Short Stories-Lingorm

Boundless Heights

At Maplewood High, Lingling Kwong was not just any student; she was a force of nature. Known for her skill as a high jump athlete, she dedicated every afternoon to perfecting her form, her eyes fixed on the upcoming state championships. Despite her athleticism, Lingling often felt overshadowed by her classmates, her achievements unnoticed in the hustle of high school life.

Orm Kornnaphat, the school's passionate journalist, roamed the campus with her camera and notepad, driven by a desire to uncover stories hidden in plain sight. She was captivated by Lingling, not only for her athletic talent but for the quiet determination that radiated from her. Yet, Orm struggled with her own shyness, often watching Lingling from afar, unsure of how to bridge the gap between them.

One afternoon, during track practice, Orm spotted Lingling preparing for her jumps. She felt compelled to capture the moment, snapping photos of Lingling as she soared through the air, each jump more impressive than the last. In that beautiful display of athleticism, Orm found inspiration—Lingling seemed to defy gravity, her spirit unbound.

Gathering her courage, Orm approached Lingling after practice, her heart pounding. "Hi, I'm Orm. I write for the school paper, and I'd love to interview you for a feature piece," she said, trying to sound casual.

Lingling raised an eyebrow, surprised but intrigued. "Me? Really? What do you want to know?"

"Everything! Your training, your goals... your story," Orm replied, her excitement bubbling over. Lingling agreed, and they set a time to meet.

Their first meeting at a cozy café felt electric. Over steaming cups of tea, they began to peel back layers of each other's lives. Lingling shared her relentless drive to succeed, revealing the countless hours she spent practicing and the sacrifices she made. Orm listened intently, her admiration growing with each word.

"I want to win the state championship," Lingling confessed, her eyes sparkling with determination. "But sometimes I doubt myself. What if I fail?"

Orm leaned forward, her voice earnest. "You've already come so far. Just look at how much you've achieved. You're an inspiration to so many."

Lingling felt a warmth spread in her chest at Orm's words, a feeling she hadn't experienced often. They spent hours talking, laughter mingling with deeper discussions about their dreams, their fears, and the weight of expectations they both carried.

As the weeks went by, their bond blossomed. Orm became a constant presence at Lingling's practices, cheering her on as she perfected her technique. She snapped photos, capturing the raw intensity of Lingling's training and the joy in her small victories. Each jump, each cleared height, seemed to draw them closer together.

Lingling, in turn, became Orm's muse. As she prepared for the championships, Orm spent hours writing about Lingling's journey—her dedication, her struggles, and the way she inspired everyone around her. They began to share little moments, glances that lingered a moment too long, touches that sparked something deeper.

One evening, after a grueling practice, they sat on the bleachers watching the sun set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Lingling looked out at the horizon, her heart heavy with the pressure of the upcoming competition. "What if I can't do it? What if I let everyone down?" she whispered.

Orm turned to her, her eyes filled with understanding. "You're not defined by a single moment, Lingling. You're already amazing. Just look at how hard you've worked. Win or lose, you've already achieved so much."

Lingling met Orm's gaze, her heart racing. "I wish I could see myself the way you see me."

"Maybe you just need to look through my lens," Orm replied, smiling gently. "You're a champion in my eyes."

The air between them crackled with unspoken words, and Lingling felt a flutter in her chest. They were on the brink of something new, something thrilling, but neither knew how to express it.

As the state championships approached, Lingling felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. The night before the competition, she found herself pacing her room, her mind racing with doubts. She picked up her phone and texted Orm, needing the comfort of her voice.

"Can you come over? I could use some encouragement."

Orm arrived quickly, sensing the urgency in Lingling's message. When she stepped into Lingling's room, the tension in the air was palpable. Without a word, Orm wrapped her arms around Lingling, offering a silent reassurance.

"Tomorrow is just another day. You've trained for this," Orm whispered, her voice steady.

Lingling pulled back slightly, her eyes searching Orm's. "I don't know what I would do without you."

Orm's heart raced as she realized the depth of her feelings. "You won't have to. I'm here for you, always."

As the weight of their words hung in the air, Lingling leaned closer, her breath catching. "What if I want to be more than friends?"

The admission hung between them, and Orm felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks. "I want that too," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

In that moment, their worlds collided. Lingling leaned in, their lips meeting softly. It was a tentative kiss, filled with all the emotions they had both kept bottled up. When they pulled away, the connection felt electric, sparking new possibilities.

The next day, as Lingling prepared for the competition, Orm stood at the sidelines, her heart pounding with pride and anxiety. Each jump Lingling took was infused with the belief Orm had instilled in her. She soared higher than ever, fueled by the love blossoming between them.

When Lingling cleared the final height and landed gracefully, the crowd erupted in cheers. In that moment of triumph, she spotted Orm's beaming face in the crowd, and all the pressure fell away. It was about more than just winning; it was about the journey they had taken together.

Later that evening, after the celebrations, they found themselves alone in a quiet corner of the school gym, still buzzing from the day's excitement. Lingling turned to Orm, her heart full. "Thank you for believing in me, for being my rock."

Orm smiled, her eyes shining. "And thank you for showing me what it means to reach for something greater. You inspire me every day."

As they stood together, the world around them faded away. They knew they had crossed a threshold into a new chapter—a partnership built on love, support, and shared dreams. Together, they would continue to climb, their hearts intertwined, ready to
face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Lingling and Orm had discovered that true heights weren't measured by medals or trophies but by the connections they forged and the love that lifted them both to new possibilities. Together, they would soar.