The campus was alive with energy as students gathered around the main stage for the long-awaited election day. Supporters of various candidates waved banners and shouted slogans, but the loudest chants were for Ling."LING! LING! LING!"Orm, still recovering but determined to be there for Ling, was flashing Ling's posters to anyone who would look, her face alight with pride. Tina was handing out pamphlets like a professional campaigner, while Sia coordinated their small but loud team of supporters. Even Nod and a few others joined in, their voices booming over the crowd."Vote for Ling! The best candidate for president!"Even the professors, standing nearby, nodded approvingly as they saw Ling's growing support.As the professors took their places on stage, the crowd hushed slightly, anticipation thick in the air. The main professor stepped forward, microphone in hand."Ladies and gentlemen, today we gather to hear from the candidates for the student council presidency," he announced. "Please welcome our candidates!"Ling stepped onto the stage with her fellow candidates, her posture confident, though her heart was racing. Orm and the group cheered loudly from the crowd, their voices ringing out above the rest.But as the introductions began, something unusual happened. The professor introduced each candidate—except Ling.Sia frowned. "What's going on? Why didn't he introduce Ling?""Maybe it's a mistake," Tina whispered.But the professor continued, seemingly skipping over Ling as the other candidates gave their speeches. The group grew restless, exchanging confused glances.Finally, it was Ling's turn. The moment she stepped forward, the crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement deafening.Ling raised her hand, signaling for silence. "Shhh."The crowd fell silent almost immediately, the respect and admiration for her palpable. Even the professors exchanged impressed glances, seeing the command she held over the audience.Ling took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Thank you, everyone," she began, her voice steady and clear. "But I have something to say before I start my speech."The crowd leaned in, the tension thick as they waited for her next words."I want to start by appreciating everyone here," Ling said, her tone warm. "Thank you for your support, for believing in me, and for standing by me. It means more to me than you can imagine. I also want to thank my opponents—they've worked hard too, and they deserve recognition."Her words earned nods of approval, even from the other candidates. But then, Ling's voice softened, and her next words stunned the crowd."However, I need to say sorry. Because I can't become president anymore."The silence that followed was deafening. The crowd, moments ago filled with cheers, was now frozen in shock. Even the professors exchanged puzzled looks.Orm's heart dropped. "What is she saying?" she muttered, her mind racing. Without hesitation, she bolted toward the stage, ignoring the startled professors and climbing up beside Ling.Grabbing the microphone from Ling, Orm turned to her. "What are you saying, Ling? Did Phon do something again? If something's wrong, just tell us. Don't do this! You worked so hard—you didn't sleep, you skipped meals, you pushed yourself to the limit for this. Don't throw it away!"The microphone was still on, and Orm's heartfelt plea echoed across the crowd. The students watched in stunned silence, their emotions shifting as they saw Orm's desperation.Ling gently took the microphone back, her eyes meeting Orm's with a soft but determined gaze. "Orm," she said, her voice steady. "Let me finish."Turning back to the crowd, Ling continued. "Weeks ago, many of you were against me. You judged me, criticized me, and spread rumors about me—all because you heard that I like girls. And now, I want to ask all of you something."She paused, her gaze piercing. "If that were true, if I really am in love with a girl, how many of you would still support me?"The crowd fell silent again, the air heavy with tension. For a long moment, no one moved. Then, slowly, a single hand rose. Then another. And another. Soon, hands were rising all across the crowd.Ling's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she smiled faintly. "Thank you," she said softly. "I want to clear everything before we proceed with this election. The rumors you heard… they're true. I am in love with a girl."Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Ling stood tall, her voice unwavering. "If you can still support me knowing this, then I'll remain a candidate. If not, I'll drop out now."The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices drowning out any dissent. Ling's courage had won them over, and their support was louder than ever.That evening, after the elections were underway, everyone returned home. Sia and Tina had brought their boyfriends, Nod and Saint, for a small celebration to thank them for their help.The living room was filled with laughter and chatter as they recounted the day's events."Ling," Nod said, grinning. "I didn't know the rumor was real. You actually have a girlfriend?"Tina chimed in. "Yeah, we didn't know either! You've been keeping secrets from us, haven't you?"Saint, Sia's boyfriend, leaned forward with a playful smirk. "Hey, why don't we plan a group hangout? Me and Sia, Tina and Nod,Orm and Phong and Ling—you can bring your girlfriend!"Sia groaned, grabbing a nearby notebook and smacking Saint on the head. "Shut up, Saint! Don't you know what happened with Phon?"Tina laughed. "Yeah, he did something cringe, and Orm rejected him. Plus, Ling beat him up!"Saint blinked in surprise. "Seriously? Ling, you beat up the number one athlete in your college?"Orm grinned mischievously. "She did. She looked so cool! Like, bam! pow! wham!" Orm mimicked exaggerated fight moves, making everyone laugh.As the conversation continued, Saint turned to Orm with a teasing grin. "So, Orm, any plans for a boyfriend? I can introduce you to a nice guy—what do you say?"Orm crossed her arms. "No need. I already have someone I love."Ling smirked, leaning back. "Yeah, she's taken. By me."The room fell silent, jaws dropping as Sia and Tina stared at them in shock."What?!" Tina shouted."You two were hiding this from us?" Sia added, narrowing her eyes.Orm and Ling looked at each other, then at their friends, before bursting into laughter. "Well… surprise?" Ling said sheepishly.Sia grabbed a pillow and hurled it at them. "You idiots! You kept this from us?"Tina joined in, grabbing another pillow. "You're dead!"A chaotic pillow fight broke out, the room filling with laughter and shouts as the group chased each other around.When the chaos finally settled, the three couples sat together, the air warm and joyful. Orm, exhausted from the activity, rested her head on Ling's lap.Tina, still catching her breath, looked at Ling. "Wait, I have one question. Why didn't you say Orm's name during the speech? Why keep it anonymous?"Sia nodded. "Yeah, explain that."Ling smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from Orm's face. "I wasn't sure how people would react. I didn't want her to face those stares or judgment."Sia smacked Saint lightly. "See? Look how sweet they are!"Orm pouted. "So you were ready to sacrifice your hard work for me? That's not fair."Ling smiled. "It's not about sacrifice. It's about doing what's right—for both of us."Orm sighed but smiled, closing her eyes. "You're impossible."Ling leaned down and kissed her forehead. "And you're mine."The group laughed and teased them, but the warmth of love and friendship filled the room, making the night unforgettable.