WHISPERS OF LINGORM : A One-Shot Anthology - Chapter 2: Chapter 2

"Nong Orm..." Lingling’s voice broke through the noise, and she dashed toward the direction of the car's screeching tire, her heart pounding. As she got closer, she saw the car had skidded, its tire burst, and the noise had been from its sudden deceleration. Orm lay on the street, just in front of the car.
Anxiety flooded Lingling as she reached Orm in mere seconds, her hands trembling as she knelt beside her. She hurriedly checked Orm’s body, her voice tight with concern. “Nong Orm... Are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you? Orm, please, talk to me... Are you alright?”
Orm, still reeling from the shock, looked up at Lingling, too stunned to process the flood of emotions in her gaze. Lingling’s eyes were wide, her expression full of panic, but Orm merely stammered, “Pling... I’m... I’m fine.”
But Lingling wasn’t listening. Her mind was consumed with nothing but fear—fear that Orm might have been seriously hurt. She couldn’t stop herself. Without a second thought, she pulled Orm into her arms, hugging her tightly, almost as if she were trying to hold onto the reality that Orm was safe. Her voice cracked, “You... You never take care of yourself... Always, always getting yourself in danger...”
Lingling’s words wavered, and her chest tightened. For a moment, her voice became a sob, her tears threatening to fall. Orm stood frozen, her body unmoving in Lingling’s embrace. She had never seen Lingling so vulnerable, and it rattled her.
Then, Lingling’s soft sobs reached her ears, and Orm’s heart tightened. The rawness in Lingling’s voice made her feel something deep inside—something she wasn’t prepared for. Slowly, cautiously, Orm wrapped her arms around Lingling, returning the hug, her voice gentle yet firm. “Pling... Please, don’t cry... I’m fine. Really...”
Lingling stayed in the embrace, but after a few moments, a thought sliced through her emotions like a knife: You are unlucky, Lingling Kwong...
The realization hit her hard. She broke the hug abruptly, her eyes clearing as she pulled back, now standing with a distance she hadn’t wanted to create. She looked at Orm, and her voice turned sharper, though a slight tremor still lingered. "You... you really need to pay attention, Orm. This isn’t some kind of joke. Do you understand? Go home, and be careful from now on."
Her words, although stern, carried the weight of her concern—more intense than Orm had ever heard. It wasn’t the usual softness of Lingling; it was the commanding tone of her boss, the authority that Orm had never been scolded by before.
Lingling turned abruptly, striding back toward her car, leaving Orm standing there in utter confusion. Orm called after her, “But... Pling... Pling...”
Lingling didn’t stop. She slid into the car, the engine starting with a low growl, and before Orm could process what was happening, the car began pulling away. Orm stood motionless for a few seconds, her thoughts tangled in a haze of emotions she couldn’t make sense of. With a heavy sigh, she finally turned to leave, her chest tight, and her mind racing.
Few days later...
Since that incident, Lingling had returned to her usual self, but something was different. She had consciously started distancing herself from Orm, a change that didn’t go unnoticed. Orm could clearly sense that something was bothering Lingling, but Lingling was purposefully keeping her at arm's length. The natural camaraderie they once shared had slowly transformed into an awkward silence. Orm, confused and concerned, desperately wanted to know what had happened after that day, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask Lingling directly. They were still in a strict professional relationship—nothing more, nothing less—and Orm felt that questioning Lingling about it would cross a line. The more she tried to focus on her work and push these thoughts aside, the more frustrated she became.
Just as Lingling had thrown herself into her work, Orm followed suit, trying to keep herself busy, but the tension between them was undeniable.
Is everything alright with the CEO?”
“Has anyone heard from her?”
“She's been on leave for three days. That’s unusual.”
“She might really be sick... or maybe something else is going on.”
These whispers echoed through the office, and Orm couldn’t help but overhear them. The news that Lingling had taken three days off was highly unusual. Orm’s concern for her grew by the second. The CEO, known for her dedication, had never taken a leave this long before, and now she was absent with no clear explanation. Orm knew she couldn’t ignore it, especially when the project she had been working on was finally complete but still required Lingling’s signature for finalization. The paperwork couldn’t proceed without her approval, and Orm didn’t want to delay any further. More than that, she couldn’t help but worry about Lingling's health, since her absence from the office didn’t feel like a simple sick leave.
Determined, Orm decided she needed to get in touch with Junji to ask for Lingling’s address.
At Lingling’s House...
The doorbell rang, slicing through the stillness of Lingling's home.
Ding
Irritated, Lingling muttered under her breath, “Coming... Can’t you wait just two minutes?”
She had been lying in bed, completely drained, battling a high fever for the past three days. The fatigue was overwhelming, and her body felt so weak she could barely eat or even move without feeling dizzy. What made it worse was the loneliness. She lived alone, and there was no one to take care of her or check in on her. No one to help her through this. But what hurt the most was the distance she had been maintaining from Orm. That decision to act coldly toward her that day was still lingering in her mind. It had been emotionally exhausting for Lingling.
Lingling shuffled to the door, assuming it was the delivery boy bringing something she had ordered. Without checking the screen, she opened the door, only to freeze when she saw Orm standing there.
A rush of shock, surprise, and warmth swept over her all at once. Lingling quickly composed herself, putting on a neutral expression, and asked, “Nong Orm, what are you doing here? How did you find my address?”
Orm’s concern deepened when she saw how weak Lingling looked. Her voice was faint, and she appeared exhausted. Orm’s heart tightened as she spoke, “Pling, I came to check on you... I’ve been really worried. You’re sick, aren’t you? I couldn’t just stay away.”
Lingling’s heart swelled hearing Orm's words. Nobody had ever come to check on her when she was sick. She had always handled everything on her own. But here Orm was, standing at her door, her presence a silent declaration of care. Lingling’s throat tightened, and for a moment, she almost let her tears fall. But she quickly steadied herself and replied in a calm, steady voice, “I’m fine, Nong Orm. Don’t worry about me. You can go now.”
But Orm wasn’t convinced. Without thinking, she placed her hand on Lingling’s forehead, checking her temperature.
“You have a fever, and you’re so weak. It’s obvious you’re not fine. You’re telling me you’re okay? No, I’m not leaving. I’m going to take care of you,” Orm said, her voice filled with determination.
Lingling froze. Orm’s boldness took her by surprise, and for a moment, she didn’t know how to respond. Orm’s confidence and authority were unexpected, but there was something comforting about it. Orm wasn’t asking for permission; she was acting as though it was her duty to care for Lingling, and that certainty was unlike anything Lingling had ever known from anyone.
Before Lingling could speak, Orm gently nudged her inside, following her into the house and quietly closing the door behind them.
Nong Orm, I’m fine. You should go," Lingling said, trying to sound firm despite the fatigue in her voice.
"No," Orm replied simply, her tone unwavering.
Lingling blinked, her frustration flickering. "What? Why? I told you, I’m fine."
"And I told you, no," Orm repeated, calm but resolute.
Lingling’s patience wore thin. Straightening up, she shot Orm a look. "I’m your boss. I’m giving you an order, not a choice."
Orm held her ground, her voice softening but remaining steadfast. "This isn’t the office. I’m only your employee there. Right now, I’m here because I care." She stopped herself, realizing Lingling was watching her closely.
After a moment, Orm looked at her with pleading eyes. "Please don’t be stubborn." Her expression softened, and she gave Lingling a gentle, puppy-eyed look that seemed impossible to ignore.
Lingling let out a resigned sigh. "Fine" she muttered, finally relenting.
A smile of relief appeared on Orm’s face. "Thank you." She paused, glancing at the time. "Umm… it’s dinner time. I’m sure you haven’t eaten. Let me make something light for you."
Lingling was unexpectedly moved by Orm’s gesture, touched by the genuine care in her voice. She gave a small nod, appreciating Orm’s concern more than she let on. Without protest, she allowed Orm to lead her back to her room.
Once they reached Lingling’s bedroom, Orm gently helped her onto the bed. The room was impeccably neat, reflecting Lingling’s disciplined personality—everything was in its place, minimal and organized. But as Orm’s gaze wandered, her eyes landed on a glass case in the middle of a shelf. Inside, perfectly displayed among awards and other important items, rested a single earring.
Orm’s breath caught for a moment as she recognized the earring. It looked strikingly familiar—identical to one she had lost at the office, one of her favorite pairs. Her mind spun with questions. Could it be…? But why would Lingling have it?
She tore her gaze away, trying to dismiss the thought. Maybe it’s someone else’s, she tried to convince herself, though a hint of doubt remained. She quickly excused herself, heading to the kitchen to prepare dinner for Lingling.
In the Kitchen...
As Orm prepared a light meal, her thoughts kept drifting back to that single earring. It can’t be… can it? she wondered, feeling her heart race a little. It was the same design, the same details. Why would Lingling have my lost earring?
She shook her head, trying to brush it off as a coincidence. But the thought lingered
Orm walked back to Lingling’s room with a tray of warm dinner, only to find her boss deeply engrossed in her I-pad, so focused she hadn’t even noticed Orm’s arrival. Standing by the bed, Orm gently called, "Umm, Pling, dinner is ready. Please put your work aside for now and eat something. You need to take your medicine afterward too."
Lingling looked up, then nodded and set the I-pad down. They ate together quietly, their silence feeling comforting rather than awkward, and after the meal, Orm handed Lingling her medicine and guided her to lie down. "You need to rest, and no more screen time for now, please."
Lingling protested faintly, but Orm’s caring expression was hard to resist. "Fine" Lingling sighed, lying back as Orm reassured her, "I’ll be downstairs cleaning up. If you need anything, just call out."
Lingling nodded, feeling overwhelmed by Orm’s kindness. She was grateful Orm was there, yet a part of her also worried about being a burden. As Orm left with a small, reassuring smile, Lingling watched her go, emotions swirling in her chest.
Returning to the room a short while later, Orm found Lingling fast asleep. She took a quiet moment to look around the room and couldn’t help but notice the earring again. Moving closer, she examined it closely, her suspicions confirming what she’d already sensed: it was indeed hers, the one she’d lost in the office. Confused, she wondered why Lingling had it displayed so carefully among her most valued possessions. "Did she know it belonged to me?" Orm’s mind raced with questions as she looked at the treasured spot the earring occupied.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a faint voice coming from the bed.
"Orm… don’t leave me, please… don’t leave," Lingling mumbled in her sleep, her voice barely audible, fragile. Orm froze, startled by the desperation in her voice. She leaned closer, listening as Lingling continued, "Orm... please… I love you orm...please don’t leave me."
Orm was taken aback, her heart pounding. Lingling was dreaming, but the sincerity in her voice felt real, raw. She gently tried to wake her. "Pling… wake up. I’m here; I’m not going anywhere." Orm reassured her, brushing her shoulder lightly.
Lingling’s eyes flew open, disoriented, and in a rush, she wrapped her arms around Orm, clinging tightly. "Please… don’t leave me," she murmured, half-awake, her voice shaky.
Orm returned the hug instantly, her own heart racing. "I’m right here, Pling. I’m not going anywhere," she whispered softly, reassuring her.
Lingling, still slightly dazed from her fever and the remnants of sleep, slowly loosened her hold, her gaze lingering on Orm’s face. She tenderly brushed a finger along Orm’s cheek, her eyes filled with something unreadable. Without saying a word, she began to lean in closer, her gaze drifting toward Orm’s lips, her breath shallow. Orm found herself leaning forward too, their faces only inches apart, breaths mingling.
Their lips were just about to touch when a painful thought cut through Lingling’s mind.
"You are unlucky… meant to be alone…"
The words jolted Lingling back to reality. In an instant, she pulled away, her eyes filling with tears as she pushed Orm back. "Nong Orm… I… I’m sorry, but you need to leave. Please, just leave me alone," she stammered, her voice trembling.
Orm’s heart sank, the sudden shift leaving her confused and hurt. "Pling… what’s wrong? I’m here. Just relax…" She tried to reach out, but Lingling stopped her, her expression hardening.
"I said, leave, Nong Orm. I don’t want to see you right now. Get out!" Lingling’s voice turned cold, commanding, her gaze filled with a pain Orm couldn’t understand.
Orm felt a deep hurt well up within her, tears stinging her eyes as she looked at Lingling. With a heavy heart, she turned and quietly left, not wanting to argue when Lingling’s words were so final. She didn’t look back, each step feeling heavier than the last.
The moment Orm was gone, Lingling’s composure crumbled. She collapsed onto the bed, tears streaming down her face as she clutched her pillow, sobbing quietly. Meanwhile, Orm reached her own apartment, locking herself inside before silently letting her tears fall, trying to keep the hurt from reaching anyone else.
Lingling stood by her cabin window, the weight of the previous night pressing heavily on her mind. She wasn’t herself today, barely managing to hold herself together. She probably wouldn’t have even come to work, but a critical meeting had forced her to be present. Gazing out the window, her thoughts were consumed by Orm—until a soft knock interrupted her.
Without turning, she simply said, “Come in.” The door opened, and the quiet sound of footsteps stopped close behind her. Lingling turned, expecting to see a coworker but finding Orm instead. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, “Nong Orm… about last..” Orm suddenly cut her off.
“I love you” Orm said firmly, her voice unwavering.
Lingling’s eyes widened in shock, her heart pounding at the sudden confession. Relief washed over her too, but before she could react, Orm continued, her voice filled with determination.
“And I know you love me too but I don’t understand what’s holding you back or why you’re struggling with this, but from the moment I’ve known you, you’ve been in my heart. I confess that yes, I love you. But I need to know what’s stopping you, Pling. Because for me, your love is clear in your eyes, in every gesture… you just can’t hide it.”
Lingling felt an overwhelming wave of emotions, her tears threatening to spill over as she stared at Orm. She took a shaky breath, her voice trembling. “Nong Orm… I… I respect your feelings, but I’m sorry.” She paused, looking down as if the words hurt her to say. “I don’t feel the same. You’re mistaken… there’s nothing troubling me.” Her heart ached as she forced the words out, knowing they weren’t true.
“Lie,” Orm said, her voice soft but firm. “That’s a clear lie.”
“It’s the truth,” Lingling replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
A tense silence settled between them as Lingling turned back toward the window, trying to escape the pain in Orm’s eyes. The stillness felt suffocating until Orm finally broke it.
“Fine then, Pling. If this is truly the truth…” Orm’s voice wavered but held resolve. “Then I am resigning from this company today, right now. I can’t stay here, knowing this.”
Lingling whipped around, her eyes wide with disbelief. “No! You can’t resign!”
Orm stepped forward, placing an envelope on the table. “If you can’t be honest with me, if this lie is what I have to live with here, then I am leaving.” With that, she turned to walk away.
Panic surged through Lingling, her heart clenching at the thought of losing Orm, of never seeing her again. The fear gripped her, and she called out, her voice desperate. “No, stop! Nong Orm… you’re not going anywhere. I… I’ll tell you everything. The truth.”
Orm paused, turning back to look at her, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “All of it?”
Lingling nodded, her expression filled with sincerity. “Yes… all of it. But promise me… you won’t leave.”
Orm held her gaze, finally nodding.