My Secret Letter

Chapter 3: Sparks and Suspicions

The routine Orm had grown comfortable with was gone, replaced by the bizarre yet thrilling experience of being Ling's girlfriend—well, fake girlfriend. But as days passed, Orm started to feel the weight of her mixed emotions and the constant attention.

During lunch, Ling casually strolled over to where Orm sat with Prikhing and Yeena. Without hesitation, she sat close to Orm and put an arm around her, flashing her a small, reassuring smile. The school cafeteria was buzzing with gossip, but Ling didn't seem to care, which only added to Orm's confusion. How could Ling act so relaxed while Orm's mind was racing?

Prikhing shot Orm a questioning look as if silently asking, How are you handling all of this?

Orm forced a small smile. She was about to answer when Ling started talking.

"So, ladies," Ling said, glancing around the table, "I was thinking we could all hang out this weekend. Maybe catch a movie or something?"

Yeena grinned. "Whoa, Ling planning a group hangout? This really is a new era."

Orm chuckled, though she felt a little uneasy. Ling's closeness was affecting her more than she cared to admit. She was about to reply when someone else joined their group—Jennie. The mood instantly shifted, and Orm's heart pounded at the look on Jennie's face.

"Ling," Jennie greeted coolly, her eyes narrowing as they flicked to Orm. "Interesting choice of company these days."

Ling kept her expression relaxed, unfazed. "Is that supposed to mean something, Jennie?"

Jennie smirked, crossing her arms. "I just thought you liked a challenge. Guess you're going for something... simpler this time?"

Orm felt her cheeks flush with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. She knew Jennie was baiting her, but Ling responded before she could.

"Careful, Jennie," Ling replied smoothly, pulling Orm closer. "Don't underestimate her."

The cafeteria was silent, the tension between Ling and Jennie thick enough to cut. Ling's grip on Orm tightened protectively, and for a brief moment, Orm felt a rush of something unexpected—gratitude, maybe even admiration. Ling's calm, confident response was unlike anything Orm had experienced.

Jennie scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Whatever. Just don't come crying when she doesn't live up to your standards."

With that, Jennie turned on her heel and left. Ling exhaled, flashing Orm an apologetic smile. "Don't let her get to you. She just likes stirring up drama."

Orm nodded, though Jennie's words lingered, stinging her confidence. She didn't know if Ling was doing this for real or if it was just part of their deal, but one thing was clear: Jennie wasn't going to let this "relationship" go unnoticed.

Later that day, Ling walked Orm to her last class, her arm still draped around her shoulder. As they strolled through the hallway, they passed Popor, who shot them a confused, almost pained look. Orm gave her a small, awkward wave, and Popor hesitantly waved back, her expression guarded.

"Everything okay?" Ling asked once they'd passed by.

"Yeah, I think she's just... surprised," Orm said, choosing her words carefully. She didn't want to admit that Popor's reaction had bothered her. Popor was her friend, and part of her wondered if she was ruining that friendship by going along with this whole arrangement.

Ling nodded, giving her a small squeeze on the shoulder. "Hey, you don't have to worry about her. If she's a true friend, she'll support you no matter what."

Orm smiled, touched by Ling's words. She knew Ling was right, but her feelings were still a tangled mess. It was strange, having Ling by her side like this, showing her kindness and support when they'd hardly known each other before. Ling's charm and confidence were starting to feel almost... real.

The weekend arrived, and Ling followed through on her idea to gather their friends. They all met up at the movie theater—Ling, Orm, Prikhing, Ying, Yeena, and Mint. It was a mix of both of their friend groups, and though the arrangement felt strange, Orm found herself enjoying it more than she'd expected.

Ling was in high spirits, joking around with everyone and stealing glances at Orm that made her heart race. The way Ling looked at her, like she was someone special, was enough to make Orm's cheeks burn.

As they waited in line for snacks, Ling leaned over to Orm. "What do you want? Popcorn, candy?"

"Um, popcorn's good," Orm said, feeling her pulse quicken at Ling's closeness.

Ling nodded, ordering a large popcorn and a few drinks for the group. Just as they were about to head into the theater, Ling nudged Orm playfully. "You okay? You seem a bit... flustered."

Orm managed a small laugh, hoping Ling couldn't see through her. "Just... not used to all this attention, that's all."

Ling's expression softened. "Don't worry. Just focus on us, not everyone else. That's what this whole thing's about, right?"

Orm nodded, feeling her heart pound. She tried to tell herself it was all just pretend, that this was a favor for Ling. But the warmth in Ling's voice, the way she looked at her—it all felt a little too genuine.

As they took their seats in the theater, Ling's arm found its way around Orm's shoulders again, pulling her close. Orm's mind raced, trying to focus on the movie and not the steady, comforting presence beside her. She didn't know how Ling could act so calm, so unfazed by it all. Meanwhile, Orm felt like her heart was doing backflips.

Throughout the movie, Orm found herself glancing at Ling, her thoughts a blur. She was supposed to be pretending, supposed to be helping Ling win back Jennie, but now she wasn't so sure. Ling was kind, charming, and maybe even genuinely interested in getting to know her.

For the first time, Orm wondered if this fake relationship was starting to feel a bit too real—at least, for her.

When the movie ended, they all gathered outside the theater, laughing and chatting about the film. Ling had her arm around Orm, and Orm couldn't help but feel like they were truly together, even if it was just for now.

Prikhing and Ying exchanged glances, clearly enjoying the new dynamic between Orm and Ling. Prikhing grinned at Orm, nudging her playfully. "You know, Orm, you've been spending a lot of time with our dear Ling here. What's that all about?"

Orm shrugged, glancing up at Ling, who gave her a small, amused smile. "Guess we just... work well together," she replied, though her voice held a trace of uncertainty.

"Better than anyone else, that's for sure," Ling added, giving her a quick wink. Orm's heart raced as she tried to keep her composure. Ling's words felt loaded, like there was more behind them than just an act.

As they said their goodbyes and headed their separate ways, Ling walked Orm home. They strolled in silence for a bit, the cool night air calming Orm's racing thoughts. She glanced at Ling, her mind filled with questions she wasn't sure she was ready to ask.

Ling seemed to sense her unease, stopping just outside Orm's house. "Hey," she said softly, "thanks for going along with this. I know it's a lot, but... I appreciate it."

Orm managed a small smile, her heart pounding. "Of course. It's... been interesting."

Ling chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from Orm's face. "Well, interesting is good. I like keeping you on your toes."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, Orm felt like the world had fallen away. The closeness, the warmth of Ling's hand—it was almost too much to handle.

"Goodnight, Orm," Ling said, her voice a soft murmur.

"Goodnight," Orm whispered back, watching as Ling turned and walked away.

As Orm headed inside, she realized that somewhere along the way, her heart had crossed a line she hadn't expected. This was supposed to be fake, just a favor for Ling. But now, Orm wasn't so sure if she could keep pretending.