Between Us || LINGORM

Chapter 27: Lingering Surprises

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft rays onto the polished floor of Lingling's condo. Orm had been up since dawn, meticulously planning a surprise for Lingling. Though her usually carefree demeanor suggested spontaneity, this time, she was determined to make every detail perfect.

"She always plans everything to perfection," Orm murmured to herself, tugging nervously at the hem of her skirt. "It's my turn to show her I can do the same."

Orm had spent the past week juggling her classes and finalizing her plan. Today wasn't about grand gestures—it was about combining their worlds, showing Lingling how deeply she understood her.

Orm knocked on Lingling's door just as the clock struck nine. Lingling, dressed in black trousers and a sleek white blouse, opened the door with her usual calm expression.

"Orm," she said, raising an eyebrow. "You're early. What's the occasion?"

Orm grinned, holding up a small envelope. "You're officially invited to spend the day with me. No plans, no schedules—just trust me."

Lingling hesitated, her sharp gaze scanning Orm's face as though deciphering a puzzle. "You've been planning something, haven't you?"

"Maybe," Orm replied, her tone teasing. "Now, are you in or not?"

Lingling sighed, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Lead the way."

Orm led Lingling to a cozy café nestled in a quiet corner of campus. It wasn't a spot Lingling frequented, but as soon as they entered, she noticed the subtle charm of the place. The walls were adorned with photographs of students, some old and faded, capturing moments of laughter and camaraderie.

"Why here?" Lingling asked, her curiosity piqued.

Orm pulled out a chair for Lingling—a gesture that didn't go unnoticed. "This is the first place I ever noticed you," she confessed, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "You were sitting in that corner, studying. I remember thinking you looked so serious, but also...unbelievably cool."

Lingling's cheeks flushed slightly, though her composure remained intact. "You never mentioned that before."

Orm shrugged, smiling. "Didn't think you'd care. But now, I want you to know how much you've been on my mind, even before I realized it myself."

As they sipped their coffee, the conversation flowed easily, a mix of lighthearted banter and meaningful exchanges. Orm felt a rush of pride every time she made Lingling laugh—a soft, genuine sound that she cherished.

Next, Orm led Lingling to a music store downtown. The scent of polished wood and faint traces of vinyl filled the air as they stepped inside.

"What are we doing here?" Lingling asked, her curiosity evident.

Orm grinned, pulling her toward the guitar section. "This is where I got my first guitar lesson," she explained. "I thought maybe we could jam together. Show me how a pro like you does it."

Lingling chuckled, shaking her head. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Impossible but lovable," Orm quipped, handing Lingling a guitar.

Lingling sat down, her fingers automatically finding the strings as she played a soft, melancholic melody. Orm watched in awe, captivated by how effortlessly Lingling's emotions poured into her music.

When Lingling finished, Orm clapped enthusiastically. "You're amazing," she said earnestly. "Seriously, how do you make it look so easy?"

Lingling smirked, handing the guitar to Orm. "Your turn."

"Oh no," Orm protested, backing away. "I'm terrible. I'll just embarrass myself."

"Orm," Lingling said firmly, her voice carrying that commanding tone that made Orm's knees weak. "Sit down."

Orm obeyed, fumbling with the guitar as Lingling guided her hands. The closeness of their bodies and Lingling's steadying presence made Orm's heart race.

"See? You're doing fine," Lingling said softly, her breath warm against Orm's ear.

Orm turned her head slightly, meeting Lingling's gaze. For a moment, the world around them faded, leaving only the unspoken connection between them.

To balance the day, Orm decided to introduce Lingling to her favorite arcade. The vibrant lights and energetic music were a stark contrast to Lingling's usual environment, but Orm was determined to make it fun.

"Okay, here's the deal," Orm said, holding up a token. "Beat me at skee-ball, and I'll treat you to ice cream."

Lingling raised an eyebrow, smirking. "And if you win?"

"Then you owe me a kiss," Orm replied boldly, her cheeks flushing.

Lingling's smile widened, her competitive spirit ignited. "Deal."

Despite her best efforts, Lingling struggled with the game's mechanics. Orm, on the other hand, was in her element, racking up points with ease.

When the game ended, Orm raised her arms in victory. "Yes! I win!"

Lingling crossed her arms, feigning annoyance. "Fine. A deal's a deal."

Orm's playful grin faltered as Lingling stepped closer, her dominant aura intensifying. Without hesitation, Lingling cupped Orm's face and kissed her, slow and deliberate. The world around them seemed to blur, leaving only the electrifying sensation of their connection.

When Lingling pulled away, Orm was left breathless, her cheeks flushed. "Wow," she whispered. "You don't mess around, do you?"

Lingling smirked, her confidence unwavering. "Not when it comes to you."

As the day drew to a close, Orm led Lingling to a secluded hill overlooking the city. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, the perfect backdrop for the picnic Orm had prepared.

"You planned all this?" Lingling asked, her voice tinged with surprise.

Orm nodded, her usual playfulness giving way to sincerity. "I wanted to show you how much you mean to me. You always take care of everyone else, Lingling. I wanted to take care of you for a change."

Lingling's expression softened as she sat down beside Orm. "You've done more than enough," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

They sat in comfortable silence, watching the sunset. Orm reached for Lingling's hand, intertwining their fingers. "You know," Orm began, her tone light, "I used to think you were impossible to figure out. But now, I see you. The real you. And I love every part of it."

Lingling turned to Orm, her usually guarded eyes filled with emotion. "You've changed me, Orm," she admitted. "You've taught me that it's okay to let go, to feel."

Orm smiled, her heart swelling. "You're stuck with me now."

Lingling leaned in, capturing Orm's lips in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. It was a promise, unspoken but deeply felt—a commitment to the love that had grown between them.

As they packed up the picnic and headed back, Lingling's phone buzzed with a message. She glanced at it and frowned slightly.

"What's wrong?" Orm asked, concerned.

"It's Milk and the others," Lingling replied. "They want to meet us tomorrow. Apparently, they have some...questions."

Orm laughed, squeezing Lingling's hand. "Well, it's about time we faced the gang together. Don't worry—we've got this."

Lingling smiled, her confidence returning. "Together," she agreed.