Faded Echoes || LINGORM ✓

CHAPTER 16

Orm's Point of View

"We... didn't sort things out about us."

Amanda's eyes were puzzled as she gazed at me. I had informed her last night that Ling was at my house, drunk, but I hadn't explained to her what happened between us in detail.

"What? Why?" she asked, her voice full of concern.

"She left as soon as she woke up," I whispered, words failing me. The scene still lingered vividly in my head. From the moment I opened the door to find her standing there, vulnerable and disoriented, to her sudden departure, leaving only a whispered apology as she fled.

F L A S H B A C K

I had spent the morning preparing, wanting to make up for the mess we'd created. The table was set with her favorite foods, the coffee perfectly brewed next to her plate. I wanted to create the calm she deserved. Afterward, I cleaned up, leaving no trace behind, so that when she awoke, everything would be pristine, a fresh start.

 

Finishing washing the dishes, I walked into the living room, flopping down onto the couch. The television's hum became inaudible as I went over last night in my head. My finger was subconsciously tracing my lips as I remembered how soft they were against mine. It was intoxicating, and for a moment, I let myself indulge in the memory.

 

But the sound of footsteps snapped me back to reality. I stood up, my heart quickening when I saw her figure emerge. "Good morning." I greeted her softly, hoping my smile would reach her.

 

She flinched. Her eyes met mine, but they were distant, guarded. She was already holding her bag, ready to leave. My smile faltered.

 

"I... I made breakfast," I murmured, voice barely above a whisper.

 

"I'm leaving." Her words were sharp, colder than I had ever heard them. "I'm sorry for disturbing your night. I hope you understand. I was drunk last night." She continued, her tone flat, resolute. "Forget everything I said. That was all nonsense."

 

I blinked, unable to process her words. I stood frozen as she turned away, her cold detachment cutting through the space between us like a blade. I couldn't respond. I couldn't even move.

 

I heard the door open, followed by the closure of the same behind her; in that split second, I realized she had left. And I ran to stop her as she dashed outside, but just as I gained the driveway, her car disappeared into the horizon. I stayed there, stunned, as I watched her move out of my life's horizon.

 

I felt like a complete idiot. Speechless, I could do nothing but let my tears fall unnoticed down my face. My heart was filled with disappointment as I turned and went back inside, defeated.

E N D   O F    F L A S H B A C K

I could feel the gaze of Amanda as I slumped on the countertop. She sat against me with my back turned toward her, nursing her milk tea with apparent casualness. The quiet probing still felt like something going on inside her eyes; she didn't say a thing, but she was waiting for me to end the silence.

"You know, Orm," she started, her voice quite serious, "I don't want to interfere with your thing and Ling, but if I were you.," she paused, putting down her cup, "I wouldn't just be sitting here and waiting. Go to her. At least try."

I let out a frustrated sigh. "She hates me," I muttered, almost to myself rather than her.

"Yes, and?" Amanda asked, her voice unshakeable. "Look, Orm, she has every right to feel that way. You hurt her. Of course, she's going to be distant. If I were in her shoes, I'd do the same thing."

I groaned in defeat, and Amanda chuckled softly.

"But really," she went on, looking at me acutely, "if you really want to sort things out, then you need to go to her. Stop waiting for her to come to you. Make some effort."

I folded my arms across my chest. She was right; I knew it. There was just one thing holding me back. I had no intention of letting Ling end up a news headline, dragging her into all the chaos that seemed to cling to me. I knew where she worked. I also knew that putting at risk something that gave her peace was out of the question.

"Can you help me?" I asked finally, desperation seeping into my voice.

Amanda looked at me, raised an eyebrow. "How should I help you?"

I rubbed the back of my neck and paced in a small circle as I tried to organize my thoughts. "I can't just go to her job. That's... unprofessional, right?" Amanda nodded to encourage me to go on. "I've been thinking. Maybe I should ask her out?"

Amanda burst out laughing at this point, clearly enjoying it. "Damn, Orm. Are you serious?"

I pouted. "That's the last thing that came to my mind!" I exclaimed.

She shook her head, still chuckling. "You're hopeless, Orm Kornnaphat."

Groaning, I slumped down onto the stool beside her, resting my chin in my hand as I stared at the wall in front of me. What could I do? How could I get her to talk to me again?

Shall I ask Milk for advice? No. That would be too awkward, and I didn't want to drag our families into this. No, I had to figure this out on my own.

I hurt her. I knew I had. And if I wanted her to talk to me again, I had to make an effort. No more running away from the truth.

Effort. That was what mattered now.

"Have you come up with anything?" Amanda asked, her voice piercing through all the thoughts that started spinning.

I shook my head. "Nothing useful yet," I said, not ready to admit it.

She granted me a small smile. "Think harder. There's always a way."

With that, she stood up, gathering all of her belongings to leave. "I'll be going now, Orm. Let me know when you have a plan."

I nodded silently, watching her drive away. As her car disappeared from sight, I went back inside, sinking into the sofa with a heavy heart. This was harder than I thought.

But it was for Ling. And that thought kept me going.