faded echoes ¦ sk x ks

CHAPTER 18

Orm's Point of View

I stood outside Grandview Hospital, my gaze drifting over the steady stream of people entering and exiting. In my hand was a paper bag, but this time, it wasn't filled with material gifts-it contained lunch. After two weeks of offering her trinkets, I decided to change tactics. I would give her something more meaningful this time: food. Simple, but with care.

I wasn't sure if she'd ever accepted my past gifts, but I refused to give up. Last week, I tried to speak to her directly, but she ignored me. I understood. She was busy, and perhaps she didn't know what to make of me.

The clock read eleven in the morning as I sighed and stepped inside. A nurse, one who'd become somewhat familiar due to my daily visits, appeared in front of me. Her smile was immediate, as it always was, and she greeted me warmly. She and I had formed an unspoken bond, forged through my persistence and daily routine. She knew why I came here, even before or after my shoots. She had become my quiet ally in this quiet pursuit.

"Hi, I brought lunch for Dr. Kwong," I said, placing the paper bag carefully on the desk.

Her teasing smile never wavered. "You're not really going to give up, are you?"

I chuckled, scratching the back of my neck awkwardly.

"Don't worry," she said, her voice light. "As usual, I'll make sure Dr. Kwong gets this." She picked up the bag and set it aside with the practiced ease of someone who had done this many times before.

"Thanks, Nurse Ja," I replied, my voice filled with gratitude. I glanced at my wristwatch before meeting her gaze again. "I'll get going. See you tomorrow."

She nodded, and I turned to leave, stepping back into the cool morning air. I slid into my car and started the engine, the vibrations humming beneath me as I drove toward the shooting venue. My phone buzzed relentlessly in my pocket, probably my workmates and manager checking in.

I'd told my manager I needed to run an errand and would be back soon, but I hadn't told her where I was going.

Food. That was the plan now. No more material gifts, just simple meals at lunch and dinner. I knew how demanding her job must be-being a dermatologist, a CEO, and helping out in other wards whenever she could. Observe that such a person as Lingling, determined and driven, would not be sitting around for food. She is too busy. Too focused. And I had my doubts about whether she'd have the time to prepare any food or get out of the hospital and scrounge around for something to eat.

As I parked outside the shooting venue, my manager immediately appeared, hands on her hips, her brow arched in that familiar stern expression. I gave her an awkward smile, waving half-heartedly.

"Where have you been? It's just lunch break, Kornnaphat Sethratanapong," she scolded, her voice firm but caring.

I pouted, shifting uncomfortably. "I just went somewhere. It was... important."

"Somewhere or someone?" she shot back, her eyes narrowing.

I gulped, caught off guard. I forced a laugh and slapped her arm playfully, trying to lighten the mood. She didn't budge, instead grabbing my wrist and pulling me to the side, away from prying eyes.

"Orm," she said, her tone suddenly serious. "Be honest with me."

I glanced down, suddenly feeling like a schoolboy caught in the act. She had always been understanding, a rare quality for a manager, and I knew that if I was ever truly in a bind, she'd be there to support me. But this? This felt different. This was about Lingling.

Her eyes softened, though the serious tone didn't leave her voice. "I've been watching you ever since I became your manager. I see how your eyes light up when you talk about her. How your mood shifts the moment her name comes up. You can't fool me, Orm."

I felt my face flush. There was no escaping it. She had been observing me all along.

"I've supported you since day one," she continued. "And I'm not the type to interfere. My job is to take care of you, not to control you."

I lifted my head, meeting her gaze as she approached. Her smile was gentle now, not as serious as before.

"I... went to Grandview Hospital," I whispered, barely able to meet her eyes.

She chuckled softly. "I know."

My eyes widened in disbelief. "W-What?"

"I know exactly where you've been going. After your shoots, you don't go home. You go straight to the hospital. Every time."

My mouth went dry, and I stared at her, completely taken aback. Was I really that obvious?

"I know everything, Orm," she said, her voice now filled with warmth. "But I'm not here to judge. You're a celebrity, and I won't pretend that the public eye isn't always on you. But I also know that you have your reasons. And if Lingling makes you happy, I won't stand in your way."

I was speechless, unable to process her words. My manager wasn't scolding me. She wasn't trying to pull me away from this path I had chosen. Instead, she was supporting me in her own quiet way.

"I just want you to be careful, Orm," she added, her expression softening. "You're not just a normal person anymore. You have to think about how the media will spin things. But don't give up. I don't believe that you and Dr. Kwong are just childhood friends."

Her words hit me like a wave, and for the first time in weeks, I felt a sense of relief. I'd been so afraid that if I confided in her, she'd disapprove or, worse, tell our boss. But now, hearing her say that she would support me no matter what made everything feel more possible.

She turned around, her smile leaving in the direction she went. Perhaps it was not that complicated after all. Maybe, just maybe, I was not alone after all.