Between Us || LINGORM

Chapter 25: Weekend Getaway

Orm leaned out of the passenger seat window, letting the warm breeze tangle her hair as they sped down a road flanked by towering cliffs and lush, green forests. She couldn't contain her excitement; her grin stretched wide as she tried to soak in every detail of the landscape.

"I still can't believe you planned this," Orm said, twisting in her seat to look at Lingling, who was driving with her usual composure.

Lingling, clad in her neatly pressed white shirt and tailored navy trousers, glanced at her briefly before returning her eyes to the road. "I thought we both needed a break from the city," she replied simply.

Orm's gaze lingered on Lingling for a moment longer. Even while driving, her sharp profile radiated calm control. Orm shook her head in amazement. "You're full of surprises, you know that?"

Lingling smirked. "I like to keep you on your toes."

They arrived at Khao Sok National Park as the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the rugged mountains and serene lake that stretched out before them. Their accommodation, a quaint floating bungalow perched on the edge of the lake, seemed to blend seamlessly with the natural beauty around it.

Orm stepped onto the wooden platform leading to the bungalow, her eyes wide with wonder. "Ling, this is... wow."

Lingling followed behind, carrying their bags with ease. "I thought you'd like it," she said, her voice calm but carrying a trace of satisfaction.

"Like it?" Orm turned to face her, practically bouncing on her toes. "This is incredible! You really outdid yourself."

Lingling's lips curved into a small smile. "I wanted it to be special."

Once inside, they unpacked and changed into more comfortable attire. Orm chose a flowy floral dress that swayed with her every movement, while Lingling remained true to her polished style, opting for loose linen trousers and a fitted black shirt.

Orm eyed Lingling with a smirk as they prepared to head out for their first activity. "You really don't do casual, do you?"

Lingling raised an eyebrow, her expression unbothered. "What's wrong with looking put together?"

"Nothing," Orm replied, biting back a laugh. "You just look like you're about to chair a meeting, not paddle through the jungle."

Lingling stepped closer, leaning down slightly until their faces were mere inches apart. "And you look like you're going to get your dress caught on every branch," she teased, her tone laced with authority.

Orm's breath hitched, her cheeks turning pink under Lingling's piercing gaze. She huffed, crossing her arms in mock defiance. "At least I'm embracing the adventure vibe!"

Lingling chuckled softly and stepped back, her dominance subtle but ever-present. "Let's see how much adventure you can handle, Kornnaphat."

Their first activity was a canoe tour through the park's winding waterways. Orm eagerly hopped into the front of the canoe, her floral dress fluttering as she wiggled to get comfortable. Lingling followed with measured grace, taking her place in the back.

The guide gave a quick safety rundown before pushing them off into the calm water. The lush jungle closed in around them, and Orm's eyes darted in every direction, soaking in the vibrant greenery and the sounds of wildlife echoing through the trees.

"Look at that!" Orm exclaimed, pointing to a family of monkeys swinging effortlessly between the branches.

Lingling followed her gaze, her strokes steady and controlled as she maneuvered the canoe. "They're fascinating," she said, her voice calm but appreciative.