In Your Orbit (1st Book) Completed.

Chapter 24: An Unexpected Opponent

The gym buzzed with energy, the crowd already filling the bleachers in anticipation of the volleyball finals. Lisa stood by the court, adjusting her knee pads and tying her shoelaces, her face set with determination. This was the moment she had been training for, and she felt the familiar adrenaline coursing through her veins.

Jisoo jogged over, tossing a volleyball between her hands. "You ready for this, champ?" she teased, a grin lighting up her face.

Lisa smirked, standing up and spinning the ball on her finger. "Born ready. Let's see if our rivals can handle us this time."

Just then, an announcement crackled over the loudspeaker, introducing the opposing team. Lisa and Jisoo glanced toward the entrance as the players walked in, expecting the familiar faces of their usual opponents. Instead, an unfamiliar group strode in confidently, their uniforms pristine and their presence commanding.

"Wait a second," Jisoo muttered, narrowing her eyes. "That's... that's not them."

Lisa frowned, her focus sharpening. "New team?"

Before Lisa could return to her warm-up, Jisoo grabbed her arm, her face pale with disbelief. "Lisa. Look at their captain."

Lisa turned her gaze to the center of the opposing team and froze. Leading the group was Mikaela, the poised and polished owner of the restaurant they had recently visited for Jennie's birthday celebration. She was dressed in the team's uniform, her presence exuding authority and composure.

"No way," Jisoo whispered, almost to herself. "Of all people..."

Mikaela noticed their stares from across the court and made her way over, her strides confident and graceful. Lisa and Jisoo exchanged a quick glance, unsure of what to expect.

"Lisa. Jisoo," Mikaela greeted, her voice calm and professional, yet carrying an unmistakable undertone of warmth. "It's a pleasure to see you both again."

Lisa straightened up, her competitive instincts kicking in. "Mikaela," she replied, her tone polite but cautious. "Didn't know you played volleyball."

Mikaela smiled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "I don't just play—I lead." She glanced toward her team before returning her gaze to Lisa. "We're a new addition to the league. I thought it would be a good challenge to face the reigning champions."

Jisoo cleared her throat, her unease evident. "Well, uh, this is definitely... unexpected."

Mikaela's gaze lingered on Lisa for a moment, her expression unreadable yet composed. "I've heard impressive things about your team. It'll be an honor to compete against you."

Lisa nodded, her competitive nature overriding any lingering awkwardness. "Same here. Looking forward to seeing what you've got."

Mikaela's lips curved into a small smile. "Likewise. Best of luck." She extended her hand, and Lisa shook it, noticing the firm yet elegant grip.

As Mikaela walked back to her team, Jisoo leaned in, her voice low. "Did you see that? She's totally into you. The way she was looking at you—"

Lisa rolled her eyes, though her ears turned a slight shade of red. "She's just being polite. Focus, Jisoo. Finals. Now."

"Fine, fine," Jisoo muttered, though her grin suggested she wasn't about to drop the topic anytime soon.

Lisa shook her head and jogged back to her warm-up spot, her thoughts briefly drifting to the unexpected twist of facing Mikaela as an opponent. The poised and proper woman certainly had a knack for surprises.