War Zone

It started on a random Wednesday. Orm was rushing to get to work as usual. Her blond hair caught up in the wind as she ran across the pavement from her favorite coffee shop to the office right across the street; balancing the coffee and pastry on one hand and her bag on the other. Everyday it was a mess of long limbs and awkward high heeled runs into the elevator. Orm of course knows better, she knows that she needs to wake up earlier or just get coffee in the office pantry but old habits die hard.

She barely made it on time, panting as she pressed her thumb on the biometrics.

“Late again, Kornnaphat?”, she froze on her spot. Her voice cut through the silence of the hallway. What a lucky turn of events, of course out of all the people to see her being late it has to be the CEO Lingling Kwong. 

The blond turned around slowly, grinning at the stoic CEO in apology. “I’m not late, see? 7:59 AM.”, pointing at the clock in feigned ignorance.

“One minute to spare, huh?”, raising her eyebrows at Orm.

“Technically, 16 minutes. I have 15 minutes grace period Khun CEO.”, smiling in that sickly sweet way she does when she’s trying to get her way. 

The CEO raised her eyebrow higher, clearly exasperated with the blonde. “You're impossible. Just come in a little earlier. You don’t want to set a bad example to your juniors. Not because you’re a manager of the advertising department doesn’t make you exempt from the company rules.”, she’s serious and for a second Orm’s smile faltered.

“I’m sorry, Khun CEO. I’ll do my best moving forward.”, she figured apologizing will be the fastest way to avoid further scolding.

“Good. Now, get to work.”, before turning around and heading to her office. Her jet black hair swaying as she walks off.

Orm stared at the back of the (admittedly) gorgeous woman. She’s in her navy blue suit, tailored to perfection, hugging all the curves of her slender body. The red bottom black heels on her feet are making her look even more intimidating. Her straight jet black hair is framing her face perfectly, highlighting her sharp jawline and pronounced cheekbones. 

Orm has always noticed how pretty the CEO is. It’s no secret and everyone talks about the CEO like she’s some supermodel or something if only she wasn’t an actual grumpy witch at work. 

The blond shook her head before going straight to her office, leaving the lingering thoughts for the CEO behind. 

The glass walls in her office allow the morning shine to filter through, already making the workday a little more bearable. 

She sat her breakfast down the table until she noticed a small yellow post-it note stuck in the middle of her computer. 

“there is sunrise in your smile,

the kind that opens the sky into a kaleidoscope of light.”

Have a good day, beautiful. 

Orm stared at it. No name. Just a plain post-it with a note in neat handwriting. She took it, flipping it over for any clue who put it there. Oddly placed, right at the middle of the screen making it impossible to miss. 

The blonde’s heart hammer in her chest as she stared at the sweet note. 

It might be a prank. She’ll have to ask her team about it but despite thinking that, she carefully stuck it on the notebook she carries on meetings. Filing it away like some highschool kid that received her first love letter. 

She’s grinning at her desktop as warmth floods her chest, the first in a long while.

It might be a good day after all, she thinks. 

________

Her pride doesn’t allow her to be in trouble with the CEO for the second time so the next day, she pushed herself to go to work a little earlier even if she’s grumbling like a cat woken up from her nap.

She’s walking at a leisurely pace to her office, basking in the little extra time she has. Thinking subtly to herself at how she’ll gloat being early to the grumpy boss.

She turned a corner only to bump softly at the woman in her mind. She stumbled right into the arms of the older woman, the CEO’s hands automatically circle her waist as her free hand lands the CEO’s upper arm. 

“You should be careful next time, Kornnaphat.”, she drawled in that disapproving tone of hers. The CEO has yet to let go, seemingly forgetting Orm pressed up against her.

Orm looked up to see the older woman staring at her, her deep chocolate eyes boring holes into Orm so close she can almost count her eyelashes. This close and the blond can clearly see the mole on her cheek, a beauty mark making the otherwise perfect face into something human. This close and she can clearly see the gorgeous shape of her lips under that pretty pink gloss. This close and she can smell the perfume the CEO wears, a subtle sweet floral scent that makes Orm want to bury her face on the lapels of her suit.

“Are you just gonna keep staring at me or are you gonna stand up?”, part teasing, part asking her to let go. 

Orm quickly untangled herself and stood upright, making her almost lose her balance again if it weren’t for the raven haired woman’s hands steadying her once more. 

“Kornnaphat! What the hell are you doing?”

“I- I’m sorry. I think I’m kinda low on sugar.”, spewing the most random excuse she can think of.

The older woman looked at Orm in confusion. “What?”

“Nothing! I should get to work.”, voice squeaking and stuttering as she distanced herself. 

“Stop.”, sounding every bit as commanding as she has always been.

Orm stopped in her mad dash away from the CEO. The older woman approached her, eyes glued to Orm as she touched her forehead gently. “You should go to the clinic. You might get dizzy if you have low blood sugar.”

It’s the first time she’s heard the CEO sound almost concerned and for some reason it’s making Orm’s brain short circuit even more.

She immediately stepped back, putting a little more distance between them as she tried to overcome her flustered state. 

“No. I’m fine. I just need to sit down.”, she bowed down quickly before running, yes, running away from the older woman.

Lingling just stared at Orm, watching as the blonde ran away from her. She sighed. “Silly girl.”, smiling discreetly at the younger one’s antics. 

Orm managed to duck in her office. Closing the blinds on the glass door before, banging her head on her table.

“What the fuck was that???”

It's the first time she's ever been flustered around the raven haired woman- the hands clammy, heart racing kinda flustered. It's unsettling. 

When she was done freaking out and raised her head she was greeted with another post-it note. 

“the stars found in your eyes remain the brightest. 

nothing compares to the honey tint- glowing in daylight

and the moon-like curve when you smile.”

You have the prettiest eyes. 

Have a good day, beautiful. 

It's suspicious. The same yellow post-it. Same neat handwriting. No name. No indication of who wrote it. This time she looked around before making her way to the door to look outside for anyone suspicious. Squinting at anyone that looks her way. 

She walked back to her desk already brainstorming ideas on how to catch the person giving her notes.

Her cheeks heat up again while rereading the note. The sweet kind of butterflies in her stomach, making her giddy in that ridiculous high school way. She once again tucked the sticky note on the notebook, suppressing a grin the whole morning. 

______

The next day was no different, Orm went to work the earliest she's ever been. Hoping to catch a glimpse of the person putting notes on her desk. Mulling in her mind if they should be called a secret admirer or a stalker? She opted for a secret admirer since the notes had been harmless and were a nice start to her mornings.

She rushed to the point that she skipped her morning coffee to catch the person. So imagine her disappointment when she came into her office only to see the post-it note exactly at the middle of her desk top with no one there. Again, just a plain yellow post-it note with neat handwriting.

“Your laughter rings through the hallways, 

igniting a spark of happiness in the air.

The way it echoes straight to the strings of my heart, 

quite parallel to the urgencies of the world;

the way it seeps in the deepest corners

of my consciousness;

the way it parts the darkness 

to give way to your light.”

I wish I could hear your laughter more often. 

Have a beautiful day, Orm. 

She can’t help it. Her grin can probably be seen through the walls of her office as she tries to suppress the shriek that’s forcing its way out of her lungs. 

This person is the cutest thing. If only Orm knows who they are so she can at least say thank you.

It seems to her that she attracts poets. She remembers her highschool days, giggling as she remembered the notes posted on her locker. 

FLASHBACK

THIRD YEAR HIGHSCHOOL

The final bell rang and all the students rushed out of their classrooms in a whole mass of people. The hallway was packed to the brim with students loitering around, groups circle around each other as they joke around or discuss assignments together. 

Orm was chatting with her best friend Eclair on the way to her locker, her laughter echoing through the hallways as Eclair and her joked around. 

It’s no secret, Orm is the darling of the high school. Her face is the kind that stops people in their tracks, her laughter the kind that infects warmth even to a random passerby, her smile the kind that pulls a smile in return. But it’s not just the undeniable beauty of the woman, it's also her innate kindness - that magnetic charm of her good heart and easy camaraderie. Everyone falls to their knees (literally and figuratively) asking for a date but no one succeeds. Orm even in her laid back attitude is very focused on her studies and is not interested in dating anybody. She has made it explicitly clear to anyone shooting their shots, letting them down as gently as she can while helping them keep their pride. That made her even more desirable and the subject of adoration of the student body.

They slowed down in front of the lockers only for Orm to notice a cute little post-it stuck on the middle of her locker. It’s a little dog shaped post-it note with very neat handwriting. 

“The universe conspired to birth you in this life, 

to grant simple beings with the smile of an angel.”

You're so beautiful, Orm.

It was simple and sweet and it made Orm smile like a lunatic. 

Eclair, who was reading it over her shoulder, squealed while smacking Orm's back repeatedly.

“Arcckk!! That's so sweet!”

Orm looked back at her best friend, cheeks aflame with the said smile of an angel painted on her face. 

“It is! I wonder who gave this.”, looking around for anyone looking their way.

“I bet it's one of your admirers. We should ask around.”, already gearing up to ask around.

Orm’s hands shot up, holding her friend steady. “No. No. There's no name. They might not want to be known?”

“Hmm. If they post something again tomorrow. Let’s ask around?”

“Okay” She carefully tucked in the note on her binder. Grinning at her best friend before walking home.

Unbeknownst to them, there’s a pair of chocolate eyes observing them with a small smile on her face. 

The days after were just Orm looking forward to the notes on her locker. Still no sign of whoever was posting notes on her locker. They’ve asked around only to be met with the same response, “We don’t know.”, with a shrug of their shoulders.

Another note. 

1/2

“Venus is the brightest planet to be seen on Earth,

its light reaches Earth in about 4 minutes.

But your light, 

being the brightest on Earth-

reaches mine with just a glance.”

I hope you had a good day!

The next day.

2/2

“Venus, the Goddess of love

must have been reincarnated in you.

In your beauty,

in your grace,

in the absolute masterpiece that is you.

Walk home safe, Orm.

The notes went on and on. Sometimes a short poem. Sometimes just a sweet message, a reminder to walk safe, to eat dinner, to cheer up, to tell some random joke or pick-up line or just to tell her that she's beautiful and that seeing her made their day. 

Both Orm and Eclair look forward to the notes at the end of the day. Both giggling and blushing as they discuss who the secret admirer might be. Nobody knows and they've asked everyone. So, Orm just kept the notes and hoped that one day her admirer will have the guts to at least talk to her. 

Until one day, it stopped. No post it on the locker. Orm figured that they might have been sick that day and that they'll come back tomorrow. The next day came and still no note.

Orm really did try not to get sad and miss the person making her day a little brighter but she was. 

The days passed with her glancing at her locker, hoping to see that little post-it note once again. 

It wasn't long until the post it notes became a distant memory. Orm graduated high school after a year and went away for college; until adult responsibilities took charge of her life and that cute little moment in time was set aside to the back of her mind. 

PRESENT TIME

The notes have been going on for 3 weeks. Everyday a yellow post-it stuck to her desktop without fail. Only now it's accompanied with a little snack or chocolates or little trinkets that Orm kept on display at her desk. 

The curiosity is now way too much. There's this aching need to know and Orm was desperate.

She asked everyone, even the janitor who was coming in her office in the mornings, even the CCTV operators to review the footage only to be declined by the operator saying she needs approval from the management.

The hallway to the office was deserted as Orm creeped in slowly, it’s 6:30 AM and barely anyone is even in the office. The blonde is awfully running on fumes but she sneaked a peak in her office and there’s no one there. She debated if she’ll hide under her table or hide across the hallway. In that fraction of a moment, a moment of hesitation - a flash of black and ruby suddenly appeared by her side. 

“Kornnaphat.” Orm freezed before snapping her head to the direction of the voice. “I’m surprised, you’re early today. Actually very early.”, looking at her watch in wonder.

Orm’s mind raced, trying to think of excuses or just brush it off. She stared at Lingling. In her black coat and ruby satin undershirt, looking way too elegant in the morning. Her hair slightly curled in beautiful waves, with virtually little makeup but still looking exceptionally gorgeous. 

“Khun CEO. Good morning! I have a question.” her mouth blurting out words before she can think of them. 

“A question?”

Orm nodded. “What time did you come in? Do you happen to see anyone enter my office this morning?”

Lingling’s eyebrows knitted together in curiosity. “I usually come in at around 5AM and well, I don’t personally check your office for anyone coming in. Did anything go missing?”

“No! No! I’m just looking for someone.”

“Someone why?”

Orm gave up and decided to tell the CEO. “Someone has been putting notes and little snacks on my desk.” muttering and pouting cutely.

Lingling looked at her for a long while, just staring at the blond seriously. “Does it make you uncomfortable?”

“No. I just really wanted to say thank you. The notes have been nice and all but now, I just wanted to know who they are.” Orm blushed, a little ashamed to be admitting something so juvenile to her CEO. “Anyway, sorry nevermind that. I should go in. I do have some reports I need to update.” 

Orm bowed a little, both hands pressed together before slowly turning around. 

“Kornnaphat. Since it’s still a little early, do you want to grab coffee with me?”

Coffee? Did my stoic as hell CEO just ask me for coffee? 

“So, what do you say? Let’s go?” The CEO is looking at her, her face schooled into a model of professional indifference but there’s something warm beneath those eyes, almost like expectation.”I- I know you have a favorite coffee shop across and um, the black coffee on the pantry is just okay (Disclaimer: The coffee in the pantry is divine.) so yeah, if you want we can go or I can go by myself it’s fine.”

There’s something so endearing seeing her usually composed CEO ramble in front of her that makes the blond smile involuntarily. Orm decided to put the boss out of her misery. “I’ll go with you Khun CEO.”, smiling radiantly at the woman.

Ling’s heart was thundering in her chest but she kept her expression as stoic as she can, hoping that Orm doesn’t think she’s weird or anything.

The blond watched as the CEO tried and failed at suppressing the twitch at the side of her lips, (a small smile perhaps?) before she quickly turned around. Orm followed her, opting to stay a step back not to make it awkward. 

Ling looked back at her “Why are you there? Walk beside me Kornnaphat.”, signaling with a tilt of her head to come closer.

She’s back to being demanding but her voice is somehow softer so Orm, against her better judgement, walked besides the CEO. The only good thing is that it’s too early for anyone to see them together besides the security guards and the reception personnel.

The calming smell of coffee surrounded them as they approached the counter, warm muted colors decorate the walls, and the soft jazz music playing completes the atmosphere. 

Ling ordered the same thing as Orm - a double shot vanilla latte, before paying for the both of them, even insisting to buy pastries for her. They settled on a table near the glass facade, facing their company building. The glass facade reflects the morning sun into the pavement creating a glittery pathway in its wake.

The morning is turning out to be beautiful. The early morning sun is just peeking through tall buildings, the dulled noise of the cars rushing to their destinations, the gentle clink of cutlery in the busy cafe and then there’s Lingling, sitting there in her perfect yet rigid posture, sunlight caressing her face rather unfairly in her beauty, her chocolate eyes lightened by the sun as she stared outside sipping her coffee slowly, Orm haven’t really had the chance to stare at her calm boss for this long and she didn’t realize just how beautiful the woman really is when she's not being grumpy. No wonder everyone falls at her feet.

“Kornnaphat, you’re staring.”, she’s smirking. Smirking?!? Eyes curved into a mischievous line, lips stretched into a smirk.

“Don’t assume Khun CEO.”, rolling her eyes good naturedly at the raven haired woman. “It’s just I’ve never seen you outside the office, isn’t it too bright for you?” Teasing. Testing her limits. 

Lingling's eyebrows raise, smirk deepening. “It is but it's not because of the sun.”

To say that Orm is stunned is an understatement. Can it be that THE Lingling Kwong is flirting? Surely she can't be flirting with. . . me?, Orm thought. 

“Care to elaborate Khun CEO?”, after finally finding her voice. 

“No.” She's smiling, just a tiny micro smile. “And Kornnaphat, please call me Lingling outside the office. I do believe we have enough history here to at least be friends.”, staring at Orm intensely over her coffee cup.

~

Orm has been part of the company Always Wonder for almost 4 years now. Her journey to being the manager of the advertising department has been tedious but rewarding. The CEO and her have been in contact almost everyday, at the beck and call for every marketing campaign. 

Unbeknownst to the company, there's always been this teasing energy between the two borderlining a professional relationship and an almost friendship. 

Enough passing teasing but never breaching the respectful boundary between employee and CEO. 

It's in those passing snobby remarks from the CEO and the witty comebacks from the manager. It's a fun little thing they do that to an outsider, it'll look like they're flirting. 

~

“Huh.” Grinning at the woman like a Cheshire cat finding THE Lingling Kwong adorable in her offer for friendship. “Lingling. Guess it's only fair if you call me Orm.”

Ling's smile deepened, creasing her eyes into half moons. “Okay Orm. Don't expect me to loosen up on you at work though. I still need that report by the end of the week.” slipping effortlessly into her usual banter. 

“Ugh. I thought we're friends now. Can't I complain about my boss to you?” pouting all along. 

Lingling laughed a little, shoulders shaking as she processed the unpredictable Orm. “Do you have a lot to complain about this said boss?”

“I have a lot but I'll tell them next time ‘cause we need to get to work, Lingling or the said boss will be mad at us again.” Quickly downing her coffee as she realized how much time has passed. 

“Does she get mad often?” Sipping her coffee slowly as if she has all the time in the world.

“Only when I misbehave.”, whispering conspiratorially before winking at the CEO.

“Then you must have misbehaved a lot of times for her to be mad.”

“I wouldn't say misbehaved but I do like pushing her buttons.” Teasing. Testing the limits of her new found friendship. 

“You're a menace.”

“Uhuh, a menace that'll be late. Come on, finish your coffee! I have a meeting in like 40 minutes.”

“With the boss?”, still chilling on her seat, no intention to leave whatsoever. 

“Yes. I'll really leave you here, Lingling. We need to go.”, as she stood and squinted at the woman. 

“Okay. Okay. Didn't know you like your job too much.” As she quickly downed her coffee and fixed the table. 

“Hmm, it pays handsomely.” saying in a singsong voice before walking a few steps ahead of the CEO. 

“I bet.”, chuckling along knowing full well the salary of her manager. 

It was refreshing and new. A start of something they both named as friendship.

To Lingling, it was a relief- to finally step towards Orm’s orbit, a start.

To Orm, it’s a bit unsettling but exciting at the same time. Lingling has always been there, a quiet force in the industry, strict and imposing. To her employees though she shows a softer side, someone that advocates for her people's benefits even if she never directly shows it. Everyone in their company respects and adores her policies though most are scared to approach her due to her cold aura. It's still Orm's biggest question as to why the CEO banters with her sometimes but she never asks, too afraid to disturb the dynamic. 

This ‘friendship’ that the CEO offered didn't really surprise the blond that much, in fact she just found the CEO adorable like a kid in kindergarten learning how to make friends. 

The moment they entered the building, curious eyes landed on them so Lingling started a discussion about the meeting and Orm followed along. Lingling walked with Orm all the way to the blond's office, just bouncing off ideas with each other. Professional and discerning. Only when they're standing in front of the door did Ling smile, a small knowing smile. 

“See you in exactly 29 minutes?”, looking at her watch. 

“Yes. Khun CEO.” smiling politely. 

Lingling nodded once and went off the opposite way. A flash of black and ruby and utmost command. 

Orm settled behind her desk, momentarily forgetting why she came to work so early in the first place. 

In her desk is a small baby blue box with a white ribbon. The sticky note was placed beside it. 

Just two words:

Open it. 

And so Orm did.

In it is a golden bracelet. Delicate little pendants hang on the chain- a sun and a moon. It is beautiful. The tiny diamonds sparkle as they catch daylight. Orm stared in awe, trying to understand what it meant or if she should wear it. Orm took the note, turning it over in hopes that there's something written. Nothing. 

Orm's heart is racing. She doesn't know if it's because of the flattery or anger? If this person wants me to wear this or at least accept it, they should at least have the decency to talk to her in person. 

Orm penned a note and left the jewelry and her note beside the computer, opting to forget about the whole thing for now and focus on her work. 

The box sat at her desk the whole day. Completely ignored as Orm powered through the work day. 

The minute Orm was set to leave for work she took one last look at her note and the bracelet. There's a wish in her heart, a wish that they'll finally show up instead of giving ridiculously expensive gifts. 

______

The next morning Orm stormed into her office. Half expecting the person to wait for her or at least leave a note of who they are. 

What Orm didn't expect was a small bouquet of Lily of the Valley set in the middle of her table. 

Lily of the valley- these flowers symbolize love and forgiveness. 

These are my apologies to you. 

I overstepped. I'm sorry. 

I saw the bracelet and thought that it'll look wonderful on you. 

Maybe one day I'll have the guts to show myself but for now, please, allow me to adore you from afar. 

Orm sat down at her desk, carefully touching the delicate little bells of the flowers. She's torn between forgiveness, frustration and understanding. 

She remembered her note from yesterday. The harsh words she wrote and now, she regrets it. 

“I don't want your expensive gifts. Have the decency to talk to me like a normal person if not, just stop sending me notes or gifts. I don't want them.”

Orm sat there, crestfallen. So, she penned another note apologizing. 

“I'm sorry for lashing out. I just didn't know what to feel seeing jewelry on my desk. I'm not used to people spending money on me and you, being a stranger makes me feel even more conflicted. 

You can talk to me, you know. I would like to apologize and thank you in person.

PS: I do love the flowers. Thank you.”

-Orm

She stuck it at the bottom of her computer and decided to work the rest of the day. Catching herself glancing every now and then at the flowers, finding herself smiling both in gratitude and affection. 

Lunchtime came and Orm strolled to the cafeteria, a small smile on her face. She's. . . happy. The kind of happiness that can only be received with a light heart. The flowers really boosted her mood that morning, that heartfelt apology, and those gentle words. Orm wondered if the sender was a woman. In Orm’s mind only a woman knows how to apologize properly. 

She's walking rather absentmindedly and suddenly she bumped into someone. 

“Orm.” The CEO whispered, steadying Orm with an arm around her waist. 

“Oh shoot. I'm sorry, Lingling.”, she whispered back. 

They're in the middle of the cafeteria, eyes land on them as they collide. 

Ling gently let go, hands lingering on Orm's arms before pulling away. “You really should be careful, Kornnaphat.”, she said a little louder. 

“I will. Sorry Khun CEO.”, Orm answered. Blushing under the stare of the raven haired woman and the employees inside the cafeteria. 

Ling's lips twitch. A tiny smirk on her face as she watched Orm blush. “You should get some lunch now.”

“Khun CEO, did you already eat? Want to join me?”, grinning at the CEO that’s now her friend. 

Lingling’s eyes widened, eyebrows automatically raising in question. A silent challenge. 

“You want that?”

They’re whispering to each other, fully aware of the gazes pointed their way. “Yes. We’re friends now right? Friends have lunch with each other.”

“Hmm. Do you want to eat here or outside?”

“I heard the food is good today. Let's eat here.” nodding along like she's scheming something.

The CEO just nodded, usually she’d skip having a meal at the cafeteria thinking that the employees will get uncomfortable having her there. The blond led her to the line, which instantly parted for the manager and the CEO. 

Orm laughed being the darling of the crowd all her life has its perks. “No, no. Stay in line please!”, guiding the employees back with a wave of her hands.

“Yes. It’s okay. We can line up.”, the CEO’s serious voice making the people in line straighten up.

“Would you relax guys?” Orm is still smiling, just calming the specially nervous juniors in front of them. “Khun CEO doesn’t bite.” whispering at the younger ones.

“I can hear you Kornnaphat.” There she is stoic as the birth of times but there’s a softness in her eyes, one that only Orm can recognize. 

“You should. Smile a little, you're scaring off my juniors.”

“Excuse me?” She directed her gaze at the employees in front. “Am I scary?”

The youngest one almost scurried away. Wilting under the serious gaze of the CEO.

“Stop. Stop.” Orm blocked her gaze. Her mischievous grin intact. “You’re scary Khun CEO.”, teasing the raven haired woman. 

Ling can only sigh. Maintaining the stoic facade even if she really wants to smile.

The line rushed forward, Ling and Orm took their own food but when the chef heard that the CEO was in line he immediately pulled out some special desserts for the both of them. Both wanted to refuse but the chef was insistent, citing it as his favorite ones. 

Orm is grinning at her across the table. Eyes glinting in mischief as the CEO sat ramrod straight across her. 

“Don't worry about them.”, Orm tone softened. Sensing the nervous energy from the boss.

“Huh?”

“Don’t worry about all the eyes. You're fine. I'm here. Just relax, Ling.”

“I'm relaxed.”

“Riiiight. Definitely relaxed.”, raising her eyebrow and smiling at the CEO.

Their lunchtime consisted of Orm telling stories and poking fun at the older woman. Ling’s shoulders slowly loosened over time and for the first time in a long while they saw their CEO laughing. Well, technically laughing. She’s smiling a little, eyes crinkled in amusement as Orm chatted about anything and everything. The blond doesn’t know why she’s too comfortable or why she finds it adorable when the raven haired woman pretends to be indifferent, stopping her smile from bursting out. 

The people around them finally saw a glimpse of the CEO's true personality. A crack in the cold exterior she's always wearing. 

Lunchtime was over too quickly. Ling doesn't say but she's grateful, grateful for the ray of sunshine that invited her out of her shell for a short moment, out of the CEO persona she's been wearing for a long time. 

Ling walked Orm once again to her office, listening to new marketing ideas coming from her manager. One moment Orm is like a child, teasing and mischievous and then next she's professional, full of new ideas and the actual steps to achieve them. Orm really is a gem in the company. 

Orm was stopped midway from her talk by the CEO. “Orm? Thank you for the lunch invite.” smiling gently at the taller woman, sincerity dripping from her tone. “Send me the details of your ideas and I’ll look over them”

Ling didn't wait for Orm to answer. She just nodded once before turning around, leaving the blond with a strange feeling in her chest- something akin to affection and curiosity. 

The day ended with Orm staring at the beautiful blooms of the Lily of the Valley. Something soft in her chest melts - warm and welcoming. The kind that takes root, dipping into the well of emotions the blond has long forgotten.

Questions ripple out from her mind:

Who are you?

What do you want?

What do you see in me?

Orm despite being popular and well loved only ever had two relationships, both of which simply ended in heartbreak but maybe that’s another story for another time. After the heartbreaks, Orm’s world revolved around friends, family, her cute dog Uni and work. Everything is working out until the notes start showing up, until the blond is burning with more questions and just plain curiosity.

The office hours ended later for Orm, having to extend due to a deadline and a mishap with an ad shoot. She absentmindedly went to the lobby, tired from the long work day and the never ending paperwork. What Orm didn’t expect was the downpour when she reached the lobby, rain pelting across the pavement out into the outdoor parking area. Her car is parked a few spots down reserved for the managers. She decided that the best option is to get her umbrella from her office. She quickly walked back, hands busy with her phone as she rode the elevator up.

When she reached her floor she quickly noticed, the light from her office was open. She was so sure she turned off all the lights and locked her door.

It must be the person sticking notes!, she thought.

Against her better judgement and well, her survival instincts, she jogged as stealthy as she can in high heels. She really intended to just sneak a peek, not wanting to scare off the person but when she reached her office her body had other plans. She closed the door behind her- the sound of the lock softly clicking against the silence of the floor.

The person is behind her huge computer screen that Orm can only see the top of their head.

“So you put the notes at night, huh?” Orm is panting a little, voice shaking both in fear and anticipation.

The person behind the computer still has their head down, hands busy with whatever they’re putting on the desk.

“I guess you caught me.”

That voice. It can’t be. 

Lingling rose up to her full height.

Chocolate eyes meeting amber. 

Orm is rooted at her spot, too shocked to comprehend what is happening. 

The CEO is still as cool as ever, smiling gently at the manager. She tilted her head as if in silent acknowledgement of her being caught. 

“You're silent for once.”, the woman filled the silence after a few minutes of staring at each other. She walked around the desk, hands in her pocket as she leaned against the table. 

Orm doesn't really know where to start or what to say. Her lips opened and closed in an attempt to talk. 

“I guess I better start explaining then?”

Orm just nodded. Truly speechless for the first time.

“How about I start with this?” She pulled something from her pocket and walked over to where Orm was standing. 

The raven haired woman handed Orm a little post-it note, the same dog post-it that the blond received in high school. 

Orm stared at the notepad, puzzle pieces clicking into place. 

“You. . .”

“Yes. That was me back in highschool.”

“What? Why?” Orm is now just bursting with questions as she looked at the woman before her. 

“I liked you back then, as simple as that. But then, I had to move to Hong Kong for college and learn my family business. That's why the notes stopped. I didn't even get to say goodbye, didn't even have the courage to talk to you.”

“Huh?” That sounded stupid but Orm is feeling a little stupid so pardon her. 

“When you walked into my office 4 years ago for that job interview. I almost lost it.”, she laughed clearly remembering the moment. “I've liked you for a while, Orm. Genuinely. I always see you as someone that can brighten up a room with your charm and your warmth. You're one of the few people that didn't treat me differently. You never got scared of me. It was refreshing. There's a million times when all I wanted was to ask you out or just talk to you. It's silly and I genuinely feel so juvenile around you.”

She ran her hands through her hair while Orm watched hypnotized. Staring at the woman now pacing around the office. 

“When you had that relationship a few years back. I thought, okay it's time to move forward, maybe I should find someone else to have a silly little crush on. But then, news spread that you broke up and that you're single again and well, this hopeful pining thing that is my heart started beating again.” She smiled at Orm, that little quirk on her lips as if she finds herself ridiculous. 

“Three weeks ago, I heard that some juniors from accounting wanted to ask you out and this stupid part of me didn't want that. So, I started to leave notes. Little harmless poems that hopefully will make you smile. Did they?”

Orm took a step forward, finally regaining some clarity. 

“They did.”, she whispered. 

Ling exhaled, blowing out the nervous ball of energy brewing inside her. “ Good.”, grinning at Orm. “That's really all I wanted. I also wanted to apologize for the bracelet. I didn't know what I was thinking. It is pretty and you're pretty and I thought that giving it to you made perfect sense.”

“You think I'm pretty?” finally back to her teasing self. Relieved that out of all the people that can possibly do this, it's Lingling. 

“Always.” Honestly. Heart on her sleeves as she stared at the blond seriously, hands busy fidgeting with the rings on her fingers.

Orm can't help but find the CEO adorable. The fiddling and the pacing, concrete signs that she's nervous. 

Orm took a step closer before putting her hand above Ling's. Careful and tender. Just like the moment. 

“Nervous Khun CEO?”

“Very.” Ling exhaled. 

“So what were your long term plans? Did you just plan to leave notes until we're old? Or were you ever gonna ask me out?”

“I really didn't think that far ahead.”

“I thought that's the number one rule in business? Plan ahead.”

“This is not a business Orm. With you, all rational thoughts fly out my mind.”, her hands are now clasping Orm's that the blonde noticed the slight shake of her hand. 

Ling looked straight at Orm, her imposing aura stripped away. All Orm sees is a woman, vulnerable before her. 

“Tell me. What do you want, Lingling Kwong?”, squeezing Ling's hand tighter. 

“A date with you?”

“Is that a question?”, smiling softly. Patiently waiting for Ling to say what she wants. 

“No. I do want a date with you. Will you go out with me?”

“Hmm. Let me think. Let me just see what you wrote for me tomorrow.”, still teasing, setting Ling's nerves on edge. 

Orm let go of her hand and walked behind her desk. 

Posted on her computer is another note. 

“The crowd feels like a distant memory 

when I'm beside you-

lingering fear under surveying eyes, 

hold no water against the mirth in yours. 

I'm bordering between reaching out and holding back. 

You, my sunshine. 

The brightest star amongst all. 

My heart rests at your smile, 

stutters at every laughter, 

thunder at every accidental touch. 

Oh, what blessing it must be. 

To be beside your unwavering warmth. 

What blessing it must be, 

to be yours.”

Set in the middle of her desk is a small lego flower.

A lily of the valley.

A note on the side:

This one will never wilt. 

Ling is just standing there. A hopeful expression on her face as she stared at Orm. Silent as the night but her emotions are loud and all consuming. Filling the space with absolute adoration, complete devotion that's never asking for anything but acknowledgement. 

Orm's heart is beating, loud and noticeable. She walked in front of Ling and she gently raised her hand to tuck the CEO's hair behind her ear before cupping her cheek. 

“Who would’ve thought that you're such a romantic, Lingling Kwong?”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“No. In fact, don't ever stop.” She’s breathless in front of this beautiful, romantic woman. 

“So, the date?”, tone hopeful and eyes begging. 

“Yes. I'd love to.” grinning at the beautiful woman in front of her. 

This story ends with a simple date and maybe that's enough- a start. Something to jump start a life together.