Orm's POV
The weight of Lingling's news lingered in the air, heavy and suffocating. I couldn't shake off the anger that bubbled inside me at her parents' indifference. As I stood in her modest kitchen, I dialed my mom's number, hoping she could offer some guidance or support.
"Hey, Mom," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm with Lingling right now. She just got some really tough news... Her parents want her to go to court for their divorce, and it's really hitting her hard."
My mom's tone shifted to one of concern. "Oh, honey, that sounds awful. Is there anything you can do to help her? You know I'm here if you need advice."
I took a deep breath, glancing over at Lingling. She sat at the small dining table, her expression a mix of sadness and uncertainty. "I think I want to stay with her tonight, to make sure she's okay. I just want to cheer her up, even if it's just for a little while."
"That's a great idea, Orm. Sometimes all we need is someone we care about beside us. Just be there for her and let her know she's not alone."
"I will, Mom. Thanks." After hanging up, I walked over to Lingling, who had her head resting on her hands, looking lost in thought. "Hey," I said softly, taking a seat across from her. "My mom thinks it's a good idea for me to stay with you tonight. If you're okay with it, of course."
Lingling looked up, her eyes widening slightly. "You don't have to. I don't want to be a burden."
I shook my head, my determination clear. "You could never be a burden to me. I want to be here for you. Let's do something fun, okay? We can cook dinner together."
A small smile broke through her sadness. "That actually sounds nice."
Lingling's POV
As we gathered ingredients from the sparse kitchen, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Orm's presence. It was comforting to have someone who cared, especially after the overwhelming emotions I had faced earlier. I could see her trying to lighten the mood, her laughter echoing as she fumbled with the utensils.
"Okay, Chef Lingling," Orm teased, tying her hair back and putting on an apron. "What are we making tonight?"
I chuckled softly, my heart warming at the sight of her enthusiasm. "How about some pasta? It's simple and quick."
"Perfect! I can handle boiling water," she joked, making me laugh despite the heaviness in my heart.
As we cooked, our conversations flowed easily, each moment filled with laughter and lightness that felt like a balm for my soul. Orm playfully splashed some water on me, and I retaliated with a handful of flour, which sent us both into fits of giggles. It was moments like these that reminded me that I wasn't alone in my struggles.
Orm's POV
The kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of cooking pasta, but more importantly, it was alive with laughter. I loved seeing Lingling's spirit slowly reemerging, even if just for tonight. I wanted to create memories that would make her forget, even if momentarily, the pain she carried.
As we stirred the sauce, I took a moment to watch her. The way her eyes sparkled when she laughed, the way she focused on the task at hand-it was all so captivating. I couldn't help but feel even more drawn to her. "You know, Lingling," I started, trying to keep my voice light, "you should be my personal chef more often. I could get used to this."
She blushed, looking down at the pot, but a smile broke through her facade. "Maybe I should start charging you."
"Deal," I replied, grinning. "I'll pay you with compliments and endless support."
After dinner was ready, we set the table, and I poured us both glasses of sparkling water, wanting to make it feel special. We sat across from each other, the dim light of the room adding a cozy glow to the atmosphere.
"This is nice," I said, taking a bite of the pasta. "You're an excellent cook, Lingling."
Her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. "Thanks, but I think you did most of the work."
"It doesn't matter who did what. What matters is we're here together," I replied, meeting her gaze.
Lingling's POV
As we shared the meal, the weight of the day began to lift, replaced by the warmth of Orm's presence. I felt lighter, and for the first time, I was genuinely smiling. "I can't believe I got so upset today. It feels good to let it go, even if just for tonight."
Orm reached across the table, taking my hand in hers. "You don't have to feel bad about that. It's okay to be upset. You're going through a lot. Just know that I'm here for you, always."
I squeezed her hand, feeling a sense of safety envelop me. "I appreciate you so much, Orm. I don't know what I would do without you."
"Just focus on tonight. We can deal with everything else later," she said, her voice soothing. "Let's create some happy memories together."
After dinner, we cleared the table and moved to the living room. I felt a sense of comfort as Orm pulled out a couple of board games from the shelf. We spent the rest of the evening playing games, teasing each other, and sharing stories, slowly forgetting about the chaos outside.
As the night drew on, I couldn't help but feel that I had found a safe haven in Orm. No matter what challenges awaited me, I knew I wouldn't have to face them alone.
Orm's POV
Eventually, as the clock ticked past midnight, we settled onto the couch, exhaustion finally catching up with us. Lingling leaned against me, her head resting on my shoulder. I could feel her warmth, the steady rhythm of her breathing lulling me into a sense of peace.
"Thank you for tonight, Orm," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "You really helped me."
I brushed my fingers through her hair, feeling a deep affection for her. "I'll always be here for you, Lingling. No matter what."
As I held her close, I couldn't shake the feeling that this connection we were building was something special. Tonight was about more than just comfort; it was about love, friendship, and the promise of a future together.
Midnight Moments
The apartment was quiet, wrapped in the stillness of the night. Lingling stirred awake, her mind groggy until her gaze settled on Orm, who was peacefully asleep beside her. She looked so serene, her lashes casting soft shadows over her cheeks, her breathing calm and steady. Lingling's heart ached a little, realizing how much peace Orm had brought her in just a short time.
Lingling smiled, feeling a sudden surge of warmth, her eyes tracing the outline of Orm's face. The impulse to kiss her was overwhelming; she wanted to feel that closeness again, to melt into the comfort Orm seemed to radiate without even trying. Slowly, she leaned forward, brushing her lips softly against Orm's.
Orm's eyes fluttered open at the gentle touch, a sleepy smile spreading across her face as she realized what was happening. Without missing a beat, she deepened the kiss, wrapping her arms around Lingling and pulling her closer. The kiss grew more passionate, yet it was filled with something tender, almost unspoken between them, a silent promise of the feelings they were exploring together.
Lingling felt her heart race as Orm's hands moved up her back, each touch sending a spark through her. They shared more kisses, each one filled with a longing they hadn't known existed until now. For a moment, the weight of the world seemed to disappear, replaced by just the two of them, wrapped in warmth and the certainty that they were right where they wanted to be.
Eventually, Orm pulled back just a little, her voice soft but sure. "I want this to be special," she whispered, brushing a strand of hair from Lingling's face. "No need to rush. We have time to discover everything together, one step at a time."
Lingling nodded, her face tinged with a blush but her heart full of trust. They settled back down, arms wrapped around each other, sharing soft touches and whispered words until they both drifted back to sleep, feeling closer than ever. Tonight, they'd found something rare and precious-comfort, love, and the promise of something beautiful to come.
_to be continued _

YOU ARE READING
A Spark in the Darkness || lingorm ff
RomanceLingling Kwong feels invisible, trapped in a world where her ambitious parents prioritize business over family. But everything changes when she crosses paths with Orm-a spirited new student who radiates positivity and charm. As their lives intertwin...