Behind the Script

Chapter 30: Orm's Ship

The pilot episode of *The Secret of Us* aired on Valentine's Day, and the fan reception was overwhelming. Social media exploded with comments, memes, and video edits celebrating the chemistry between Orm and Ling Ling. 

"Ch3 did right with the pairing!" 
"They look so good together!" 
"Perfect couple!" 
"Wow!! Premium visuals!" 

Orm was practically vibrating with excitement as she sat in the makeup studio, scrolling through the comments. Her grin stretched so wide it hurt, but she didn't care. 

"We look good together. We look soooo good together," she muttered under her breath, bouncing in her chair. Then, louder: "We look *together*! Hee!" 

Her mother, Mae Koy, sitting beside her and updating Orm's Instagram account, raised an eyebrow at the sudden outburst. 

"Orm," Mae Koy said, giving her a pointed look. "If you keep giggling like that, people will think you've lost it. What's so funny?" 

Orm spun her phone around to show her. "Mae, look at these comments! People are saying me and P'Ling are perfect together. They even made a hashtag! #LingOrm!" 

Mae Koy smirked. "Good for you. Now if only you worked this hard on your thesis, you'd graduate this century." 

Orm ignored her, turning her attention to Ling Ling, who was seated nearby. Ling Ling was engrossed in her phone, her eyebrows furrowed in concentration as she scrolled through the fan comments. 

Orm bit her lip to stop herself from squealing. Why was Ling Ling so cute when she was confused? 

"P'Ling," Orm said, leaning closer, "what are you reading?" 

Ling Ling held up her phone. "Nong Orm, what does this mean? Someone commented, 'LingOrm is life.' Is that... about insurance?" 

Orm choked on her laugh. "No, P'Ling! It's not about insurance! It means our ship is their main focus in their life. And fans are shipping us—like, they want us to be a real-life couple." 

Ling Ling tilted her head, looking adorably puzzled. "Ship? We have a ship, Nong Orm?" 

Orm couldn't hold it in anymore and burst into laughter, loud enough to draw the attention of the makeup artists. Ling Ling blushed and mumbled, "I don't get your fandom language." 

---

Filming had officially begun, and the production was buzzing with activity. Orm, ever the social butterfly, quickly bonded with the rest of the cast. She was particularly close to Prikhing, who shared her playful energy, and P'Claire, who played Earn's manager in the series. 

P'Ying, who played Fahlada's rival, was a different story. Quiet and effortlessly cool, she had an aura that made everyone slightly intimidated, but Orm couldn't resist teasing her. 

"P'Ying," Orm said one day, sidling up to her during a break, "why are you so calm? Teach me your secrets. I get nervous just standing near P'Ling." 

P'Ying smirked. "Nong Orm, you don't look nervous. You look like someone completely smitten." 

Prikhing, overhearing, snorted. "Exactly. You're about as subtle as a neon sign." 

Orm pretended to be offended. "I'm just staying in character! You know, as Earn!" 

"Sure," Prikhing replied, rolling her eyes. "Because 'in character' totally explains why you stare at P'Ling's lips even when the cameras aren't rolling." 

---

Orm's biggest challenge came when they filmed the elevator scene. Ling Ling stepped onto the set in a crisp beige power suit, her heels clicking against the floor with an air of authority. She transformed into Fahlada effortlessly—stern, composed, and utterly breathtaking.