Behind the Script

Chapter 20: The Aftermath

The kiss was everywhere. Social media had exploded, and "Fahlada and Earn" were trending in Thailand and even Korea, where netizens were raving about their chemistry. Fans shared clips, memes, and edits of the scene, and hashtags like #LingOrm and #SecretOfUs flooded timelines. 

But with praise came criticism. Some skeptics stirred the pot: 
"Was Ling Ling trying to overshadow her scandal with Win?" 

Ling Ling didn't care.  Let them talk, she thought. Secretly, she hoped the kiss stung a little for Orm's rumored suitors. 

--- 

As expected, P'Dew summoned them for a meeting. Their managers, including Mae Koy, were also present. Ling Ling sat poised, her practiced elegance on full display, while Orm looked sheepish, her head slightly bowed. 

P'Dew got straight to the point. "You two are all anyone's talking about right now. It's great for publicity, but we need to be careful. This kind of... fan service can spiral out of control if we're not careful." 

Ling Ling raised an eyebrow. "Fan service? It wasn't fan service." 

Orm's head snapped up, her expression unreadable. Mae Koy exchanged a glance with P'Dew, while Ling Ling continued. 

"I acted on my feelings," Ling Ling said matter-of-factly. "I even asked Orm for permission, and she agreed." She gestured toward Orm. "In fact, she was the one who started it. I just... responded." 

Orm stifled a laugh, shaking her head. "That's not exactly how I remember it." 

Ling Ling shrugged, her voice calm but confident. "You've been teasing me since the beginning, N'Orm. It's about time I surprised you for once." 

Orm's lips twitched into a smile. "Alright, fair enough. But let's not pretend I didn't shock you too, P'Ling." 

Ling Ling raised a brow. "Is that what you think? Orm, if anything, you're the one who looked stunned afterward." 

Mae Koy cleared her throat. "Girls. Can we focus?" 

P'Dew nodded, leaning forward. "Ling Ling, Orm—whatever your feelings are, we need to maintain professionalism. If it's not fan service, fine. But keep in mind how fans and the public will interpret things." 

Orm straightened up, her tone finally serious. "Understood, P'Dew. I'll be more mindful." 

Ling Ling nodded. "Same here." 

Orm added, "Unless P'Ling has the sudden urge to kiss me again. Not sure I can stop that. She finds these lips irresistible, right, P'Ling?" Orm started to pout and did a kissy face at Ling Ling. 

"Oh, goodness, Orm!" Mae Koy exclaimed, both exasperated and amused by her daughter. "Can you stop flirting with your P'Ling? Especially in front of your mother." 

Orm looked mildly horrified. "Mae! I wasn't flirting!" 

Mae Koy gave her a pointed look. "That's not how it seemed from where I was sitting." 

The room chuckled, and even P'Dew's stern expression softened. "Alright, moving on. The buzz from the kiss has attracted new sponsors. We're negotiating contracts now, and we'll let you review them soon." 

P'Dew added, "And with The Secret of Us nearing its finale, we're preparing for the fan meet in Bangkok. It'll be live-streamed, so international fans can join in. We're also planning to debut the trailer for your next project." 

Orm perked up. "Are we finally starting Only You?" 

P'Dew nodded. "Yes, which means we'll begin your dance lessons soon."