New Year, New Traditions
Orm Sethratanapong stood nervously outside Ling's family home, shifting the red gift bag in her hands. She wasn't usually one to get flustered, but tonight felt different.
It was Chinese New Year, and Ling had insisted-practically begged-her to come celebrate with her family.
"You always say you love learning about new cultures," Ling had teased, eyes twinkling. "So, come learn. And eat."
Orm had agreed, of course, because how could she say no to Ling? But now, standing in front of the bright red banners decorating the doorway, she realized just how much she wanted to impress her.
Before she could second-guess herself, the door swung open.
Ling beamed at her, dressed in a deep red qipao with delicate golden embroidery. Her dark hair was pulled into an elegant bun, but a few loose strands framed her face. Orm had seen Ling in hoodies and volleyball jerseys, in oversized t-shirts and messy ponytails-but this? This was something else.
"You made it," Ling said, pulling Orm inside without hesitation. "Come in before my mom thinks I made you up."
Orm chuckled, stepping into the warmth of the house. The scent of dumplings, roast duck, and something sweet filled the air. The whole place was buzzing-red lanterns hung from the ceiling, and golden paper cuttings decorated the walls. A large table was covered in steaming plates of food, and at least a dozen people were chatting, laughing, and preparing for the big meal.
"This is for your parents," Orm said, handing Ling the red bag. "I brought some Thai desserts-kanom chan and mango sticky rice. I figured it'd be nice to mix traditions."
Ling's eyes softened. "That's really sweet, Orm. They're gonna love it."
Just then, Ling's mother appeared, her face lighting up when she saw Orm.
"You must be Orm!" she said warmly, taking Orm's hands before she could even bow properly. "Ling's told us so much about you."
Orm shot Ling a look, but the other woman just grinned.
"All good things, I swear," Ling said.
Ling's mother chuckled. "Come, come, we're about to eat. Have you ever had a proper Chinese New Year feast?"
Orm shook her head. "No, but I'm excited."
Ling nudged her playfully. "Hope you brought your appetite."
Dinner & Superstitions
The meal was incredible. Orm tried everything-crispy fish for prosperity, longevity noodles that Ling dared her to eat in one bite (she failed), dumplings stuffed with lucky coins, and sweet glutinous rice balls.
Ling's relatives welcomed her like family, though they didn't hesitate to tease her, either.
"So, Orm," one of Ling's aunts asked, sipping her tea. "Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?"
Orm nearly choked on her soup, glancing at Ling, who was hiding her smirk behind her cup.
"I, uh-"
"She's very busy," Ling cut in smoothly, but the playful look in her eyes said, You're not getting out of this one easily.
After dinner, the real fun began. Ling pulled Orm into the living room, where her cousins were preparing to light firecrackers in the backyard. But before Orm could step outside, Ling stopped her.
"Wait," Ling said, reaching into a small decorative box. She pulled out a red envelope and pressed it into Orm's hands.
Orm blinked. "What's this?"
"Lai see-lucky money," Ling explained, her expression oddly shy. "It's usually given to family, close friends, or... you know, special people."
Orm's heart stuttered at that last part.
She looked down at the red envelope, her fingers brushing over the golden calligraphy. "Does this mean I'm special?" she teased, glancing up at Ling with a smirk.
Ling rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the warmth in her gaze. "Shut up and open it."
Orm did, and inside was a crisp bill-along with a tiny, hand-drawn tiger doodle.
Orm laughed, holding up the paper. "Did you draw this?"
Ling shrugged. "Maybe."
Orm grinned, tucking the envelope into her pocket. "I love it. But, you know, I think you forgot something."
Ling raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Orm leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "A New Year's kiss. That's a tradition too, right?"
Ling's breath hitched, and for a moment, she hesitated. Then, with a smirk of her own, she grabbed Orm by the collar and pulled her in.
The kiss was soft, lingering-filled with unspoken promises and the warmth of the celebration around them.
When they pulled away, Ling's cheeks were pink, but she still managed to quip, "Happy now?"
Orm smirked, squeezing Ling's hand. "Best New Year ever."