Soulmate Au - Written in the stars
Ling didn't believe in soulmates—not really. Sure, everyone had a mark somewhere on their skin, a constellation unique to them that would glow when they touched their soulmate. It was romantic in theory. But in practice? Ling figured it was a cosmic joke.
Her constellation—a smattering of stars shaped vaguely like a crescent moon—rested just above her collarbone. It had been there all her life, an ethereal reminder of a connection she didn't think she needed.
She preferred the quiet predictability of the library, where books didn't demand vulnerability. Her days were measured in returned novels and cataloged collections, not in the glow of a soulmate bond.
Then Orm walked in.
Tall, with amber eyes that seemed to catch every bit of sunlight filtering through the library's high windows, Orm was a whirlwind of energy. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a loose braid, but a few stray strands framed her face, giving her an almost ethereal glow.
"Hi!" Orm said, her voice as warm as her smile. "I'm looking for a book on constellations."
Ling raised an eyebrow, glancing up from her desk. "Any specific ones, or just constellations in general?"
"Anything, really. I'm kind of fascinated by them." Orm leaned on the counter, tilting her head slightly. "Do you believe in soulmates?"
Ling froze, her pulse quickening. Of all the topics. "Uh... I guess I don't think about it much," she replied, her tone more nonchalant than she felt.
Orm's grin widened. "I do. I think it's amazing how the universe decided to leave a little piece of someone else on us, like a map."
Ling busied herself typing on the computer, avoiding Orm's gaze. "Well, you're in the right place. Follow me."
She led Orm to the astronomy section, pulling a large, beautifully illustrated book from the shelf. "This one's a good start. It's got everything from star charts to myths about constellations."
Orm took the book, their fingers brushing for the briefest moment. Ling felt a jolt, almost electric, race through her. She pulled her hand back quickly, her heart hammering.
"Thanks," Orm said, their amber eyes studying Ling curiously. "You okay?"
"Yeah, fine," Ling lied, forcing a smile. "Enjoy the book."
As Orm walked away, Ling couldn't help but glance at her collarbone. The constellation on her skin wasn't glowing. She let out a breath, half relief, half disappointment. What had she even expected?
--
Two days later, Orm was back. This time with two coffee cups in hand.
"I figured you might need a pick-me-up," Orm said, placing one on the desk. "Library work looks exhausting."
Ling blinked, caught off guard. "You didn't have to do that."
"I wanted to," Orm said simply. "Besides, I needed an excuse to come back."
Ling couldn't fight the warmth rising in her cheeks. "Well, thanks."
"Did you know," Orm said, leaning on the desk, "that some people's soulmate marks don't glow right away? Sometimes it takes time, or a deeper connection."
Ling frowned slightly. "I didn't know that."
"Yeah." Orm sipped her coffee. "I think it's kind of beautiful. It's like the universe is saying, 'Take your time. Get to know each other.'"
Ling didn't have a response to that. Instead, she focused on her coffee, hoping it would hide her flustered expression.
--
Months passed, and Orm became a regular fixture in the library—and in Ling's life. They talked about books, stars, and everything in between. Ling found herself looking forward to Orm's visits more than she cared to admit.
One evening, as they sat on the library's steps watching the stars, Orm turned to Ling, her expression uncharacteristically serious.
"Ling," she said softly, "can I ask you something?"
Ling nodded, her heart suddenly racing.
"Do you ever think about... soulmates? Like, what if they're right in front of you, but you're too afraid to reach out?"
Ling swallowed hard, her fingers brushing her collarbone instinctively. She hesitated, then turned to Orm. "Maybe. But what if they're afraid too?"
Orm's gaze searched Ling's face, and then, slowly, she reached out, her hand covering Ling's.
And then, like a supernova bursting across the sky, Ling's constellation lit up.
She gasped, her eyes wide as she looked down at the glowing crescent moon on her collarbone. Her skin felt warm under Orm's touch, and when she looked up, she saw Orm's amber eyes shining with unshed tears.
Orm pulled back her sleeve, revealing her own constellation—a cluster of stars shaped like a comet—glowing brightly against her wrist.
"It's you," Orm whispered, her voice trembling.
Ling's breath hitched, a thousand emotions rushing through her all at once. She reached out, her hand grazing the mark on Orm's wrist, and felt the universe settle into place.
"It's you," Ling echoed, her voice barely audible.
They sat there for a moment, the stars above them pale in comparison to the glow of their soulmate marks. Ling had never believed in soulmates.
But as Orm laced their fingers together, she decided the universe might have been onto something after all.