Orm’s morning begins much later than planned. The alarm clock on her nightstand blares at 8:00 AM, but in her sleepy haze, Orm hits the snooze button—again and again. Before she knows it, the time has slipped away, and she jolts awake to see that it’s already 9:00 AM. Panic sets in as she realizes she’s overslept and is now running late for her 10:00 AM class.

She jumps out of bed, heart racing, and rushes to the bathroom. There’s no time for her usual morning routine today—no leisurely breakfast, no quiet moments to gather her thoughts. She hastily washes her face, brushes her teeth, and throws on the first outfit she finds—a simple white T-shirt and a pair of jeans. As she pulls her hair into a quick ponytail, she can already hear her mother, Mae Koy, in the kitchen, preparing her own morning tea.

Orm grabs her backpack, which she had thankfully packed the night before, and dashes out of her room. She barely has time to slip on her shoes as she rushes to the kitchen to say goodbye.

“Mom, I’m leaving!” Orm calls out breathlessly as she skids to a stop by the kitchen door.

Mae Koy looks up from her tea, her expression calm and unsurprised. She’s seen this routine before—Orm rushing out the door, trying to make up for lost time.

“You overslept again, didn’t you?” Mae Koy asks, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Orm nods sheepishly, struggling to catch her breath. “Yeah, I didn’t hear the alarm… or maybe I just ignored it. I’m really late this time.”

Mae Koy shakes her head, though there’s no real scolding in her tone. She’s used to Orm’s occasional morning rush, and she knows her daughter always manages to pull it together in the end. “You need to stop staying up so late playing game, Orm. It’s no good if you can’t wake up on time.”

“I know, I know,” Orm replies, already half out the door. “I’ll be more careful tonight. Promise.”

“Did you at least grab something to eat?” Mae Koy asks, concern creeping into her voice.

Orm pauses, realizing she’s forgotten breakfast entirely. She shakes her head, grimacing. “No time for that today. I’ll pick up something on the way.”

Mae Koy sighs but doesn’t press the issue. “Just make sure you eat, okay? I don’t want you going hungry all morning.”

Orm nods quickly. “I will. Thanks, Mom. I’ve really got to go!”

Mae Koy waves her off with a gentle smile. “Alright, alright. Be careful on the road, and don’t stress too much. You’ll make it in time.”

“Thanks, Mom! Bye!” Orm shouts as she rushes out the door, her backpack slung over one shoulder.

••••

Despite arriving at campus almost late, Orm could finally breathe a sigh of relief after completing today’s exam. Although she hadn’t studied as much as she wanted, she managed to get through it quite well. The weight on her shoulders felt lighter after this exam because this particular course was crucial—if she had failed to attend or perform well, it could have jeopardized everything.

As the tension of the exam began to dissipate, Orm’s stomach started to growl, reminding her that she hadn’t eating in this morning. The hunger pangs grew stronger, and she realized she needed to eat something soon.

She glancing over at her three friends who were chatting nearby, Orm decided to make a suggestion.

“Hey, guys, let’s go grab something to eat,” she called out, her voice filled with the eager anticipation of a well-deserved meal.

“What should we eat today?” Prikhing asked in response to Orm’s suggestion.

“Let’s get something delicious! The café across the campus has a new menu,” View chimed in eagerly. Known for her expertise in food, she was the go-to person whenever the group needed a recommendation for a good meal.

“Sounds good, let’s head over there,” Milk agreed with a nod.

With their decision made, Orm, Prikhing, View, and Milk walked out of the classroom together, continuing their conversation as they strolled down the campus corridor. The café wasn’t far, so they decided to walk, enjoying the fresh air and the break from their studies.

As they reached the café, the group picked a cozy spot by the window. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wafting through the air. They quickly settled in and ordered the dishes View had recommended, eager to try the new menu items she had mentioned.

“Where did you go yesterday? Why did you leave in such a hurry?” Prikhing asked Orm.

“I got a sudden job call, so I had to rush,” Orm replied casually.

“What kind of job call? So, you’re going to work while studying?” Milk chimed in, curious.

“I'm going to be a celebrity's assistant.”

“What?” Prikhing, Milk, and View exclaimed in unison, their faces showing clear surprise at Orm’s answer.

“Yes, you heard it right. I’m the new assistant for Lingling Sirilak Kwong,” Orm said with a proud smile.

“Lingling Sirilak Kwong? The lead actress in the series Makkali: The Love Tree?” Prikhing asked, and Orm nodded with a grin.

“She’s such a talented actress. I love all the series she’s starred in,” Prikhing continued, praising Lingling.

“How did you manage to get that job? Isn’t it difficult to become a celebrity’s assistant?” View asked, equally intrigued.

“Kwang, my friend from middle school, was her previous assistant. He asked me to take over his position,” Orm explained.

“Oh, I see,” Prikhing, View, and Milk replied in unison after hearing Orm’s story.

Orm glanced at her phone as a notification appeared, signaling a new message. Hier hand instinctively reached for the device, and a small smile formed on her lips as she read the contents of the message.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Prikhing asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Today is my first day at work, so I’m going to meet P'Ling," Orm replied proudly, her excitement barely contained.

"You’re going to meet P'Ling?" Prikhing repeated, this time with more enthusiasm. "Can you ask her for an autograph or get her Line ID for me?"

Orm shook her head with a chuckle, placing her phone back on the table. "I’ve just started working there, so I don’t have the nerve to ask something like that. Maybe after I’ve been working with her for a year, I might feel bold enough."

"A whole year? That’s such a long time..." Prikhing groaned, visibly disappointed.

Orm, Milk, and View couldn’t help but laugh at Prikhing’s frustration. Their teasing chuckles filled the air, adding a lighthearted atmosphere to the table. A few moments later, the food they had ordered finally arrived, and the four friends turned their attention to the meal, enjoying both the delicious food and each other’s company.

•••••

"Sawadee, P'Lingling..."

Ling had just stepped onto the pavement, having exited her shiny black car, when she heard a voice calling her name. The sound, familiar but carrying a light and friendly tone, caused her to turn to the side. Just a few steps away stood Orm, her face lit up by a warm smile, her energy fresh and brimming with enthusiasm.

"You're not late today," Ling said with her usual neutral expression, eyeing Orm as she approached her with calm strides.

Orm smiled, her eyes soft yet filled with confidence. "Since it's my first day at work, I didn't want to be late," she replied, her smile never fading. Her words sounded like a promise full of commitment, as though she was trying to prove something not only to Ling but also to herself.

Ling, now standing with her arms folded across her chest, looked at Orm with a sharp gaze. "Just on your first day?" she asked, her tone teasing yet firm. "Does that mean you'll be late every day after this?"

Orm chuckled at Ling question, her grin widening. Without hesitation, she stepped closer, closing the gap between them until their faces were almost touching. "I promise there won’t be any more late days, so you don’t need to worry, P'Ling," she said in a gentle yet resolute tone, as though that promise meant the world to her.

Ling stood silent, feeling a slight awkwardness. Her gaze swept across Orm’s face, from her shining eyes to her lips that remained curved in a warm smile. There was something different about Orm today compared to when they first met yesterday—more confident, more mature. Perhaps it was because it was her first day at work, or maybe it was something else. Ling couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Suddenly, the moment between them was interrupted by a loud voice from another direction.

"Orm~ Come here and help me out," Kwang called from another parked car nearby. His voice broke the silence, pulling Ling back to reality and shattering the small moment they had shared.

Startled by the sound, Ling quickly looked away, slightly avoiding Orm’s gaze.

"Okay, wait for me!" Orm called back, glancing at Ling for a moment before jogging over to Kwang, who was still waiting. The smile on Orm's face didn’t waver, even as she busied herself helping Kwang unload items from the car.

Ling sighed softly before continuing her steps toward the building where the photoshoot was scheduled to take place. Yet, in her mind, the moment she had shared with Orm replayed over and over.

"What are you thinking, Ling? Focus!" she muttered to herself under her breath. She patted her cheeks and shook her head, trying to regain her concentration on the task ahead.

.
.
.
.

As Ling struck poses in front of the camera, Orm sat with Kwang, waiting for the photoshoot to end. A small smile played on Orm's lips, and her eyes couldn’t help but linger on Ling, captivated by the beauty of the actress.

"Orm… Orm…"

Kwang frowned when his friend didn’t respond. Turning to face him, Kwang gave Orm a harder pat on the shoulder. "Orm Kornnaohat!"

Kwang's louder voice finally snapped Orm out of her daydream. Startled, Orm looked at Kwang with wide eyes.

"You scared me," Orm said, glaring at Kwang.

"I didn’t mean to startle you, but you weren’t listening when I called you," Kwang shot back, unwilling to lose the argument. "Were you that mesmerized by Khun Ling?"

"Yeah, Khun Ling is just as beautiful as she always was," Orm replied softly, her voice almost a whisper.

"Ah, so you’re a fan of Khun Ling, huh? That’s why you wanted this job, right?" Kwang teased with a sly grin.

"Kind of. I used to admire her, especially since we went to the same university, in Mahidol University," Orm said quietly, as if not wanting anyone other than Kwang to hear.

"What? You went to the same university?" Kwang asked, surprised.

Orm quickly covered Kwang's mouth with her hand, noticing that Kwang had spoken a little too loudly, drawing the attention of some staff members including Ling.

"Keep your voice down," Orm whispered, then smiled at the staff and released her hand from Kwang's mouth.

"Sorry..." Kwang whispered back. "So, tell me, did you know Khun Ling personally?"

Orm scooted her chair closer to Kwang and began to speak in a low voice. "Yes, she was my senior. When I needed a place to stay near campus, all the rooms were full. I had to rent because my home was too far away. Then P'Ling offered to let me stay in her room for a week, but after that, she moved out, and I never saw her again. The next thing I knew, I saw her on TV, already famous as an actress."

"If you knew her, why doesn’t she seem to recognize you?" Kwang asked, confused.

"Probably because I looked so nerdy back then. I used to get bullied, but P'Ling stood up for me. That’s why I admired her," Orm said with a small smile. "She was beautiful and kind, even though she was already known for competing in beauty pageants."

"Ah, no wonder you wanted this job," Kwang muttered after hearing Orm's story. "But remember, don’t let your admiration turn into something more because Khun Ling already has a boyfriend," Kwang whispered, still teasing.

Orm chuckled softly. "That won’t happen. I know she has a boyfriend, and I’m here just to work closely with someone I admire," she replied, smiling confidently.

•••••

The photoshoot for the advertisement finally wrapped up. Ling, now dressed in her casual clothes, walked calmly toward Kwang and Orm, who were chatting in the corner of the room. She had been curious about their conversation, especially after hearing Kwang speak rather loudly earlier. Her curiosity grew as she approached.

"What were you two talking about? I’m paying you to work, not chat," Ling said firmly, her eyes piercing as she glanced between Orm and Kwang.

Feeling slightly awkward, Kwang quickly responded. "We were discussing Khun Ling’s tasks. I was just giving Orm some notes on his duties." Kwang pulled a notebook from his bag and showed it to Orm. "I was making sure he doesn’t miss anything."

"Yes, Kwang has been training me these past few days, so I’ve been asking him a lot of questions," Orm added, looking at Ling with respect.

Ling paused, realizing she might have misjudged them. Feeling a bit guilty for her earlier assumptions, she decided to change the subject. "Kwang, I’ll be leaving with Khun Mean, so you can go home with Orm."

"Of course, Khun Ling," Kwang replied obediently. "Before we leave, we’ll stop by your house to drop off some things and show Orm around."

Ling nodded, then added in a cool tone, "Yes, train her well. Otherwise, she’ll be fired."

Orm smiled faintly at her words. "I’ll do my best, P'Ling," she replied earnestly, looking at Ling with respect.

Their conversation was cut short when a familiar voice called Ling from behind. "Ling…"

Ling turned and saw a man she knew well. "Mean…" she said with a bright smile, welcoming him with a warm hug.

Mean, Ling’s boyfriend, returned the embrace, smiling warmly. "Shall we go now?" he asked gently, extending his hand toward her.

"Yes, I’m all done here," Ling replied, clasping his hand tightly.

As they walked toward the exit, Mean greeted the staff, including Orm and Kwang. "We’re heading out now," he said kindly, his smile never leaving his face.

Hand in hand, Ling and Mean walked side by side toward the waiting car. Whenever she was with Mean, Ling felt all her stress melt away, replaced by a sense of peace and happiness. Their relationship seemed so harmonious, it was impossible not to notice how well they fit together.

On the other side, Orm stood still next to Kwang, her eyes following Ling and Mean as they walked away.

Kwang, noticing this, whispered to Orm, "Don’t they look perfect together?"

Orm snapped out of her trance and quickly turned to Kwang. "Um… Yeah, they look perfect," She replied hastily, slightly awkward. She quickly changed the subject. "Are we leaving now?" She asked, remembering Kwang’s earlier mention of heading out.

"Yes, let’s go," Kwang said, handing a bag to Orm. "Help me carry this."

Orm took the bag without complaint, and the two of them headed toward the parking lot. Though they wouldn’t be driving the same car, Orm would be following Kwang closely behind, as Kwang had promised to show her around in Ling's house.