Danger ⚠️

Ling's parents had just returned from France, and she was bursting with excitement to share her big news. Orm, the love of her life, had said "yes" to her proposal, and Ling couldn't contain her joy any longer. She was eager to tell her parents about this monumental step in her life and to celebrate the beginning of her forever with Orm.

The moment Ling and Orm stepped through the front door of the Kwong family home, a wave of warmth hit them. It smelled like home—like jasmine tea, fresh linens, and the faint trace of spices from the kitchen.

Before Ling could even take off her jacket, her mother, Mrs. Kwong, was already on her.

“Oh, my love!” she exclaimed, wrapping her daughter in a tight embrace. “Look at you! How are you feeling? Are you still hurt somewhere? You look great by the way”

“Mom, I’m fine,” Ling laughed, hugging her back.

Mrs. Kwong pulled away just long enough to cup Ling’s face between her hands, scanning her like a detective searching for clues. But then, her expression faltered, and a deep frown formed as her fingers brushed over a faint scar near Ling’s temple.

Her mother’s voice dropped, soft with worry but also another thing she couldn’t point. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’ve got that funny little smile on your face”

Ling swallowed. She knew her mother had probably spent sleepless nights worrying from afar, knowing her daughter had nearly been lost to something out of her control.

“I promise,” Ling reassured, squeezing her hands. “I’m okay now.”

Satisfied—though still unconvinced—Mrs. Kwong nodded before turning her attention to Orm.

“Oh, Orm, sweetheart,” she sighed, and before Orm could react, she was enveloped in a motherly embrace. “I heard everything from Mae Koy. You poor thing. Does it still hurt?” She pulled back, looking over Orm as if she could somehow erase all the pain with sheer motherly concern.

Orm chuckled. “I’m healing well, Mrs. Kwong. Promise. I’m okay thanks to your daughter”

Ling smirked. “She’s tough.”

Her mother huffed. “That doesn’t mean she should have to be.”

Before Orm could protest, Mr. Kwong finally entered the room, his presence quiet but commanding. He didn’t rush over, didn’t speak immediately—just took in the sight of his daughter, standing side by side with Orm.

And then, he did something Orm didn’t expect. He stared at her. Not a glare, not cold, but sharp and assessing. Like he was still processing the fact that his daughter was in a dangerous situation a few weeks back.

Orm straightened instinctively. She had faced boardroom executives, hostile competitors, even gunfire—yet standing under the scrutiny of Ling’s father somehow made her nervous.

Finally, he sighed. “It’s good to see you both safe. We were very worried my dears”

Orm let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

Ling, unfazed, grinned. “Missed us already?”

Mrs. Kwong swatted her arm. ““Of course, we did!” Then, as if remembering something important, she clapped her hands together. “Have you spoken to Niran? This boy is a frenchie he just loves it!”

Ling chuckled. “Haven’t got the time to call him yet Mum, we’ve been busy and all, but I need to call him quickly.”

Mrs. Kwong sighed in relief. “Quickly?.”

Orm smiled. “Something came up”

Mrs. Kwong lit up at the suggestion, but before she could go off into full travel-planning mode, Ling took a deep breath, preparing herself for the next bombshell.

Ling rubbed the back of her neck, feeling the weight of the moment settle in. Then, before she could overthink it, she blurted out,

“So, uh… Orm and I are engaged.”

Silence. A beat.

Then— A sharp gasp from her mother. A blink from her father. And then, absolute chaos.

Mrs. Kwong shrieked, hands flying to her mouth before she practically tackled Orm in another hug.

“Oh my god! My baby is getting married! Orm, sweetheart, welcome to the family officially!”

Orm, stunned, awkwardly patted her back. “Uh—thank you Mrs Kwong!”

Ling chuckled at Orm’s slightly overwhelmed expression, while her father remained unmoving.

Finally, Mr. Kwong spoke, his tone calm but serious.

“You’re sure about this?”

Ling turned to him, eyes shining with certainty. Without hesitation, she took Orm’s hand, intertwining their fingers.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life Dad.”

Another long pause. Then—

Her father sighed, as if accepting the inevitable, before his lips twitched into the faintest smile. He knew Orm was the one for Ling but he had to play this little father game, even if he knows that he has absolutely no power on his daughter, never did and never will.

“Welcome to the family, Orm.”

Orm let out a small breath of relief before smiling back. “Thank you, sir.”

“None of that ‘sir’ nonsense,” he muttered. “If you’re marrying my daughter, call me Dad.”

Orm blinked. She hadn’t expected that.

Then, a slow, warm smile spread across her lips. “Alright… Dad.”

Mrs. Kwong wiped at her eyes dramatically. “Oh, look at us! We’re getting another daughter!”

Ling smirked. “Well, technically, I’m just legally confirming what you already knew.”

Her mother waved her off. “Shhh, let me have my moment.”

Champagne was brought out, glasses clinking together in a toast to the newly engaged couple. Ling had barely taken a sip before her mother immediately dove into wedding talk.

“So, have you thought about venues? Bangkok? Somewhere overseas? What about dresses? Orm, do you want to wear a suit, or should we go for a classic aesthetic? Also, flowers—we need to talk about flowers.”

Orm, in the middle of drinking, choked.

“Wait. Already?” she spluttered.

Ling laughed, patting her fiancée’s back while her father smirked into his glass.

“You better get used to it, Orm,” he said. “Once our wives start planning, we’re just along for the ride.”

Orm turned to Ling in mild panic. “Babe. Help.”

Ling shrugged. “Sorry, baby, you’re part of the Kwong family now. There’s no escape.”

Mrs. Kwong grinned. “Exactly! Oh, I can’t wait to see Mae Koy—we’re going to have so much fun planning this.I’ll call her in a bit”

Orm groaned. “Oh my god, I just got engaged, and I’m already stressed.”

Ling kissed her cheek, laughing. “Relax, love. We’ll go at our own pace. But let’s be real—you should’ve known our moms wouldn’t waste a second.”

Orm sighed, taking another sip of champagne before muttering, “I should have proposed first. Then I could’ve controlled the timeline.”

Mrs. Kwong gasped. “Wait—you were going to propose?”

Orm smirked. “Maybe.”

Ling laughed, squeezing her hand. “Too late, baby. I was first and you’re stuck with me now.”

Orm smiled, squeezing back. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Her father chuckled, raising his glass again. “To Ling and Orm—may your life together be filled with love, strength, and… survival through wedding planning.”

They all laughed, clinking their glasses once more.

Orm looked around at the family she had just officially become a part of, warmth settling deep in her chest.

She had everything she had ever wanted. And soon—Ling would be her wife.

After the celebratory dinner, laughter still echoes through the house. Ling is in the kitchen with her mother, the two of them already pulling out wedding catalogs and discussing venues. Orm watches them with amusement from the dining room, sipping her drink.

That’s when Ling’s father, Mr. Kwong, clears his throat.

“Orm, walk with me,” he says, already heading toward the balcony without waiting for her response.

Orm straightens slightly, glancing toward Ling—who’s too distracted to notice—and then follows. The night air is crisp, and the city lights stretch out beyond them, flickering like stars.

They stand in silence for a moment.

Then, Mr. Kwong exhales, resting his hands on the railing.

“You love my daughter,” he states—not as a question, but as a fact.

Orm doesn’t hesitate. “More than anything.”

He nods slowly, as if weighing her words, before turning to her. His gaze, sharp yet unreadable, lingers. “You know… when Ling was younger, she wasn’t the type to believe in forever. She lived fast, made reckless choices, kept people at arm’s length. I worried that she’d never find someone who could make her want more.”

Orm swallows, listening.

“But when she talks about you, when she looks at you… you changed that,” he continues. “She’s never looked at anyone the way she looks at you. Like you’re her home.”

Orm’s chest tightens.

“Mr. Kwong, I—”

He holds up a hand, stopping her. “Let me finish.” He exhales, his expression softening slightly. “I know what happened these past weeks. I know you almost lost each other.” His jaw tenses. “I hate that my daughter had to live through that kind of fear. But I also know she wouldn’t have made it through without you.”

Orm’s grip on the railing tightens. “She’s the strongest person I know,” she murmurs.

Mr. Kwong nods. “She is. But even the strongest people need someone to stand beside them. To fight for them.” He pauses, then finally turns to Orm fully, looking her in the eyes.

“I need to know,” he says, his voice steady. “Can you promise me that you’ll stand by her? Not just in the good moments, but in the hard ones too? When things get messy, when she shuts you out, when she’s too damn stubborn for her own good—will you still be there?”

Orm doesn’t even blink.

“With everything I am,” she says. “I will never leave her. She’s the love of my life”

Something shifts in Mr. Kwong’s expression. It’s subtle—but Orm sees it. Approval. Respect. Maybe even relief.

He nods once. “Then take care of my precious treasure, Orm.”

Orm exhales slowly, the weight of the moment settling deep in her bones. She has earned many things in her life—but this? This means everything.

Then, just as she’s about to speak, Mr. Kwong smirks.

“Now, let’s go inside before my wife ropes you into wedding planning. If you thought proposing was hard, you’re in for a ride.”

Orm groans. “Oh God, don’t remind me.”

They both laugh, stepping back inside—where Ling immediately notices them.

“What’s this?” Ling teases, raising an eyebrow. “You two having a secret bonding moment without me?”

Orm slides an arm around Ling’s waist, pressing a quick kiss to her temple. “Just sealing the deal with your dad, baby.”

Ling eyes her father. “Dad?”

Mr. Kwong simply raises his glass. “You chose well, sweetheart.”

Ling beams, and Orm—surrounded by love, by family—knows, deep in her heart, that she has everything she’s ever needed and she can’t wait for her future with Ling by her side.

After the celebration with Ling’s parents had settled, Orm and Ling curled up on the couch, Ling nestled against Orm’s side, their fingers lazily intertwined. The warmth of the moment still lingered in the air, but there was one last person they needed to share it with.

Ling scrolled through her contacts, stopping at Niran’s name. She glanced at Orm. “You think he’s free?”

Orm smirked. “Knowing Niran? He’s either writing some emotional poem about the rain in Paris or charming the hell out of some girl with his ‘mysterious artist’ act.”

Ling chuckled, shaking her head. “So, typical Niran.”

She tapped the call button. The phone rang once, twice—

Then, a groggy, annoyed voice came through.

“I swear to God, if you’re calling me this early to ask if I’m eating properly—”

Ling grinned. “Wow, we don’t even get a ‘hello’? Rude.”

Niran groaned, rubbing his face. His hair was a mess, sticking out in all directions, and his voice was thick with sleep. “Ling, Orm, do you know what time it is here?”

Orm laughed. “We do. We just don’t care.”

Niran shot her a glare. “I take back everything nice I ever said about you.”

Orm smirked. “That’s a lie, and you know it.”

Niran exhaled dramatically. “Okay, fine, I do like you, but I swear, if this isn’t important—”

Orm wiggled her finger in front of the camera, making sure her engagement ring was the first thing he saw. “Oh, it’s important.”

Niran squinted, blinking. “…Wait. Is that—are you—?”

A pause. Then—

“ARE YOU SHITTING ME?!”

Ling and Orm burst into laughter as Niran sat up in bed so fast he nearly fell off.

Ling grinned. “Nope. It’s real. Orm and I are engaged.”

Niran stared at them, mouth open, completely stunned. Then, after a beat—

“WHAT THE HELL?! YOU GOT ENGAGED WITHOUT ME?! I LEFT FOR FRANCE FOR TWO SECONDS—”

Orm smirked. “Two seconds? Niran, you’ve been gone for weeks.”

“WHATEVER! I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU DID THIS WITHOUT ME!”

Ling rolled her eyes. “Oh, please, you knew this was happening.”

Niran groaned dramatically. “Yes, but I thought I’d get to be there! I wanted to watch Orm sweat while proposing.”

Orm raised an eyebrow. “Bold of you to assume I was the one proposing.”

Niran blinked. “Wait. Ling proposed?!”

Ling smirked. “Damn right I did.”

Niran gasped in mock betrayal. “YOU TOOK MY MOMENT FROM ME. I WANTED TO SEE LING STRUGGLE!”

Orm chuckled. “Sorry to disappoint.”

Niran huffed. Then, after a pause, his voice softened.

“But seriously… I’m really happy for you both.” He smiled, his usual teasing absent for just a moment. “Ling, I’ve never seen you like this. And Orm… you already know you’re family, but now it’s official.”

Orm felt warmth spread through her chest. She and Niran had always shared an easy bond—he was the first in Ling’s family to warm up to her, always teasing her like an older sister, making her feel like she belonged.

Orm’s voice was softer when she spoke. “Thanks, Niran. You know it wouldn’t feel right without telling you.”

Niran exhaled, shaking his head. “You better make her happy, Orm.”

Orm smirked. “I do make her happy. She’s obsessed with me.”

Ling scoffed. “Wow. Wow.”

Niran burst out laughing. “Oh, I’m so using that in my wedding speech.”

Ling groaned. “Oh, god. That’s right. You will have a speech.”

Niran grinned. “And you know it’s going to be iconic.”

Orm shook her head. “I already regret giving you this much power.”

Niran waggled his eyebrows. “Too late, sis-in-law. You’re stuck with me.”

Ling laughed, leaning into Orm’s shoulder. “See? This is why I was considering eloping.”

“NO!” Niran pointed a finger at the screen. “You are not depriving me of my moment. I have so many embarrassing stories to share.”

Orm chuckled. “Oh, I know.”

Ling groaned. “I regret this call.”

“Lies. You love me.”

Ling smirked. “I do love you, Niran.”

Niran placed a hand over his heart. “See? At least someone in this family appreciates me.”

Ling rolled her eyes but smiled. “Alright, you sap, go back to sleep.”

Niran sighed dramatically. “Fine, fine. But just know, I expect an amazing wedding. No pressure.”

Orm laughed. “We’ll do our best.”

“Oh, and Orm?”

Orm raised an eyebrow. “Yeah?”

Niran smirked. “Welcome to hell.”

And with that, he hung up.

Ling burst into laughter while Orm groaned, covering her face.

“Your family,” Orm muttered. “I swear.”

Ling grinned, pressing a kiss to Orm’s temple. “Yeah, but now they’re your family too.”

Orm exhaled, but a smile tugged at her lips. And honestly? She wouldn’t have it any other way.

The ride back to Ling’s condo was quiet, but it wasn’t the kind of silence that felt heavy. It was warm, comfortable—filled with unspoken words and soft smiles exchanged between glances.

Orm’s fingers played with the ring on her finger, turning it absentmindedly as she stared out the window. The reality of it still hadn’t fully sunk in. She was engaged. To Ling.

Her fiancée. The words sent a strange, thrilling warmth through her chest.

Ling, driving with one hand, reached over with the other, intertwining their fingers. She gave Orm’s hand a gentle squeeze.

“Tired, baby?”

Orm turned to her, a small smirk forming. “Not really. Just thinking.”

Ling arched an eyebrow, glancing at her. “About?”

Orm looked down at their joined hands, rubbing her thumb over Ling’s knuckles. “That I’m engaged to a crazy woman who made me think she was cheating on me just to surprise me with a proposal.”

Ling laughed. “You’re never going to let that go, are you?”

Orm pretended to consider it. “Nope.”

Ling smirked. “Guess I’ll just have to make it up to you every day for the rest of our lives.”

Orm hummed. “That’s a good start.”

Ling lifted their hands to her lips, pressing a soft kiss to Orm’s knuckles before focusing back on the road.

By the time they reached the condo, the city had settled into its nighttime rhythm—distant car horns, neon signs flickering, the faint hum of life still moving even as the world slowed down.

Ling unlocked the door, letting them inside. The moment they stepped in, Orm sighed, stretching her arms over her head.

“Finally,” she murmured, kicking off her shoes.

Ling grinned, locking the door behind them. “You act like my parents’ house is some kind of torture chamber.”

Orm smirked, walking backward toward the couch. “Oh no, I love them. I just don’t love that your mom and mine are going to turn our wedding into the event of the century.”

Ling chuckled. “Yeah, we’re screwed.”

Orm plopped down onto the couch, letting her body sink into the cushions. “I say we just let them plan it and show up when it’s time.”

Ling hummed, stepping closer. “That would be an excellent plan, except—”

She moved between Orm’s legs, slowly lowering herself until she was straddling Orm’s lap.

Orm’s breath hitched.

Ling smirked, looping her arms around Orm’s neck. “I want to pick your wedding dress myself.”

Orm raised an eyebrow, her hands instinctively finding Ling’s waist. “My wedding dress?”

Ling kissed her nose. “Or suit. Whatever you choose. But you better believe I’m going to be the first to see you in it.”

Orm smirked, pulling her closer. “And what about your dress?”

Ling tilted her head playfully. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Orm huffed a quiet laugh, squeezing her waist. “You’re going to drive me crazy until the wedding, aren’t you?”

Ling’s lips brushed against hers. “That’s the plan, fiancée.”

Orm groaned against her mouth. “I swear, that word is going to be the death of me.”

Ling kissed her, slow and deep, swallowing whatever response Orm might have had left.

For a while, there was nothing but warmth—the softness of Ling’s lips, the press of her body against Orm’s, the quiet hum of the city outside.

Eventually, Ling pulled back, her fingers tracing along Orm’s jaw.

“We have a crazy week ahead,” she murmured.

Orm sighed. “Yeah. You have your event, I have mine. I’m not going to see you for a few days it’s going to kill me”

Ling rested her forehead against Orm’s. “Then let’s just be here tonight. Just us.”

Orm closed her eyes, exhaling. “Just us.”

They stayed like that for a moment, breathing each other in.

Then, Ling stood, tugging Orm up with her. “Come on, let’s go to bed.”

Orm arched an eyebrow. “Sleep? Or bed?”

Ling smirked, pulling her toward the bedroom. “What do you think?”

Orm laughed, letting herself be led inside. The door shut softly behind them.

The bedroom was bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, casting dancing shadows across the walls. The air was charged with anticipation, the scent of desire mingling with the gentle fragrance of burning wicks. 

Ling pushed them by the bed, her gaze locked onto Orm's, filled with a depth of emotion that transcended mere desire. Orm's heart pounded as she reached for Ling's shirt, her fingers trembling slightly with the weight of the moment, she was so fond of Ling’s body and was impatient. She undid the first two buttons quickly, revealing a smooth, golden skin, and Ling's breath hitched softly, the tension hard to handle.She let her hands glide over Ling's stomach, feeling the muscles tense under her touch, tracing the curves of her sides, memorizing every shiver and gasp.

"You're breathtaking my love, I want you so much" Orm whispered, her voice filled with awe and love. She pressed a tender kiss just above Ling's heart, feeling the steady rhythm beneath her lips. Ling's hands found Orm's face, tilting her chin up, and their eyes met in a silent, profound connection.

Ling captured Orm's lips in a kiss that was slow, deep, and consuming. It was a kiss that spoke of promises and forever, a kiss that ignited a fire within them both. Orm melted into it, her body pressing against Ling's, feeling every curve, every breath, every unspoken word.

Their clothes fell away, piece by piece, until there was nothing between them but the heat of their bodies. They tumbled onto the bed, a tangle of limbs and whispered endearments. Ling's lips trailed down Orm's neck, her collarbone, her chest, leaving a path of fiery kisses and gentle bites that sent shivers down Orm's spine.

Ling's fingers found their way between Orm's legs, gently tracing her folds, feeling the wetness that awaited her. Orm gasped, her hips bucking at the contact, her body already aching with need. Ling took her time, touching every sensitive nerve, her fingers moving in harmony with Orm's moans.

“Mmmh baby” whispers Orm 

Orm's breath came in ragged gasps, her hands gripping the sheets tightly as Ling's touch grew more insistent. The room filled with the sounds of Orm's pleasure, her moans turning into cries of ecstasy as Ling brought her to the edge. With a final, expert touch, Orm screamed Ling's name, her body shuddering with release.

But Ling wasn't done. She continued to lavish attention on Orm, drawing out her pleasure until Orm was a writhing, panting mess beneath her. The intensity of the moment was overwhelming, a testament to their deep connection and the love they shared.

Finally, Orm's body relaxed, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she came down from her high. Ling looked up, a satisfied smile on her lips, as she watched Orm recover. She pressed a soft kiss to Orm's inner thigh before making her way back up her body, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss.

"I love hearing you like this, " Ling whispered, her voice filled with love and desire.

 She flipped Ling onto her back, straddling her hips with a fierce determination in her eyes. Ling gasped, surprised and thrilled by the sudden shift. Orm leaned down, capturing Ling's lips in a deep, hungry kiss, her hands pinning Ling's wrists above her head.

Orm's fingers found their way between Ling's legs, gently tracing her folds, feeling the wetness that awaited her. Ling gasped, her hips bucking at the contact, her body already aching with need. Orm took her time, exploring every sensitive nerve, her fingers moving in harmony with Ling's moans when she entered her.

Ling's breath came in ragged gasps, her hands gripping the sheets tightly as Orm's touch grew more insistent. The room filled with the sounds of Ling's pleasure, her moans turning into cries of ecstasy as Orm brought her to the edge. With a final, expert touch, Ling screamed Orm's name, her body shuddering with release.

But Orm wasn't done. She reached for the strap-on, securing it around her hips with a sense of purpose. She positioned herself between Ling's legs, feeling the heat and wetness against her. With a slow, deliberate thrust, she entered Ling, drawing a deep moan from her. Orm set a rhythm, her hips moving with urgency and passion, making Ling moaned her name and grab her shoulders tightly. Each thrust was deeper, harder, filling Ling completely. The room filled with the sounds of their lovemaking—skin against skin, moans of pleasure, and whispered endearments.

Ling's body responded to every movement, her hips meeting Orm's thrusts, their bodies moving in perfect sync. Orm's hands gripped Ling's hips, holding her steady as she drove into her, the intensity building between them.

"Orm," Ling gasped, her body tensing as she neared the edge. "Don't stop. Please, don't stop.It’s so good baby, continue"

Orm didn't stop. She continued to move, her body slick with sweat, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She watched Ling, saw the pleasure in her eyes, the love in her gaze. With a final, deep thrust, Ling cried out, her body shuddering with release.

Orm followed soon after, her own body trembling with the intensity of their connection. She collapsed onto Ling, their bodies entwined, their hearts beating as one.

"Mmmh that was so good" Orm whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

"You’re mine," Ling whispered against her skin, voice breaking with emotion.

Orm let out a soft, breathless laugh, her hands finding Ling’s. She intertwined their fingers, pressing them to her chest where her heart beat wild and untamed.

“And you’re mine,” Orm answered, voice thick with love, with certainty.

They lost themselves in each other that night, in whispered confessions between kisses, in laughter muffled against warm skin, in the sheer joy of existing together. It wasn’t about urgency. It wasn’t about need.

It was about love. The kind that was patient. The kind that was certain. The kind that had already promised forever.

____

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, a soft golden glow painting lazy patterns across the sheets. Orm stirred first, her body sinking further into the warmth wrapped around her. Ling's arm was draped over her waist, her breathing slow and steady, her grip loose but present—like even in sleep, she was holding onto Orm.

Orm turned carefully, propping herself up on one elbow, taking in the sight before her. Ling, peaceful and unguarded, her hair tousled, her lips slightly parted in sleep.

Her fiancée.

The thought sent a thrill through Orm’s chest. She lifted her hand, watching as the engagement ring caught the light, the diamond glistening like a quiet promise.

She didn’t think she could love Ling any more than she already did.

And yet, every day, she did.

Orm reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from Ling’s face, her fingertips barely skimming over her skin. Ling stirred slightly, humming sleepily before slowly blinking her eyes open.

A sleepy, drowsy smile stretched across her lips. "Mmm, good morning, fiancée," she murmured, voice husky with sleep.

Orm grinned, leaning down to press a lingering kiss to her lips. "Good morning, my love."

Ling pulled her closer, burying her face into Orm’s neck, pressing a soft kiss there. "We should probably get up," she mumbled.

Orm hummed, pretending to think. "Or… we could stay in bed all day."

Ling chuckled against her skin. "Tempting. But we both have a busy week ahead. ANd you do remember I’m leaving for Hing Kong right?"

Orm sighed dramatically. "Fine. But I expect more cuddles before you leave."

Ling smirked, flipping them so she was now hovering over Orm, pressing soft kisses along her jaw. "How about this instead?"

Orm laughed, wrapping her arms around Ling’s waist. "You’re going to be the death of me."

Ling’s smile softened as she looked down at her. "Only the death of your loneliness."

Orm swallowed thickly, chest swelling with something overwhelming, something that had been there for years but had only grown stronger. "I love you," she whispered.

Ling leaned down, brushing their noses together before capturing her lips in another slow, tender kiss. "And I love you. Always."

With one last deep breath, they finally forced themselves out of bed, ready to face the week ahead. But no matter what came their way, they knew one thing for certain— They had each other. And that was all they needed.

_________________

The morning at Ling’s condo as she finished packing for her two-day trip to Hong Kong. Orm sat on the bed, watching her with a pout, arms crossed.

“You could just not go,” Orm muttered.

Ling chuckled, zipping up her suitcase before walking over to straddle Orm’s lap. She cupped her fiancée’s face, tilting her chin up so their eyes met.

“Baby, it’s only two days,” Ling murmured, brushing her lips softly against Orm’s.

Orm huffed but leaned into the kiss, her fingers gripping Ling’s waist. “Still too long. I’m gonna miss you so much”

Ling smiled against her lips. “Then we’ll make it worth the wait when I get back.”

Orm smirked at that, her hands slipping lower, but Ling laughed, pulling away. “You behave while I’m gone.”

Orm rolled her eyes. “No promises.”

Ling shook her head fondly, pressing one last kiss to Orm’s lips before standing. “I’ll text you when I land.”

Orm watched as Ling grabbed her suitcase and headed for the door. Just as Ling was about to leave, Orm called out—

“Ling.”

Ling turned, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah?”

Orm lifted her left hand, flashing her engagement ring. “Don’t go letting anyone think you’re single while you’re over there.”

Ling grinned. “Same goes for you, superstar.” And with that, she was gone.

With Ling gone, Orm dove into her packed schedule. Today, she had a high-profile fashion campaign to shoot, which meant hours of makeup, wardrobe changes, and flashing cameras.

She was in the middle of getting her foundation done when her makeup artist, P’Nok, suddenly froze.

“Orm,” P’Nok said slowly, eyes locked on Orm’s left hand.

Orm glanced down at her fingers, momentarily confused, before realizing—her engagement ring was gleaming under the vanity lights. This exquisite marquise-cut diamond ring features a dazzling halo of smaller diamonds, enhancing its brilliance and elegance. Set on a delicate diamond-studded platinum band, radiating timeless elegance, that she knew Ling had chose with so much love.

Its graceful simplicity whispers a promise of enduring love, making each moment sparkle with devotion.

Shit.

“Oh,” Orm said, feigning innocence as she moved to slip her hand away, but it was too late.

P’Nok gasped dramatically, smacking the shoulder of the hairstylist beside her. “Did you know about this?”

The hairstylist turned, spotted the ring, and gasped even louder.

The room, previously buzzing with chatter and styling adjustments, went completely silent for a second before—

“WHAT?!”

Suddenly, every stylist, assistant, and crew member in the dressing area swarmed toward Orm, all talking at once.

“Is that an engagement ring?!”
“Who—wait, is it Ling?! It has to be Ling, right?!”
“OH MY GOD, are you guys engaged?!”

Orm sighed, running a hand through her hair. Well… shit.

Orm exhaled sharply, trying to calm the sudden storm of voices around her. The excitement was immediate—and loud.

One of the stylists practically jumped in place, clapping her hands together. “I knew it! I told you guys she would propose first!”

“I thought Orm would propose first!” another chimed in.

“Wait, wait,” P’Nok interrupted, gripping Orm’s hand as if to confirm the ring was real. She squinted at it, then gasped. “Holy shit, this is expensive. This has Ling written all over it.”

“Okay, okay—” Orm tried to interject, but another wave of noise cut her off.

“Oh my god, you and Ling are engaged!”
“When were you planning on telling us?!”
“HOW DID YOU KEEP THIS A SECRET?!”

Orm groaned, covering her face with her free hand. “I was planning on keeping it quiet until we made an official announcement. TOGETHER”

The entire room exploded in dramatic gasps.

“WHAT?!” P’Nok looked personally offended. “You mean we weren’t supposed to know yet?”

“Well, yeah—”

“Oh, hell no, I refuse to be silenced!” P’Nok declared, turning to the other stylists. “We are celebrating this IMMEDIATELY.”

The others cheered.

“I’M ORDERING CHAMPAGNE!”
“WHO HAS BALLOONS?!”
“NO, WAIT, LET’S GET A CAKE!”

Orm groaned, knowing full well that any hope of subtlety had just gone out the window.

Ling is going to kill me.

And then—her phone rang.

She barely had time to glance at the caller ID before Mae Koy’s name flashed across the screen.

Oh. Shit.

Silence fell immediately as Orm picked up, putting the call on speaker before Mae Koy’s voice boomed through the room.

“ORM KORNNAPHAT, I SWEAR TO GOD—”

Orm winced. “Uh—hi, Mae.”

“Don’t you ‘Hi, Mae’ me!” Mae Koy snapped. “I just got twenty different calls about your stylists screaming at the top of their lungs and guess what? THE NEWS IS ALREADY SPREADING! We were supposed to wait for Ling’s return, good job young lady, I leave two hours on your own and ”

Orm pinched the bridge of her nose. “I forgot to take off my ring Mae, I just—”

“Nope, don’t even try it, kid.” Mae Koy cut her off, her tone switching from rage to mischief in a split second. “I knew this was going to happen. I knew someone would slip up. But you..”

Orm blinked. “Do you think Ling is aware already Mae? She is going to be.. ”

“Oh, I know she is.” Mae Koy smirked cutting her. “And so does half of Thailand now.”

Orm froze. The room fell silent.

She sat up straighter. “Wait. What?”

Mae Koy hummed. “You might want to check your social media, sweetheart.”

Orm immediately grabbed her phone, unlocking it with speed she didn’t even know she had.

The second she opened Twitter, the top trending hashtag glared back at her in bold letters:

#LingormEngaged

Orm gasped.

“No way—”

“Oh, yes way,” Mae Koy cackled. “One of your lovely little stylists live-posted the entire freakout, and now the world knows you’re engaged.”

Orm turned to P’Nok slowly, accusingly.

P’Nok immediately held up her hands. “I PLEAD THE FIFTH!”

Orm groaned, flopping back into her chair.

Mae Koy sighed dramatically. “Well, I guess we’re making the announcement earlier than planned darling!”

Orm barely had time to process the chaos before her phone buzzed again.

Another call.

This time, it was Ling.

Orm swallowed hard.

“Ohhh, she’s dead,” P’Nok whispered.

“Ohhh, she’s so dead,” another stylist agreed.

Mae Koy sighed happily. “Well, sweetheart, I’ll let you handle your fiancée before she flies back and murders you in your sleep.”

And then—she hung up. The room was completely silent.

Orm took a deep breath, then answered the call.

“Hey, baby—”

“ORM KORNNAPHAT, WHAT DID YOU DO?!”

Yep. She was so dead.

Ling’s voice boomed through the phone, making Orm instantly regret answering.

Orm flinched, holding the phone slightly away from her ear as the entire dressing room winced in secondhand fear. P’Nok crossed herself, whispering something that sounded suspiciously like a prayer.

“Uh—what’s up, baby,” Orm tried, attempting her sweetest voice. Maybe if she sounded cute enough, Ling wouldn’t kill her.

Ling was not amused.

“Don’t you ‘what’s up, baby’ me! Orm, I leave for one day —TONE DAY—and you accidentally announce our engagement to the entire country?!”

Orm winced again. “Okay, so, hear me out—”

“No, I will not hear you out! Do you even understand the chaos you’ve caused?!”

Orm gulped. “Um. A lot of chaos?”

“Oh, you have no idea,” Ling huffed, her voice sharp with frustration. “I had sixty missed calls from the agency, another thirty from my publicist, and guess what? P’Dew found out through Twitter!”

Orm whimpered. “Oh. That’s… bad.”

Ling laughed humorlessly. “Oh, you think?”

P’Nok, standing three feet away, turned to the crew and whispered, “She’s so dead.”

Orm shot her a glare before refocusing on her very pissed-off fiancée. “Look, babe, I swear I wasn’t trying to announce anything.”

Ling snorted. “Oh? So your stylist just accidentally posted a live breakdown over your ring?”

Orm groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I forgot to take it off before the shoot, and then P’Nok noticed, and then everyone noticed, and then it just—”

“Exploded?!”

Orm sighed. “…Yeah.”

Ling exhaled sharply. “Unbelievable.”

There was a long pause.

Then, Ling’s voice dropped. Low. Dangerous.

“Orm, baby,” she said, too calmly. “Do you know what this means?”

Orm swallowed hard. “Uh… that we have to do our announcement early?”

Ling huffed. “Yes. And do you know what that also means?”

Orm bit her lip. “…That you love me and won’t kill me?”

Ling laughed coldly.

“Oh no, darling,” she purred. “It means that when I get back, I’m going to ruin you.”

The entire dressing room erupted.

P’Nok screamed. “Oh my GOD—”

Someone else fell to the floor, laughing so hard they couldn’t breathe.

Orm choked on air. “Ling—”

“Oops, gotta go, baby. Shooting starting soon.”

And then—she hung up.

Orm froze.

P’Nok stared at her, eyes wide. “Your fiancée just threatened your entire existence—and she sounded hot doing it.”

Orm covered her face with her hands.

She was so screwed.

“Well everything she does is hot P’Nok, welcome to my life” concludes Orm which makes laugh everyone in the room.

After a long, exhausting day of shooting in Hong Kong, Ling finally stepped into her hotel room, shutting the door behind her with a sigh. She kicked off her heels, stretching her sore muscles, before making her way to the bedside table where her phone had been sitting, untouched since the morning.

She grabbed it, pressing the power button. The screen blinked to life.

And then—
BZZZ! BZZZ! BZZZ!

Her phone exploded with notifications. She laughs when she remembers her brief call with Orm this morning.

Hundreds of messages. Missed calls. Mentions everywhere. The second she unlocked the screen, the top trending hashtag caught her eye.

#LingOrmEngaged

She let out a low whistle, shaking her head. "Well... damn, baby. You really let the whole world know before I got back, huh?"

She tapped into Twitter and immediately saw photos and clips from Orm’s chaotic day—her stylists screaming, P’Nok posting a zoomed-in shot of the engagement ring, and even Mae Koy confirming the news in the most dramatic way possible.

Ling laughed, running a hand through her hair. "Oh, Orm... you never stood a chance against those gossip-loving makeup artists."

Just then, her phone vibrated again—another call.

Her lips curled into a smirk when she saw the name on the screen.

Baby💜

Ling swiped to answer, immediately putting the phone on speaker as she leaned against the headboard.

Before she could even say anything—

"I AM SO SORRY BABY”

Ling burst out laughing, shaking her head. “Calm down, baby. You’re not in trouble. I was messing with you, except for P’Dew that sucks but –”

Orm groaned dramatically on the other end. “YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND. MY ENTIRE CREW LOST THEIR MINDS. P'NOK BASICALLY SOLD ME OUT TO THE INTERNET AND NOW THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWS. I’VE RUINED IT”

Ling grinned, biting her lip. “Aww, my poor baby. Didn’t I tell you to be careful with that ring?”

“I FORGOT, OKAY?!” Orm whined. “I  was just there minfing my own business!”

Ling smirked. “Because, my love, the entire country has been waiting for us to confirm what they already knew. And the second you slipped, boom—instant trending topic.”

Orm groaned again. “I’m never gonna live this down, am I?”

Ling chuckled, her voice dropping to something softer, sweeter. “Oh, baby. Of course not. This is your legacy now.”

Orm huffed. “I hate you.”

“You love me,” Ling countered.

Silence. Then, finally—Orm sighed.

“Yeah… yeah, I do.”

Ling smiled, tilting her head back against the pillows. She could hear how exhausted Orm was, how overwhelmed she must have felt with everyone swarming her today.

“I wish I was home with you, I want to feel you” Ling admitted softly.

Orm hummed. “Me too baby. You better hurry back, fiancée.”

Ling’s chest tightened at the word. Fiancée. God, she would never get tired of hearing Orm call her that.

“I land in tomorrow,” Ling murmured. “And when I do… we’re making this official-official, yeah?”

Orm chuckled. “You mean we weren’t already?”

Ling smirked. “Not until I say so. And baby… I need to make sure everyone knows you’re mine.”

Orm laughed, but there was a teasing lilt to her voice when she responded. “Oh? And what exactly do you plan to do about that?”

Ling’s eyes darkened with something dangerous.

“Oh, trust me, love,” she whispered, “you’ll see exactly what I plan to do the second I get home.”

Orm sucked in a breath.

Ling smirked, biting her lip. Yeah, baby. Think about that while I’m gone.

Then, she yawned, stretching lazily. “Alright, love. You should get some sleep. You had a long day.”

Orm sighed dramatically again. “Yeah, yeah. Enjoy your peaceful, drama-free evening while I get harassed by my stylists for more details.”

Ling laughed. “I love you, Orm.”

Orm’s voice softened. “I love you too my love.”

Ling exhaled, her heart aching in the best way.

“One more day, baby,” she promised. “And then, I’m all yours. Foreveer”

_____

Ling stepped off her flight, barely waiting to grab her luggage before hurrying toward the exit. She had spent the entire trip missing Orm, and now that she was finally back, she wasn’t wasting another second.

When she finally arrived home, Orm was waiting for her.

The second the door swung open, Ling barely had time to drop her bags before Orm was on her, crashing their lips together in a kiss that was all teeth and desperation.

“Missed you,” Ling mumbled between kisses.

Orm hummed, deepening the kiss. “Never leaving me for two days again.”

Ling chuckled, tilting her head to the side so Orm could kiss down her throat. “Baby, that’s not realistic.”

Orm pulled back slightly, narrowing her eyes. “You say realistic, I say non-negotiable.”

Before Ling could respond, a very unsubtle throat clearing interrupted them.

They turned to see Mae Koy and Mrs. Kwong standing at the entrance, both wearing the most mischievous smiles.

“Well, well, well,” Mae Koy smirked, arms crossed. “Look who finally decided to show up.”

Ling’s eyes narrowed. “Wait… what do you mean finally?”

Mrs. Kwong clapped her hands together excitedly. “Oh, darling, while you were gone, we may have done a little bit of wedding planning.”

Ling blinked. “What?”

Mae Koy shrugged. “Sweetheart, this is what mothers do.”

Ling raised an eyebrow. “What exactly have you planned?”

Mrs. Kwong grinned. “Well… venue scouting, color palettes, potential guest lists, flower arrangements—”

“Flowers?!” Orm nearly choked. “Mae, we don’t even have a date yet!”

Mae Koy waved her off. “Details, darling. You’ll get there.”

Ling chuckled, wrapping her arms around Orm from behind. “Told you they’d take over.”

Orm groaned, burying her face in her hands. “I should have proposed first. Then I could’ve controlled the timeline.”

Mae Koy gasped. “Wait—you were going to propose?”

Orm smirked. “Maybe.”

Ling laughed, squeezing her hand. “Too late, baby. You’re stuck with me now.” 

Later that night, as they curled up on the couch, Ling scrolled through her phone, smirking at the absolute chaos online.

“Babe,” she said, turning her screen toward Orm. “The internet is freaking out about your ring.”

Orm groaned. “I knew someone was going to notice. I’m sorry”

Ling grinned. “We were supposed to wait after the wedding to make it official”

Orm sighed dramatically. “I know baby I’m sorry it is my fault to make an official announcement ealirer.”

Ling smirked. “Dont” apologize my love. I can’t wait to let the world know you’re mine.”

Orm raised an eyebrow, amused. “Yours?”

Ling hummed, pressing a soft kiss to Orm’s bare shoulder. “All mine, baby. No one else gets to even think about having you.”

Orm tilted her head, smirking. “That’s funny, because I was thinking the same thing about you.”

Ling chuckled. “Guess we’ll just have to make it very clear, then.”

Orm hummed in agreement, tracing the engagement ring on Ling’s finger. “Guess I’ll just have to put a watermark on you, too.”

Ling grinned. “Oh, I love the way you think.”

Orm smirked. “Good. Because once we announce this, everyone will know—you’re mine.”

Ling kissed her deeply, their laughter melting into something softer, something undeniable.

Tomorrow, the world would know. But from their mouths. But tonight? Tonight was just for them.