You are mine

Flashback: Two Years Ago

The soft hum of the city filtered through the windows of Ling’s apartment, casting a golden glow against the walls as the sun dipped lower in the sky. Orm was lying across the couch, her head resting between Ling’s legs as she absently scrolled through her phone. The room was quiet, save for the occasional sound of laughter from the television and the comfortable sighs they exchanged between moments of stillness.

Ling twirled a strand of Orm’s hair between her fingers, a small, barely-there smile playing at her lips. They’d been like this often lately—close but not quite there yet. A tension lingered, thick but unspoken. It wasn’t a question of whether they still wanted each other; it was a question of whether they were brave enough to risk everything again.

“You’re quiet,” Ling finally murmured, breaking the silence.

Orm tilted her head slightly, gazing up at Ling from her spot on the couch. “I like this,” she admitted. “Just being here with you.”

Ling’s fingers stilled for a second before she resumed playing with Orm’s hair. “Me too.”

There was something incredibly fragile about this moment as if the wrong word or movement could shatter it. Orm reached up, gently clasping Ling’s hand and pressing a kiss to her palm. The air thickened between them, and for a second, Ling thought Orm might finally kiss her. But she didn’t. Instead, she held Ling’s gaze, a silent promise passing between them.

They weren’t ready yet. But soon, the world would know—Lingling Kwong was hers.

“I’m so happy with you,” Orm whispered, her voice barely audible, yet filled with certainty.

Before Ling could respond, Orm leaned in, closing the space between them. Their lips met in a slow, deliberate kiss, filled with the quiet promise of everything they had fought for. Ling’s fingers instinctively found the nape of Orm’s neck, threading through her hair, while her other hand drifted down, wrapping securely around Orm’s waist.

With a gentle tug, Ling pulled Orm onto her lap, pressing her closer, as if she could anchor them in this moment forever.

Present

“Okay, I need you two to be real with me right now,” Marisa, their makeup artist, said, crossing her arms as she stepped back to inspect them. “Are you going to show up as a couple tonight? Because if you do, the internet is going to lose its mind. And I need time to emotionally prepare for Lingorm’s come back AS A FUCKING COUPLE.”

Orm chuckled, adjusting her shirt as she glanced over at Ling, who was putting on a delicate pair of earrings. “Yes, Marisa,” she confirmed, smirking slightly. “We are.”

Marisa let out an exaggerated gasp. “Finally, you’ve been together for months! Oh my god, I can already see the social media meltdown. People have been waiting for this forever. But why now? What makes this event the right one?”

Ling exchanged a knowing look with Orm before answering, “It’s our first anniversary this week. And it’s time.” she gave a huge smile to Orm, she was so proud to be where they were now.

Orm, ever the protective one, added, “And honestly? I’m tired of people thinking they have a chance with my girlfriend.” She shot Ling a teasing glance before leaning in slightly. “Let’s just say, tonight is about making sure people know who she belongs to.”

Ling rolled her eyes playfully but couldn’t hide the warmth creeping up her cheeks. Marisa groaned dramatically. “Ugh. I can’t believe I’m witnessing this. You two are disgustingly perfect for each other. Okay, I need to make sure your makeup can survive the chaos that’s about to unfold. Because, honey, I promise you’re about to break the internet.”

Orm chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to Ling’s temple before letting Marisa work her magic.

Flashback (a few months ago)

The sleek halls of Channel 3’s building echoed with the quiet click of Ling and Orm’s shoes as they walked side by side toward P’Dew’s office. Their hands brushed occasionally, a subtle exchange of reassurance in the otherwise still environment. The decision to go public with their relationship hadn’t been an easy one, but they knew it was time. After months of whispers, stolen moments, and carefully guarded appearances, they were ready to step into the light—together.

P’Dew greeted them at the door, her ever-present warmth making the room feel instantly less intimidating. “Come in, girls,” she said, motioning for them to take a seat. Her tone was professional but laced with genuine affection, a reflection of the trust they’d built over the years. “I assume this meeting is about your announcement of being together?”

Orm nodded, her gaze flickering toward Ling for a moment before returning to P’Dew. “Yes, P’Dew. We’re ready. But we wanted to talk to you first—to make sure we handle it right.”

Ling leaned forward slightly, her fingers grazing Orm’s in a gesture so small it was almost imperceptible. “This isn’t just about us. We know the implications of going public, especially given... everything I had been through these past few monthq. We want to be cautious but clear.”

P’Dew studied them for a moment, then nodded. “You need something significant but not overly orchestrated. How about... an event? Something high-profile but meaningful.”

Ling tilted her head, intrigued. “Like what?”

P’Dew’s eyes lit up. “The Bangkok Icon Awards in a few months. It’s one of the most anticipated events of the year. Everyone will be there—press, fans, industry professionals. And the timing aligns perfectly with your first anniversary, doesn’t it?”

Orm’s eyes widened slightly, a slow smile spreading across her face. “That’s... actually perfect. It’s big enough to make a statement but not out of place.”

Ling nodded, her excitement growing. “And we’d be doing it on our terms. No leaks, no rumours—just us.”

P’Dew leaned forward, her voice carrying a note of caution. “It’ll be a lot, though. The cameras, the questions—it’s going to be overwhelming. Are you both ready for that?”

Orm reached over, taking Ling’s hand in hers. “We’ve been through worse. And we’ll get through this too.”

Ling gave Orm a small, encouraging smile before turning back to P’Dew. “Let’s do it.”

P’Dew grinned. “Alright, then. We’ll coordinate everything. And when the time comes... just be yourselves. This is your moment. And Linf, I know you, don’t think too much about the drama”

Ling simply nods before grabbing Orm’s hand tenderly and going out.

“Thank you P’Dew, we will see you in a bit” answers Ling smiling at her while opening the door for Ormn who also waved her goodbye.

Present

The anticipation was palpable. Two separate rooms, two different energies, yet both humming with the same quiet tension—the knowledge that tonight would change everything.

Ling sat before the mirror, her makeup nearly finished as Marisa worked with expert precision, ensuring every detail was flawless. The stylist fussed over the drape of her gown, smoothing out invisible creases, adjusting the delicate jewelry that adorned her collarbones. But Ling barely registered any of it.

Her mind was elsewhere.

Tonight, she and Orm would step out together as a couple for the first time. No more whispers, no more speculation. No more pretending that the world didn’t already know.

Marisa must have noticed the shift in Ling’s expression because she paused, makeup brush still in hand. “You nervous?”

Ling blinked, snapping back to the present. “Huh?”

Marisa smirked. “You. Nervous? Because if you are, it’s adorable.”

Ling scoffed, rolling her eyes, though the slight twitch of her lips betrayed her. “I’m fine. Just... thinking.”

Marisa hummed, stepping back to admire her work. “Well, don’t think too much. Just enjoy the moment. You and Orm are finally claiming what’s yours, and trust me, the world is not ready.”

At the mention of Orm, Ling’s stomach fluttered. She hadn’t seen her since earlier in the afternoon when they’d gone to separate rooms to get ready. It felt odd—not having Orm’s teasing remarks, her lingering touches, or just the quiet assurance of her presence.

And yet, that only made the moment they’d see each other again even more electrifying.

Across the hall, Orm adjusted her cuffs, exhaling as she took one last look at herself in the mirror. The deep charcoal-grey blazer was tailored to perfection, hugging her frame just right. A black silk shirt lay beneath it, the top two buttons undone—just enough to add an edge of casual elegance.

She looked good.

But none of it mattered until she saw Ling.

She ran a hand through her hair, her fingers twitching slightly. It wasn’t nerves—Orm had long since mastered the art of keeping her composure under pressure. No, this was something else.

It was knowing that when she stepped out tonight, Ling would be by her side. That after years of silent longing, of distance, of heartbreak—they would finally be together.

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. Marisa peeked in, her eyes flicking over Orm with approval. “Damn, you clean up good, P’Orm.”

Orm smirked. “I try.”

Marisa grinned. “Ling’s ready. You should go see her before we leave.”

A slow exhale. Orm rolled back her shoulders, nodding. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

The moment Orm stepped into the hallway, her breath hitched.

Ling had just turned the corner, her presence commanding even in the dimly lit corridor.

She was breathtaking.

The sleek, floor-length gown hugged her in all the right places, shimmering subtly under the soft glow of the lights. Her hair cascaded in effortless waves, her makeup striking yet refined—every detail perfection.

But none of that was what stole Orm’s breath.

It was the way Ling looked at her.

Ling smirked at the way Orm’s gaze roamed over her, lingering, almost devouring. “Close your mouth, N’Orm,” she teased, arching a brow. “You’re staring.”

Orm blinked, swallowing thickly. “You can’t blame me.”

Ling let out a soft laugh, stepping closer. “You look…” Her eyes travelled down Orm’s frame, from the sleek suit to the slight smirk tugging at her lips. “Ridiculously handsome.”

Orm hummed, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips. “Good. I was hoping to match my girlfriend.”

Ling’s heart skipped at the word—girlfriend. Even after months of being together, the sound of it from Orm’s lips still made her stomach flip.

Orm finally reached out, her fingers grazing Ling’s waist, hesitant but longing. “Are you ready for this?”

Ling glanced down at Orm’s hand on her hip before looking back up, their eyes locking. Her fingers slid up, adjusting Orm’s lapel as she leaned in just enough to feel the warmth between them.

“Always,” she whispered.

Orm smiled—soft, full of something she didn’t dare name just yet. But Ling saw it. Felt it.

As if on cue, Marisa groaned from behind them. “Okay, okay, this is adorable, but please don’t make me the third wheel before we even get there.”

Ling and Orm both chuckled, the moment breaking just slightly—but not enough to shake what had settled between them.

Orm took Ling’s hand, lacing their fingers together, a silent promise exchanged in that single touch.

Tonight, they weren’t hiding. Tonight, they were showing the world they belonged to each other and forever.

Flashback one year ago

The moment had been playing over and over in Orm’s head for months. She had wanted to ask Ling to be hers—officially—but something always held her back. Fear. Uncertainty. The weight of everything they had already endured with the Popor drama, nearly ending in court if it were not thanks to Ch3 and some of Orm’s parent's relations that helped Ling to get out untouched of it, compared to Popor who destroyed her career by seeking revenge with the wrong person.

Orm still remembered the moment P’Dew had called them into her office. The tension in the air was suffocating as they sat across from her, the weight of unspoken words pressing down on them. Orm could see the exhaustion in Ling’s posture, the slight clench of her jaw as she prepared for whatever news was about to be delivered.

P’Dew sighed, glancing between them before sliding a folder across the desk. “Popor’s lawyer contacted Channel 3’s legal department this morning,” she said, her voice carefully measured. “They’re trying to build a case against you, Ling. Assault charges.”

Orm saw red.

“She assaultedher?” Orm’s voice was razor-sharp, her hands clenching into fists on the table. “Are you fucking serious right now? We all know what happened, it was on national TV”

Ling, for her part, barely reacted. She exhaled sharply, but there was no shock in her expression—just quiet, simmering rage.

“She wants revenge,” Ling murmured, her voice eerily calm. “She knows public opinion is against her, so she’s trying to make it seem like she’s the victim.”

Orm stood abruptly, pacing the room. The thought of Ling being dragged through a legal battle, of her reputation being tainted by lies, made her physically ill.

“I won’t let her do this to you,” Orm said firmly, her voice shaking with barely contained fury. “She’s the one who should be in trouble. She—”

Ling reached for her wrist, squeezing it gently. “Orm.”

The single word was enough to ground her. Orm took a deep breath, forcing herself to sit back down. Ling was strong. Ling didn’t need saving. But god, did Orm want to protect her from everything that tries to put her girlfriend down.

P’Dew cleared her throat. “Luckily, we have a strong case against this. The public is on your side, Ling. Everyone knows what happened back then. We’ve been in talks with legal, and we have everything we need to counter this if it goes further. But I need you both to understand something—this will bring back the past. Every headline, every interview... it will reopen wounds.”

Ling and Orm exchanged a glance. They had already been walking on fragile ground, trying to rebuild the trust and love they once had. This would test them.

But Ling, as always, was unshaken. “I can handle it.”

And she did.

When the news leaked, the backlash against Popor was swift and brutal. The industry, the fans—no one believed her story. She was forced to retract her claims, dropping the case before it could even reach a courtroom. But the damage had been done.

Orm knew Ling was strong. But after everything, it made her realize something—she never wanted to be apart from her again. She never wanted to separate from Ling, from this day she will be by Ling’s side and forever.

_________________________

They were curled up on Ling’s couch, a late-night movie playing in the background. Orm was settled between Ling’s legs, her head resting on her chest as Ling absentmindedly played with her hair. It had become their unspoken routine—Ling’s place, nights spent in comfortable silence, existing in the safe bubble they had created for themselves.

But tonight, Orm’s heart was beating a little too fast.

She had been waiting for the right moment, for a sign that Ling was ready to take this step with her. They had come so far, but after everything—the pain, the past, the drama—she needed to know that Ling wanted this as much as she did.

Taking a deep breath, Orm sat up slightly, shifting so she could meet Ling’s gaze. “Can I ask you something?”

Ling blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Of course.”

Orm hesitated, suddenly feeling ridiculously nervous. “We’ve been... like this for a while now. Together, but not together.”

Ling’s lips parted slightly as if she already knew where this was going.

“I don’t want to wait anymore,” Orm continued, her voice softer now. “I don’t want there to be any more what ifs or almosts between us. I love you, Ling. I’ve loved you for so long. And I know I should have said it sooner, but will you be my…”

Ling cut her off with a kiss.

It was slow, deep, and filled with everything they had left unsaid. When they finally pulled apart, Ling rested her forehead against Orm’s, smiling softly.

“I love you too, Orm,” she whispered. “And I think I’ve been waiting for you to ask me that for a long time.”

Orm let out a breathless laugh, her hands cupping Ling’s face. “So, is that a yes?”

Ling chuckled, kissing her again. “Yes, you idiot. I’m yours.”

And with that, the last remnants of doubt faded away. They had fought too hard, gone through too much, to hold back now.

They were finally where they were meant to be.

Present

The flashing lights of the paparazzi illuminated the entrance of ICONSIAM like a stage set for the grandest of performances. The red carpet stretched before them, lined with eager reporters, flashing cameras, and an electric crowd buzzing with anticipation. The Bangkok Icon Awards 2030 wasn’t just an event—it was a spectacle, a collision of talent, beauty, and prestige.

And tonight, Ling and Orm were stepping into the spotlight together. Nobody was ready for this. 

The moment their sleek black Rolls-Royce pulled up to the entrance, a collective shift seemed to ripple through the press. The doors hadn’t even opened yet, and already, whispers spread like wildfire.

Were they really arriving together?

Ling sat poised in the back seat, her fingers drumming lightly on her thigh. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. It wasn’t nerves, not exactly. It was the finality of it—of stepping out hand-in-hand with Orm, of solidifying what had been speculated about for over a year.

Orm, seated beside her, turned slightly, watching her. “You okay?”

Ling exhaled, turning her gaze to Orm. Under the dim glow of the car’s interior, Orm looked as calm as ever, but Ling knew better. The slight tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers played absentmindedly with the cuff of her blazer—she was feeling it too.

“I’m fine,” Ling said, offering a small smile. “You?”

Orm smirked slightly. “I think I’ll survive.”

Ling chuckled, the tension in her chest easing just a bit. She reached for Orm’s hand, lacing their fingers together. “Then let’s do this.”

The door was opened by an event staff member, and as soon as Orm stepped out, the noise exploded.

Cameras flashed in rapid succession, the sound of shutters and excited voices filling the air. The crowd erupted, the energy surging as fans and reporters leaned in for a glimpse.

Then Ling stepped out right after her, and the gasps were audible.

Together. They were together.

It took only a second before the red carpet was ablaze with questions.

“Ling! Orm! Are you confirming the rumours tonight? Are you in a relationship?”

“How long have you been officially together?”

“Is this your first public appearance as a couple?”

Ling and Orm exchanged a glance before Ling, ever the composed one in the face of flashing lights, turned to the cameras with a small but knowing smile.

Orm, on the other hand, tightened her grip on Ling’s hand before pulling her just slightly closer. “I think everyone already knows the answer to that, but yes, we are together.” she said smoothly, her voice carrying just enough amusement to send the reporters into a frenzy.

Ling let out a soft laugh, shaking her head at Orm’s teasing confidence. But she didn’t pull away. She didn’t deny it.

They had just answered the world’s biggest question—without needing to say the words.

As they walked down the carpet together, Orm leaned in slightly, just enough for Ling to hear over the chaos. “Told you we’d break the internet.”

Ling gave her a playful nudge with her hip. “We’ll see if you survive the headlines tomorrow.”

Orm smirked. “As long as I get to wake up next to you, I think I’ll manage.”

And with that, they stepped fully into the night—hand in hand, unafraid, and completely theirs.

______________________________________________________________

The energy inside the Bangkok Icon Awards 2030 was electric. The grand ballroom of ICONSIAM shimmered under crystal chandeliers, the hum of elegant conversation mingling with the soft melody of a live orchestra playing in the background. It was a night of glamour, of recognition, and of moments that would be immortalized in headlines and memories alike.

But for Ling and Orm, it was something more. They could finally stop hiding to steal kisses and hold hands. They felt like breathing again.

The weight they hadn’t realized they were carrying had finally lifted. No more speculation, no more dodging questions. The truth was out, and instead of feeling exposed, they felt free.

They had arrived together, hand in hand, under the flashing lights of the press, their names trending online before they had even stepped foot into the ballroom. Fans had screamed in delight, their industry friends had cheered them on, and the moment had been perfect.

Now, inside the grand venue, everyone they passed smiled knowingly, their friends beaming with happiness for them.

“Ling! Orm!”

They turned to see Alek and Bow approaching, their grins wide with amusement.

Alek was the first to speak, smirking. “Wow. You two really thought you were sneaky, huh?”

Bow rolled her eyes and nudged him. “Please. Everyone knew.” She grinned at them. “We’ve just been waiting for you both to admit it.”

Ling chuckled, shaking her head. “I feel like everyone was more impatient about this than we were.”

Orm smirked, pulling Ling slightly closer. “We took our time. We earned this moment.”

Bow nodded approvingly. “And what a moment it was. Twitter broke the second you stepped onto that carpet.”

Alek placed a hand on his chest, feigning emotion. “So romantic. It’s like watching a drama unfold in real life.”

They all laughed, the ease between them effortless.

Not long after, Ying and Prigkhing joined the conversation, their excitement contagious.

“Okay, okay,” Ying started, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Who said ‘I love you’ first?”

Prigkhing leaned in, equally intrigued. “And don’t lie. We need details.”

Ling raised an eyebrow at Orm, smirking. “Want to take that one, Orm?”

Orm sighed dramatically, earning a round of laughter. “Fine. It was me. But only because she accidentally said it first and then panicked.”

Ying gasped. “NO WAY.”

Prigkhing’s jaw dropped. “Ling? You panicked?”

Ling crossed her arms, looking at Orm. “You were supposed to pretend that never happened.”

Orm shrugged, grinning. “Not a chance baby.”

Ying fanned herself. “I need a moment. This is too cute.”

Prigkhing clapped her hands together. “We need a toast! To finally making it official.”

They raised their glasses, the soft chime of crystal meeting filling the air.

“Cheers!”

As the evening went on, they found themselves deep in conversation with Dew and Cherry, two of Channel 3’s most respected figures.

Dew studied them with an approving nod. “You both handled this perfectly. No unnecessary drama, no distractions—just you, showing the world what was already obvious.”

Cherry smiled warmly. “And the best part? You two look happy. That’s all that matters.”

Ling and Orm exchanged a look, their hands subtly intertwining at their sides.

“We are happy,” Ling said, her voice steady.

Orm squeezed her hand gently, nodding. “For the first time, it feels like everything’s exactly how it should be.”

And in that moment, amidst the flashing lights, the murmured conversations, and the celebration of an industry that had shaped them, Ling and Orm stood together—not just as a couple, but as two people who had fought for love, for honesty, and for each other.

Tonight, nothing and no one could break their bubble.