The morning after the chaos with Phon, Ling returned to college alone. Orm was still resting at home, her bandaged face and bruises needing more time to heal. Ling had been hesitant to leave her behind, but Orm had insisted."I'll be fine," Orm had said with a weak smile, her hand resting on Ling's. "You've got a presidency to win. Don't worry about me.""Easier said than done," Ling had replied, her voice soft with concern. But in the end, she relented, knowing Orm was right.Now, walking through the gates of the college, Ling felt the weight of countless eyes on her. For the past week, the stares had been judgmental, cold, and filled with whispers about the rumors Phon had spread. But today was different.Students who had once avoided her now nodded in her direction. Some even smiled. The whispers were no longer hateful but admiring. The story of her standing up to Phon had spread like wildfire, and the narrative had shifted. Ling wasn't just a candidate for the student council presidency anymore—she was a hero.As Ling walked through the campus, a group of students approached her near the library."Ling, good morning!" one of them said cheerfully."Good morning," Ling replied, her tone polite but cautious."We just wanted to say we've decided to vote for you," another student said, beaming. "What you did… standing up to Phon like that? It was inspiring."Ling blinked, caught off guard. "Thank you," she said, her lips curling into a small smile."You've always been a strong leader," another chimed in. "We're lucky to have someone like you running for president."The group dispersed after a few more words of encouragement, leaving Ling standing there, a mix of pride and disbelief washing over her. Just days ago, these same students had been part of the crowd whispering about her, judging her. And now they were supporting her.She exhaled deeply, her shoulders relaxing. Things were turning around.The next week was a whirlwind of activity for Ling. The election was fast approaching, and the responsibilities of campaigning, preparing speeches, and managing her growing support base were overwhelming.Ling threw herself into her work, determined not to let the people supporting her down. She stayed late after classes, meeting with professors, finalizing plans with the student council, and organizing events to connect with more students.Orm, meanwhile, was recovering at home. She had wanted to return to college, but Ling had insisted she rest. "I don't want you pushing yourself," Ling had said. "Stay home and heal. I'll handle things here."But even as Orm rested, she missed Ling terribly. Their time together had become limited, with Ling returning home late each night, completely exhausted.On one of those late nights, Orm sat in their shared room, staring at her phone. The house was quiet—Sia and Tina were out, and she was alone. Her face still hurt, the bruises a dull ache, but what hurt more was the emptiness without Ling.Her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Ling.Ling: I'm running late again. Don't wait up for me.Orm sighed, her chest tightening. She typed back quickly.Orm: I'm always waiting for you. Be careful, okay?Ling didn't respond immediately, but Orm could imagine her smiling at the message.The door finally opened just before midnight, and Ling stepped in, looking completely drained. Her hair was slightly messy, and dark circles had formed under her eyes. She dropped her bag by the door and sank onto her bed without a word."Ling," Orm said softly, walking over to her.Ling looked up, her eyes heavy with exhaustion but softening when she saw Orm. "You're still awake?""Of course," Orm said, sitting beside her. "How can I sleep when you're out there working yourself to death?"Ling smiled faintly. "It's the election. There's so much to do."Orm frowned, reaching out to touch Ling's hand. "You need to take care of yourself. You're no good to anyone if you collapse."Ling chuckled weakly. "You sound like a mom.""And you look like you need one," Orm shot back, her tone playful but tinged with worry.Ling sighed, leaning her head against Orm's shoulder. "I'm fine. I promise."They sat there in silence for a moment, the weight of the week pressing down on both of them.Over the next few days, Orm stayed home while Ling continued her campaign. Sia and Tina noticed the changes in their dynamic but didn't press them too much.One evening, Ling returned home late again, her steps dragging as she entered the room. Orm was waiting, as always, sitting cross-legged on Ling's bed with a blanket wrapped around her."Welcome home," Orm said softly, her voice filled with warmth.Ling gave her a tired smile. "You really don't have to wait up for me."Orm patted the space beside her. "Come here."Ling hesitated, glancing at the door. "What if Sia or Tina walk in?""They're asleep," Orm said, rolling her eyes. "Now stop arguing and sit down."Ling sighed but obeyed, sitting beside Orm and letting herself relax for the first time all day. Orm leaned against her, resting her head on Ling's shoulder."Don't you dare fall asleep on me," Ling muttered, her tone teasing."No promises," Orm replied, closing her eyes.As the week went on, Ling's reputation continued to rise. More and more students came to her with questions, support, and encouragement. Her late nights became longer, her meetings more frequent, and her to-do list never-ending.Despite her exhaustion, she kept pushing forward. Her determination was unwavering, and she could feel the presidency within her grasp.But even as she worked tirelessly, she always made time for Orm.Orm's bruises faded slowly, the cuts on her face healing into faint marks. Ling checked on her every morning before leaving for college, often lingering a little too long, brushing Orm's hair out of her face or kissing her forehead softly."Be good while I'm gone," Ling would say, her tone playful but affectionate."I'm always good," Orm would reply, grinning.At night, Ling would return, completely drained, but she would always sit with Orm for a few minutes before collapsing into bed."Ling," Orm said one night, as Ling leaned against her on the couch."Hmm?""You're working too hard. You'll burn out.""I'll be fine," Ling mumbled, her eyes half-closed."Ling…" Orm's voice was soft but firm.Ling sighed, turning to look at her. "It's just one more week, Orm. After the election, things will calm down."Orm frowned but nodded. "Okay. But promise me you'll take a break after that."Ling smiled faintly. "I promise."The days leading up to the election were intense. Ling's schedule was packed with speeches, meetings, and last-minute preparations. Her growing support base was vocal, and her confidence grew with each passing day.Orm, now fully recovered, began visiting the campus again, though she kept a low profile to avoid any unnecessary attention. She watched Ling from a distance, her heart swelling with pride as she saw how effortlessly Ling commanded the room."She's incredible," Orm thought to herself, a small smile tugging at her lips.The night before the election, Ling returned home late once again. Orm was waiting for her, as usual, but this time she had prepared something special—a small dinner spread with Ling's favorite snacks.Ling blinked in surprise as she entered the room. "What's all this?""A celebration," Orm said, grinning. "For the future president."Ling laughed, the sound light and genuine. "You're ridiculous.""And you're amazing," Orm replied, pulling Ling into a hug.They spent the evening talking, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. For a moment, the weight of the election disappeared, replaced by the warmth of their connection.As they lay in bed that night, Orm resting her head on Ling's chest, Ling stroked her hair gently."Whatever happens tomorrow," Ling whispered, "I'm glad I have you."Orm smiled, her eyes closed. "You'll win. I know you will."And as the first rays of dawn began to creep through the window, they drifted off to sleep, their hearts full and their bond stronger than ever.