Between Us || LINGORM

Chapter 24: Their First Date

Lingling stood in front of her full-length mirror, smoothing down the hem of her tailored black blazer and ensuring her high-waisted trousers sat perfectly against her frame. The sharp lines of her outfit exuded authority and control, matched by the sleek leather heels she wore. She tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, her confidence only slightly undermined by the flutter in her chest.

Tonight had to be perfect.

Her phone buzzed on the dresser. She glanced down to see a message from Orm:

"I'm ready whenever you are! I hope I look okay next to you 😅."

Lingling's lips twitched into a faint smile. "I'll be the judge of that," she texted back, slipping her phone into her small black clutch.

Taking a deep breath, Lingling grabbed her keys and walked out the door, her heart beating steadily. She wasn't sure if it was the anticipation or Orm herself that was making her nerves buzz, but tonight she intended to take charge—and leave Orm breathless.

Orm stood outside the dormitory entrance, fidgeting with the hem of her soft pink A-line dress. It was simple but elegant, the flowing fabric brushing just above her knees. She had spent hours debating whether to wear something casual or formal, and View's advice had been firm: "Go with the dress. She'll love it."

Now, standing in the cool evening air, Orm felt a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling in her chest. When she saw Lingling approaching, her breath caught.

Lingling strode forward with quiet confidence, her blazer and pants impeccably tailored, exuding dominance with every step. Orm's cheeks flushed as she tried to steady herself.

"You look... incredible," Orm said, her voice almost a whisper.

Lingling stopped in front of her, letting her eyes trail over Orm's outfit with a faint, approving smile. "So do you," she replied, her tone steady but laced with warmth. She extended her hand toward Orm. "Shall we?"

Orm blinked at the gesture before shyly slipping her hand into Lingling's. Her heart raced at the firm but gentle grip, and she followed Lingling to the waiting car.

The restaurant Lingling had chosen was a gem tucked away in a quieter part of the city. Its elegant exterior was framed by cascading vines and soft lighting, and Orm felt a little out of place as they stepped inside.

The interior was just as refined—dim lighting, polished wood, and tables adorned with crisp white linens. Orm fidgeted slightly, tugging at the hem of her dress, but Lingling's presence beside her anchored her nerves.

The hostess greeted them warmly and led them to a secluded table near a large window. Lingling, ever the picture of poise, pulled out Orm's chair and waited for her to sit.

"Oh," Orm said, surprised. "Thank you."

Lingling took her seat across from Orm, smoothing the fabric of her blazer as she did. She placed her clutch on the table, her movements deliberate and precise. "I wanted tonight to feel special," she said, meeting Orm's gaze.

Orm smiled, her cheeks warming. "It already does."

As the waiter arrived, Lingling spoke with a calm authority that left Orm quietly in awe. She ordered their courses in flawless Thai, her choices thoughtful and intentional. Orm couldn't help but admire how seamlessly Lingling handled the moment.

When the waiter departed, Orm leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Do you always plan everything so perfectly?"

Lingling's lips quirked. "I try. But tonight, I wanted it to be perfect for you."