Behind the Script

Chapter 38: Orm's Idiot

The aftermath of that awkward dinner still lingered in Orm's mind. She wanted to shake herself—why was she so stubborn? Why couldn't she just confess? But the truth was, she wasn't ready. Not when there was still so much uncertainty about what Ling Ling felt for her. 

Sure, Ling Ling said she loved her. But what kind of love? That was the million-baht question. Orm wasn't about to risk an emotional confession just to hear, "Oh, Orm! I love you like my baby sister!" No, thank you. 

Orm sighed, flopping onto her couch. What does Ling Ling even mean by "I love you more" anyway? For someone so soft and caring, Ling Ling sure had a way of being infuriatingly vague. Orm had spent months studying her co-star, decoding every expression, every word, every habit. She knew Ling Ling's love language was acts of service: Ling Ling always made sure Orm was comfortable, always noticed the little things about her—whether she was cold, tired, or hungry. 

But knowing that wasn't enough. Orm needed proof. Hard evidence that Ling Ling felt the same way. And if Ling Ling wasn't going to spell it out, Orm would just have to draw it out herself. 

--- 

The opportunity to test the waters came when they were both invited to a high-profile fashion show. Orm's wardrobe choice? A sleek pantsuit with no shirt underneath—just a lace bra and a blazer. Bold? Yes. Risky? Also yes. Effective? She was about to find out. 

"Mae, is this too much?" she asked, twirling in front of her mother. 

Mae Koy raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. "If you're going to kill her, at least make it look intentional." 

Orm grinned. Perfect. 

When Ling Ling arrived backstage, Orm could feel her gaze before she even turned around. There was a soft gasp, followed by the sound of Ling Ling clearing her throat. Orm turned, catching Ling Ling's slightly opened mouth, the way she quickly swallowed and plastered on a polite smile. 

"You look good, Nong Orm," Ling Ling said after a moment. "But... a bit too sexy, no?" Her voice wavered just enough to give her away. 

Orm leaned in, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Is it sexy enough for you, P'Ling?" 

Ling Ling's cheeks flushed crimson as she looked away with a nervous laugh. Gotcha, Orm thought smugly. 

Out on the red carpet, the cameras flashed and fans screamed, calling their names. Orm basked in the attention, but she noticed Ling Ling wasn't smiling as much as usual. Then, out of nowhere, Ling Ling stormed over, grabbed the edges of Orm's blazer, and yanked it closed. 

"No!" Ling Ling scolded the fans, her voice firm as she tightened her grip on the blazer. She then laced her fingers through Orm's and dragged her away from the crowd. 

Orm pouted, glancing at their joined hands. Possessive Ling Ling is the best Ling Ling, she thought, trying not to laugh. 

--- 

The next event, Orm decided to dial it back. She wore a fully covered outfit—well, technically. The material was sheer, and she made sure it shimmered under the lights. 

"P'Ling, look!" Orm called as they got ready backstage. "I'm fully covered this time!" 

Ling Ling turned to look, her smile soft and approving. But then her eyes widened in horror. "But it's see-through, Nong Orm!" 

Orm suppressed a grin as Ling Ling grabbed a blanket from a nearby chair and wrapped it around her. 

"Too sexy!" Ling Ling declared, hands firmly tucking the edges of the blanket around Orm. "Sit down!"