LingOrm | Safe Zone (English) (FULL)
Safe Zone (Eng Ver.) - Chap 03
[06:00 AM]
Lingling Kwong woke up, as usual, with the first light of dawn. She spent some time in the home's private gym before heading downstairs, where she found Orm Kornnaphat bustling around the kitchen. A soft smile tugged at Lingling's lips as she walked over.
- Done with your workout? Come have breakfast! - Orm called out cheerfully, setting down two plates on the table. She slipped off her apron and turned to Lingling with gentle eyes.
Lingling nodded and sat down. This had become their quiet little routine since they moved in together: every morning, Lingling would work out, and Orm would prepare breakfast. Lingling had never quite understood why Orm had suddenly taken up cooking, but as long as Lingling was home, Orm would always be in the kitchen, making her favorite dishes, from the simplest to the most intricate. And if a recipe proved too difficult, she'd even invite a chef over to teach her how to make it.
Watching Lingling eat the breakfast she had made with her own hands, Orm felt a quiet joy swell inside her chest. Lingling had always had a soft spot for food, and Orm was determined to win Lingling over one dish at a time. Orm smiled to herself. In moments like these, she truly felt like Lingling's little wifey, waking early to make breakfast, then laying out Lingling's clothes for work. This past year, as long as Lingling was home, Orm had lived in her happiest bubble. It was as if they were a real couple. The only difference... was that she couldn't kiss Lingling good morning.
- Eat your breakfast. Why are you just staring into space? On a diet again? - Lingling looked at Orm with concern.
- Not at all. If you think I don't need to lose weight, then I won't. - Orm finally picked up her chopsticks.
- Good girl. You're already beautiful, don't keep "shrinking" yourself. Got it?
- Khap~~ -
After breakfast, the two made their morning coffee together, chatted idly, then took turns showering and getting dressed for work. As Lingling stood in front of the mirror adjusting her blazer, Orm reached out to straighten Lingling's collar. The image reflected back at her, the two of them standing side by side, felt so right. Orm couldn't help but smile.
- You're in a really good mood today, huh? You've been smiling since morning. - Lingling turned to Orm.
- You're back, so I'm happy! - Orm slipped her arms around Lingling from behind, as naturally as breathing. She knew Lingling wouldn't push her away.
- You clingy little thing... - Lingling laughed - .. you're practically glued to me.
- Yes, I only cling to you! - Orm pouted adorably.
- Is that so? - Lingling raised an eyebrow.
- Of course!
Lingling went quiet, thinking for a moment before asking softly.
- What about your boyfriend? Don't you stick to Khun Pu, too?
Orm didn't respond right away. She studied Lingling's face, then smiled faintly.
- I stick to him differently. With you, it's another kind of attachment. They're not the same.
Something about that answer made Lingling's heart sink. The cheerful lightness from earlier faded just a little. She quietly unwrapped Orm's arms from around her waist and turned to fix her outfit again, saying nothing more as she headed out the door.
- I will wait for you outside! - Lingling only left behind those words before walking out.
Orm wasn't upset. As soon as the door clicked shut, a sly smile curled at her lips.
Lingling's jealous.
The thought lifted her mood. She began putting on her makeup, humming as she picked up her purse and left the room.
The car ride was quiet. A cool hush filled the space between them. Lingling said nothing, her mood carefully restrained, but Orm could feel it. Lingling wasn't happy. Still, Orm didn't act out. If Orm wanted Lingling to truly yearn for her, to ache with love the way she did, then Orm would need to let Lingling feel the full spectrum of being in love, including... jealousy. After then, she might have a chance of success in capturing Lingling's heart.
-After a little while-
- Sis... - Orm spoke up softly.
- Hm?
- Did I do something wrong? - Orm's voice trembled just slightly, uncertain.
Lingling turned toward Orm, catching those amber eyes now tinged with sadness. A sigh escaped her lips. She was upset, yes, but now Orm had to share that drop in her mood, and that made Lingling feel guilty. It wasn't fair. Orm hadn't done anything wrong. From a big sister's perspective, Lingling should've been more generous. She stared at Orm for a moment, then smiled gently.
- No, Nong Orm's been very good. - Lingling reached out to pat her head.
- But... you don't seem happy.
- I'll be fine in a little while.
- Did something happen that made you upset?
- Just a few things about work, nothing major. - Lingling lied.
- So I'm not as important as work? - Orm's lashes fluttered, her eyes widening in mock sorrow, playing the part perfectly.
- Of course not! You're more important than anything. - Lingling rushed to comfort Orm. From the time they were young, Lingling had never been able to stand Orm being upset.
- Then why do you let work ruin your mood? Especially when you are with Orm... - Orm murmured.
- I won't let it happen again. Don't be sad, okay? - Lingling reached over and stroked Orm's cheek.
- If you're not happy, I won't be either... - Orm whispered, holding Lingling's hand and gently caressing it. - .. if you're sad, it breaks my heart.
- I'm not sad anymore.
Lingling smiled at Orm, and just like that, the tight knot in her chest began to loosen. Just hearing Orm say her heart ached because of her... it was enough to breathe life back into her again. The bitterness melted a little. And Lingling realized, with startling clarity, that this girl now owned all of her emotions.
- I just want you to remember that as long as you're happy, I'll do anything for you... - Orm Kornnaphat said, her voice soft with sincerity.
Lingling Kwong didn't respond, but her heart screamed, her soul growled with the weight of every unspoken word:
"I want you to be mine. I don't want you to love anyone else. I don't want you to date anyone else."
But Lingling Kwong kept those words shackled deep inside, bound with a thousand chains and locked far from reach. She didn't dare let them escape, didn't dare let them reach Orm Kornnaphat. Because Lingling knew too well, this was not a wish that could ever come true.
- Sis? - Orm called again when she didn't hear a reply.
- Mm.. Me too. I'll do anything for you as long as it puts a smile on your face. - Lingling Kwong smiled, genuine and warm.
- Really?
- Yes! Really.
- Then I want you to stay by my side for a lifetime. - Her amber eyes met Lingling's with unwavering resolve.
- Okay. - Lingling nodded.
And just like that, bittersweetness carved its way through Lingling's chest, like sugar poured over salt, like a battlefield of longing and denial where Lingling's heart bled quietly. She kept her hands steady on the wheel, even as a storm brewed within, torn between two opposite emotions, pulling her under.
To stay beside Orm for a lifetime, that had always been her silent wish. But to live that lifetime watching Orm love someone else? That was a cruelty she couldn't bear. Lingling exhaled subtly, as if trying to hush the desolation rising inside her. A lifetime, Lingling thought, could mean watching Orm in a wedding dress, radiant beside another somebody. Watching Orm Kornnaphat raise children who carried the bloodline of the Sethratanapong family and someone else...someone else that is not Lingling Kwong.
The pain didn't knock. It broke down the door. And with it came sorrow, bitterness, swallowing the little moment of sweetness whole. Lingling's dark brown eyes clouded with sorrow, but she said nothing. Lingling just kept on driving, swallowing every ache.
Orm didn't know the torment spinning through Lingling's chest. In her twenty-something heart, Orm believed a promise to stay by her side meant Lingling wouldn't love anyone else. That Lingling would remain, always, for her. Orm's thoughts fluttered with hope, bright with daydreams of a future where Lingling stood beside her, raising children that were theirs.
In the same space, two dreams ran opposite ways, Orm's rising like sunlit clouds, Lingling's falling like shattered glass. Yet on the surface, all seemed calm. Only the eyes told the truth: one a glowing amber of quiet joy, the other shadowed brown, dulled with grief.
"Ting~"
The soft chime of a message broke the silence. Orm checked her phone. Her joyful thoughts crashed as fast as they had soared. Lingling sensed it immediately and glanced over.
- What's wrong?
- Nothing. - Orm locked her phone and turned to smile.
- No lying. - Lingling's voice firmed.
- It's really nothing. If there is something, I'll tell you first, I promise.
- Alright. I believe you.
Lingling offered a gentle smile and focused back on the road. Orm, no longer as cheerful, leaned back and closed her eyes, letting herself rest until the car pulled into the company lot. She woke and stretched, then followed Lingling inside.
They took the private elevator up to their floor. As they stepped out, a few heads turned.
- CEO Kwong, Second Young Lady. - The employees greeted Lingling Kwong and Orm Kornnaphat respectfully.
The employees had come to routinely greet Lingling as "CEO Kwong", and Orm as "Second Young Lady." Orm hadn't officially taken over the company yet, still training, still learning. So, no titles, yet.
They both returned the greetings with graceful nods. Orm quickly noticed the way so many eyes lingered on Lingling, some filled with awe, some with desire. Her heart tightened. She sighed quietly and looked at Lingling, who was smiling sweetly back at the others. Something inside Orm cracked, something sharp and sour.
Without a word, Orm reached for Lingling's hand, the one slightly larger than hers, and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Lingling noticed the sudden touch but didn't pull away. She assumed Orm was nervous, that maybe the girl didn't like all this attention. Wanting to soothe her, she gave Orm's cold fingers a reassuring squeeze.
- Your hands are freezing! - Lingling turned to her. - Are you nervous about something?
- Just a little... - Orm murmured.
- Come with me to my office.
Seeing Orm's subtle nod, Lingling's chest tightened. Had something happened while she was away? Why did Orm look so hesitant, so withdrawn at the office?
Lingling laced her fingers through Orm's and led the little girl into her office, ignoring every curious gaze along the way. Orm, in contrast, couldn't help the slight upward curve of her lips. She cast a sidelong glance at the admirers who had just stared dreamily at Lingling, now suddenly looking away, subdued. They knew what she knew: Lingling's gentleness wasn't for them. And no matter how hard they tried, they would never win it.
- Okay, tell me... what's wrong? - Lingling closed the door behind them but didn't let go of Orm's hand, her voice thick with worry.
- I don't want to... - Orm pouted, the sadness barely veiled.
- Sweet little girl... - Lingling stroked her hair - Tell me. Whoever made you unhappy, I'll deal with them.
- No, still don't want to talk. - Orm shook her head stubbornly.
- Tell me, please. Be a good girl.
- Still no!
- What do I have to do to make you say it?
Lingling Kwong felt helpless. Orm Kornnaphat had always been headstrong, ever since she was a little girl. She would only listen if things went her way. Their parents often said Orm's defiant streak was Lingling's doing, spoiling her rotten since day one. Lingling used to deny it, but now, watching Orm like this, Lingling had to admit, it might be true.
- Hold me. - Orm said, both arms stretching wide like a baby.
Lingling let out a helpless laugh and pulled Orm into an embrace. She ran a gentle hand over Orm's head, then down her back, comforting her like she always had.
- Tell me, who made you upset? - Lingling coaxed.
- You did. - Orm clung to her, voice muffled against Lingling's chest.
- Me? - Lingling's hand paused. - I don't recall that I did anything to upset you...
Orm pulled away just enough to look Lingling in the eye, those amber eyes gleaming with a sulk.
- Don't smile at others like that anymore. Don't you see the way people look at you when you do? They are like wolves wanting to eat you whole.
- I... didn't notice. - Lingling Kwong scratched the side of her nose. In truth, her eyes had only ever followed Orm Kornnaphat. She hadn't seen anyone else.
- Well, but I do notice. - Orm frowned. - So don't smile like that anymore.
- It's just work. Just being polite. - Lingling tried to explain.
- Still not allowed. - Orm shook her head defiantly.
Lingling looked at her, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
- Then at least don't give them a big smile like that anymore. Just smile....normally. - Orm bargained, softening her tone. She knew she couldn't push Lingling too far.
- But I always smile normally... - Lingling blinked, confused
- No, just now you smiled like you were really, really happy. - Orm's brow furrowed.
- Well, because I was really happy.
- Why? What was there to be that happy about?
- Because I get to go to work with you.
Lingling's voice was plain, sincere, and it struck Orm right in the heart. Her pout vanished. That single sentence dissolved her jealousy in an instant. Orm bit her lip, unable to stop the smile forming. Lingling might never know how much that line meant. Orm threw her arms around Lingling again, wanting nothing more than to lock this person away, keep her forever. If this kept up, Orm was afraid jealousy would drive her mad.
- I'm happy to have you beside me, too. - Orm whispered.
- Mm. - Lingling returned the hug. She loved Orm's smile and would do anything to protect it. - So, nothing else bothering you?
Orm nodded. She knew, this person always cared about her feelings. That was why she felt brave enough to stir Lingling's heart, confident that one day, Lingling would be wholly hers. But Orm also knew... she needed to be patient.
After holding and comforting Orm for a while, Lingling let go. It was time for both of them to return to work. Orm left for her own office. Lingling had her assistant fetch coffee and pastries for both of them. The morning ended peacefully.
At lunch, Lingling took Orm out to eat. Afterward, they went home to rest before heading back to the office, following their daily routine. When work ended, they usually either dine out, or shop for groceries and cook at home. Lingling always followed Orm's lead.
- Do you want to eat out or eat at home tonight? - Lingling asked, turning and fastening Orm's seatbelt.
- I'm a bit tired today. Let's eat out. I'll cook for you tomorrow. - Orm leaned back against the seat, her voice low with fatigue.
- You don't have to push yourself for me. - Lingling looked at her with concern.
- But I want to. - Orm tilted her head, smiling softly.
Lingling smiled back. She cherished the warmth in Orm's small gestures. But a pang of sorrow followed. One day, this tenderness would belong to someone else. And Lingling would never have it again. Lingling swallowed the ache, choosing instead to savor any warm moments when she still could.
They ate dinner, wandered the streets for a while, then headed home. But as Lingling's car pulled into the driveway, she noticed another car already there. A familiar person stood beside it, familiar to both of them.
As soon as Orm Kornnaphat and Lingling Kwong got out of the car, the man hurried over, worry etched into his face.
- Nong Orm...
- What are you doing here? - Orm frowned.
- I've been calling and texting you all day and got no reply... so I... - Pu looked genuinely troubled. He figured she was upset over the kiss from the day before.
- Go home. I'll call you later. - Orm glanced at Pu, then at Lingling, whose patience seemed to be slipping.
- It's still early. Let's take a walk, just us. I've missed you. - Pu said gently.
Lingling couldn't breathe. She stood still, a silent statue, listening to someone else speak his feelings out loud to the girl she loved, while that girl stayed silent, receiving them. Her chest tightened. Pain stabbed sharp and deep.
- You two talk. I'll head in first. - Lingling's voice was cold, distant. She turned to look at Orm one last time.
Orm stared back, searching her face. All it would take was one word from Lingling, and Orm would follow her into the house.
But all Lingling said was:
- Don't stay out too long.
And with that, she turned away.
Orm Kornnaphat stood frozen as she watched Lingling Kwong walk away. Her lips pressed into a tight line, the fire in her chest threatening to erupt. Lingling could really just... turn and leave like that? Did she not see? Did she not feel? Was Orm still just a little sister to her, even now? Had she never truly taken up any space in Lingling's heart?
Her fists clenched at her sides. Orm glanced at Pu, then back at Lingling's retreating figure. Swallowing her hurt, she took Pu's hand and followed him.
Lingling only managed a few steps before stopping. She turned around just in time to see Orm climbing into another man's car and driving away. The chill that overtook her bones was bone-deep. She wanted to pull Orm back inside, to keep her by her side, away from everyone else. But... who was she to do that?
She had no right...
Lingling was just the older sister. What excuse did she have to keep Orm from dating? A few years ago, she could still claim that Orm was too young, still a child. But now, Orm Kornnaphat was a grown woman, free to love whomever she chose. Lingling had no claim, no justification, no shield strong enough to cover this selfish, aching love.
Lingling Kwong dragged herself back home, body heavy, heart heavier. Even after showering, her unrest drove her to the living room, where she sat and stared at the clock, counting seconds, minutes, hours. Her hand gripped her phone tightly. She wanted to call. She wanted to demand Orm come home. But what kind of sister would do that? What kind of sister calls her little sister home in the middle of a date?
With a groan, she tossed the phone aside and leaned back on the sofa, an arm flung across her brow. Exhaustion seeped into her limbs, but it was the kind that no rest could fix. Her mind taunted her with images, Orm laughing with Pu, holding his hand, kissing him under some gentle lamplight. And eventually, one day... giving herself to him. Completely.
Lingling sat up abruptly, sorrow carved deep into her face. She couldn't bear it. The thought of Orm belonging to someone else one day, it suffocated her. But what could she do? There was no other path but acceptance. Her love had no future, and it would be her own undoing. And yet... she couldn't stop. Lingling Kwong couldn't stop loving Orm Kornnaphat.
"Click."
The sound of the front door unlocking jolted her like a heartbeat restarting a lifeless body. Lingling turned quickly, there she was. The girl she had been waiting for stood at the door, face heavy with sadness, brimming with wounded emotion.
Lingling stood at once and hurried over.
- What happened? - Lingling asked, voice soft, trembling with concern.
- Sis...
Orm threw her arms around Lingling and clung to her, the first notes of a sob catching in her throat.
- Hey... what's wrong? Talk to me. - Lingling held Orm close, putting aside her own sorrow completely, one hand rubbing soothing circles along Orm's back.
- P'Pu... - Orm choked out his name, then began crying in earnest.
- What did he do? - Lingling stiffened, her heart aching as she felt wet tears soaking into her shoulder. - Tell me, I'll deal with him.
She pulled back to grip Orm's shoulders, eyes scanning her tear-streaked face. Every drop that fell from Orm's eyes felt like a dagger slicing into her heart.
The girl she cherished with every breath, handled with such care as though she' would shatter if held too tight, now was crying because of another man. Lingling turned to go, fury building, but Orm caught her arm and pulled Lingling back into an embrace.
- Nong Orm? - Lingling blinked. - Let me go, I need to grab my phone!
- Don't... - Orm said softly, halting her.
Something about her voice made Lingling turn again, sensing the quiet despair rolling off her. She looked at Orm's tearful eyes and whispered:
- You love him that much? So much that you would cry like this and still not let me confront him? - Lingling's gentle hand brushed Orm's tears away like she was trying to erase the blood that spilled from her own aching heart.
- No... - Orm shook her head.
And with that, Lingling's breath returned. That simple shake of the head stitched together the cracks in her chest.
- Then what happened? - Lingling asked more gently.
- I just... I want you to stay here and comfort me instead of wasting time confronting him. Can you? - Orm sniffled, voice pitched like a child pleading for affection.
- Of course... - Lingling wrapped her arms tightly around Orm. - But tell me what he did, alright? I don't want you to suffer in silence.
Inside, Lingling was already plotting how she would make that man regret even existing for making her little princess cry like this.
- P'Pu... he... - Orm's voice broke - ...he kissed me again...
- What? - Lingling blinked in shock.
- Didn't I already tell you? - From Lingling's reaction, Orm whimpered louder, tears falling faster.
- Don't cry... - Lingling said, panic rising like floodwater.
- You already forgot everything I said! - Orm pouted between sobs.
- I didn't forget... - Lingling didn't forget, she was drunk, but she remembered. - I remember.
- Then what do you remember? - Orm asked, wiping her tears, still sounding betrayed.
- I remember you said his kisses make you uncomfortable. Like... like you want to throw up. - Lingling muttered, focused only on easing the storm in Orm's heart.
- Then soothe me... - Orm stopped wiping her tears, amber eyes shimmering as she looked up at Lingling. Her voice floated out. - ...the way only you can.
- I... - Lingling froze.
Yesterday, Lingling was drunk. She had dared to cross lines because her thoughts were fogged. But now... now she was stone cold sober. And nothing about this moment felt simple.
Orm Kornnaphat looked at Lingling Kwong hesitantly, the tears that had just stopped now swelling again in those amber eyes, spilling down in silence. The sight of it, so tender, so full of ache, made anyone want to pull her close and shield her from the world.
- Orm... don't cry... - Lingling's heart twisted at the sound of Orm's sobs, more broken than before. She rushed to gently wipe the tears from that fragile face.
- You don't love me... - Orm burst out - ... You said if something made me uncomfortable I could tell you... and I did... but you did nothing.
- No... no, that's not true... - Lingling grew flustered.
- It is! You clearly don't love me... - Orm sobbed even louder.
- Don't cry... I... I'll comfort you... - Lingling blurted out, reckless.
She couldn't take it anymore. Compared to watching Orm cry like that, Lingling would rather grant her every unreasonable request. After all, it was just comforting Orm, nothing else. Orm had always been used to her indulgence. If Lingling didn't do this, if Orm turned away and found solace in someone else again, things could get even worse. Lingling didn't want Orm to feel wronged, so she gave herself an excuse. And once it sounded logical enough, Lingling followed through.
- Really? - Orm's eyes lit up, tears now glistening.
- Yes... I'll soothe you, okay? Just... don't cry. - Lingling's voice softened. - Tell me... where does it feel uncomfortable?
- Here...
Orm pointed to one cheek, and Lingling leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to the spot.
- Here too..
The other cheek. Lingling smiled gently and kissed it as well.
Then Orm wrapped her arms around Lingling's neck and leaned in, her lips brushing close, waiting.
- And... - Orm whispered, just for the two of them. -... here too.
Lingling saw that lone tear still lingering in those amber eyes before she closed her own, moving forward and placing her lips gently on the ones waiting for her. Her tongue traced the curve of Orm's lips, like washing away something left behind.
Tender, slow, devoted.
When the kiss ended, Lingling pulled back, eyes lingering on the girl before her. Orm's breath was hot against her skin, her scent sweet and dizzying. Lingling's heart beat boldly, it turned to glance at her reason, her virtue, about to say something. Then kicked it aside and unleashed everything it had locked away, pouring everything into a single act of courage.
Lingling Kwong pulled Orm Kornnaphat closer by the waist and kissed her again, this time, with no fog of alcohol, only clarity and trembling need. Lingling no longer cared about the fear. Lingling didn't know how much longer she could keep Orm, but if she could taste just a little sweetness now, she would.
A kiss...
Fully awake... laced with sweetness, tinged with the bitter sting of something forbidden.
- - - END CHAPTER 03 - - -
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