Ink & Intentions (Lingorm)

9. Drawn together

Ling was barely an hour into her Saturday study session when Bow and Tan burst into her room, all but yanking her out of her chair.

"No excuses today, Ling! You're coming with us," Bow declared, grinning as she looped her arm through Ling's.

"Where?" Ling asked, caught between confusion and amusement as they pulled her down the dorm hallway.

"Art showcase," Tan said, exchanging a smug glance with Bow. "It's about time you see a little more than just law books."

Despite herself, Ling found her curiosity building as they headed toward the arts building. She hadn't been back there since the time she'd gone to see Orm, and she couldn't help but wonder if Orm would be there today. The very thought sent her pulse racing.

The arts building was buzzing with energy—students and professors mingling around installations, sculptures, and sketches. The vibrant colors, the passionate conversations, and the hum of creativity made the space feel electric. Ling took it all in, but her eyes couldn't help but wander, searching through the crowd.

"Oh, she's definitely looking for someone," Bow teased, nudging her.

Ling felt her cheeks warm. "I'm not—just curious to see what's on display."

"Uh-huh," Tan said, grinning. "Well, let's get closer to the action."

They made their way deeper into the showcase, and just as they rounded a corner, Ling spotted Orm, standing near her easel. Orm's usual laid-back expression was replaced by a deep focus as she worked, her fingers smudged with charcoal. She wore a paint-splattered button-up, her sleeves rolled up, hair falling messily around her face.

Just as Ling's gaze lingered, Orm looked up. Their eyes met, and for a heartbeat, everything else faded. Orm's lips curled into a slow, knowing smile as she set down her charcoal.

"Look who decided to join us in the world of color," Orm said, her voice warm with surprise as Ling walked up.

"Well, Bow and Tan practically dragged me here," Ling replied, trying to sound casual. But with Orm's gaze on her, it was difficult to keep her cool.

Orm arched an eyebrow, that familiar playful glint in her eyes. "Glad they did. Want to try your hand at this?"

Ling blinked. "Me? I wouldn't even know where to start."

Orm stepped closer, picking up a piece of charcoal and holding it out to her. "It's easy. I'll show you."

Ling hesitated, glancing down at the charcoal before slowly taking it. As her fingers closed around it, Orm's hand remained on hers, guiding her toward the easel. She felt Orm's arm wrap gently around her waist, pulling her closer to the canvas, and her breath hitched at the warmth of Orm's presence behind her. Her heart raced, and she could barely concentrate as Orm's hand lightly rested over hers.

"Just... loosen your grip," Orm murmured, her breath brushing against Ling's ear, sending a shiver down her spine. "Like this."

They moved together in one fluid motion, their hands gliding across the paper as Orm guided her through the strokes. The closeness was dizzying, and Ling felt a heat rise in her cheeks as Orm's fingers tightened just slightly, pressing her own more firmly against the charcoal.

"Not bad," Orm whispered, leaning in even closer, her voice a soft murmur against Ling's ear. Ling's pulse quickened as Orm's fingers continued to linger over hers, their hands barely moving anymore as they stood, caught in the moment.

Ling swallowed, feeling the weight of Orm's gaze. "I... I think I got it," she managed, her voice coming out softer than intended.

Orm didn't move away. Her hand still rested over Ling's, her fingers tracing soft circles against her knuckles as she looked down at her. "Maybe," Orm said, her eyes darkening, her voice low. "But practice doesn't hurt, does it?"

Ling's heart pounded as she felt Orm's touch drift from her hand to her waist, her fingers brushing lightly against her side. She could barely breathe as Orm's gaze flickered between her eyes and her lips. But just as she was about to say something, a familiar voice broke the tension.

"Ling! There you are."

Ling pulled away, her heart still racing, to see Wisanu approaching with a friendly smile. She tried to compose herself, forcing a polite smile in return.

"Wisanu! Didn't expect to see you here," she said, glancing at him while trying to steady her breath.

Wisanu smiled, his gaze drifting between her and Orm, picking up on the tension but choosing not to comment. "Well, it's a nice change from the usual law crowd. Actually, I was hoping I'd run into you."

Orm's expression remained unreadable, but her hand still lingered at Ling's waist, a barely-there reminder of the moment they'd just shared. She stayed quiet, watching Wisanu with an unreadable expression.

"Oh?" Ling asked, trying to focus on Wisanu, though she was keenly aware of Orm's proximity.

Wisanu smiled. "Yeah. I was thinking we could take a break from all the studying chaos. How about dinner sometime?"

The invitation caught her off guard. Ling opened her mouth to respond but hesitated, glancing quickly at Orm, who had gone still beside her.

"Dinner sounds nice," she finally replied, trying to sound lighthearted, though her heart was still racing.

Wisanu beamed. "Great. How about tomorrow night?"

Ling nodded, feeling a small thrill at the thought. "Sure. I'd like that."

Wisanu gave a quick nod, throwing a polite smile at Orm before excusing himself to look at other parts of the exhibit. As he left, Ling felt the tension return as Orm remained beside her, her hand now sliding away from her waist.

"Dinner, huh?" Orm said, her tone neutral, though her eyes held a challenge.

Ling shrugged, hoping she looked casual. "Yeah. It's just... dinner."

Orm gave a quiet laugh, her gaze softening, but her eyes were fixed intently on her. "Of course. Just don't let him bore you too much. The law crowd isn't exactly known for being thrilling."

"Is that right?" Ling replied, a touch of defiance in her voice. "Well, maybe he'll surprise me."

Orm leaned in, her eyes flicking down to Ling's lips and back up again. "Maybe he will. Or maybe... you'll find the company lacking in comparison."

Ling's breath caught, her face warming. "I guess... I'll find out tomorrow."

A small smirk curved Orm's lips, and she took a step back, crossing her arms. "Sure you will." But before she left, she let her fingers brush against Ling's one last time, her touch lingering just long enough to make Ling's heart pound all over again.

As Ling walked out with Bow and Tan, the memory of Orm's touch stayed with her, lingering long after they'd left the arts building. And despite her agreement with Wisanu, she found her thoughts drifting back to that moment at the easel, and the undeniable spark she couldn't quite ignore.