Between Us || LINGORM

Chapter 1

Orm Kornnaphat had always been drawn to the excitement of the city, with its buzzing streets and promises of freedom. Moving to Bangkok for college felt like she'd finally stepped into the world she'd dreamed of for years. Her mom, Mae Koy—a famous actress with a personality as big as her reputation—had raised Orm in a cozy suburban bubble, far from the prying eyes of the city. But Bangkok offered something different, something new. Here, she wasn't just Mae Koy's daughter. She was Orm, free to explore, make her own choices, and dive into her future on her own terms.

Living at home wasn't really an option. Mae Koy had always been loving but overprotective, often monitoring Orm's every move. She'd grown up used to the media flashing cameras in her face, with reporters asking her endless questions about her "glamorous life." But Orm wanted something real, something she could build on her own, without her mother's shadow looming over her. So when she got accepted into the Faculty of International Economics, she insisted on staying in the dorms, arguing that it was all part of the college experience.

Her mom had given her that signature look—an eyebrow raised, arms crossed, a mix of worry and amusement in her eyes. "Just remember," Mae Koy had said, voice serious despite the slight smile, "Bangkok isn't like home. Be careful, and please don't get into trouble."

"Mom, I'm not a kid anymore," Orm had replied, laughing, though she knew Mae Koy's concern was genuine. She promised her mom she'd keep her head down, focus on her studies, and avoid distractions. But in her heart, Orm had no intention of living quietly.

Dragging her last suitcase down the pristine condo hallway, Orm took a deep breath, feeling a thrill of independence as she glanced down at her room assignment. Room 403. She was finally here, and this condo—temporary as it was before she'd be fully moved into the dorms—would be her first taste of freedom.

She pushed the keycard into the slot, hearing the faint click as the door unlocked. Smiling to herself, she swung it open, expecting to find a generic, semi-messy college student's space. Instead, she was hit by an atmosphere that felt like a high-end magazine spread—sleek furnishings, minimalist décor, and a faint hint of lavender in the air. The place practically gleamed with elegance, so pristine it felt wrong to even step inside.

Before Orm could take it all in, a voice, crisp and icy as a winter breeze, interrupted her.

"Can I help you?"

Startled, Orm turned, her suitcase bumping against her leg as she looked toward the source of the voice. A girl stood in the doorway, leaning against the wall with an expression that was both bored and appraising. She had a presence that could silence a room, her posture radiating an effortless elegance and confidence. Dark, precisely styled hair framed her face, and her gaze was as sharp as it was unimpressed.

"Uh... I'm Orm," she managed, forcing a casual smile to mask her surprise. She glanced down at her room assignment again, feeling a flicker of doubt. "This is Room 403, right?"

"Yes, it is," the girl replied, raising an eyebrow as though Orm had asked a ridiculous question. "And I wasn't expecting a roommate."

"Oh," Orm stammered, taken aback. She forced a sheepish laugh, hoping to break the ice. "Guess they didn't tell you. Looks like we're sharing."

The girl's expression didn't soften. If anything, her gaze became even more calculating, as though she were taking mental notes on Orm's every move. After a long, uncomfortable silence, she nodded slightly, her voice cool and impassive. "I'm Lingling Kwong. And just so we're clear, sharing a room doesn't mean we're friends."

Orm's smile faded a fraction, surprised by the bluntness. Not even a 'nice to meet you'. She straightened, trying to shake off the awkwardness that lingered between them. "Got it. Don't worry; I wasn't expecting a friendship starter kit with the room key."

Lingling's gaze flicked over her, and Orm felt as though she were being dissected under that intense, unfazed stare. Dressed in ripped jeans and an oversized hoodie, Orm felt almost childish compared to Lingling's perfectly polished look, a striking mix of sophistication and unapproachability. After a brief pause, Lingling merely nodded and turned, moving further into the condo with a quiet grace that made it clear she was used to commanding her space.

Pushing down a flicker of annoyance, Orm dragged her bags over to the empty bed, setting them down with a thud. So much for a warm welcome. She hadn't expected her first encounter in Bangkok to feel like a job interview she was failing. But even as she fought off her irritation, Orm couldn't deny a strange sense of curiosity. This was Lingling Kwong—the name sounded familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. Still, Lingling looked every bit like the kind of girl people whispered about: beautiful, intimidating, and completely out of reach.

As Orm unpacked, she found herself stealing glances at Lingling, who had already settled at her desk, typing away on a sleek laptop. Her posture was flawless, her gaze trained on the screen with a focus that seemed to shut out the entire world, including Orm.

After a few moments of strained silence, Orm's curiosity got the better of her, and she attempted to bridge the gap. "So... tourism management, right?" she asked, aiming for casual.

Lingling looked up, her face unreadable. "Yes. And you're studying... economics?" Her tone was polite, yet somehow detached, as if she were merely going through the motions.

"Yep. International economics." Orm paused, waiting for a flicker of interest. When none came, she cleared her throat, shifting awkwardly. "Well, I'll try not to mess with your schedule too much."

Lingling gave a curt nod. "That would be appreciated."

Suppressing a sigh, Orm forced a lighthearted smile. "Got it. I'll try not to disturb Queen Lingling's peace, then."

She thought she saw the faintest flicker of amusement in Lingling's expression, but just as quickly, it vanished, replaced by her usual stoic demeanor. Lingling turned back to her laptop, shutting down the conversation with a dismissive flick of her hair.

Orm exhaled, the silence in the room feeling heavier by the minute. The hours ticked by in a tense truce, each of them keeping to their own side of the room. Orm unpacked her belongings slowly, taking her time with each item, partly out of nervousness, partly out of a stubborn determination not to let Lingling intimidate her. But it was hard to ignore the strange aura Lingling carried—like a perfectly composed storm, calm on the surface but full of hidden intensity.

That night, lying in bed, Orm stared up at the ceiling, her mind buzzing with questions she didn't dare voice. Who even is this girl? Lingling was an enigma, an untouchable force with a coolness that kept everyone at arm's length. Orm couldn't decide if she was more annoyed or fascinated, but either way, she knew one thing for certain: her time in Bangkok was not going to be as simple as she'd hoped.

In her mind, she heard her mother's voice: "Bangkok isn't like home." She'd expected to face challenges, yes, but nothing quite like this—a roommate who managed to unsettle her with just a look, a girl who seemed to exist on another level entirely.

This isn't going to be easy, Orm thought, her lips curving into a small smile despite herself. But it might just be interesting.