In Your Orbit (1st Book) Completed.

Chapter 4: A Quiet Shift

Jennie sat on the edge of her bed, her eyes flicking between the clock on her phone and the message Alex had sent earlier that morning.

10 a.m., at the mall. Just lunch, I promise. Nothing more.

It wasn't that she didn't trust Alex; it was just...odd. Jennie wasn't used to situations like these, the unspoken tension that hung in the air whenever people showed interest in her. She had always leaned on Lisa in those moments, brushing it off with jokes or banter. But this—this was something she couldn't shrug off so easily. Her thumb hovered over the screen as she debated whether or not to go.

The clock read 9:45 a.m.

She sighed, finally sliding off her bed and heading to her closet. "It's just lunch," she muttered to herself, pulling out a casual outfit. "I can't leave Alex hanging. It's harmless, right?"

By the time she arrived at the mall, the weight of her decision still clung to her shoulders. Jennie's heart thumped a little faster as she scanned the entrance for Alex, who was standing near a bench, casually dressed but looking surprisingly put-together.

Alex caught sight of her and grinned, walking up with a playful tone, "Honestly, I thought you weren't going to show up. For a second, I was already planning an escape route."

Jennie chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You seriously think I'd stand you up?"

"Hey, can't blame me for wondering," Alex replied with a shrug. "So, what are you in the mood for? Pizza? Sushi?"

Jennie thought for a second before surprising even herself with her answer. "Thai food, actually."

Alex blinked, taken aback but quickly recovering with a smile. "Thai food, huh? Bold choice. Alright, let's go. I know a good spot nearby."

The restaurant was warm and cozy, with the soft scent of spices lingering in the air. Jennie found herself relaxing a bit, the initial awkwardness of the situation slowly dissipating as they talked. Alex, to her credit, was good company. There was no pressure, no hidden agenda, just casual conversation between two people enjoying a meal together.

"You've always liked the unexpected, haven't you?" Alex said with a grin, taking a bite of her Pad Thai.

Jennie smiled, surprised at how comfortable she was feeling. "I guess I do. You know, I didn't expect this to be so... easy. I thought it would be more awkward."

"That's my secret talent," Alex joked. "I make awkward situations less awkward."

Jennie laughed, the tension she had been carrying all morning finally beginning to lift. Alex's intentions were as pure as she had promised—just lunch, nothing more. And after they finished eating, Alex kept her word.

"As promised," Alex said, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied sigh, "just lunch. Though, I was tempted to ask you to watch a movie with me." She smiled sheepishly. "But a deal's a deal."

Jennie was touched by the honesty. "Thanks for being true to your word, Alex. I had a lot of fun."

Alex smiled, standing up from the table. "I'm glad. Hey, before we part ways, can we take a quick picture? Just a memory of today. Don't worry, I'll keep a respectful distance. Promise."

Jennie considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, why not?"

Alex took out her phone and, as promised, kept a respectable distance as they posed for the photo. No awkward closeness, no lingering looks—just a genuine, friendly moment. After snapping the picture, Jennie thanked Alex again before they went their separate ways.