Wish on an Eyelash (Lingorm)

out of rhythm

As the days went by, the situation between the two girls didn't improve much, with their interaction limited to superficial social media exchanges led by Jihyun and the PR team, along with occasional professional meetings to discuss their 'relationship' strategy.

The day before the Golden Disc Awards, Jihyun met with them at the Stratosphere record label building to review their script for the ceremony. Rami had been avoiding the premises whenever Orm was present, not wanting his presence to discourage the still-angry girl from attending these meetings.

Jihyun adjusted her thin round glasses and glanced at the iPad in her hands. "Okay, let's review the main points for tomorrow. When walking the red carpet, you should appear close but not overly so... just enough to spark curiosity."

"Okay, I'll try to maintain eye contact and stay... within reach of Orm." Lingling spoke with crossed arms, attempting to sound cooperative despite her evident impatience.

Orm arched an eyebrow and gave a light laugh. "Staying within my reach? How romantic. Was that your idea or your manager's?"

Lingling rolled her eyes. "I'm following the script, you moron." She retorted without looking at Orm.

The blonde singer raised her hands in a sign of defense.

"Girls..." Jihyun sighed, attempting to diffuse the tension. "The important thing here is to make it seem like you're getting to know each other and enjoying each other's company. If a reporter asks how you met, remember the story: you bumped into each other at an awards ceremony last year, exchanged contact information, and only then started spending more time together."

"Oh, yes. I fell in love at first sight when you gave me your phone number... written on a little piece of paper, with a little heart drawn on it. Like a modern fairy tale." Orm said, clasping her hands with exaggerated dreaminess.

"Perhaps we should revise the story: I met you throwing up in the street after the ceremony - that would suit you better," Lingling said, trying to contain her irritation, but responding in the same tone.

"Take that back. Now." Orm began to rise.

"GIRLS! focus please" Jihyun quickly intervenes, she clears her throat before continuing. "Now, about red-carpet behavior. Light touches, an arm around the shoulder or a touch of the hand should suffice, okay? Nothing over the top, but also, nothing distant."

"What if I improvise? People appreciate a little spontaneity, you know?" Orm suggested with a half-smile.

"Orm, we have a strategy here. We need the audience to witness a gradual rapprochement between the two of you, not something forced or explosive." cutting Orm off but trying to stay calm, Jihyun said.

"Did you hear that, P'Lingling Kwong? Gradual. Nothing forced. Right, boss." Orm saluted.

"No surprises, Orm," Lingling sighed wearily.

Jihyun reviewed a few more points on her iPad before setting it down.

"So, are we aligned on everything? The posture, the story of how you met, the answers... And remember: the focus is curiosity, not confirmation yet." The publicist asked, straightening her posture.

The two nodded, and Lingling began to stand up. "I understand everything, Khun Jihyun. If you don't have anything else to tell us, I'll excuse myself. I have some other commitments."

"You can go, Lingling, that's all. Thank you for your time." Jihyun gave the Chinese woman a sweet smile.

Lingling returned the gesture and left without sparing Orm a glance.