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Orm's watching Ling closely. For someone who’s never on her phone, or at least not for texting - except for Orm - she’s been on it for a while now. Typing away, smiling like she’s talking to a crush which is weird because Orm is right there! She should be Ling's only crush.
They’re sitting up against the headboard of Ling’s bed in her hotel room and she is definitely not texting Orm. So who in the world is she texting? Who is she talking to that’s making her smile like that? Ling looks so giddy, it’s making something hot coil in Orm’s chest and she does not like it one bit.
It’s so weird because they’ve only been in Paris for like 12 hours and that’s when this all started. This constant texting and giggling - Ling is giggling - and sighing so contently that Orm is sure there’s someone here that Ling’s excited about. Who could it be?
And the thing is, Orm doesn’t want to be one of those people who gets jealous… well, okay, she does get jealous sometimes because Ling is gorgeous and a dork and people find her endearing and beautiful and how can Orm not be jealous? Not to be possessive but Ling is hers! She knows that she’s Ling’s because Ling tells her that all the time - in words and in action.
So it’s fine! Orm’s fine! Everything’s fine! She’s going to let it go and she’s going to enjoy Ling being happy talking to someone who isn’t Orm… it’s fine!
///
It’s happening again. Ling’s texting this mysterious person again. Not as much or in front of everyone’s faces. She’s doing it… secretly? Stepping away from the group for a quick second, her phone in her hands and fingers moving fast in a way that Orm knows intimately.
It’s kind of grating if Orm’s being honest. They’re in Paris! They’re there for Dior as brand ambassadors! Taking pictures and laughing and being happy and in love! Not that Ling isn’t in it because she absolutely is.
Ling’s smiling and laughing and looking at Orm like she’s her entire world. Orm can see the sparkle in Ling’s eyes, the way her lips curl in that soft little smile she reserves for Orm. There isn’t anything to worry about because Orm loves, loves, loves Ling and she has never had a reason to be wary of Ling’s actions.
Except Ling keeps texting and Orm worries for her teeth. She’s never grinded her teeth like this before. Like sure, sometimes Orm wears a mouth guard at night especially when she’s stressed but this is the first time she feels the need to wear it during the day. That’s how frustrated Orm is.
But she’s not going to push it! No, she’s not going to be that girlfriend that demands attention and explanation. Ling wouldn’t do that so Orm won’t do it.
It’s fine! Orm’s fine! Everything is fine!
///
It’s the day of the show and they’re getting ready. Orm’s in her room filming videos and getting all pampered up. She knows Ling is doing the same thing. They’ve been texting here and there and even though Ling’s texts are short, Orm can feel the love in them.
But then that stupid little jealous voice slithers into Orm’s head and whispers nonsense.
You’re seriously letting her just text someone like that?
Her heart is probably beating fast because of this person.
Aren’t you jealous that it’s not because of you?
Don’t you want to know who it is?
Orm has to laugh because if she doesn’t she’s going to yell and stomp her way to Ling’s room and take her phone and maybe throw it out of the window. After she finds out who has taken Ling’s attention away from her.
Instead Orm sighs and rubs her temple to rid herself of a growing headache. This is not the time! She has to get ready and she has to look good and she’ll be on Ling’s arm, a duo, a couple. Because Ling is hers and she is Ling’s.
The makeup artist taps on Orm’s nose and pulls her attention away from her suffocating thoughts. She’s messing up her makeup so she smiles sheepishly. They look like they want to say something but she shakes her head to stop them. If they ask she’s not sure she’ll be able to keep it all in.
But that doesn’t stop her mom from asking. When they’re alone and Orm’s getting dressed, Mae is sitting on the edge of the bed staring at Orm so intently it makes Orm’s skin crawl. She decidedly does not look her mom’s way.
Again, that doesn’t stop her mom because when Orm is looking at herself in the mirror, fixing her top, her mom steps up behind her to help. It’s quiet at first between them. Mae’s hands are quick and helpful, smoothing out the strips.
Orm smiles and thanks Mae but before she can turn away to grab her shoes, Mae grabs Orm’s hand and tugs her back. Orm knows and she lets out a slow breath, turns and faces her mom.
“What’s going on, Orm? You’ve been off for the past day,” Mae says, her brows furrowing in concern. She squeezes Orm’s wrist and Orm sighs.
“It’s silly,” Orm says, trying to sound like she isn’t on the verge of a jealous meltdown. Mae waits for her to continue so Orm sighs. “Ling’s been texting someone nonstop since we got to Paris and I don’t know what to do about it.”
Mae hums and smiles softly but there’s a glint in her eyes that makes Orm pause but then her mom says,. “Ah, you know, I’ve noticed that she’s been on her phone a lot.” Orm picks up on the hint of something knowing in her mom’s voice. Again Orm pauses. Mae clears her throat and softens her features like she knows Orm is catching on to something. “You haven’t asked?”
Groaning, Orm shakes her head and leans against her mom’s shoulder. “No…” Orm mutters as she wraps her arms loosely around her mom’s waist. “I want to! But I don’t want her to think that I’m being nosy or anything.”
When Mae laughs, Orm grumbles loudly and pulls away from her mom. She’s not going to be made fun of! This isn’t serious but enough to make Orm feel like she’s on the precipice of… something. She’s not sure what yet but it doesn’t matter!
“I really don’t think you have anything to worry about,” Mae adds softly, reaching out and fixing a few strands of hair. “Ling loves you. I’m sure there’s a reason for her to be texting someone a lot.”
Mae knows something, Orm’s sure of it. It does make Orm feel slightly better but still, that dumb, nagging voice in the back of her head is keeping her alert.
But It’s fine! Orm’s fine! Everything is fine…
///
They’re finally sitting down, waiting for the show to start. It’s so hot that Orm can feel sweat building along her collarbones and between her breasts. She wants to wipe herself but she can’t because she’s in front of so many people - famous people that if she did that, they’d probably kick her out.
Ling is talking to P’Booky, her voice soft and velvety. It’s her public voice, one she uses when she’s in the presence of people of a different caliber than what she’s used to. Orm finds it funny because Ling is such a dork so when she pulls out that voice… Orm has to smile at it.
Needing her attention, Orm places her hand on Ling’s mid thigh, squeezing just enough to pull Ling’s attention on her. Ling turns and bumps her shoulder against Orm’s and smiles that pretty smile Orm loves so much. Orm leans against Ling and leaves her hand on her thigh.
“This is such a beautiful venue,” Ling murmurs quietly, her eyes roaming around the place. “But god, it’s so hot.”
Orm groans, agrees, “tell me about it. I feel like there’s a pool forming between my boobs.”
Ling chokes on a laugh and Orm catches her looking down at Orm’s top. “I want to be grossed out at that but I also really want to-”
“Hey,” P’Booky whispers in between them. They both look back at her, wondering what she wanted. “Look, it’s Jisoo,” P’Booky says, pointing to where Jisoo is sitting.
Ling leans back and looks in the direction P’Booky pointed to and sees Jisoo waving at her. Orm has to lean further down to see and grins excitedly when Jisoo pulls her phone out.
Jisoo is laughing with her phone pointed at them and Orm holds up a peace sign. She can feel Ling vibrating with excitement next to her and Orm fills with a different kind of warmth. She knows how much Ling loves Jisoo - she’s my bias, Orm. She’s so cute and I love her. - and that’s when it hits Orm.
The person who Ling was texting all this time… it had to be Jisoo. She knows that Ling has her number, knows that they text every now and then. Of course Jisoo was going to be here considering she’s like the face of Dior. There was really no other way for Ling and Jisoo to be in the same place and now that they are… well, shit.
All this time, Ling was giggling like a schoolgirl because of Jisoo. All this time, Orm was jealous because of Jisoo. All this time… that jealousy sparks even more. Orm knows in the back of her head that nothing was going to happen between Ling and Jisoo… but.
But! Ling is giggling as she sits forward again. Her smile is so wide Orm is sure her cheeks are hurting. Her fingers are tapping an anxious beat against her thighs. That hot coil tightens in Orm’s chest.
It’s fine! Orm’s fine! Everything is fine…
///
The after party is fun.
It’s in the same venue as last year’s party and Orm and Ling find themselves in the same spot they were in last time. The atmosphere is amazing; it’s fun and loud and stimulating in all the best ways. There’s champagne and hors d’oeuvres and music and Ling.
Beautiful Ling in her beautiful jacket and her beautifully styled hair and her beautiful smile and eyes and, god, just everything.
Ling doesn’t drink all the time and it’s never a lot - I’m a lightweight, it’s two drinks or disaster - and she’s just finished her second glass. Her cheeks are flushed with that alcoholic glow and Orm loves her so much. She’s so pretty, Orm thinks.
Leaning in, Orm sniffs quickly, inhaling Ling’s soothing scent and bit of the fancy champagne and sighs against Ling’s neck. Ling shivers and chuckles quietly, her hand resting on Orm’s lower back. Orm forgest what she was doing, instead falls into Ling, comfortable and happy.
“As much as I love this, we’re still in public,” Ling says quietly, nudging Orm softly with her shoulder. Orm groans and leans up, pouting. Orm usually can handle her alcohol but there’s something about the environment they’re in that’s making her feel off-kilter.
“Sorry, I was going to say something but I forgot,” Orm giggles. She leans back against the couch and sighs. “I’m happy.”
“Me too,” Ling murmurs. Orm lolls her head towards Ling and her breath catches. Ling is so, so pretty.
“Pretty girl,” Orm says, her smile soft and all for Ling. “That’s what I was going to say. You’re so pretty, Ling.”
The blush on her cheeks deepens and it makes Orm giddy. She loves when she can make Ling blush like that. It’s her favorite look on her. It also makes Orm want to kiss Ling like crazy.
But before Ling, or Orm, can say anything, Ling’s phone lights up. Orm briefly looks at the screen and sees a text from Jisoo. The urge to kiss Ling intensifies; she needs to mark her claim even if Jisoo isn’t around to see it. At least Orm doesn’t think she’s around…
Ling picks up her phone and taps on the text. Her easy smile grows into something shy and Orm has that feeling of throwing Ling’s phone again. But no, no. Orm is better than that, she’s a good girlfriend. So she leans back against the couch and stares at whatever’s happening in the venue.
It’s not helping though because Ling is still texting and Orm can’t take it anymore! She can’t, she can’t, she can’t. So Orm huffs loudly and leans over to look at Ling’s phone. What makes Orm feel bad is that Ling doesn’t pull away. Instead, it seems like she turns her phone a bit so Orm can see what they’re texting about.
The text shows Jisoo asking if this is a good time, asking if Ling is ready. That makes that stupid hot coil in Orm’s chest flare but then she reads Ling’s response telling Jisoo that she needs to check with Orm because they’re at the after party.
Jisoo’s reply comes quickly.
Hope it’s fun! Let me know what she says. I can accommodate. - J
…Orm knows it’s a text and that it’s hard sometimes to figure out the tone but that I can accommodate is making that coil in her chest tighten. What can Jisoo mean by that?
I don’t think we need to change the plan but let me ask! - L
Ling shows Orm her phone fully and smiles. “Wanna hang out with Jisoo for a little bit?” When Orm doesn’t answer, Ling quickly adds, “we don’t have to! I’m having a good time here with you. We can stay.” There’s something in Ling’s voice that tells Orm she doesn’t want that.
Orm quickly looks around, looks to see if anyone is looking at them or if there are any cameras. She knows they are nowhere near the caliber of fame than a lot of the guests but you never know! When she feels like they’re safe, Orm leans over and presses a soft kiss to the corner of Ling’s mouth.
“Pass up an opportunity to hang out with Jisoo? No way, let’s go!” Orm exclaims, nervous excitement bubbling under her skin. She stands quickly and pulls Ling with her who laughs loudly.
They’re standing outside the venue waiting for their car to come pick them up. Orm watches as Ling sends a text to Jisoo.
Orm agreed! When do you want us to come over? - L
Now if you’d like! - J
Absolutely, we’re just leaving the party. Should be there soon. - L
Room 1256. See you both soon :) - J
The car pulls up and takes them back to their hotel. They quickly change into more casual clothes, comfortable but still nice enough to be in Jisoo’s presence.
Orm slips her hand into Ling’s as they head to the elevator. Ling squeezes her hand and presses the up button. The excitement in Orm’s chest is making her heart beat wildly so she pulls Ling in close.
“Nervous?” Ling asks as the elevator lurches, taking them to Jisoo’s floor.
“Super nervous,” Orm chuckles. Ling presses a kiss to Orm’s temple that soothes Orm a bit. “Aren’t you?”
Her eyes on the climbing numbers, Ling nods. “A bit, yeah.” The elevator stops and jerks them a bit. “But we’ve been texting a lot this trip so I feel okay.”
The huff that unconsciously slips out of Orm’s nose makes Ling stop. Orm has the gall to look sheepish at Ling’s curious gaze. Orm can only shrug, unsure of what to do or say.
“What was that huff for?” Ling asks, her eyes narrowing.
“Nothing!” Orm quickly says, an automatic answer despite it being a lie. Ling doesn’t let her get away with it. “Fine… I noticed you were texting a lot and I wasn’t sure until earlier today that it must’ve been with Jisoo.”
Ling shifts and faces Orm fully. “Were you jealous?”
Orm drops her head in admonishment. “Yeah… a little bit. I tried not to be or to show it.”
“Silly girl,” Ling says, amused. She pulls Orm into a loose hug. “Why didn’t you ask me about it?”
“Well, I can counter that with why didn’t you tell me,” Orm questions, pouting. She wiggles in Ling’s hold which only makes Ling tighten her grip.
Pressing a kiss to the furrow between Orm’s brows, Ling smiles into it. “Because I was asking Jisoo for a favor. When she agreed, I got excited and knew I couldn’t tell you.”
Ling has that giddy look she had when texting Jisoo. There’s a nervousness to her aura but her excitement outweighs it. That hot coil in Orm’s chest loosens. Ling is not the best liar so Orm has to believe that this favor can only be a good one.
“Can I ask what the favor is?” Orm grumbles. Ling chuckles and shakes her head, her smile impish and cheeky. “I guess it has to be good because you’re such a bad liar.”
Tugging on Orm’s hand, Ling starts leading them to Jisoo’s room. “I hope it’s good. I feel like I’ve been a nuisance to Jisoo.”
There is never a world where Ling could be a nuisance. Sure, Ling could sometimes be single-focused and grumble on and on and on about it but if anything, it’s endearing. Even Jisoo would have to think so.
At the end of the hall, there are 2 bodyguards standing outside Jisoo’s room. As soon as they see Ling and Orm, they turn immediately and cross their arms, intimidating in all senses of the word. Orm stands on edge but not Ling.
No, Ling waves at them and smiles, telling them that they’re there to see Jisoo. She gives them their names and they both look at their phones, nodding that they were given permission to come over.
One of the guards knocks on the door and opens it enough to tell Jisoo her guests have arrived. Orm hears Jisoo give her consent in letting them in. At least that’s what she thinks she says, Orm doesn’t know korean. But it doesn’t matter because the door opens fully and they’re permitted inside.
They kick off their shoes at the door and slip into slippers left for them. Jisoo rounds the corner and smiles widely, waving them over to the couches in the middle of the very large room.
“Hey you two! Come sit, please,” Jisoo tells them, patting the edge of the couch. “Let me get you two some water, or would you like champagne?”
The champagne that Orm drank earlier is no longer in her body. Instead, she feels weirdly nervous - all thanks to this favor that Jisoo is helping Ling with - so Orm accepts water instead. Ling hesitates before shaking her head and accepts water too. Ling must be even more nervous now in comparison to what she said earlier.
Jisoo nods and heads over to the counter with a jug of water and several cups. Orm watches Jisoo pour, notices the relaxed line of her shoulders. She is not nervous, it seems. There is too much tumbling in Orm’s head and chest for her to relax.
But then Ling reaches over and covers Orm’s hand that is unconsciously clenching into a fist. Orm smiles sheepishly and Ling gives her that very soft smile and Orm relaxes a bit.
Returning with their cups of water, Jisoo motions for them to sit again before she heads to the counter to grab her own cup. They wait patiently for Jisoo to return and sit first before they follow suit. Jisoo rolls her eyes fondly.
“Such good manners,” Jisoo says in her pretty English accent. “How are you? Having a good time?”
Ling nods a little too quickly, Orm hears her neck crack. Without thinking, she reaches over and rubs the back of Ling’s neck. Ling shoots her a quick glance before looking back at Jisoo with flushed cheeks. Orm slowly pulls her hand away, holds it in her lap.
“Yes, a great time! We’re glad to be back, taking Paris in even more,” Ling answers, excited. She looks at Orm who smiles back, soft and certain. Ling’s leg stops bouncing.
“Yeah, we’re really loving this trip! It’s a whole different vibe than last time,” Orm says, leaning into Ling. “This one here,” Orm motions to Ling with her head, “even took me out on a run. She had to lure me with coffee.”
Jisoo laughs at that, her eyes sparkling as she looks between them. Orm can feel heat radiating off of Ling and it’s intoxicating. The jealousy in Orm dissipates, turns into something warm, something fond.
“That’s very cute. You should’ve invited me too, Lingling,” Jisoo says with a wink. The way Ling chuckles nervously makes Orm roll her eyes, trying to fight her smile. This girl… “But I’m glad you both are having a good time! I love Paris.”
“It’s a really romantic city,” Ling mentions quietly. Her eyes are on Jisoo but her hand covers Orm’s. Orm curls her fingers around Ling’s as much as she can. Jisoo raises her brows at their clasped hands and Orm feels herself blush.
Taking a sip from her water, Jisoo eyes them both over the rim of her cup. Orm feels self conscious in a weird way, feels like Jisoo is trying to discern something. Ling is repeatedly squeezing Orm’s hand in what must be nerves. Orm bumps her shoulder against Ling’s.
“So I didn’t meet you last time, Orm,” Jisoo starts. She places her cup on the end table and leans back, her arm laying across the back of the couch. “Ling told me you two work together?”
Is that all Ling told Jisoo about her? Orm thinks. She fights back a pout.
Nodding, Orm tries her best smile, says, “yeah! I mean, we do much more than work together but that’s how we came to be LingOrm.” Ling clears her throat and squeezes Orm’s hand again.
“LingOrm… I really like that.” Jisoo’s smile is sweet and genuine. She looks at Ling quickly before putting her attention back on Orm. “Ling said your series are GL, Girls Love? Sapphic. How do you like that?”
“I love it! How can I not? I mean, my partner is Ling,” Orm points at Ling with her thumb. “Have you seen her? I would be crazy to not like it.”
Ling chuckles softly and so does Jisoo. Jisoo’s eyes stray to Ling again and she eyes her up and down, it makes a small flicker of jealousy bloom. “She is gorgeous…” Jisoo looks back at Orm, adds, “but so are you. You two make a beautiful couple. I’m kinda jealous.”
Jisoo can’t be jealous of them, she’s Jisoo! She’s a singer, an actress, a beauty, someone known all over the world. She can have everything she wants.
“It’s a privilege, an honor,” Ling says quietly. Orm looks over at her and sees the deep blush to Ling’s cheeks. “Getting to work with Orm… getting to grow with her and be with her, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Oh… Orm was not expecting Ling to say that. Especially to Jisoo, unless Jisoo already knows of Ling’s feelings? Did Ling tell her? Does this have something to do with the favor Ling asked for?
“Ling-”
“Is that so?”
Orm and Jisoo speak over each other. They both giggle at their reactions. Ling is so hot Orm feels like she’s in a furnace but there’s a calmness to Ling. Like despite her being on the verge of catching on fire, there’s also an unperturbed flow.
Ling inhales deeply and looks at Orm almost shyly but there’s love there; in her eyes and her smile and in the way she squeezes Orm’s hand. Orm has the feeling that something is going to happen.
“I’ve had relationships before where there was love and excitement,” Jisoo starts. Her cheeks are a pretty pink, the sight of them makes Orm’s heart flutter. “But looking at you two, knowing what Ling’s told me, I’ve never had anything like that. It’s refreshing, and it’s making me feel really gooey inside.”
Jisoo laughs and Ling and Orm follow. From what Orm’s seen of Jisoo’s videos and interviews, she’s not someone who gets outwardly emotional. She’s steady and calm - and really funny - and it’s a pleasant balance to the flowing feelings.
Taking Orm’s hand and looping her arm through Ling’s, the feeling of Ling’s pride and love fills the room. Orm feels like she’s being shown off. It feels like a permanent stamp that Orm is Ling’s and Ling is Orm’s. Jisoo only smiles and shakes her head.
Orm feels like she should say something, like she needs to let Jisoo know just how much Ling means to her.
“I’m really lucky,” Orm murmurs softly. She rests her chin on Ling’s shoulder and looks up at her, lips puckered and happy. “Ling has taught me so much. I’ve never really lacked much before her but when she came into my life, everything brightened. Everything became easier and a little more bearable, and I’m gonna be honest here… I’m spoiled beyond belief.”
Jisoo laughs loudly at that. She looks Orm up and down kinda like she did Ling and she smirks. “Honestly, I see that,” Jisoo winks. “Ling didn’t tell me anything but from just this small interaction, and from what I’ve witnessed around the venue, you kinda give me pillow princess vibes.”
The almost offended gasp that spills out of Orm’s mouth makes both of them laugh. Orm is not a pillow princess… she can do things on her own and she gives as good as she gets! Ling never complained or said anything. Actually, Ling almost always pushes to do things for Orm! And Orm isn’t going to stop her…
“Baby,” Ling says fondly. She brings Orm’s hand up to her mouth and presses a soft kiss to her knuckles. Orm flushes deeply and chances a glance at Jisoo who is looking at them with such fondness. “You’re not a pillow princess! Maybe just… a princess?”
“I guess I accept that,” Orm grumbles despite the blush to her cheeks. “But Jisoo, I’ll have you know, while I do love to be doted on and taken care of by Ling, I also do things for her! I mean, I give as goo-”
Ling’s hand is on Orm’s mouth. Orm sputters into it and groans at having been stopped so aggressively. Ling doesn’t even know what she was going to say! It could’ve been anything…
Taking pity on them, Jisoo, in all her amusement, stands up and walks over to a speaker that’s been sitting on her dresser. Orm feels the way Ling tenses, it makes her push her hand harder against Orm’s mouth.
“Orm?” Jisoo calls, looking over her shoulder at her.
Finally removing her hand, Orm quickly sticks her tongue out at Ling before turning back to Jisoo. “Yeah?”
“Do you know any of my solo music?” Jisoo asks. She has her phone in her hand, connecting to the bluetooth speaker. She walks back to her seat and sits in front of Orm.
The atmosphere in the room changes. The air thickens with anticipation. Ling is staring at Orm with this intensity that makes Orm’s breath catch. Jisoo is staring at Orm too but there’s a calmness to it.
Swallowing nervously, Orm nods. “Yeah, of course… I love your solo work.” And it’s true! Jisoo’s music is fun and catchy but her favorite is…
“What about ‘Your Love’?” Jisoo’s looking down at her phone, scrolling through her music app. Ling’s watching Jisoo too and when Jisoo stops on a song, Ling exhales shakily.
“That’s my favorite song of yours,” Orm tells her with a slight nod. Ling shifts next to Orm, facing her, knee pressing into Orm’s thigh. “What’s going on?”
Ling squeezes Orm’s hand, smiles softly. “About a month ago, we were in my room and you had so much energy. Nothing we did burned enough energy to calm you down so I just started playing music. We were singing along and dancing for what felt like forever until we both collapsed on my bed.”
Orm remembers that perfectly. It is one of her most favorite moments with Ling; just getting to see Ling so carefree and happy and losing herself in the moment. It was intoxicating and Orm fell so much more in love with Ling that night.
“Our chests were heaving, I thought I would never catch my breath,” Ling continues, her hand going to her chest. She presses her palm flat and breathes. “You were giggling and I thought how you could still be using your lungs. Do you remember that?”
Nodding, Orm says, “with perfect clarity. I’ll be honest, I remember thinking that if I stopped moving I would explode. It was contradicting but then I looked at you, and you were flushed the prettiest pink I’ve ever seen and then everything kind of quieted.”
“Yeah, it did but then ‘Your Love’ started playing and you scrambled onto your knees and leaned over me,” Ling says quietly. Orm wants to bottle this Ling up.
“And I started singing to you…” Orm finishes, her own cheeks heating at the memory. She remembers the way Ling’s eyes shone so brightly. It made Orm feel like she was going to float away.
Just then, music starts playing. The opening chords to ‘Your Love’ fills the room and Orm expects Jisoo’s voice to start singing but instead, Ling does.
“Stars in my eyes, constellations for you
You spin my life upside down around the moon
Oh-oh, you can’t be real
You look like everything I see in my dreams…”
Jisoo’s voice joins Ling, their voices harmonizing. Orm holds her breath.
“I swear that we’ll be be young forever
The world slows down when we’re together
I’ve never known this feeling
But if I had to find a way to explain your love…”
Ling’s voice drops off as Jisoo sings the next line,
“Your love, your love, your love…”
Then Ling picks back up again and sings the chorus,
“Feels like the rain, feels like a song I used to know
And your love feels like the way there’s only green lights driving home
Your love feels like a Sunday when you got nowhere to go…”
Again, Jisoo joins back in and harmonizes with Ling. Their voices sound so beautiful together.
“Oh, I love your love, your love, your la-la-la-la-love…”
The track is tapering off, fading into silence but Ling still sings. Her voice drops low and nervous but so, so clear.
“My life began when you walked in the room
And I wanna end all my nights next to you
…you make me complete…”
That night when Orm sang this song to Ling, it was dark. The only light in the room was the soft yellow glow of Ling’s bedside lamp. The light casted shadows on Ling’s face that was beautifully haunting. Even so, the look Ling was staring at Orm with was so certain and true. It was so loving, warm and whole.
Orm knew then, with absolute clarity, that Ling was forever. Not that she ever thought otherwise but that was just another notch in her heart that Ling was it for her.
And now… now. Well, if Orm could see properly and breathe clearly, she’s sure she would see the same look that she saw that night. But Orm can’t see and her chest is so tight with so much love she feels like she might be suffocating.
Ling doesn’t like to sing, it’s rare that she does, and especially in front of people - even if it’s just one person; especially if that one person is renowned KPop Idol, Kim Jisoo - but Ling did sing. And she sang just for Orm. A song Orm loved, a song about love.
Ugh, Orm loves Ling so fucking much. How did she get so lucky!?
“Here,” Jisoo says quietly, placing several tissues into Orm’s sweaty hand. Orm thanks her through a sniffly cry, barely hearing a quiet laugh.
It takes a moment for Orm to gather herself. She blows her nose noisily and wipes it clean. She feels soft fingers brush away her tears. A wet chuckle slips past Orm’s trembling lips. A silly thought slips into her head.
“I can’t believe I was jealous,” Orm thinks, feeling so dumb.
But apparently it wasn’t a thought because she blinks several times and sees an amused face staring at her. To the side, Jisoo laughs and asks, “you were jealous? Of what?”
Ling chuckles - Orm just now notices Ling’s glassy eyes, like she was crying too - and presses a kiss to Orm’s cheek. “Wanna tell her?”
Orm takes in a deep breath and lets it out slowly before she turns toward Jisoo. “Of you,” Orm mutters, embarrassed. Jisoo’s smile softens at her admission.
“Why were you jealous of me?” Jisoo asks. She looks so amused, Orm can’t help but soften.
“Because Ling was texting someone a lot since we landed in Paris and I didn’t know who and my brain kept telling me dumb things and I was annoyed because Ling never texts anyone like that - well, other than me and-” Orm cuts herself off, realizing that she was rambling. It doesn’t matter now because of everything that’s happened in the last… almost hour.
Ling sighs softly and wraps her arms around Orm’s waist, holding her tight, tight, tight. “You’re the sweetest, best girl and I’m sorry that I made you feel like that…”
“I’m sorry, too.” Jisoo adds, though she looks a little confused on why she’s apologizing. At Orm’s laugh, Jisoo smiles. “I think you’re both adorable together and when Ling asked about doing this with her, I couldn’t say no.”
“Neither of you have anything to apologize for,” Orm tells them, looking at Jisoo then at Ling. “You two are the best and I feel so silly for feeling jealous. I’m the luckiest girl in the whole world.”
Abruptly, Jisoo asks, “should we become a throuple?” Ling and Orm both choke on their breaths, their wide eyes staring at Jisoo in shock. “Kidding,” Jisoo laughs, then winks, “unless?”
Orm manages to mumble, “what?!” just as Ling coughs into her fist.
Jisoo grins and shakes her head, delighted at their reactions. She slaps her knees and stands up, “you should’ve seen your faces! I said that because there were too many feelings, I had to break it up.”
Both Ling and Orm breathe out an oh before they stand up as well. “Yeah, no, of course,” Ling sputters, her cheeks a flaming red. “That was- that was really funny.”
“Silly girls,” Jisoo mumbles as she leads them to the door. “Not to kick you out but I’m kicking you out.”
“Oh, we didn’t mean to overstay our welcome,” Ling bows her head.
“You didn’t,” Jisoo says, tapping on Ling’s head to stop her from bowing. “It just looks like you two need some… alone time.”
Again, they both choke on their breath. Jisoo has been making them feel every which way since they got to her room. Orm feels like she’s been on a rollercoaster. One look at Ling and it seems like she feels the same way.
“You guys are way too easy to mess with,” Jisoo says, charmed. She brings them into a combined hug, nice and tight, and lets go. “Now, go take care of your princess, Ling.”
God, if they could, they both would have probably combusted into nothing by now. Jisoo is a menace and Orm’s heart is too sensitive right now.
“Right, right…” Ling mutters. She puffs up her cheeks and blows out a breath, her lips pulling into a grateful smile. “Thanks so much, Jisoo. You have no idea how happy you made me.”
“And me,” Orm tacks on. She grins and bows quickly before Jisoo could say anything. “I’m gonna make sure she takes care of me.”
It’s Jisoo’s turn to blush - finally - and she shakes her head fondly. “Okay, okay, go, go, go,” Jisoo mutters as she opens the door. The body guards step aside and open the path for Ling and Orm.
“Have a good night, LingOrm,” Jisoo says and waves her fingers at them. “We’ll talk soon.” Then she closes the door.
Ling thanks the bodyguards and bids them goodbye. Orm slips her hand into Ling’s and brings it to hold it in front of her. They don’t say anything, just stay in the comfort of each other’s love and presence.
Orm feels like she’s floating on cloud 9.
///
They’re in Ling’s bed. Orm is cuddled in closely against Ling, her head resting on her shoulder, hand playing with a button of her pajama top. They’re both lost in thought.
When they returned to Ling’s room, they were both high in their love. Orm was basically sagging on Ling, all but commanding to be held up. Ling’s fingers were pressed into Orm’s side, pressure to warm skin.
The door was pushed open a little roughly, bouncing against the wall. Ling didn’t even flinch despite being careful in places that weren’t her own. Orm felt Ling’s fingers press even more into her. It sent a shiver down Orm’s spine.
Ling guided Orm to enter first so she could close the door behind them. Orm stopped a few feet ahead and turned when she didn’t hear Ling move. She was leaning against the door watching Orm with a softness that always made her heart tremble. Ling smiled and pushed off the door. That softness turned into something heated.
“I love you,” Ling murmured, voice low and rough. Her hand slid to the back of Orm’s neck and threaded into her hair. “You’re so beautiful.”
Orm leaned into Ling’s hand and gasped when Ling tightened her grip. Orm felt plump lips kiss along her jaw and down her neck. A tease of tongue on a dampening neck, a scrape of teeth and slight suckle.
“I lo-love you,” Orm breathed, eyes closed and tilting her head to give Ling more skin to mark. “God.”
The sound of wet kisses and breathy gasps filled the room. Orm gripped Ling’s sweatshirt, bunching the fabric in tight fists, at a particularly rough suck and moaned.
“You can’t- Ling, can’t…” Orm was weakly pushing at Ling’s shoulder to get her to stop. Ling groaned but listened and she put distance between them.
Ling was flushed red, dazed and needy, lips kiss-swollen. Orm almost forgot why she stopped Ling. She was stunning in her arousal.
“Sorry, baby,” Ling rasped. She pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes and breathed out loudly. She chuckled and dropped her hands, blinking her eyes rapidly. “Got carried away.”
“It’s okay.” Orm reached out and carded her fingers through hair at Ling’s hairline. “Need to be careful.”
Nodding, Ling took Orm’s hand and kissed her palm. She pursed her lips in amusement and fingered the slight red spot. “Or we could say it’s Dior's new product: a hickey-inspired statement piece.”
A little hiss slipped through Orm’s smile and she groaned. “Ling, don’t tell me you actually left a mark!”
Sounding sheepish, Ling murmured, “it’s barely anything… nothing a little makeup can’t cover.”
Orm pushed at Ling’s shoulder and pouted as she reached over and grabbed her phone. She opened the camera and sighed defeated. “This is so embarrassing.” Orm tossed her phone aside and side-eyed Ling. “You’re lucky you just gave me the best gift,” Orm said softly.
“Sorry again, baby,” Ling apologized, actually sounding reprimanded. “Let me get some ice, it’ll help with the bruising.”
As Ling rolled over to get out of bed, Orm reached over and pulled her back, and cuddled into her. “No, it’s okay.”
“But-“
“Ling, just hold me,” Orm pouted, holding Ling tightly.
The room fell into silence, just the sound of their quiet breaths filling the space. The past 24 hours had been a whirlwind of activity and feelings and it was everything Orm wanted to bottle forever. It went in ways Orm never imagined.
Orm pops a button open on Ling’s pajama top and roams her finger along soft, taut skin. Ling’s breath hitches and she grabs Orm’s finger, stopping its ascent higher up her chest.
“Orm, what are you doing?” Ling asks, pulling Orm’s hand away from her tense stomach.
“Thinking,” Orm replies. She buttons Ling’s top and shifts so she can look up at Ling. “That whole thing with Jisoo, what made you want to do that?”
Ling looks down at Orm and smiles. Her cheeks blush brightly, visible even in the dark. “I just wanted to do something nice for you.”
Something about the way Ling sounds tells Orm that isn’t the full truth. “It was really nice, wonderful even, but there’s more to it, isn’t there?”
“I wanted to make you feel the way I felt that night when you sang to me,” Ling tells Orm, her fingers playing with Orm’s bangs. “I fell even deeper in love with you.”
Orm lets Ling’s words sink in. It was such an unbelievably sweet moment and to have Jisoo harmonize with Ling? Well-
“I thought you were going to propose,” Orm blurts. It was a floating thought in the mix of everything but it didn’t stick until this moment.
“What?” Ling balks. Her fingers still and she leans up on her elbow. “You thought that?”
“Well, yeah,” Orm emphasizes, motioning her hand around the room as if that was explanation enough. “I mean, can you blame me?”
Ling’s quiet. She’s staring at Orm with a mixture of shock and surprise and something akin to sheepishness and love. So much love.
“You know, Jisoo asked me the same thing,” Ling says eventually, an embarrassed amusement coloring her voice. Orm raised a curious brow. With a heavy sigh, Ling continues, “when I told her not yet, she sent an influx of the red exclamation point emoji and said,” in her best Jisoo impersonation, “you’re serenading your girlfriend with a love song, singing it with the actual singer, and you’re not going to propose? If I were Orm, I’d be upset and run out of the room screaming and crying and throwing up.”
Orm is laughing. Stomach muscles and lungs tight as she tries to inhale any semblance of oxygen. But Ling is grinning down at her, Jisoo’s impersonation still in the air, and god, Orm loves her. She loves this dumb woman who made her (unknowingly, pleasantly) jealous and she loves her.
But through all of that, two words stick out: not yet.
There is a future where Ling drops to one knee, a ring box in her hand, her beautiful brown eyes staring up at Orm, glassy and so full of love, four words pulling them together.
There is a future where this moment will become a story they tell at their wedding.
There is a future where every little moment leads them to saying I do.
There is a future and there is forever.
“I wish I recorded that,” Orm says through breathless giggles. “Jisoo would’ve loved it.”
“She definitely would’ve,” Ling agreed through her own laugh. “I once sent her a voice note of a Korean phrase I learned and I mixed Chinese with it and then grunted something in Thai and she sent me a video of her and Lisa laughing.”
Laughing again - Orm knows her stomach is going to be sore - Orm stops abruptly. “Wait! And you didn’t show me?!” Ling’s eyes widen and her mouth opens and closes, floundering like a fish. “Jisoo sent you a video of her and Lisa - Thailand’s pride and joy - laughing at you and you didn’t show me!”
“I-“ Ling looks like she’s trying to scramble for an excuse but her shoulders drop and she falls back. “I don’t have an excuse… it just- I didn’t even- wow, how could I not show you that? You would’ve loved it.”
Orm wants to be upset about it - that jealousy from earlier is returning - but instead she pushes it away and pouts. She can’t ever really be mad at Ling, that girl shares everything with Orm… Ling might’ve been too embarrassed.
“Show it to me now,” Orm says easily. She holds Ling’s eyes with a steady stare and watches as Ling puffs out her cheeks.
Ling picks up her phone and opens the photos app, scrolls until she finds the video. Without a word, she hits play and Orm takes in the video.
It’s short, ten seconds long, but Jisoo and Lisa are laughing and they’re smiling so big and they look so endeared. There’s not a single thing that’s taunting or making fun of.
At the end, Lisa says something between her laughs before Jisoo stops the video. Orm plays that part again and again trying to decipher what she’s saying but it’s muffled and breathy.
“Lisa said, ‘she’s cute’,” Ling says quietly, also a bit proudly. Orm looks up at her and the pink of her cheeks and shine in her eyes fully warms Orm up.
“Not only was I jealous of Jisoo, now I have to be wary of Lisa!?” Orm huffs, but it’s playful and teasing.
This is solidifying even more that Ling is becoming everyone’s type. It’s just making Orm feel even more proud and lucky that she gets to call Ling hers.
“Guess you gotta keep a tighter leash on me, baby,” Ling says, winking playfully. But then she leans down and presses a sweet kiss to Orm’s pouting lips. “Kidding. I’m yours, through and always.”
“Maybe I should get a leash…” Orm mutters, her fingers caressing the skin of Ling’s neck. “A collar would look stunning on you.”
Ling pulls her head away, leaning away from Orm's wiggling fingers. She wraps her hand around her neck and shakes her head.
“I hope you’re joking,” Ling warns, eyeing Orm warily.
“I don’t know, my pretty,” Orm teases, smirking. “I need to claim what’s mine.”
Letting go of her neck, Ling hums before she leans in close and murmurs, “there are better ways you can do that. Let me show you.”
///
They’ve only been back in Bangkok for a day when Ling gets a text from Jisoo.
Orm is resting in her trusty set chair, scrolling her phone, when she hears Ling snort. It’s not a common noise to come out of Ling and it piques Orm’s interest. She sets her phone and down leans forward, watching Ling intently.
Ling looks around suspiciously and when she catches Orm’s curious gaze, she blushes and holds her phone up. “Just from Jisoo,” Ling says, smiling shyly.
“And what did your bestie say to make you snort like that?” Orm asks, amused. Ling somehow blushes even more deeply.
“Oh you know, just… making sure we’ve returned home safely,” Ling replies. She looks shifty and Orm immediately clocks that Ling is lying.
Orm stands and walks up to Ling, stationing herself between Ling’s legs. Orm looks down at Ling, enjoying the way she squirms. “Want to tell me the truth?”
Looking around - only Mae and P’Mam are there - Ling groans and hands Orm her phone. Orm takes it, stares at Ling a moment longer, before looking at her phone.
Hey lover girl, how are you and princess?
Take care of her? ;) - J
Jisoo… let’s not do this please! - L
Haha, sorry girly!
So, did Orm ask why you didn’t propose? - J
She did… a missed opportunity now :/ - L
Orm chances a glance at Ling who is pointedly not looking back. Orm continues reading.
Well, I have two options for you because I think you two are the cutest ever:
1) I help you propose; 2) Lisa and I sing at your wedding
Choose wisely! - J
There’s no reply from Ling. Orm hands Ling her phone back, tells her breathlessly, “choose wisely.”