Behind the Script

Chapter 20: The Aftermath

Orm clapped her hands. "Finally! I've been looking forward to this." 

P'Dew turned to Ling Ling. "As for you, you'll start martial arts and firearms training for your role." 

Orm's eyes widened. "Wait—Ling Ling with a gun?" She grinned. "That's terrifying. Can I watch?" 

Ling Ling shot her a look. "What for?" 

Orm smirked. "So I can see if you're as graceful with a gun as you are on the red carpet." 

Ling Ling rolled her eyes. "I'll be fine, Orm. Maybe I'll aim at you for practice." 

"You mean aim at my heart, P'Ling." 

Ling Ling's face turned red, and the room burst into laughter again. 

P'Dew stood, shaking her head. "Alright, enough banter. Meeting adjourned. Let's stay focused, okay? And Ling Ling, Orm—keep the momentum going, but don't let it get out of hand." 

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Ling Ling didn't know how much longer she could keep this up. Ever since the meeting, Orm had been different. It wasn't just her usual playfulness—there was a new intensity behind Orm's gaze, something that made Ling Ling's heart pound even faster than it usually did around her co-star.

She thought she'd gotten used to Orm's affections by now—the casual arm slung around her shoulders, the teasing whispers only meant for Ling Ling's ears, the cheeky grins that somehow felt personal. But lately, Orm's touches lingered longer, her whispers grew softer, and there was a warmth in her smile that made Ling Ling feel seen in ways she hadn't before.

The worst part? It all felt so real.
Ling Ling had been in the industry long enough to recognize a "performance." She could usually spot it a mile away—Orm knew how to turn up the charm when the cameras were rolling, just as Ling Ling did. But Orm's actions off-camera were blurring the line between their characters and themselves.

At first, Ling Ling had been thrilled—relieved, even. She had felt a magnetic pull toward Orm since day one. She wasn't naïve enough to believe Orm was feeling the same, but when Orm's touches grew more intimate, her smiles more knowing, Ling Ling had allowed herself to hope. But just as soon as she started to believe, doubt crept back in, as it always did.

During a short break in their schedule Ling Ling was sitting alone, scrolling through her lines on her iPad, when Orm appeared behind her.

Ling Ling only realized she was there when Orm's arms wrapped around her shoulders, her face pressing into Ling Ling's neck. The warmth of her breath sent a shiver down Ling Ling's spine.

"P'Ling," Orm murmured, her voice low, her lips so close that Ling Ling could feel the vibration. "I need to recharge. Boost boost. You don't mind, right?"

Before Ling Ling could process what was happening, she felt Orm's cool fingers slip under the hem of her shirt. They rested lightly on Ling Ling's bare stomach, and every nerve in her body went haywire.

"Y-Yes, N'Orm," Ling Ling stammered, her voice betraying her.

Orm hummed in contentment, her body relaxing against Ling Ling. "You feel so warm."
Ling Ling flushed, the heat rushing to her face. She wanted to move but couldn't bring herself to. "You're not cold, are you?" she asked, her voice wavering as she tried to sound casual.

Orm leaned closer, her lips brushing Ling Ling's ear. "Maybe a little. But you're the perfect solution, P'Ling."

Ling Ling's heart was pounding so loudly she was sure Orm could hear it. Just as she was about to respond, their make-up artist called Orm back to set. Orm gave her a gentle squeeze before letting go, her touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary.