Behind the Script

Chapter 16: Safe Zone

When Ling Ling woke up, it took her a moment to remember where she was. She glanced around, her eyes settling on the familiar surroundings of Orm's room. Her suitcase, which she had left outside, was now placed neatly in the corner.

"Orm?" she called softly, her voice still tinged with sleep.

A moment later, Orm came in, a gentle smile crossing her face. "P'Ling, you're awake. Did you get enough rest? Do you want to sleep some more?"

Ling Ling held out her hand, her expression tender. "Come here, please."

Orm climbed onto the bed, and Ling Ling immediately pulled her into a warm hug, pressing her close. Orm closed her eyes, burying her face in Ling Ling's neck, breathing in her familiar scent.

"Orm..." Ling Ling whispered.

"Yes, P'Ling?"

Ling Ling tightened her embrace, her voice barely above a whisper. "Don't shut me out, okay? I can't take it. My heart can't take it."

Orm pulled back slightly, looking up into Ling Ling's eyes with a soft frown. "Why can't your heart take it?"

Ling Ling met Orm's gaze, feeling the weight of her words and everything she wished she could say. "I just need you," she murmured. "You're my comfort zone, Nong Orm." She hesitated, swallowing back everything she felt. Orm deserved clarity, but Ling Ling needed to be sure of her own heart first. "But moving forward, you're going to know everything about me—who I go out with, where I go. No surprises."

Orm blinked, a little surprised, as a small smile formed on her lips. "You don't have to do all that, P'Ling..."

Ling Ling smiled, brushing a gentle kiss on Orm's forehead, letting the warmth of her hair linger under her nose as she breathed in. "I just don't ever want to see you sad because of me again. Okay?"

Orm's smile softened as she leaned closer. "Okay."

Ling Ling's stomach growled, breaking the tender moment. Orm laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Someone's definitely hungry. Mae made dinner—want to join us? Maybe... stay the night?"

Ling Ling's eyes brightened. "I'd love to." She felt relief wash over her. She had even brought gifts from Korea for Mae, Koy, Orm's father, and her brother, King. It felt so natural to be here with Orm, in her home, with her family.

Later that night, after sharing gifts and laughter with Orm's family, Ling Ling found herself slipping into Orm's comfortable clothes. She lay down in Orm's bed, feeling more at ease than she had in weeks. Usually, she struggled to sleep in anyone else's bed, but here with Orm, everything felt right. She decided, just this once, to let herself rest without overthinking, to let herself feel at peace.

When she heard Orm returning from the bathroom, she lifted the blanket with a smile, signaling for Orm to join her under the covers. As Orm climbed in, Ling Ling turned and instinctively wrapped her arms around her.

Orm's voice was a soft whisper in the dark. "I love you, Ling Ling Kwong."

Ling Ling's heart skipped a beat, and she murmured to herself, "And I love you more."

The next morning, Ling Ling and Orm headed to P'Dew's office. As they entered, P'Dew raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Ling Ling, I thought you weren't coming back until next week. You didn't need to cut your trip short."

Ling Ling shook her head. "It's okay, P'Dew. I needed to be home." She glanced at Orm, who smiled slightly, the two of them sharing a quiet understanding.

P'Dew looked at Ling Ling thoughtfully. "So, Ling Ling... what's going on between you and Win?"

Ling Ling took a deep breath. "We're just friends. We used to date, but we broke up when I started this project."

P'Dew looked intrigued. "Why did you break up?"

Ling Ling's gaze flickered toward Orm. "Because I wanted to focus on this project. And on Orm." She gave Orm a meaningful look, hoping to communicate everything she couldn't say out loud. Orm seemed taken aback, her eyes widening slightly.

P'Dew continued, pressing gently. "So, there's no chance of reconciling with him?"

Ling Ling shook her head. "No, not right now."

"Then are you seeing anyone now, Ling Ling?" P'Dew's tone was casual, but there was a hint of curiosity.

Ling Ling smiled, shaking her head. "No, P'Dew. Right now, my focus is on this project and working with Orm."

P'Dew nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Alright, here's what we'll do. We'll release an official statement from you, Ling Ling, in Thai, English, and Mandarin. Win can choose whether he wants to release a statement too, but either way, once it's done, we move forward with our scheduled promotions and activities."

Ling Ling nodded, glancing at Orm with a soft smile. She was relieved that the situation was finally being addressed.

Just then, P'Dew turned to Orm. "What about you, Orm? Are you seeing anyone?"

Orm hesitated, and Ling Ling's heart skipped as she watched Orm closely. Orm bit her lip, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "Um, actually... yes. But it's not official yet."

Ling Ling's heart sank. Orm was seeing someone? She hadn't expected this. Her mind began racing, a buzzing sound filling her ears.

P'Dew raised an eyebrow. "Is it someone we know? A celebrity?"

Orm nodded, her face still flushed. "She's actually... in sports. You might know her."