Between Us || LINGORM

Chapter 9: The Bet

Orm couldn't shake the image of Lingling Kwong, poised and electric under the stage lights, from her mind. Lingling had been transformed that night, the hard edges of her usual demeanor softened into something fierce and captivating. Seeing her play guitar with such abandon had sent Orm's thoughts tumbling into confusion. Now, days later, she found herself in the university's economics building, struggling to concentrate as the professors discussed market dynamics.

Kwang, Orm's friend and perpetual source of mischief, elbowed her sharply. "You're staring into space again. Did you even catch that last part?" he whispered, amusement glinting in his eyes.

Orm blinked, refocusing with a sheepish smile. "I'm fine, Kwang. Just thinking."

"About a certain band guitarist?" Kwang teased.

"Shh!" Orm hissed, cheeks warming. Kwang's grin widened, but before he could continue, the seminar ended. Students shuffled out, and Orm let out a sigh of relief.

Before she could slip away, Lingling appeared in the hallway, her presence commanding and effortless. She was dressed in her usual crisp attire—perfectly fitted trousers and a blouse that spoke of understated elegance. Lingling's gaze met Orm's, the hint of a challenge dancing in her eyes.

"Kornnaphat," Lingling's voice was cool and composed. "Do you have a moment?"

Kwang arched an eyebrow, but Orm waved him away before facing Lingling with forced nonchalance. "What's up?"

"We need to finalize our plans for the joint project," Lingling said. Her tone was as authoritative as always, but Orm noticed the way her fingers tapped against the portfolio in her hand—a small, restless motion that contradicted her usual calm.

"Sure," Orm replied, a playful smile forming. "But you know, you're awfully serious about this."

Lingling's eyes narrowed. "Seriousness ensures results. If you intend to succeed, you should try it sometime."

Orm's grin only widened. "Is that a challenge?"

A moment of silence stretched between them, charged and unspoken. Lingling's gaze didn't waver. "Perhaps."

Impulsively, Orm laughed. "Fine. I'll make you a bet." Lingling's brows rose, and Orm felt a surge of boldness. "I bet I can make you loosen up before you finish making me act serious."

Lingling tilted her head, her expression inscrutable. "And what do you propose we wager?"

Orm hesitated, then smirked. "Loser treats the winner to a meal. At the fanciest place the winner chooses."

For a moment, Orm thought Lingling might refuse. But then, a tiny smirk appeared, and the challenge in her eyes sharpened. "Deal."

---

The first opportunity for their wager came later that week. Orm arrived at the campus library, a place she usually avoided for its stifling quiet. Today, however, she found Lingling seated at a table by the window, surrounded by neatly arranged notes and highlighters. The late afternoon sun painted the scene in warm hues, making Lingling's hair glow like polished onyx.

"You're late," Lingling said without looking up.

Orm dropped into the chair across from her, sliding her bag under the table. "Just fashionably," she replied. Lingling's unimpressed glance told her that humor wouldn't win this round.

"We need to outline our presentation. I've already prepared an agenda," Lingling said, sliding a sheet across the table.

Orm scanned the meticulous outline, impressed despite herself. But she couldn't resist needling Lingling. "All work, no play? You know, taking a break now and then can help with creativity."

Lingling's expression didn't shift, but Orm thought she caught the faintest twitch of amusement at the corner of her mouth. "And yet, you're always so relaxed. Remind me, how's that working out for your GPA?"

Orm pretended to wince. "Ouch. That stings."

"Good," Lingling said, though her eyes softened. "Now, shall we begin?"

Orm settled down, focusing as best she could. Lingling's explanations were precise and thorough, and Orm soon found herself genuinely engrossed. Still, she couldn't resist small acts of rebellion—tapping her pen, doodling on the edges of her paper, trying to catch Lingling's gaze.

Lingling finally sighed, setting down her pen. "Do you ever take anything seriously?"

"I do," Orm replied, dropping her playful act for a moment. "But you make it hard not to push your buttons. You're just so—"

"What?" Lingling's tone was neutral, but her eyes seemed to dare Orm to continue.

Orm leaned forward, a spark of mischief in her eyes. "So sure of yourself. It's like nothing can shake you."

Lingling's silence was telling. For a heartbeat, Orm thought she saw a flicker of something vulnerable in those dark eyes—something that matched the music she'd seen Lingling pour herself into on stage.

Before the moment could stretch any further, Lingling picked up her pen again. "We should finish this by the end of the hour."

Orm sat back, the seed of her next move already forming.

---

A few days later, Orm caught Lingling leaving the Pilates studio on campus. Dressed in sleek athletic gear, Lingling's posture was flawless, even after a strenuous session. Orm jogged to catch up, panting playfully.

"Were you watching?" Lingling asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Maybe," Orm replied, unfazed. "I was thinking—why don't we switch it up? I'll join you for Pilates, and you come with me to the arcade after. Double or nothing on the bet."

Lingling's eyes glinted with a rare light. "You think you can handle it?"

"We'll see," Orm shot back.

What followed was a comedic attempt at Pilates. Orm, usually coordinated in her own way, struggled to match Lingling's controlled movements. Each failed pose drew an exasperated sigh from Lingling and a burst of laughter from Orm.

"You're impossible," Lingling said after Orm toppled for the fourth time.

"But I'm fun," Orm grinned, rolling to her feet. "And now it's your turn."

At the arcade, Lingling's reluctance was palpable, but she stepped up to the challenge. Orm chose an easy racing game, hoping to ease her into the chaos. Lingling's competitive streak, however, surprised her.

"You're cheating," Lingling accused, eyes narrowing as Orm overtook her car on the screen.

"Me? Never," Orm replied, pressing buttons with mock innocence.

They finished side by side, laughter spilling out between them.

"This doesn't mean you've won," Lingling said, her voice softer than usual.

"But it means I'm close," Orm whispered, and this time, Lingling didn't disagree.

focused with the same intensity as during their study sessions, gripping the wheel tightly. Orm stifled a laugh. Lingling's competitive nature was both a blessing and a curse.

When Lingling narrowly lost to Orm, her jaw tightened. But then, a smile, small and genuine, broke through.

"See? Loosening up isn't so bad," Orm teased. Lingling shook her head but didn't deny it.
It seemed the bet was starting to even out.

A/N: Hello, everyone 😞 i'm afraid i'm losing my writing skills hasjhsnsh. Do y'all still think this is entertaining??