In Your Orbit (1st Book)

Chapter 12: A Line Crossed

 Jennie could still feel the tension lingering between them, even as they tried to return to a more casual atmosphere. Just as Jennie was about to suggest they head back to the festival, Lisa's phone buzzed in her pocket.

Lisa glanced at the screen and read the message from one of her teammates. The volleyball coach was calling for an urgent meeting about their upcoming game. She sighed and looked at Jennie apologetically.

"I've got to go meet with the team for a bit," Lisa said, tucking her phone back in her pocket. "But I'll be back before you know it, okay?"

Jennie frowned, the usual worry creasing her features. "You're still sick, Lisa. Are you sure you're up for it?"

Lisa chuckled softly and pressed a quick kiss to Jennie's forehead. "I'm fine. I promise. Just a quick meeting. Don't worry, I'll come right back to you."

Reluctantly, Jennie nodded. "Okay... Just don't push yourself too hard, alright?"

"I won't," Lisa replied with a wink before jogging off in the direction of the gym.

As soon as Lisa disappeared from view, Alex saw her opportunity. She turned to Jennie, her gaze more intense than usual. They roamed the school grounds for a while, but Jennie remained distant, polite but cold, keeping their conversations short. The weight of unspoken words hung in the air between them, thick with tension.

Jisoo and Rose suddenly appeared, waving excitedly as they passed by. "We're heading to the haunted house again!" Jisoo called out with a grin. "You two coming?"

Jennie smiled, but shook her head. "Maybe later. Go have fun, though!"

With that, Jisoo and Rose disappeared into the crowd, leaving Jennie alone with Alex. The silence between them felt heavy, and Alex could no longer hold back her growing frustration. She reached out, grabbing Jennie by the wrist.

"Alex!" Jennie yelped, trying to pull her hand away, but Alex's grip tightened painfully.

"Come with me," Alex muttered, her voice low, dragging Jennie away from the festival and toward the back of the school where no one could see them. Jennie winced, clutching her wrist where Alex's grip had turned rough.

They arrived at a secluded part of the school grounds, hidden behind an old storage shed, far from the noise of the festival. Jennie rubbed her wrist, which had turned red from Alex's hold. "What are you doing?" Jennie demanded, her tone sharper than before.

"I'm sorry," Alex muttered, releasing her grip. She took a deep breath, running a hand through her hair. "I just... I can't get a moment to talk to you properly because Lisa's always there."

Jennie crossed her arms, taking a step back. Her patience was wearing thin. "And what's so important that you had to drag me out here, Alex?"

Alex's eyes flashed with frustration. "What's going on between you and Lisa?"

Jennie's heart pounded in her chest. She'd had enough of this. She took a deep breath, the words spilling out of her before she could stop herself. "I love Lisa, Alex. That's what's going on. I love her."

Alex blinked, stunned into silence for a moment, before her frustration turned into something darker. "I knew it," she muttered, her voice low, dangerous. "I knew something was going on between you two."

"Stop it, Alex," Jennie said, stepping back, her patience at its limit. "Just stop. This isn't about you."

As Jennie turned to leave, Alex's hand slammed against the wall beside her, blocking her way. Jennie froze, her pulse racing as she tried to back away, but Alex was too quick. She mirrored the action on the other side, trapping Jennie between her arms.

"Alex, what are you doing?" Jennie asked, her voice shaky now.

"I can be better than her, Jennie," Alex whispered, her voice trembling with desperation. "Just give me a chance."

Jennie shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "Alex... please don't do this."

But before Alex could say another word, Lisa's voice rang out behind them. "Jennie!"

Both of them froze, turning toward the sound. Lisa stood a few feet away, her eyes blazing with anger. She had been frantically searching for Jennie after realizing she wasn't answering her phone. Jisoo and Rose had casually mentioned that Jennie had gone off with Alex, and the pit of unease in Lisa's stomach had only grown. When one of the students pointed her toward the back of the school, Lisa ran, her gut twisting with dread.

And now, seeing Jennie trapped against the wall, Lisa's blood boiled.

Without thinking, Lisa rushed forward, grabbing Alex by the collar and yanking her away from Jennie. The force of it sent Alex stumbling backward, falling onto the ground. Lisa loomed over her, her fists clenched, her body tense with rage.

"Don't you ever touch her again," Lisa growled, her voice low and dangerous. "I don't care if I get expelled—if you lay a hand on Jennie again, I'll make sure you regret it."

Alex looked up at Lisa, stunned, before she scrambled to her feet, fear flickering in her eyes. She didn't say another word as she backed away, her hands trembling.

Lisa turned immediately to Jennie, her anger melting into concern as she saw the tears in Jennie's eyes. "Jennie, are you okay?" she asked softly, cupping Jennie's face in her hands, her thumb brushing away a tear.

Jennie nodded, her voice shaky. "It's just my wrist... I'm okay, Lisa."

Lisa gently took Jennie's wrist, wincing at the red mark left by Alex's grip. Her heart clenched at the sight, guilt washing over her. "I'm not leaving you alone again," Lisa whispered, pulling Jennie into a tight hug. "Never again."

Jennie buried her face in Lisa's shoulder, her body trembling slightly as she held onto her tightly. After a moment, Lisa pulled back, taking Jennie's hand in hers. She looked into her eyes, her tone soft but firm. "Let's go."

With that, Lisa intertwined her fingers with Jennie's and led her away from the secluded spot, leaving Alex behind in the shadows. The weight of what had just happened still hung in the air, but as they walked away, Jennie felt a sense of safety return as Lisa's warm hand held hers tightly, never letting go.