Red approached carefully, confusion visible on his face. But the moment he looked between them, something in his expression shifted. Recognition. Understanding. “…So this is her.” Orm turned sharply. “What?” Red looked toward Lingling calmly. “The woman from the diary.” This time, Orm froze completely. “You knew?” He sighed softly. “Not at first.” Then a faint smile appeared on his face. “But nobody writes about someone the way you wrote about her unless they never stopped loving them.” Orm looked away immediately. Guilty. “I didn’t want to admit it,” Red continued quietly. “Because I thought maybe eventually… you’d choose me completely.” The silence that followed said enough. He exhaled softly, then looked toward Lingling. “You’re alive,” he said simply. Lingling nodded once. Red let out a quiet laugh. “I honestly can’t decide whether to be angry or relieved.” Orm’s chest tightened painfully. “Red…” But he shook his head gently. “No. Let me finish.” He looked at her carefully. Softly. “You were never unhappy with me,” he said. “But you were never fully here either.” Tears stung Orm’s eyes again. “And honestly?” he continued with a small, sad smile. “I think I knew that from the beginning.” “Red…” Slowly, he reached into his pocket and placed the engagement ring into Orm’s trembling hand. “I’m calling off the wedding.” “What?” “You deserve to choose someone because you love them,” he said quietly. “Not because they’re safe.” Orm shook her head immediately. “No, that’s not—” “It’s okay,” he interrupted gently. Then he glanced toward Lingling. “Because whether either of you admits it or not…” He smiled sadly. “…it’s always been her.” Silence filled the space after that. Orm couldn’t speak. Couldn’t breathe properly. And Red—being kinder than either of them deserved—stepped back and let her go. When he disappeared into the crowd, Orm stood motionless. Still clutching the ring. Still shaking. Then finally, she turned back toward Lingling. “You don’t get to leave again.” Lingling’s eyes softened slightly. “…I know.” “No,” Orm whispered, tears falling freely now. “I mean it.” She stepped closer until there was no space left between them. “You don’t get to decide things for me anymore.” Lingling stayed quiet. Listening. “You don’t get to push me away because you’re scared I’ll get hurt.” Orm’s voice broke completely. “I already got hurt.” That one landed deeply. Lingling’s breathing faltered slightly. For the first time in years, she looked vulnerable. “I’m okay now,” Lingling whispered carefully. “The treatment worked.” Orm closed her eyes briefly. Relief hit so hard it almost hurt. Then she laughed weakly through tears. “You’re unbelievable.” A small smile finally appeared on Lingling’s face. “And you’re stupid,” Orm whispered emotionally. “Do you know how much I hated myself after reading that diary?” Lingling’s smile faded slightly. “I’m sorry.” “No.” Orm shook her head immediately. “You don’t get to apologize and disappear again.” Lingling blinked softly. “Stay this time.” Silence followed. Then, very gently, Lingling nodded. “…Okay.” Orm stared at her for a long moment. Like she still couldn’t fully believe she was real. Alive. Still here. Then finally, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around her. Almost desperately. Lingling froze for only a second before slowly holding her back carefully. Like something precious had finally been returned to her. And this time, neither of them let go. Because love had already lost them once. Neither of them was willing to survive that twice. - @minakoala