Between Us || LINGORM

Chapter 30: The Final Bow

The auditorium buzzed with anticipation, a mixture of nervous excitement and quiet pride. Graduates shuffled in their seats, adjusting caps and gowns, while families and friends filled the audience with lively chatter. The air was electric, filled with the promise of a new beginning.

Lingling sat among the rows of graduates, her back straight, her gown pristine, and her mortarboard perfectly aligned. She exuded poise, as always, though her hands fidgeted slightly in her lap. The weight of the day—of everything it symbolized—rested on her shoulders.

Beside her, Orm slouched slightly, her gown wrinkled and her cap askew. She had already tugged at the tassel three times, muttering something about how it didn't sit right.

"Stop fussing," Lingling whispered, her voice soft but commanding. "You're going to ruin it."

Orm grinned, leaning closer. "I already did. Isn't that part of my charm?"

Lingling sighed, but the corners of her lips curved upward. "You're impossible."

"And you love me for it," Orm replied, her grin widening.

Lingling rolled her eyes but didn't argue.

The dean's speech droned on, words of wisdom echoing through the hall. Lingling listened attentively, her hands folded neatly, while Orm's attention drifted. She nudged Lingling's elbow.

"How long do you think this is going to take?"

"As long as it needs to," Lingling replied without turning her head.

Orm groaned quietly, earning a stern glance from Lingling. "Patience isn't your strong suit, is it?"

"Nope," Orm admitted cheerfully.

Lingling shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips.

Finally, the time came to call the graduates. Names echoed through the microphone, each one followed by applause.

"Lingling Sirilak Kwong, Bachelor of Tourism Management."

The room erupted in cheers, led by Lingling's parents and a group of friends seated near the front. Lingling stood gracefully, walking to the stage with her usual confidence. She shook the dean's hand, accepting her diploma with a nod. Her parents' pride radiated from their faces, her mother dabbing at her eyes with a tissue while her father clapped enthusiastically.

As she descended the stage, Lingling's gaze instinctively sought Orm's in the line of graduates. Orm gave her a thumbs-up, mouthing, "You nailed it."

When Orm's name was called—"Orm Kornnaphat Sethratanapong, Bachelor of International Economics"—she bounded onto the stage with her signature energy. The audience chuckled at her enthusiasm, and she flashed a quick grin at the crowd before shaking the dean's hand.

After the ceremony, the campus grounds became a vibrant sea of black gowns and colorful flowers. Families posed for pictures, laughter and chatter filling the air.

"Mae Koy!" Orm called out, waving as her mother approached.

Koy Narumon, dressed elegantly as always, enveloped Orm in a tight hug. "My baby girl," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "You've made me so proud."

"Thanks, Mae," Orm said, her voice soft.

Koy turned to Lingling, her expression warm. "And you, Lingling. Congratulations. You've been such a good influence on my daughter."

Lingling bowed her head slightly. "Thank you, Mae Koy. That means a lot."

Koy smiled knowingly. "She's lucky to have you."