Behind the Script

Chapter 8: Practice

Ling Ling sat on the couch, tapping her fingers, barely able to sit still. She'd made sure their practice session was scheduled in the early afternoon. Meeting in broad daylight felt... safer. "Practicing" a love scene at night? No, thank you. Just thinking about it made her cheeks flush.

Earlier, Orm had video-called her to set the plan in motion. As usual, Orm's approach was playful. "Hey, P'Ling, should I bring Mae along to, you know, keep an eye on us?"

Ling Ling had blinked in surprise, scrambling for words. "Uh... that's... up to you, as long as you're comfortable?"

Orm burst out laughing. "I'm kidding! Mae said she's got way better things to do than sit around while I'm getting all 'kissy kissy' with you."

Ling Ling had turned red at that, and her mind flashed involuntarily to the word *kissy.* Of course, Orm had noticed, grinning widely before ending the call with a cheerful, "Alright, see you soon, P'Ling!"

Now, as the doorbell rang at precisely 2 p.m., Ling Ling straightened, opening the door to find Orm standing there in a loose T-shirt, baggy pants, and sunglasses perched on her head.

"I'm here!" Orm said with a grin, hands on her hips like she'd just walked onto a runway.

"Come on in," Ling Ling replied, trying to sound casual. It was Orm's first time at her place, and she watched as Orm took in the neat, minimalist space—white walls, sleek furniture, everything perfectly in place. It was a sharp contrast to the colorful clutter of Orm's room, which she'd glimpsed during video calls.

"Your house is spotless, P'Ling! If this acting thing doesn't work out, you've got a career in interior design." Orm winked, and Ling Ling could only smile in return, hiding her nerves.

Soft music was playing from a speaker nearby, filling the quiet.

"Would you like anything to drink?" Ling Ling asked, gesturing toward the kitchen.

Orm gave a little wave of her hand. "Nah, I'm good. Let's get to the *real* task here." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively, which made Ling Ling laugh in spite of her nerves.

They settled on the couch and started to talk through the scene, trying to keep things light and practical. They discussed what felt natural, how they'd pace each movement, almost as if they were choreographing a dance routine.

Ling Ling was determined to keep it as professional as possible. "You know, I don't think we actually have to kiss," she said, looking away. "We can just... focus on the physical movements."

Orm raised an eyebrow, giving her a teasing grin. "Right. So, P'Ling, are we doing this on the couch, or should we take it to... the bedroom?" Her tone was suggestive, purely to see Ling Ling's reaction.

Ling Ling cleared her throat, looking flustered. "Uh... the bedroom might be more accurate for the scene," she managed, trying to keep her tone steady. She noticed Orm's smirk and added quickly, "Just for the sake of practice!"

Orm shrugged, still smiling playfully. "Lead the way, then. I'm dying to see the famous Ling Ling bedroom."

Once they were in the bedroom, Ling Ling pulled open the curtains, making sure every ray of afternoon sunlight flooded the room. Orm couldn't hide her amusement.

"Nice place," Orm said, looking around. "You really *are* a minimalist. My room looks like a storage closet compared to this."

Ling Ling let out a small, nervous laugh. "Well, uh, let's get started."

They stood near the bed, trying to block out their nerves as they attempted the physical parts without kissing. Ling Ling reached out, her fingers brushing Orm's shoulder. She tried to channel her character, Fahlada, but every time she moved closer, it felt too... stiff. Too rehearsed.