My Secret Letter

Chapter 7: Returning To The Old You

Weeks passed since that painful confrontation, and the chasm between Ling and Orm only grew wider. Orm avoided Ling at all costs, leaving Ling feeling lost and desperate. Despite Ling's relentless attempts to reach out—texting, calling, even sending gifts—Orm remained resolutely silent, blocking Ling from her heart.

Ling couldn't understand how someone she cared about so deeply could turn their back on her. The rumors still buzzed around campus, casting a shadow over her reputation, but the worst part was the feeling of helplessness. Each day was a battle against the suffocating weight of her emotions, and she found herself slipping back into her old ways. The notorious player who once captivated hearts was beginning to resurface.

In a moment of reckless defiance, Orm made plans to meet up with Popor, who had been making her feelings known ever since Ling and Orm's fallout. Orm figured that entertaining Popor might provoke Ling's jealousy and reignite the passion they once shared. After all, if Ling could flirt with Jennie and let rumors spiral, Orm could certainly do the same.

"Are you really going to go through with this?" Prikhing asked, concern etched on her face. They were at their usual hangout, and Orm had just shared her plans to go on a date with Popor.

"I need to show Ling that I can move on," Orm replied, trying to sound confident, but inside, a knot of doubt twisted in her stomach. "If she thinks I'm with someone else, maybe she'll finally realize what she's lost."

Prikhing frowned, her brow furrowed. "But what if this just makes things worse? You two were good together."

"I don't care anymore," Orm said, trying to convince herself as much as Prikhing. "Ling is the one who made it complicated. I'm tired of feeling like I'm not worth her time."

That evening, as Orm prepared for her outing with Popor, she felt a strange mix of excitement and guilt. She could hear Ling's voice in her head, reminding her of all the moments they shared, the connection that had blossomed between them. But Ling had hurt her, and right now, revenge felt sweet.

Meanwhile, Ling was a storm of emotions. As she heard the whispers around campus—about Orm and Popor potentially dating—jealousy ignited within her. She was furious at the thought of Orm moving on, yet she felt powerless to do anything about it. Ling tried to reach Orm again, sending texts that went unanswered, and finally, she snapped.

"Fine," Ling muttered to herself, her dark hair falling over her eyes as she made her way to a party that night. She wouldn't wallow in sadness any longer. Instead, she would reclaim her title as the fierce, untouchable player she had once been.

At the party, Ling's arrival turned heads. Dressed to kill in a sleek black dress that clung to her curves, she exuded confidence and allure. The moment she stepped inside, she felt the familiar thrill of attention wash over her. She quickly spotted a group of admirers and began flirting, her laughter ringing out as she played her part flawlessly.

But all the while, her gaze kept drifting toward Orm, who stood at the other end of the room, talking to Popor. Orm's light brown hair caught the glow of the party lights, and for a brief moment, Ling's heart stuttered. The sight of Orm smiling, enjoying herself with someone else, pierced through her tough facade.

"Hey, Ling!" Bow called, pulling Ling back to the crowd. "Come join us! We're playing a game!"

Ling forced a smile and joined her friends, but her mind was still consumed by the sight of Orm. The more she tried to push away her feelings, the more they clawed back at her. When she spotted Orm leaning in a little too close to Popor, laughter spilling out as they shared an inside joke, jealousy boiled over inside her.

"Can you believe that?" she snapped, breaking away from her friends. "She's just trying to make me jealous. I'll show her how it feels."

With that thought in mind, Ling grabbed a drink and headed toward Orm and Popor, her heart racing. "What a pathetic attempt at moving on," she scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "Trying to replace me already, Orm?"

Orm turned, surprise washing over her face. "Ling, this isn't what it looks like—"

"Then what is it?" Ling cut in, crossing her arms defiantly. "You're out here with Popor, and I'm supposed to believe you're over me?"

"Maybe you should stop making everything about you!" Orm shot back, her cheeks flushing with frustration. "I'm trying to live my life, and if that means spending time with someone else, so be it!"

Ling's heart sank. The icy wall she'd been building around herself crumbled slightly, revealing the hurt she had buried deep. "You think this will make me jealous?" she asked, the coldness in her voice betraying her internal turmoil.

Orm opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Popor chimed in, "Hey, Ling, why don't you let Orm enjoy herself for once? You had your chance, and it looks like you blew it."

"Stay out of this, Popor," Ling snapped, her eyes narrowing. "You don't know anything about us."

Ling's eyes met Orm's, and in that moment, all the walls they had built came crashing down. "I thought we had something real, Orm. But I guess I was wrong. Enjoy your little game with Popor."

With that, Ling turned on her heel and walked away, leaving behind a whirlwind of emotions. She could hear Orm calling after her, but the anger and jealousy had fueled a return to her former self—the cold-hearted player who wouldn't let anyone in.

As Ling stepped outside for some air, she felt the weight of her choice pressing down on her. She glanced back at the party, her heart heavy with regret, but her pride held her back. Maybe it was easier to be the player than to feel the pain of vulnerability.

Inside the party, Orm stood frozen, torn between anger and heartbreak. Ling's words echoed in her mind, and the hurtful sting of their confrontation settled deep within her. The night had only escalated her confusion, and with Popor's attention at her side, she felt more lost than ever.

"Are you okay?" Prikhing asked, coming to Orm's side, concern evident in her eyes.

"No, I'm not okay," Orm admitted, her voice shaking. "Ling and I... I don't know how we got here."

As Orm stood there, feeling the weight of her choices and the growing distance between her and Ling, she couldn't help but wonder if they were truly lost to each other forever.