When it all falls apart

The air was thick with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle sizzle of eggs frying in the pan. Lingling stood by the stove, flipping pancakes with a level of concentration that had nothing to do with cooking. Her mind was spinning, the weight of tomorrow pressing heavily on her chest.

October 16.

She had one more day to change fate.

Orm was alive. Safe. Breathing.

But for how long?

Lingling's hands shook slightly as she reached for the pepper grinder, trying to steady her nerves.

A pair of warm arms suddenly wrapped around her waist from behind, pulling her into a familiar embrace. A soft kiss landed on her bare shoulder.

"Baby, why are you up so early?" Orm's voice was husky from sleep, her lips brushing against Lingling's skin as she spoke.

Lingling tensed for a moment before melting into Orm's touch, closing her eyes. She's here. She's real.

"I couldn't sleep," Lingling murmured, trying to keep her voice steady. "So I thought I'd make breakfast for you."

Orm hummed in delight, pressing another kiss to the back of Lingling's neck. "Mmm, that's a first. Should I be worried?"

Lingling turned in Orm's embrace, her hands sliding up Orm's arms until they rested on her shoulders. She took a moment to just look at her—at the messy morning hair, at the sleepy eyes that still held a glint of mischief.

She swallowed hard. How could she live without this?

Orm tilted her head. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Lingling reached up, cupping Orm's face. "I just missed you," she whispered.

Orm's lips curled into a slow smile. "Missed me? Baby, I was just beside you the whole night."

Lingling said nothing, just leaned in and kissed her—slow, deep, desperate.

Orm gasped softly before responding, tightening her arms around Lingling's waist, pulling her closer. The kiss was different this time—Lingling wasn't just kissing her out of habit or affection. It felt like she was memorizing her, like she was terrified this moment would be taken away.

When they finally pulled apart, Orm studied her carefully.

"Something's wrong," Orm said, brushing Lingling's cheek with her thumb. "Talk to me, love."

Lingling forced a smile, shaking her head. "It's nothing. I just... want to be with you."

Orm didn't seem convinced but let it slide. She leaned in again, kissing the tip of Lingling's nose before stepping back. "Alright, but only if you promise to actually eat breakfast with me."

Lingling exhaled, nodding. "Deal."

They sat together at the table, plates filled with pancakes, eggs, and fruit. Orm ate happily, but Lingling's appetite was nonexistent. She forced herself to take small bites, her stomach twisted in knots.

As they ate, Orm suddenly put her fork down. "Ling, let's go out today."

Lingling stiffened. No.

"You've been stressed with work, and we've been staying at home for days. Let's go out for dinner, maybe grab some groceries?"

Lingling's chest tightened.

"NO."

Orm blinked in surprise. "Baby, what's wrong?"

Lingling clenched her fists. "We'll stay home. I'll ask someone to do the groceries for us."

Orm frowned, looking hurt. "Ling, we can't just stay home forever. Besides, I have a meeting tomorrow—I need to meet my client in person."