LingOrm | Safe Zone (English) (FULL)
Safe Zone (Eng Ver.) - Chap 04
Lingling Kwong woke up to her internal clock, eyes opening slowly to the ceiling above. She hadn't slept well last night, only managed to doze off briefly just before dawn. Placing a hand over her chest, she felt the echo of that kiss, the tender sweetness that still lingered like dew on her lips, dragging her heart deeper into the hollow well of her own emotions.
Lingling closed her eyes tightly, brows drawn. She shouldn't have done that. And yet... the feeling of holding Orm Kornnaphat in her arms, tasting those soft lips, had been irresistible. She had kissed Orm, deeply, desperately, until the little girl could barely breathe, her lips swollen and flushed from the affection. Only then had Lingling pulled away, barely able to whisper a goodnight before retreating into her room.
Since morning, Lingling had hidden herself like a turtle in its shell, not going to the gym, only quietly trying to regulate the storm inside her so she could eventually face Orm again.
But Orm Kornnaphat was in a splendid mood. She had woken earlier than usual, not because she had slept soundly, on the contrary, her heart had been pounding all night, but because she was filled with excitement. A smile curved on her lips as she hummed her favorite tune, her eyes glancing up toward Lingling's bedroom on the second floor. Her grin widened, amber eyes twinkling with a mischievous gleam.
Orm knew Lingling too well. Knew that the person's affection for her had no bounds. That was exactly why she'd dared to act out that little scene the night before, and it had worked. Lingling couldn't help but kiss Orm again, and again. Orm had quietly calculated that if she gave it just a little more time, she might soon be able to stand beside Lingling as more than just a little sister.
She checked the clock, then noticed the gym door still opened. Frowning slightly, she made her way upstairs and knocked on Lingling's bedroom door.
- Are you up, sis?
- I... I'm awake. - The voice that came from within carried a tinge of awkwardness. Orm's smile deepened.
- I'm coming in, okay?
- Okay...
Orm pushed open the door. Lingling had just finished washing her face and was drying it off when Orm stepped in.
- Is something wrong? - Lingling asked softly.
- I noticed you skipped your workout, so I got a little worried.
- It's nothing, I just overslept.
- That's rare for you. Didn't sleep well last night? - Orm's eyes softened at the faint shadows under Lingling's eyes.
- Mm...
- What happened? - Orm walked over, gently brushing her fingers across Lingling's cheek, her voice full of concern.
- It's nothing! - Lingling, still refraining herself from the "demon" within her, quickly pulled away from the cool, gentle touch.
- Are you mad at me? - Orm retracted her hand, her voice dropping into a plaintive murmur.
- No... how could I ever be mad at you?
- Did I trouble you last night? - Orm's expression drooped further.
- No, don't think of it like that... - Lingling hurried to reassure Orm. She couldn't bear to see Orm looking so downcast.
Orm inhaled quietly and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Lingling, resting her head against Lingling's shoulder.
- If you're uncomfortable, you can tell me. I won't bother you anymore... - Orm's voice was gentle, almost breaking - ... I don't want to be the reason you're upset.
- Dear, you're not bothering me at all. - Lingling hugged Orm back, stroking her spine with gentle care - Work's just been a bit much lately. I've been tense, that's all.
Again, work became her shield, her safe excuse. But her hands, tender as they moved across Orm's back, betrayed the truth of her affection. Then, a thought crossed her mind. She hesitated, then gathered enough courage to speak.
- Are things... not going well with Pu?
- We're still getting to know. Why do you ask? - Orm stayed in Lingling's arms, unwilling to let go.
- I just...- Lingling sounded hesitant, but continued. - ... if he makes you feel uncomfortable, maybe it's better to stop seeing him.
- You want me to break up with P'Pu?
- No.. that's not what I mean! - Lingling quickly clarified, panicking at how inappropriate her suggestion sounded. She was just the older sister, what right did she have to dictate who Orm dated? - I just noticed you seemed unhappy, and I thought I'd offer my thoughts, that's all.
Orm didn't respond. Instead, she held Lingling tighter and closed her eyes, savoring the moment, ignoring what Lingling just said. Lingling's body was soft, deceptively so. Orm had hugged others before, both men and women, but none of them felt like this. Only Lingling's embrace ever made her want to stay there forever.
- Orm? - Lingling called, concerned by the silence.
- I haven't really decided yet. Let's just see how things go for a while... - Orm replied softly. To her, Pu was still a useful excuse, a placeholder in her game of tugging Lingling closer.
That logic, however, didn't register the same for Lingling. Her hand paused mid-stroke on Orm's back, her fingers stiffening slightly. She didn't understand. If Pu made Orm uncomfortable, why was she still holding on? Did Orm actually like him? Did she want to take it further? The thought hit her like a slow ache. Lingling sighed, a wave of loss swelling within her.
Orm eventually loosened her hold, tugging Lingling downstairs with her for breakfast, the one Orm had lovingly prepared herself. Throughout the meal, Lingling remained mostly silent, quietly eating with lowered eyes. Orm could guess the reason: Lingling must be disheartened because she hadn't agreed to break things off with Pu.
But Orm didn't rush to comfort her.
She wanted Lingling to feel it.
To realize, deeply, that she hated the thought of Orm dating someone else. Orm wanted to hear it straight from Lingling's lips: "Break up with him."
As usual, after breakfast, the two sat down to enjoy coffee and exchange a few quiet words. Lingling Kwong walked over to the teddy bear, picked up the gift box, handing it to Orm Kornnaphat.
- For you. Your birthday present.
- But it's not even my birthday yet! - Orm accepted the gift, though her brows furrowed. - Don't tell me... you're not going to spend my birthday with me this year either?
- I'm sorry... I had already confirmed a prior schedule, so... - Lingling's voice was tinged with guilt as she sat beside her.
- So work is more important than Orm now... - Orm pouted.
- You're the most important. But I can't get out of this one... - Lingling bit her lip, her voice full of helplessness.
- Then make it up to me afterward, okay? - Orm's eyes sparkled with hope as she looked at Lingling.
- Okay! What would you like me to do?
- I want a trip!
- Would three days be enough?
- Yes. Three days, just the two of us. No one else. - Orm set her condition firmly.
- Not even mae, papa, or Art? - Lingling asked, puzzled.
- This is to make up for my birthday! - Orm's expression drooped again.
- Alright, alright, your wish is my command. - Lingling immediately gave in.
Orm nodded eagerly, satisfied. Finally, a chance to travel alone with Lingling. She smiled mischievously to herself.
- Open it. See if you like it. - Seeing Orm smile, Lingling felt her own mood lift. She urged Orm to open the gift.
Orm obliged. Inside was a sparkling, delicate necklace. Orm pressed her lips together slightly.
- What's wrong? You don't like it? - Lingling noticed Orm's lack of excitement.
- It's not that... - Orm traced her fingers over the pendant and spoke softly - ...it's just that every birthday, you always give me necklaces, bracelets, earrings...
- I honestly couldn't think of anything else to get you... - Lingling admitted, a small sense of failure rising in her chest.
- You've never given me a ring... - Orm glanced up at her, carefully playing her next move.
- A ring? Isn't it a bit strange... for me to give you a ring?
- What's strange about it? I don't see anything strange at all!
- Do you like rings that much?
- I'd like it if you gave me a ring.
- Alright. Next year, I'll get you a ring for your birthday.
- Why not this year?
- But I already gave you this gift.
- Then count it as your work-trip gift!
- You little...
- Pleaseee, Sis~ - Orm grabbed Lingling's arm and shook it gently - ...I really want a ring!
- Alright, alright! If that makes you happy. - Lingling surrendered once more. There was no resisting Orm's pleas.
- Thank you! I'm really looking forward to it! - Orm beamed with joy.
- I'm starting to realize I've spoiled you rotten. - Lingling scolded Orm fondly.
- Don't you want to spoil Orm? Or is there someone else you want to spoil instead? - Orm instantly changed her tone, feigning panic, her eyes wide with mock anxiety.
- No, no! - Lingling immediately soothed her. - Only you, alright?
- Good! You're only allowed to pamper me! - Orm hugged Lingling's arm tightly, declaring her dominance.
Lingling chuckled and nodded, agreeing without resistance. She didn't mind Orm's demanding nature, in fact, she only ever wanted to lavish this kind of affection on the little girl beside her. As for Orm, who was clinging to Lingling's arm, she lowered her gaze to conceal the glint of satisfaction in her eyes, the corner of her lips curving into a victorious smile.
After finishing their morning routine, Lingling drove Orm to her university. Orm still had a few remaining commitments for her degree, so she was required to go in once or twice a week. Lingling parked the car and, as usual, made her way to the café beside the library to wait.
The moment she stepped inside, countless eyes turned toward her, gazes filled with admiration and barely hidden fascination. Lingling was an alumna of the university. During her school days, she had been quite well-known, and even after graduation, she often returned to accompany Orm during her studies. Because of this, the campus, and especially this café, had become a familiar place. So familiar, in fact, that people had come to recognize the pattern: whenever Orm showed up at school, Lingling would be here waiting, and the café also seemed to get a bit more crowded, too.
Lingling bowed politely to the manager, who returned the greeting with a nod and gestured to a free table by habit. A staff member already moved to prepare her usual, an unsweetened Americano.
She was used to the staring. Unbothered, Lingling settled into her seat, sipping coffee while scrolling on her phone. She had about an hour to wait for Orm, and she wasn't in a rush. For Orm Kornnaphat, she always had time.
Lingling Kwong sipped her coffee, but peace was far from reach. Every now and then, someone would approach to make small talk, mostly women. A few even boldly asked for her number, all of whom Lingling gently declined. She remembered all too clearly how upset Orm Kornnaphat had been when she once gave her contact to a junior. That day, Orm had skipped all her meals in silent protest. Since then, Lingling hadn't dared to share her number without Orm's approval.
- Lingling?
A gentle voice called out. Lingling looked up to see a woman standing in front of her, flowing dress, chestnut curls cascading down her shoulders, cheeks tinged pink, a warm, sincere smile lighting up her face.
- Luen? - Lingling recognized her immediately.
- What a coincidence, running into you here! - Luen beamed. - Mind if I sit?
- Of course not. - Lingling nodded.
- You're here for something at the university?
- Yeah, Nong Orm has class here. I bring her every week.
- Nong Orm? Your little sister, right? - Luen recalled the beautiful girl with the captivating amber eyes. A flicker of wariness passed through her gaze. - She hasn't graduated yet?
- She's almost there. - Lingling smiled instinctively at the mention of Orm Kornnaphat.
That smile made Luen blush a little, her eyes lingering on Lingling's face as she quietly took in every detail.
- You've got something at school too? - Lingling asked as she sipped her coffee.
- I needed to speak with Professor Hun. - Luen smiled. - We just finished talking, and I came in craving a familiar cup of coffee. Didn't expect to run into you. Such a coincidence!
Lingling didn't respond with words, only a polite smile and nod. Luen smiled back and gently raised her cup, her gaze never leaving Lingling. To call it a coincidence wasn't quite true, Luen had gone through quite a bit of trouble to find out that Lingling would be here today.
- Still busy with work, I imagine? I messaged the alumni group the other day and realized you had left! - Luen asked. Back in school, Lingling had always been hardworking, juggling both study and work.
- Yeah, I've been busy. And about leaving the group chat... that was a mis-tap. Totally unintentional. - Lingling smiled.
Lingling didn't mention the real reason she had left: Orm Kornnaphat. After Lingling graduated, Orm had taken a quiet tour through all her social media. Then, with a calm face, Orm had said something like, "Some ties don't need to be kept once they're finished," and proceeded to leave groups, unfriend, and even block certain people, people Lingling herself hadn't paid much attention to. But she didn't argue. If Orm said it was unnecessary, then unnecessary it was.
- Would you add me back on Line? - Luen asked with a hopeful look.
Lingling was just about to politely decline when a clear, ringing voice cut in:
- Sis!
- Nong Orm? You're finished already? - Lingling looked up to see Orm hurrying toward her.
- All done. - Orm dropped into the seat beside Lingling and turned to Luen. - Sawadee kha, Khun Luen.
- Sawadee kha, Khun Kornnaphat. - Luen returned the greeting, the polite facade hiding her rising suspicion.
- You're done so soon? There's still fifteen minutes left. - Lingling didn't notice the stiff change in Luen's expression. Her focus was solely on Orm.
- The professor had an emergency and rescheduled for next week. - Orm lied with perfect ease.
In truth, she had still been mid-conversation with her professor, but her nerves had been too restless. She had made an excuse and rushed over. And sure enough, there Luen was, sitting beside Lingling. Her heart gave a jolt, and her legs practically flew. They say a woman's sixth sense is always sharp, and Orm's "Green Tea Bitch" radar was only growing more refined by the day. Over the years, Orm had plucked so many "tea leaves" out of Lingling's garden, none survived her radar. Luen? Just another then.
- Are you done talking? Sein just called, they need us back at the company urgently. - Orm found another perfect excuse.
- Alright, let's go then. - Lingling nodded, then turned to Luen. - Sorry, I have to head off now.
- Lingling! - Luen stood quickly, voice laced with urgency. She knew that once Orm showed up, her chance to be alone with Lingling would disappear entirely.
- Yes?
- I'm having a birthday party tomorrow night. Could you come?
- Tomorrow night? - Lingling paused, thinking it over. She didn't have any appointments, and Luen was an old friend. She couldn't bring herself to refuse.
- Tomorrow night... - Orm suddenly spoke.
- Khun Kornnaphat, don't tell me you two have plans tomorrow night too? It's Saturday. Are you seriously working on a weekend? - Luen interjected before Orm could finish.
- Other people may not work weekends, but we do. - Orm's tone cooled, lips curving in a crisp smile.
- Work even at night? On a Saturday? Aren't you worried about violating labor laws? - Luen returned the smirk, voice just as sharp.
- We pay overtime by the book. And it's not like it happens all the time. What's there to worry about? - Orm fired back, voice edged with challenge.
- Not often, yet it just happens to be tomorrow night? - Luen chuckled, not backing down.
- How would you know? It's our company, not yours. Unless you're secretly our HR? - Orm's voice turned cold as ice.
- I...
- Alright! - Lingling cut in, her tone calm but firm, halting the escalating tension. She turned to Luen with a polite smile. - Thank you for the invitation. Tomorrow night...
- Professor Kang will be there too! - Luen quickly added, trying to tip the balance before Lingling could finish.
Lingling Kwong hesitated. She had meant to decline Luen's invitation, after all, she could clearly see Orm Kornnaphat didn't want her to go. But Luen's next words made her waver.
- Professor Kang? Isn't she in Korea? - Orm attempted to find an out.
- She's in Thailand for a few days. Tomorrow's her last day here. - Luen smiled, casting a casual glance at Orm Kornnaphat. She had put in a great deal of effortfor this, because she knew how much Lingling Kwong longed to see Professor Kang again.
- Really..? - Lingling's voice softened with indecision.
Orm watched her beloved wear such a conflicted look and sighed inwardly. She knew just how close Lingling and Professor Kang had been, how much that mentor had supported her during her university years. Since graduation, Lingling hadn't had a chance to reconnect. Orm pressed her lips together. As much as she didn't want Lingling to go, she couldn't be the reason for any regret in Lingling's life. Loving Lingling meant never wanting her to be unhappy.
- Then go to Khun Luen's birthday tomorrow, Sis. You'll get a chance to catch up with Professor Kang. - Orm smiled sweetly and wrapped her arms around Lingling's, shooting Luen a pointed glance, she was granting permission for Lingling to see the professor, not to attend Luen's party. It was her way of silently reminding the woman across the table not to overreach.
- Okay. - Lingling beamed at Orm.
Lingling really did want to see Professor Kang again, but more than that, she didn't want Orm to be upset. Had Orm insisted she stay home, she would have followed, then quietly found another time to reach out to the professor. But this, Orm thinking of her feelings first, made Lingling impossibly happy.
The smile Lingling gave Orm made Luen burn with jealousy. Lingling had always been kind, always generous, but that radiant, tender smile, full of affection, was something she reserved for no one else. Only for Orm Kornnaphat.
- Then... could I add you on Line? I'll send you the address. - Luen seized the opportunity.
- Sure. - Lingling pulled out her phone for Luen to scan her contact code.
Orm Kornnaphat wasn't pleased, but she held herself back. She couldn't bare her possessiveness for Lingling Kwong in front of everyone, but keeping her person close? That, she knew how to do. Just another "tea leaf", really. She had plucked her fair share over the years. One more bitter brew wasn't going to be a problem. Orm cast Luen a cool, challenging smile
- Let's go, Sis. - Orm took Lingling's hand and tugged her to her feet, deliberately displaying their closeness for Luen to see.
- See you then. - Lingling offered a polite goodbye.
- Goodbye, Khun Luen. - Orm echoed, still keeping up appearances.
- Bye. - Luen met Orm's icy gaze and accepted the provocation head-on.
As the pair walked away, Luen's smile disappeared. She sat back down and was quickly joined by two other women who slipped into the seats beside her.
- Everything okay? - One asked.
- Yeah. I got her contact. - Luen nodded, exhaling.
- But what about that little Kornnaphat brat? - The other chimed in.
- Still a nuisance, like always. - Luen pursed her lips.
- Tomorrow she'll find some excuse to drag Lingling away again, just watch. - The girl to the left muttered.
- Same old story. Back when she was still in school, if Lingling ever so much as went out with friends, she would get called home to take care of her "little sister." - The one on the right added.
- She's older now, though. Surely she's not as clingy? - The left girl wondered.
- Don't count on it. - Luen's jaw tightened. - Did you see her eyes just now? She was challenging me.
- So what's the plan? - Both girls asked.
- Let's just make sure she comes tomorrow. Then we'll see.
While Luen schemed in the café, Orm had her own plans brewing in the car.
- I will not be home tomorrow so I'll take you back to Sethratanapong for the day. I'll swing by after the party to pick you up. - Lingling glanced at Orm as she worked out the schedule.
- No need. You go. I'll wait for you at home. - Orm replied.
- Are you sure?
- I'm sure. I'm a big girl now. And P'Pu will be around. I'll call him if I need anything.
The mention of Pu weighed heavily on Lingling. She merely nodded and kept her eyes on the road. Suddenly, she didn't want to go to Luen's party at all. If she stayed home, Orm would stay too. And that way, Orm wouldn't have to see Pu, and she wouldn't have to face the heartbreak she was now trying to suppress.
But Lingling shook the thought away. She didn't have the right to do that. Orm and Pu were in a relationship. She could keep Orm for a day, but not for a lifetime.
Lingling knew, deep down, she had to accept the truth. A truth that hurt more than she wanted to admit: Orm Kornnaphat had a boyfriend. Her wings were strong now. She would fly soon, far, high, away, leaving behind only memories of a warm little nest and...
...an aching loneliness that would stay with Lingling long after.
- - - END CHAPTER 04 - - -
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