Between Us || LINGORM

Chapter 17: Confessions at a Party

The party was already in full swing when Orm arrived. Hosted by the International Economics and Tourism Management faculties, the event had been the talk of campus for weeks. The theme, "Cultural Night," added a unique flair, with students dressed in vibrant representations of their heritage. Orm, ever the last-minute planner, opted for a simple yet elegant outfit: a white linen shirt with traditional Thai embroidery paired with tailored black pants.

Orm scanned the room, her nerves heightened by the crowd. She wasn't much for parties, but she wasn't about to miss this one—not when there was a chance to see her.

Lingling.

She spotted her almost immediately. Standing near the bar in a sleek red qipao, Lingling looked stunning. The fitted dress accentuated her elegant frame, and the high slit added an air of boldness to her already commanding presence. Her hair, styled in loose waves, framed her face, while red lipstick completed the look.

Orm froze. No matter how many times she'd seen Lingling, tonight was different. There was something untouchable about her, something that made Orm's heart race and her palms sweat.

"Orm!"

The call snapped her out of her daze. She turned to see Kwang waving her over, a playful grin plastered across his face. Beside him, Jin and Prighking were already a few drinks in, their laughter carrying over the music.

"Finally! We thought you were ditching us," Kwang teased as Orm approached.

"I'm here, aren't I?" Orm replied with a grin, though her attention kept drifting back toward the bar.

"Looking for someone?" Kwang asked, following her gaze.

"No," Orm said too quickly, earning a knowing smirk from her best friend.

"Uh-huh," Kwang said. "Go talk to her."

"I—what? No. She's probably—"

"Standing there alone, looking like she owns the place?" Kwang interrupted. "Yeah, totally busy."

Orm hesitated, glancing back at Lingling. She was sipping her drink, her expression neutral but alert, as though she was waiting for something—or someone.

"Go," Kwang urged, giving Orm a gentle shove.

With a deep breath, Orm stepped toward the bar, her nerves bubbling with each step.

Lingling saw Orm approaching before she reached her. She always noticed Orm, though she hated to admit it. There was something about the other girl's easy charm that unsettled her. Orm was lighthearted where Lingling was composed, warm where Lingling was reserved. It shouldn't have been so captivating, yet it was.

"Hey," Orm said, leaning casually against the bar.

"You're late," Lingling replied, arching a brow.

Orm grinned. "Fashionably late."

Lingling's lips twitched, though she quickly suppressed the smile. "Is that what you're calling it?"

"It's part of my charm," Orm said, her grin widening. "You look amazing, by the way."

Lingling's composure faltered for a moment, a faint blush creeping to her cheeks. "Thank you."

They stood in silence for a beat, the noise of the party fading into the background. Orm wanted to say more, but the words seemed to stick in her throat. Lingling, ever the enigma, kept her expression neutral, though her fingers tightened slightly around her glass.

Before Orm could muster the courage to speak, Jin appeared beside her, pulling her attention away.

"There you are! We're about to hit the dance floor—you coming?" Jin asked, grabbing Orm's arm.

Orm hesitated, glancing at Lingling. "Uh, maybe—"

"Go," Lingling said coolly, cutting her off. "I'm sure Jin won't take no for an answer."

Orm frowned, reluctant to leave. "Are you sure?"

Lingling nodded, her expression unreadable. "Positive."

The dance floor was packed, the music loud and rhythmic. Jin dragged Orm into the throng of students, laughing as they stumbled through a traditional dance. Orm played along, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Lingling.

She couldn't shake the feeling that she'd left something unfinished, that their moment at the bar had been more important than she realized.

After a few songs, she excused herself, ignoring Jin's protests, and slipped outside in search of Lingling.

Lingling was on the patio, the cool night air a welcome reprieve from the stifling heat of the party. She leaned against the railing, her gaze fixed on the city lights below.

"Ling," Orm called softly, stepping outside.

Lingling didn't turn around. "Shouldn't you be inside? Dancing with Jin?"

Orm frowned, walking closer. "Why do you keep bringing her up?"

Lingling's grip on the railing tightened. "It's nothing."

"It's not nothing," Orm pressed. "Talk to me."

Lingling finally turned to face her, her expression guarded. "You're very... social, Orm. Always surrounded by people. It's hard to imagine you needing anyone."

Orm blinked, taken aback. "What? That's not true."

Lingling looked away. "Isn't it? You're always the center of attention. You don't need someone like me."

"Ling..." Orm said softly, stepping closer. "I don't care about being the center of attention. I care about you."

Lingling's breath hitched. "Orm—"

"I mean it," Orm interrupted, her voice firm. "You're the one I want to be around, even when you're bossy and impossible and make me question everything I do. You drive me crazy, Ling, but I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Lingling's composure cracked, her usual coolness replaced by uncertainty. "You scare me," she admitted quietly.

Orm frowned. "What?"

"You make me feel things I'm not used to feeling," Lingling said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not good at this, Orm. I don't know how to..."

"You don't have to figure it out alone," Orm said gently, reaching for her hand. "I'm here. I'll wait as long as it takes."

Lingling looked at her, her eyes glistening with unspoken emotions. For once, she let her guard down, allowing herself to be vulnerable.

"I... like you," she said finally, her voice trembling.

Orm's heart soared, a grin spreading across her face. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to hear that."

Lingling huffed, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You're insufferable."

"And you're impossible," Orm shot back, her tone teasing.

For a moment, they stood there, the world around them fading into insignificance.

"Can I kiss you?" Orm asked softly, her gaze searching Lingling's.

Lingling hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding, her cheeks flushing.

Orm leaned in slowly, giving Lingling plenty of time to pull away. But she didn't. Their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss that quickly deepened, years of tension and unspoken feelings melting away in that single moment.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless, their foreheads resting together.

"I'm still scared," Lingling admitted, her voice barely audible.

Orm smiled, her thumb brushing against Lingling's cheek. "That's okay. We'll figure it out together."

And for the first time in a long time, Lingling felt like she didn't have to face her fears alone.