My lover is my boss (LingOrm)

30 - Announcement

Orm's pov

The next afternoon, I was still floating, feeling like I was walking on air as I entered the cozy cafe where I'd arranged to meet my friends. Sunlight streamed in through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the rustic wooden tables. I spotted Charlotte, Yoko, and Becky sitting at a corner table, already deep in conversation.

"Finally!" Becky exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she noticed me. "I thought you'd stood us up."

I laughed, sliding into the empty seat they'd saved for me. "I'd never stand you guys up. I have something important to tell you."

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, her curiosity clearly piqued. "This sounds serious. Orm, spill it!"

I took a deep breath, glancing around at the three of them, all looking at me with a mix of concern and excitement. I hadn't quite anticipated how nervous I'd feel sharing this news, but now that I was here, the words came rushing out, my voice barely containing my excitement.

"I'm getting married!" I said, the words tumbling out with a joy that surprised even me.

A beat of silence passed, followed by an eruption of reactions from all three of them.

"What?!" Becky shouted, nearly knocking over her coffee as she leaned forward. "You're joking, right? To Ling?"

I laughed, nodding enthusiastically. "Yes, to Ling. She asked me last night."

Yoko's face broke into a smile as she reached across the table to squeeze my hand. "Orm, that's amazing! I'm so happy for you!"

Charlotte, ever the calm one, had a smirk tugging at her lips. "Leave it to Ling to keep things intense. I bet she had some grand plan?"

I shook my head, laughing softly. "Actually, it was simple and perfect. She just looked at me, and... I don't know. She made me feel like I was the only person in the world. It wasn't flashy, just honest."

Becky was beaming, practically bouncing in her seat. "Okay, so you're telling us you're going to marry Ling. Like, the Ling? Calm, collected, can-lift-anything Ling?"

I grinned, nodding. "Yes. I'm going to be her wife."

"Oh my God, this is huge!" Becky practically squealed. "You have to tell us everything. How did she ask? What did she say? Don't leave out a single detail."

"Alright, alright," I said, laughing at their enthusiasm. "So, we were just sitting in her apartment, talking, and out of nowhere, she got this look in her eyes. You know how Ling is... when she has something serious to say, she gets that intense gaze."

Charlotte nodded knowingly. "Like she's sizing you up, making sure you're ready."

"Exactly!" I agreed. "She looked at me, and then she just... asked. It was so simple, but it felt like the most natural thing in the world."

Yoko smiled, her eyes warm. "That sounds like her. Ling's never been one for theatrics. She cares about the real connection."

"Right?" I said, feeling a warm glow of gratitude for my friends. "She said she wanted me to be her 'forever.'"

Becky let out a little gasp, putting her hand over her heart dramatically. "Okay, I'm not crying, but... wow."

Charlotte shook her head, smiling fondly. "I have to admit, I didn't see this coming, but it fits. You two have that... electric thing going on."

Becky nodded eagerly. "So, have you thought about the wedding? Where you want it? Who you're inviting?"

I laughed, holding up my hands. "Whoa, we only got engaged last night. Ling and I haven't even had a chance to talk about all that."

"Well, you'll need a killer wedding party," Yoko said, giving me a sly grin. "And as your best friends, I think we can offer our services."

Charlotte raised her coffee cup in a mock toast. "To Orm and Ling. May you two have the most beautiful, ridiculous, and love-filled life together."

My heart swelled at their words, and I raised my own glass of iced coffee, feeling a surge of happiness and gratitude. "Thank you. Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without you guys."

"Oh, don't go all sentimental on us," Becky said, though her eyes shone with emotion. "But... seriously, Orm, we're thrilled for you. I can't wait to see you walk down that aisle."

The rest of the afternoon flew by in a blur of laughter, jokes, and endless questions about the wedding. The warmth of my friends' excitement made everything feel even more real, and by the time I left the cafe, I felt a renewed sense of joy and anticipation for the new chapter that awaited me and Ling.