Ink & Intentions (Lingorm)

17. Departures and Destinations

Orm spent the days leading up to the trip planning her packing list. The idea of being away with Ling again had lifted her spirits in a way that nothing else had in days. Despite Ling's sudden distance, Orm held onto a quiet optimism that things would sort themselves out in the snow-covered mountains. She'd even picked out a soft red scarf she knew Ling would appreciate, hoping it might spark an overdue conversation.

On the day of departure, Orm found herself standing in front of the mirror, fussing over her sweater. She'd chosen a simple, fitted knit that was warm yet flattering, wanting to strike a balance between looking cute and being practical. Just as she pulled her duffle bag onto her shoulder, her phone buzzed.

Ling: I'll be there soon.

Reading the message, Orm's heart skipped a beat, and she grabbed her things, rushing out the door to meet Ling at the curb. Her friend arrived in a black car driven by Wisanu, and Orm felt a tiny pang seeing them laughing inside. She forced herself to smile as she approached.

"Hey! You ready?" Wisanu greeted her with an easy grin as she climbed into the backseat, settling in beside Ling. She managed a nod, though her focus lingered on Ling, who gave her a brief, uncertain smile before turning her gaze back to the road.

The car ride buzzed with excited chatter as they drove toward the meeting spot. Ying and the others were waiting for them there, and from there, they'd board a larger van together to take them up to the mountains. Everyone seemed in high spirits, but Orm couldn't help noticing how Ling kept a bit of extra distance, always leaning toward Wisanu instead of her. Orm tried not to let it get to her, but it wasn't easy.

Once they reached the meeting point, the group was already assembled, a flurry of bags, scarves, and laughter greeting them.

"Finally! You guys are here!" Ying said, pulling them into a warm hug. "Come on, let's load up!"

They all pitched in, piling the bags into the back of the van as Bow and Tan cracked jokes. Ling and Wisanu worked together, and Orm found herself standing next to Ying, watching them from a few feet away.

"Ling's really cozy with Wisanu these days, huh?" Orm commented lightly, trying to keep her voice casual.

Ying shot her a knowing glance. "Does that bother you?"

Orm shrugged, laughing it off. "Why would it?"

"Just a feeling," Ying teased with a wink, nudging her. "Come on, don't try to fool me. I've seen the way you two look at each other."

Orm rolled her eyes, but the comment stayed with her. She couldn't deny the jealousy bubbling under the surface, and as they piled into the van, she couldn't help but feel more on edge than before.

The drive up the mountain was filled with a lively energy. Bow and Tan played music over a speaker, and Ying passed around snacks while cracking jokes with everyone. Orm tried to join in, but her attention kept wandering toward Ling and Wisanu, who were talking quietly in the front seat. She could just make out Ling's soft laughter, and it stung in a way that caught her off guard.

When they finally pulled into the parking lot of the hotel, snowflakes were already beginning to drift lazily from the sky. The crisp air bit at their faces as they stepped out, their laughter echoing through the silent winter landscape. The hotel was a charming lodge nestled among towering pines, its wooden architecture decorated with lights that made it look like something out of a postcard.

Inside, they were greeted by the warmth of the lobby, the air filled with the smell of pine and a faint hint of cocoa. They checked in as a group, Ying collecting their room keys from the front desk.