Behind the Script

Chapter 17: Clueless

"I play sports too!" Ling Ling muttered under her breath as she swung the battle ropes, each slap against the floor fueling her frustration.

Her personal trainer glanced over, brows raised. "You're on fire today, Ling Ling. What's got you so amped up?"

"Nothing. I'm just... sporty," Ling Ling replied tersely, pushing herself harder. She moved to the medicine ball, slamming it down with each thought that echoed in her mind. Why didn't I know she was seeing someone? I'm fit and strong. Stronger than... her! Whoever she is.

Her trainer smiled, oblivious. "Let's post this on the gym's social media. Everyone needs to see how intense you are today!"
Ling Ling managed a half-hearted nod, her mind racing as she strapped on her boxing gloves. "Okay, let's spar. I need to hit something."

With a fiery determination, she began hitting the punching bag.

"I—" (punch) "have—" (punch) "six—" (punch) "packs!" She struck the bag with every ounce of frustration and confusion bottled up inside her.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out, "Ling Ling Kwong!"

Ling Ling stopped mid-punch, panting. Sweat trickled down her face and body, as she looked around to find Orm standing near the entrance of the gym, eyes wide.

"Orm?" she asked, surprise evident in her voice. Orm had rushed out of their meeting earlier. She had a solo photoshoot with Charles and Keith and Ling Ling hadn't expected to see her again so soon.

Orm's gaze trailed over Ling Ling's body, lingering a bit longer than usual. "P'Ling, you're... sweaty," she murmured, almost in a daze, her eyes fixed on Ling Ling's toned midsection. "You have... abs.."

Ling Ling's eyes widened as she realized Orm's attention. Suddenly self-conscious, she bit down on the strap of her glove, pulling it off with her teeth. "Orm, how did you know I was here?"

Orm's cheeks were flushed as she looked away quickly. "I saw the Instagram post and figured you'd be here. I thought, um... maybe we could have dinner?" She glanced at Ling Ling's body again, and Ling Ling couldn't help but feel amused by her reaction.

"Sorry, Orm, I must look disgusting—sweaty and all," Ling Ling apologized. "Hold on, let me grab a towel."

But Orm was already moving, muttering under her breath as she fetched a towel and a bottle of water. "Here, P'Ling." She handed them to her, avoiding direct eye contact.

Ling Ling took a long drink, feeling the water cool her down as sweat continued to trail down her neck and chest. Orm seemed to freeze, her cheeks flushed even deeper.

Ling Ling frowned, worried. "Orm, are you okay? Is it too warm in here?"

Orm snapped out of her daze, shaking her head quickly. "N-no, I'm fine. Just... um... do you want to have dinner at home? I mean... at your place? I could order something, and we could... talk?"

Ling Ling felt a warmth rise in her chest at the offer. "That sounds perfect. Let me change quickly, and we can head out."

Orm nodded, her lips quirking into a shy smile as she handed Ling Ling a fresh towel. "Let me wipe your forehead, P'Ling."

Ling Ling blinked in surprise, feeling her cheeks heat as Orm gently dabbed the towel across her face. Ling Ling's heart raced—she wasn't used to seeing Orm like this, so attentive and... tender.

Once they arrived at Ling Ling's place, Orm ordered Japanese food and set up the table while Ling Ling showered. After dinner arrived, they sat across from each other, the air charged with unspoken words.

Ling Ling picked at her food, waiting for Orm to break the silence. Finally, Orm looked up, determination in her eyes. "I'm here because you said you'd tell me everything about you. So... I want to do the same."

Ling Ling set her chopsticks down, her heart pounding. "N'Orm, I told you... you don't have to do the same. You don't owe me anything."

Orm shook her head. "No, I want to. We... we were friends, this girl and I. We started going out a bit before filming, but it was always on-and-off because of our busy schedule. And, um... recently, she asked me if I wanted to be with her."
Ling Ling's jaw clenched as she tried to mask the twinge of jealousy stirring inside. Just breathe, she reminded herself, willing herself to stay calm. "So... why did you say no?"

Orm looked directly at her, vulnerability shining in her eyes. "Because I like someone else."

Ling Ling's eyes widened. She wasn't sure if she'd heard Orm right. "You... you have someone else?" Her voice wavered.

Orm nodded, looking away again, cheeks flushed. "Yeah... I just didn't know how to tell her."

Ling Ling's heart raced, her own feelings surging to the surface. "And... does she know?" She tried to keep her voice light, but the longing was evident.

Orm's gaze met Ling Ling's, an almost shy smile playing on her lips. "I think... she has no idea."