My Princess - LINGORM

25

The morning sunlight poured into my bedroom through the window, casting a warm glow over my desk as I sat there, still riding the high of yesterday's victory. My A+ in economics—my first real triumph in a subject that had once felt like an insurmountable obstacle—felt like a badge of honor. I shuffled through my notes, unable to stop smiling at the sight of my test score. Pride welled up in my chest, and I found myself thinking about Ling. She had been such a huge part of this success. Her guidance, her patience—it all paid off.

Just as I was basking in the glow of accomplishment, the door to my room flew open. Yoko popped her head in with that trademark mischievous grin of hers, and I knew immediately she was up to no good.

"Well, well, well! Look who's finally waking up to the world of economics," she said, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm.

I turned in my chair, crossing my arms, ready for whatever teasing she had in store. "What do you want, Yoko?" I asked, though I couldn't hide the smile creeping onto my face.

"Just wanted to congratulate the new genius of the house!" she said, striding into the room and flopping down on my bed as if she owned the place. "A+ in economics? What did Ling teach you? Some secret study techniques, or did she just charm you into learning?"

I rolled my eyes, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks at the mention of Ling. "It's not like that," I said, trying to sound casual. "Ling is just a really good teacher. I put in the work."

Yoko sat up a little, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, come on! You can't tell me there's not a little bit of tutoring going on after hours." She wiggled her eyebrows in an exaggerated way, and despite myself, I couldn't help but laugh.

"Yoko, seriously," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, though it was hard to stay composed with her relentless teasing. "We're just studying. You know I'm focused on my grades."

"Sure, sure," she said, not missing a beat. "And I'm sure those late-night study sessions have absolutely nothing to do with your sudden rise in grades. I mean, what kind of tutor doesn't spend extra time with their star pupil?"

I grabbed a pillow and hurled it at her, but she dodged it effortlessly, cackling as she settled back onto my bed. "You're impossible!" I exclaimed, but I couldn't suppress my grin.

Yoko leaned back, her teasing demeanor softening slightly. "But really, Orm, I'm proud of you! An A+ is no small feat, especially for someone who was practically drowning in this stuff at the start."

Her words sent a warm rush through me, and I felt a genuine smile form on my lips. "Thanks," I said, appreciating the support behind her playful exterior. "I couldn't have done it without Ling's help."

"Oh, I bet you two have been spending plenty of time together," Yoko quipped, that teasing spark returning to her eyes. "You practically glow whenever you mention her. I should probably start charging her rent for all the time she's spending in your head."

I burst out laughing, shaking my head at her over-the-top comments. "You're ridiculous," I said, trying to brush off the fluttering feeling that her words had stirred up.

"Ridiculously observant," Yoko shot back with a wink. "Just admit it—you've got a crush on your tutor. It's adorable."

My face grew hot, and I quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the scattered papers on my desk. "It's not like that," I mumbled, though even I wasn't entirely convinced of that anymore.

"Oh, please. It's written all over your face!" Yoko leaned in closer, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial tone. "You're just too scared to admit it because you think she'll turn back into 'tough teacher mode' if she finds out."

I let out an exasperated sigh, feeling both amused and frustrated at her relentless teasing. "Can we drop this, please?"

"Fine, fine," Yoko said, throwing her hands up in mock surrender, though I could see the smirk still lingering on her lips. "But I'll be here for the grand moment when you finally confess your feelings. I'll even bring popcorn."

"Yeah, I'm sure you will," I replied dryly, though I couldn't help but laugh at the mental image of Yoko sitting in a theater seat with a giant bucket of popcorn, watching my life like a rom-com.

"Speaking of Ling, when's your next session with her?" Yoko asked, still grinning but steering the conversation back on track.

"We have another session later this week," I said, trying to keep my tone as neutral as possible.

Yoko's grin widened. "Good! Just remember, if you need me to give her some pointers on how to be less harsh, I'm just a text away."

"Yoko!" I groaned, rolling my eyes at her once again. She really didn't know when to quit, but it was impossible to stay annoyed with her for long.

"Okay, okay, I'll stop. For now," she said with a smirk. "But seriously, I'm happy for you. Keep it up, and who knows? Maybe next time you'll be the one tutoring her."

I raised an eyebrow, giving her a skeptical look. "Yeah, I highly doubt that."

"Why not? You've got the brains, and if there's chemistry—" she began, but I cut her off, my face flushing bright red.

"Yoko!" I said, my voice somewhere between mortified and amused.

She just laughed, clearly enjoying my embarrassment. "Alright, alright, I'll quit while I'm ahead. But I'll be here, ready to celebrate your next victory."

As Yoko finally left my room, the teasing still ringing in my ears, I couldn't help but feel a lingering sense of happiness. Despite her relentless ribbing, I knew she cared about me and my progress. And her ridiculous comments about Ling, while embarrassing, had stirred something within me. Was she right? Was there something more to my feelings for Ling than just admiration?

I shook my head, trying to focus on the positives—my grades, my progress, and the excitement of what was to come. My next tutoring session with Ling was only a few days away, and despite Yoko's teasing, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipation. Would things be different now? Would Ling notice how I felt?

The thought sent a thrill through me, and I couldn't help but smile as I sat back down at my desk. Whatever happened, I was ready to face it—grades, feelings, and all.