Ink & Intentions (Lingorm)

11. The date

Ling descended the dorm steps, the evening air crisp and refreshing as she caught sight of Wisanu waiting by the lamppost. When he turned, his gaze met hers, and his eyes widened, a warm grin spreading across his face as he took in her appearance.

"Ling," he said, admiration evident in his voice. "You look stunning."

Ling felt a blush creep into her cheeks. "Thanks. You look nice, too," she replied, smiling softly.

They walked side by side down the bustling street toward the restaurant, easing into a comfortable rhythm. Ling found herself surprised by Wisanu's easy charm and genuine warmth. They shared casual laughs and stories from class, and she began to relax, thinking this night was going better than she'd expected.

The restaurant was hidden behind a row of flower boxes, tucked away from the main road. Inside, it was all dim lighting and quiet music, a cozy, secluded ambiance that made Ling's heart race a little faster.

"Hope you're up for something a little adventurous," Wisanu said with a grin as they sat down.

Ling returned his smile, letting the nervous energy fade. "Bring it on."

Throughout dinner, their conversation drifted between laughter, shared dreams, and lighthearted teasing. Ling found herself genuinely enjoying Wisanu's company, but in the quiet moments, her thoughts would drift back to Orm—the way she'd looked at her with that playful, knowing smirk, the way her hands lingered a little longer than necessary.

Just as she was finishing her meal, her phone buzzed quietly in her purse. She took a discreet glance and saw a message.

Orm: How's Prince Charming treating you?

Ling couldn't help the smile that broke out, though she quickly tried to mask it. Wisanu noticed and raised an eyebrow, amused. "Everything alright?"

Ling nodded, tucking her phone away. "Oh, just my roommate. She has a habit of... checking up on me."

"Orm, right?" Wisanu asked with genuine curiosity. "You two seem close."

Ling's smile faltered, her thoughts tangling up again. "Yeah... I guess you could say that."

As dinner wrapped up, Wisanu paid the bill, brushing off Ling's offer to chip in with a casual wave of his hand. "Just let me enjoy the honor," he teased, and she couldn't help but laugh, feeling a warmth toward him that was sincere, if a bit distant.

Ling took a deep breath, allowing herself a moment to soak in the night air as she approached the campus with Wisanu beside her. She felt a surprising lightness from their evening together—a strange blend of excitement and comfort. Wisanu's laughter and charm had made it easy to forget the usual tangle of thoughts, the recent restlessness that seemed to follow her like a shadow.

"I have to say, tonight was perfect," Wisanu said as they slowed down near her dorm, the soft light from the entry casting warm shadows across his face.

Ling glanced up at him, a shy smile breaking across her face. "Yeah, it really was."

For a moment, they lingered, Wisanu's gaze holding hers. Ling's pulse picked up as she sensed him leaning in, just the slightest tilt of his head and a quick dart of his eyes down toward her lips. Her heartbeat quickened, her mind buzzing with nerves as she half-closed her eyes, waiting—

The sharp creak of the dorm door broke the moment like a spell.

Ling's eyes snapped open, and Wisanu jerked back as if caught red-handed. Standing in the doorway, casually leaning against the frame, was Orm, looking every bit the amused spectator. Her arms were crossed, a smirk hovering at the edge of her lips as she looked from Wisanu to Ling with the faintest glint of mischief in her eyes.