Behind the Script

Chapter 6 : The Plan

Ling Ling could feel her pulse quickening as she and Orm walked side by side down the long corridor of Channel 3's headquarters. They were about to enter the office of P'Dew, the director of Channel 3. It was the first time either of them had been called to meet with her. The weight of this meeting wasn't lost on Ling Ling. If anyone could make or break their careers, it was P'Dew.

They paused outside the glass door, both glancing at each other. Orm gave her a reassuring smile, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and nerves. Ling Ling tried to return the smile, though her mind was still swirling from the workshop kiss they'd shared. It had stirred something in her—a feeling she couldn't quite shake, something that felt both exhilarating and confusing.

The secretary ushered them in, and they entered P'Dew's expansive office. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the space in warm light, and in front of them sat the director, her presence commanding yet inviting. P'Dew's eyes sparkled as she motioned for them to take seats across from her.

"Ling Ling, Orm," she greeted, her tone warm but businesslike. "I've been looking forward to this. Channel 3 has big plans for you two."

Ling Ling shifted slightly in her seat, feeling Orm's presence beside her, close but not close enough to calm the nerves bubbling up inside her.

P'Dew continued, her eyes sharp, assessing them. "We're breaking new ground here. I know a sapphic series is uncharted territory for Channel 3, but I believe in this. I've seen the audition tapes, the chemistry tests, and the workshops. There's something there between you two, even if it's just a spark for now." She paused, glancing meaningfully at Ling Ling, who felt her cheeks warm under the director's gaze.

"You both look good together," P'Dew continued. "Ling Ling, you're striking, reserved yet beautiful in an almost otherworldly way. Orm, you have this vibrant energy, a presence that lights up the room. You're like opposites, yet you complement each other perfectly. Together, I believe you two can captivate Thailand—and beyond."

Ling Ling felt her heart race as P'Dew described their "look" as a couple, the "LingOrm" brand, and her ambition to turn them into Thailand's next big TV sensation, a couple to rival the likes of Freen and Becky. She felt a small flutter of excitement but, in the back of her mind, a twinge of uncertainty. Could they really live up to that level of fame?

"There are, of course, expectations," P'Dew said, looking at each of them in turn. "You are free to date in your private lives, but it must stay private. We want the audience to see you as LingOrm. The world should fall in love with the characters—and with you as a couple."

Orm leaned forward, her expression serious. "Understood, P'Dew. We're ready to work hard and make this a success."

P'Dew nodded approvingly, then turned her attention to Ling Ling. "And Ling Ling, I need you to open up a little more, especially with Orm. Let down some of those walls. For this to work, you need to be close, like real partners. I saw glimpses of it in the chemistry tests. You have a natural connection; let that deepen. Trust each other."

Ling Ling swallowed, feeling the weight of the request settle over her. She glanced at Orm, who gave her an encouraging smile, her expression open and inviting. She knew Orm was easy to connect with—her friendly nature made her approachable, while Ling Ling was more reserved, often guarded without meaning to be. But for this show, and perhaps for her own sake, she needed to learn to let Orm in.

P'Dew explained the timeline next: they'd film the pilot, followed by a promo photo shoot to tease fans. The full reveal would come soon after, and from there, the whirlwind of appearances and filming would begin in earnest.

As the meeting wrapped up, P'Dew looked at them both one last time. "I have high hopes for you two. Make them fall in love with LingOrm. Let the chemistry speak for itself."

When they stepped out of the office, Ling Ling released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. The path ahead felt daunting but exciting, like a leap into the unknown. Orm walked beside her, a look of quiet determination on her face. They were in this together now, and as much as Ling Ling felt the weight of P'Dew's expectations, she knew she had Orm by her side.

Orm glanced over, her eyes twinkling with a mix of excitement and something else—a look that lingered just a little too long. "Guess we're officially a team now, huh?"