritation.

"I'm really, sorry." Keia replied quickly, bowing her head slightly. "It won't happen again."

Her supervisor just shook his head, clearly exasperated. "Just send a message if you'll be late or absent next time."

"Yes, of course." she mumbled, shoulders slumping in relief as he left the backroom.

"That was close," she muttered under her breath, heading to her locker to change into her uniform, a neatly pressed polo shirt, an apron, and a cap emblazoned with the store's logo.

Once dressed, she took a deep breath, trying to shake off the remnants of tension clinging to her.

With her head held high, she stepped onto the shop floor and set to work, arranging shelves, checking inventory, and restocking new products.

The boring tasks kept her busy, but even as she moved through her routine, her mind kept drifting back to Seline. What did last night mean? Had it just been a mistake? A spur-of-the-moment decision because of alcohol? Or was there more to it?

Time passed slowly. By midday, she checked her watch, counting the hours left before her shift would end at 7 pm. As the clock struck her break time, she pulled out her phone, absently scrolling through messages until one caught her eye, a new text from Seline.

From: Teerak

We need to talk. Meet me at my place around 4 pm. See you.

Teerak? The nickname sent a flutter through Keia's chest. She stared at the message for a long moment, trying to read between the lines.

Keia's thoughts spiraled until she shook her head and took a deep breath. There was no point in overthinking it now. She had her answer, Seline wanted to see her, and that was enough.

A smile tugged at her lips as she quickly typed out her response.

To: Teerak

I have work today, I'll be there around 8:00 pm. See you then!

She tucked her phone away, feeling lighter. Whatever happened, she'd face it head-on. Because, no matter what, she couldn't deny one simple truth.

She never stopped loving Seline.