LingOrm | Safe Zone (English) (FULL)
Safe Zone (Eng Ver.) - Chap 05
It was Saturday. The company didn't operate on Saturdays, but for the higher-ups, half-days were still a thing. After wrapping up their morning responsibilities, Lingling Kwong and Orm Kornnaphat made their way to the Sethratanapong household for lunch, an unchanging family tradition.
- We're home! - Lingling Kwong and Orm Kornnaphat called out, bowing slightly to the elders seated inside.
- Hungry yet? - An elderly woman with silver hair asked kindly, her gaze tender as she looked at the two girls before her.
- A little bit, yes! - Orm Kornnaphat beamed as she rushed to wrap her arms around her grandmother.
- Good girl. Come in and eat. I had them make all your favorite dishes. - The old woman's wrinkled hand gently patted Orm's with unmistakable affection.
Orm helped her grandmother up and led her inside, still chattering sweetly. Lingling followed quietly behind, smiled softly.
The table was abundant, dishes laid out for more than ten people. Aside from Orm's immediate family, her uncles and their families were present too, creating the picture of a lively, harmonious family meal.
- How's your training going? - Grandma asked, glancing toward Orm.
- Really well! - Orm responded brightly. - Thanks to P'Ling guiding me, I've picked things up quickly.
- You've worked hard, Lingling! - Grandma turned with a smile.
- It's no trouble at all. - Lingling replied respectfully. - She learns fast. I barely have to do anything.
Grandma smiled in satisfaction and nodded. Lingling simply returned the smile and turned her attention to her plate, ignoring the discreet glance the elder woman sent her way.
Because the truth was, behind that gentle smile, Lingling knew perfectly well that the old matriarch had never truly regarded her as family. The woman saw her as an outsider, at best, a helper paving a clear, clean path for Orm Kornnaphat to inherit Sethratanapong without resistance.
Lingling had long come to terms with being a guest in this household. Her adoption had only happened because Mae Koy had pleaded persistently with Papa Oct. Outside of Orm's immediate family, everyone else saw her as a cuckoo bird nesting among phoenixes. They feared she would one day take the place meant for someone else, so they watched her like a hawk, cautious, guarded, unwilling to truly welcome her.
And Lingling wasn't the only one who understood this. Orm Kornnaphat had always known. She had spent more time with Grandma than anyone and was familiar with every layer of her thoughts. That's why she made sure to always speak well of Lingling, to defend her when no one else did. But even then, it never made a difference. So she made her own plans. Once she officially took over Sethratanapong, she would be the one to speak for Lingling. No one else. She had kept silent for years, swallowing her irritation while watching Lingling be quietly pushed to the margins. Enough was enough.
The meal looked warm and cozy on the outside, but beneath it ran hidden currents. Both of Orm's uncles had children, a son and a daughter each. But their skills paled in comparison to Orm's. As a result, Grandma paid them little mind. Still, that didn't mean they weren't lurking, waiting for their chance to make a move. The harmony at the table was skin-deep, beneath it, ambitions churned like tides, ready to drown anyone unprepared.
After lunch, they stayed briefly for some polite conversation before Lingling drove Orm back home. On the ride, Orm, full and content, dozed off beside her. Lingling gently draped a shawl she had packed ahead over Orm, careful to keep her warm. Then she turned on some soft music and focused on the road, steering them home with quiet ease.
Once home, it was Lingling's turn to rest. Orm, however, found herself pacing restlessly in her room.
In just a few more hours, Lingling would be heading to Luen's birthday party.
Orm sat by the window, brows knit in thought. She began weighing her options. Maybe she could fake a stomach ache, or say she was feeling faint. But if it involved her health, Lingling would definitely call Jaja to come check on her, and then she would be exposed. The more she thought about it, the more stuck she felt.
She didn't want to go see Pu. Just being around a man made her feel uneasy, like her skin didn't fit. She chewed on her thumbnail, stewing in frustration.
Then her phone lit up.
"Kwang".
Her amber eyes lit up instantly. Her frown faded. The corner of her lips curled ever so slightly as she picked up the phone and started texting her best friend back. Her plan was ready.
After firing off a message, she tossed the phone aside and lay back on the bed, fully relaxed. She needed a proper nap. After all, tonight, she would be busy. It was time to pluck a tea leaf, out of Lingling Kwong's life.
***
Lingling Kwong slipped into her usual tailored suit. Just as she opened her door, she saw Orm Kornnaphat step out of her own room across the hall. Her brows instantly furrowed.
- Where are you going dressed like that?
Orm stood there in a strappy, seductive dress, low neckline revealing the soft valley of her chest, collarbones delicately defined, the slim cut of the waist hugging her frame perfectly. Her long legs stretched smooth and shapely beneath the hem. Blood rushed to Lingling's head. All she wanted in that moment was to throw a shawl over her and wrap her up like a forbidden fruit.
- I'm meeting Kwang and Prigkhing. - Orm answered casually, though she didn't miss Lingling's expression. In fact, she was hoping for that reaction.
- And you're wearing that? To where? - Lingling's voice lost all warmth.
- Just a bar.
- Absolutely not. - Lingling snapped.
- Are you shouting at me? - Orm looked taken aback.
- No... - Lingling reined herself in. - I just mean... somewhere like that, it's not safe to wear something so revealing.
- It's not really a bar bar. We're just grabbing some drinks. It's a familiar spot. - Orm softened her voice as if to soothe.
- Still no. Go change. You can't go out dressed like this. - Lingling frowned.
- I'm running late... - Orm pouted, a practiced, endearing sulk.
- Then... - Lingling looked conflicted, tangled in emotion for a moment before giving in - ...I'll go with you.
- Aren't you going to Khun Luen's birthday? Don't you want to meet Professor Kang? - Orm blinked innocently.
- I'll make time for the professor later. I'm coming with you. - Lingling said firmly.
- That won't work... you already promised you would go. - Orm coaxed, gentle but resolute.
- But...
- Just drive me there, okay? I won't drink much. I'll call you when I'm heading home. - Orm switched to bargaining mode.
Lingling stood there, silent. Looking at Orm in that alluring dress, her heart burned like kindling on dry grass. She swallowed the heat, steadied herself, and eventually nodded.
- Go grab a jacket. You're not going out like this.
- Fine, fine. One sec! - Orm grinned and retreated into her room.
She returned moments later with a coat in hand. Lingling stepped forward and took it, draping it over Orm's bare shoulders herself, covering the smooth curve of her skin. Orm looked up at her with a sweet, playful smile and then reached out to take Lingling's hand, leading them out of the house.
- Remember, if anything happens, call me. - Lingling reminded firmly once Orm was stepping out of the car.
- I remember! - Orm beamed.
- Don't drink too much.
- Got it!
- And also...
- I know, I know! Kwang's already waiting! - Orm pointed to a few friends standing ahead.
Lingling fell silent. Her eyes briefly scanned the familiar faces, then turned back to Orm.
- Message me when you want to go home.
- I will. And you don't drink either!
- I won't.
Orm stepped out, waving goodbye before strolling toward her friends. Lingling lingered a second longer before pulling away, heading toward the birthday venue.
Orm glanced back just in time to catch the familiar car disappearing from view. The corner of her lips curled in a sly, satisfied smile. Lingling had repeated more than ten times on the way here, about Orm going out with her friends. Orm knew, she had hit Lingling's softest spot.
"You think you can compete with me? Not a chance."
She whispered under her breath, eyes gleaming with triumphant mischief. She would claim every inch of Lingling Kwong's heart, and never leave room for anyone else.
And Orm got it.
At Luen's birthday party, Lingling was barely present. She floated through conversations, her thoughts clearly somewhere else. It drove Luen mad. After all that effort to lure Lingling there, she wasn't even paying attention.
Not even Professor Kang could anchor Lingling's drifting thoughts. It left Luen helpless and increasingly frustrated.
Lingling kept checking her watch, nerves jittering beneath her skin. She was worried Orm Kornnaphat might get drunk, might be taken advantage of, might be hurt by something as simple as a careless moment. Sure, Orm had gone out with friends before, but never had she left the house looking that... inviting.
- Lingling, are you alright? - Luen finally asked in a low voice.
- No, no... I'm fine. - Lingling forced a smile.
- Are you sure? You've looked on edge all evening.
- I just... - Lingling didn't get to finish. Her phone buzzed. - Excuse me.
Luen politely turned away, allowing Lingling to check her phone, though she managed to sneak a peek at the screen.
Sender: Orm Kornnaphat.
And just like that, Luen knew all her efforts tonight were wasted.
She had lost Lingling the moment that message came through, or even, this entire evening.
Lingling Kwong had just unlocked her phone. A call, from Orm Kornnaphat.
- Yes, I'm here. - Lingling answered softly as she rose from the table, her voice wrapped in tenderness.
Luen pressed her lips into a line and downed the rest of her wine. That tone, so gentle, so warm, was reserved only for Orm Kornnaphat. Everyone else, no matter how close, received nothing more than the calm, distant version of Lingling Kwong.
Lingling returned swiftly to Luen, steps urgent yet graceful.
- Sorry, I have to go. Once again, happy birthday. - She offered a warm smile.
- We're heading to another spot after this. Can I text you? - Luen asked, unwilling to let go.
- I won't be able to join, sorry. - Lingling declined without hesitation.
- You're really hard to catch... - Luen sighed, clearly disappointed. - It's my birthday, can't you make an exception? Just this once?
- I truly am sorry. If you're okay with it, let me make it up to you with a proper meal another day? I just can't go tonight. - Lingling said sincerely.
- Fine... but you owe me that meal! I won't let you forget it! - Luen said, half-joking, half-claiming her stake.
- Deal. I'll see you later. - Lingling waved, then made her way to Professor Kang for a quick, polite exchange before excusing herself.
Lingling Kwong wasted no time. Hopping into her car, she pressed the accelerator and sped off toward the bar. The sound of Orm Kornnaphat's slightly tipsy voice on the phone earlier had sparked a flare of worry in her chest.
Meanwhile, Orm was lounging in a private booth, idly swirling a glass of wine. She took a small sip, lips curved in a knowing smile. She knew Lingling was on her way. Unlike Lingling Kwong, Orm's alcohol tolerance was excellent, miles ahead of what she let on, but if she wanted Lingling to leave that tea leaf behind, she had to play her part.
Timing it just right, Orm downed another glass, then reclined slightly in her seat with a dazed expression. The perfect image of gentle intoxication. Predictably, someone took the bait.
- Nong Orm, are you alright? You look a little out of it.
- P'Nim? - Orm recognized her upperclassman from university. The woman had shown up to hang out with her group tonight. - I'm fine, really.
- Let me take you home. - Nim offered quickly, sensing an opportunity.
- I already have someone coming. - Orm smiled faintly and shook her head.
- Who? Your boyfriend? I heard you're dating Khun Pu?
- I am. - Orm confirmed casually. - But he's not the one picking me up. My sister is.
- Khun Lingling Kwong? - Nim blinked, remembering the campus goddess from their college days. Everyone knew she was Orm's sister, but only adopted.
- Don't trouble her then. Let me take you. - Nim persisted, reaching for Orm's hand.
Orm was about to politely decline when she caught the familiar sound of heels clicking against the floor. Her amber eyes flashed with mischief. With perfect timing, she let herself slump into Nim's arms, playing the part of someone drunk and delicate. Her expression was just hazy enough, her weight just heavy enough to throw Nim off guard.
The scent of Orm hit Nim like a spell. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she held Orm close. Her heart thudded in hopeful chaos. She thought, this might be her chance.
But her excitement was short-lived.
The door swung open.
Lingling Kwong strode in, face cold, brows drawn tight. Her gaze landed on the scene in front of her: Nim holding a "tipsy" Orm in her arms, looking far too pleased with herself. The sight really hurt her eyes from just looking. As if Pu wasn't enough... now another one? There seemed to be no end to the orbit of suitors around Orm.
- Orm. - Lingling said calmly but firmly as she stepped forward and reached for Orm, clearly intending to extract her from Nim's grasp.
- Khun Lingling Kwong... - Nim gritted her teeth, unwilling to let go so easily.
But before Nim could act, Orm gently pushed away from her.
- Sis, you're here! - Orm smiled brightly at Lingling, and without hesitation, leaned into her, wrapping her arms around Lingling's neck.
- Why did you drink so much? - Lingling scolded gently, though the irritation in her voice was clear. She cast a warning look at Nim, one sharp enough to quiet any protest.
- P'Lingling! - A voice called behind them. Kwang and Prigkhing had just returned from ordering more drinks and snacks.
- Sawadee kha. - Lingling greeted them politely.
- She's totally out of it. Want us to help you get her home? - They asked, concerned.
- It's alright. You two enjoy the night. - Lingling declined.
- Bye, P'Lingling! - Kwang and Prigkhing waved her off, then exchanged a look, and a knowing smile.
When it came to scheming, Orm Kornnaphat was a master. Since childhood, she had always known exactly how to hold on to Lingling Kwong. Kwang and Prigkhing, her closest friends, had long understood Orm's complicated feelings toward her sister. They' had grown up together, weathered storms hand-in-hand, and naturally, they were more than happy to cover for her. If Orm was happy, they were happy. That was the unspoken pact. And if it meant helping her stage a little drama to keep Lingling close?
So be it.
Orm Kornnaphat leaned into Lingling Kwong's embrace. She knew Lingling worked out, strong and steady, and she adjusted her own weight accordingly so it wouldn't be a burden. Thanks to that, Lingling didn't struggle much in getting Orm home.
Lingling laid Orm gently onto her bed. Watching Orm's eyes drift closed, she let out a soft sigh and went to run the bath. Orm had this particular quirk when tipsy, she refused to sleep in her own bed afterward, insisting that the scent of alcohol lingering on the sheets would keep her up for days. So every time she drank too much, Lingling would have to bring Orm back to her room instead.
Another of Orm Kornnaphat's "sensible" habits: no matter how inebriated, she would always insist on washing her face, showering, and cleansing every trace of the night before returning to bed. All Lingling had to do was prepare the bath and wait.
- Time to shower, Nong Orm. - Lingling bent down and called gently.
Before she could brace herself, Orm's arms reached up and pulled her down, causing Lingling to tumble right on top of Orm. Lingling's brain short-circuited.
- Orm... - Lingling whispered, trembling. The softness beneath her, the scent, the warmth, it all stirred something wild inside her.
- You... smell so nice... - Orm murmured dreamily, turning her face to breathe in Lingling's scent, lips curving in a lazy smile, voice soaked in honeyed wine.
- Let's get you in the bath. - Lingling swallowed hard. She couldn't tell if Orm had meant to brush her lips along her neck, but she had. And it sent a tingle straight through her body.
- Let me hold you a little longer... - Orm clung tighter.
Lingling stilled, letting herself stay wrapped in that tender grip. Her body relaxed against Orm's, her heart fluttering helplessly as she absorbed the softness, the scent, the soul she loved more than she dared say. Only when Orm finally loosened her arms did Lingling slowly sit up.
- Come on. Let's go. - Lingling reached out and helped Orm sit upright.
- You bathe me, please~ - Orm pouted in her drunkest, sweetest voice.
- Absolutely not.
- Why not? You used to do that when we were kids!
- That was then. You're not a kid anymore.
- No! - Orm whined, flopping back onto the bed like a disgruntled child. - Then Orm don't want to grow up anymore, you stopped spoiling me when I've grown up...
- I'm still spoiling you. - Lingling knelt on one knee before Orm, coaxing gently.
- No you don't... - Orm's voice trembled with tears - ...as I grew up, we had to sleep separately, then shower and bathe separately, it's not fun anymore. Orm don't want to grow up anymore!
- Be good. Don't cry... - Lingling panicked. Orm had been so quick to tears and harder to soothe as she grew older.
- Orm don't want to cry... - Orm's eyes welled up, and the first tears spilled - ...but Orm feel sad.
- Don't cry.. - Lingling stood up, wiped the tears on Orm's face. - ...is there anything that bothering you? You are crying too often lately...
- It's because I feel... abandoned. - Orm sniffled, tears falling freely now. - Ever since college started, you're always away on business trips. Everything we used to do together, now I do alone. It feels like you left me behind...
At that, Orm broke into loud sobs.
Lingling's heart cracked open. She pulled Orm close, cradling her head, soothing her hair with trembling fingers. Then, guided by the ache in her chest, Lingling lowered her lips and placed a kiss on Orm's hair.
- That's not true. I never left you. - Lingling whispered, voice shaky with emotion. - I'll always be here. I'll take care of you for the rest of our lives. Don't cry anymore, please.
- You mean it? - Orm sniffled again, voice soft and muffled, eyes glassy as she looked up.
- I do.
- Then bathe with me. You haven't showered yet, have you? - Orm blinked innocently, like the request was the most natural thing in the world.
Lingling froze.
The bathtub was certainly big enough for two. They had bathed together countless times in the past, but now? Now things were different. Now she harbored a love too deep, too fierce, and too forbidden. Lingling Kwong didn't trust herself.
Her heart screamed yes. Her soul begged for closeness. But her logic, stern and cautious, waved its warning flags. Proximity meant temptation. Temptation meant collapse...into this no-escape unrequited love. And collapse... could mean hurting Orm. Hurting herself. Hurting everything, everyone. In the process.
- What's wrong, Sis? - Orm tilted her head, all innocence and ache. - It's been so long since we shared a bath... and I think I'm more drunk than usual tonight...
Orm trailed off, her meaning implied.
Orm stayed seated on the bed, gazing at Lingling, watching the war unfold behind those tired eyes. She knew what Lingling was thinking. She always did.
Orm also knew Lingling needed reasons, needed logic, to do anything she felt conflicted about. And when Lingling couldn't find one, Orm had learned to give her one.
And this was it. Her cue.
Orm was drunk. She needed help. It was a matter of safety, really.
And just like that, Lingling accepted the reason Orm gave her.
- Alright.
- - - END CHAPTER 05 - - -
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