In Your Orbit (1st Book)

Chapter 1: The First Day

The first day of senior year was always a mix of excitement and nerves. Jennie Kim loved it, and as she pushed open the school's front doors, the familiar rush of energy hit her like a tidal wave. Students were scattered across the hallways, chatting in their usual cliques. The atmosphere buzzed with the promise of a fresh start. For most people, it was just another school year, but for Jennie, it felt like the beginning of something special.

"Morning, Jennie!" a group of students called out, waving enthusiastically.

Jennie smiled back, her warm gaze lighting up her face. "Good morning!" she chimed, her voice carrying that natural sweetness everyone adored.

Jennie was that girl—the one everyone liked, no matter who they were. Popular, but never arrogant. Kind, but never naive. And right behind her, walking at a slower, more deliberate pace, was Lisa Manoban. In contrast to Jennie's sunny energy, Lisa carried herself with a laid-back coolness that made her stand out in her own way. She had one hand in her pocket, the other clutching a volleyball, her long stride relaxed and unbothered.

"Looks like your fan club is out in full force this morning," Lisa said, her tone teasing but affectionate as they made their way through the bustling halls.

Jennie turned to her best friend with a playful laugh. "Don't start," she giggled, brushing her hand through her silky black hair. "It's not like I asked for all this attention."

"No, but you sure make it easy for them," Lisa quipped, her lips twitching into a small smirk. She was used to Jennie being the center of attention. Over the years, she'd become Jennie's unofficial bodyguard, always keeping a watchful eye from the sidelines.

They reached their lockers, which were conveniently next to each other, just like they had been every year. Jennie started unpacking her bag, humming softly to herself as Lisa leaned casually against her locker door, spinning the volleyball in her hand.

A few students passed by, and Jennie gave them her signature bright smile. One boy, clearly flustered, tried to say hello but stammered through his words. Lisa watched the exchange with a knowing chuckle, leaning in to whisper, "That's number two already, and it's only first period."

Jennie laughed, closing her locker with a soft click. "I don't even notice anymore," she admitted, turning to face Lisa. "I think I'm just used to everyone being friendly."

"Friendly," Lisa repeated, arching a brow. "Right. Friendly. Sure, that's what it is." She pushed off her locker with an amused shake of her head.

Jennie nudged her playfully. "I'm serious! Not everyone is in love with me, you know."

"Could've fooled me," Lisa shot back, her eyes twinkling with humor. But as the teasing continued, Lisa's chest tightened slightly. She hid it well behind her usual smirk, but there was always that small tug whenever Jennie brushed off the obvious admiration she received. It wasn't jealousy exactly—it was more like... longing. A feeling Lisa had been shoving down for as long as she could remember.

Before Jennie could reply, a voice called out from behind them. "Jennie! Lisa!"

They both turned to see Jisoo, one of their close friends, waving at them as she approached. Jisoo was cheerful as ever, her eyes crinkling with warmth. "Senior year, huh?" she said, falling into step beside them. "Can you believe we've made it this far?"

Jennie grinned. "I know, right? Feels like just yesterday we were nervous freshmen, trying to figure out where all the classrooms were."

"Speak for yourself," Lisa chimed in. "I wasn't nervous."

"Right, because you're just too cool for that," Jisoo teased, nudging Lisa's shoulder.

Lisa shrugged. "Exactly."

They continued walking down the hallway together, talking about their summer breaks and their excitement for the year ahead. As they passed through the main courtyard, more students waved at Jennie, a few offering shy smiles. One girl even approached her with a hesitant, "Jennie, um, could I borrow your notes from last semester? You're, like, really good at biology."

Jennie responded with her usual kindness. "Of course! Just let me know what chapter you need, and I'll bring them tomorrow."

As the girl walked away, Jisoo leaned toward Lisa and muttered, "I swear, everyone has a crush on her."

Lisa didn't respond, but she felt that familiar tightness again. Of course they did. How could they not?

Just then, a group of boys from the volleyball team jogged over. "Lisa!" one of them called out, "We need to practice later, right?"

"Yeah, after school," Lisa replied coolly, turning her attention to them for a moment. "Meet me in the gym at four."

The boys nodded and hurried off, leaving Lisa with her friends once more. Jisoo grinned. "Looks like you've got your own fan club too, Lisa."

"Not the same," Lisa said, casting a quick glance at Jennie, who was too busy responding to another student to notice.

The bell rang, and students began filing into their classrooms. Jennie turned to Lisa with a smile. "See you at lunch?"

"Yeah, see you," Lisa nodded, watching Jennie disappear into her first class. As she stood there in the hallway, now much quieter, Lisa let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

She turned her head and looked out the window at the bright morning sky. The year had only just begun, but somehow, it already felt like it would be a different one. Lisa could feel it—the subtle shift in the air, the way her heart seemed to beat a little faster whenever Jennie was near.

Senior year, Lisa thought, slinging her bag over her shoulder and heading to class. Let's see what you've got.