Ink & Intentions (Lingorm)

5. Testing limits

Ling tapped her pen impatiently against the stack of casebooks as she waited for Tan and Bow to arrive. Their study sessions had become a regular fixture in her week—a reprieve from both her workload and, lately, from Orm's constant presence. Since the late-night baking incident, Orm had seemed to double down on her carefree attitude, turning their apartment into an ever-louder hub for her friends and their artsy, impromptu gatherings.

Ling sighed, glancing toward her bedroom door, hoping for a peaceful evening to catch up on her readings.

Just as she opened her book, she heard the front door open and the muffled sounds of laughter from the hallway. Moments later, Orm's voice carried through the apartment, along with Prikhing's unmistakable giggle.

"You didn't! Orm, come on—you're going to get us kicked out of that café if you keep that up!" Prikhing laughed, her voice bright and teasing.

Orm laughed too, louder than usual, and Ling's patience started wearing thin. She stood up and made her way to the living room, already mentally rehearsing her request to keep things quiet. But when she entered the room, she stopped short.

Prikhing and Orm had commandeered the couch and coffee table, which was now scattered with sketchbooks, pencils, and an array of half-finished designs. Orm's eyes lit up when she saw Ling standing in the doorway, as if she'd been waiting for her entrance.

"Well, if it isn't the legal eagle herself," Orm said, her grin mischievous. "Are we gracing you with our presence, or would you rather we not?"

Ling forced herself to stay calm. "Actually, I was hoping for a quieter night. I'm studying, and Tan and Bow are coming over."

Prikhing and Orm exchanged glances before Orm raised an eyebrow at Ling. "Isn't it a little early to be pulling the 'roommate silence' card?" She leaned back into the couch, clearly unfazed.

Ling clenched her jaw. "I'm just asking for some consideration, Orm. It's not like you don't have other places to hang out."

Prikhing stood up, sensing the tension. "Maybe I'll head out early. I've got class tomorrow anyway."

Orm waved her off. "You don't have to go, Prikhing. Ling's just... not used to having a lively home."

Ling narrowed her eyes, her patience slipping. "No, I'm just not used to roommates who treat the place like a social club."

Orm grinned, leaning forward with a glint of challenge in her eyes. "Maybe you should be thanking me for bringing some fun into your life."

"Fun? Orm, there's a difference between fun and just... total disregard for other people."

Before Orm could respond, the door buzzed, signaling Tan and Bow's arrival. They walked in, casting curious glances between Ling and Orm, sensing the tension.

"Uh, everything good?" Tan asked, glancing between the two roommates.

Ling took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Yes. We were just finishing up a... friendly discussion."

Orm shrugged, a knowing smirk still on her face. "Don't let me stop you all. I'll clear out my 'social club,' as Ling calls it."

She gave Ling a dramatic little wave, gathering her things before gesturing for Prikhing to follow. But just before she walked out, Orm turned back and shot Ling a quick wink, as if to say, Challenge accepted.

Later that evening, Ling was in her room, trying to get back into her readings, when her phone buzzed. She picked it up to see a message from an unknown number.

    Unknown: It seems we're bound to clash. Guess who?

Ling stared at the screen, her mind racing. She typed back, cautiously.

    Ling: If this is a prank, it's not very clever.

The response came quickly.

    Unknown: Ouch. And here I thought the law student would love a little mystery. Fine, I'll make it easier: do you prefer lemon cake or blueberry muffins?

Ling suppressed a smile, though her annoyance lingered.

    Ling: Orm, you can't just text me to annoy me after causing a scene.

    Orm: Oh, come on. Life's no fun without a little back-and-forth. Admit it—you'd miss it.

Ling's fingers hovered over the keyboard. She didn't want to give Orm the satisfaction, but... maybe there was a part of her that found their bickering oddly exhilarating.

    Ling: I'd miss the peace and quiet, actually.

    Orm: Noted. Next time, I'll make sure my "social club" moves to the library. And by the way, I left the rest of the lemon cake in the fridge. Just in case you needed a midnight snack.

Ling rolled her eyes but couldn't help a small smile from forming.

    Ling: Don't count on me thanking you.

    Orm: Oh, I wouldn't dream of it.

Ling closed the chat, still feeling the buzz of their exchange. For all her frustration, she couldn't deny that Orm's presence had started to rattle something loose in her—something she couldn't quite define.

As she returned to her readings, she found herself glancing at her phone, half-hoping for another message, though she told herself it was just to tell Orm off if she sent one.

Somehow, though, Ling already knew that their back-and-forth was far from over.