In Your Orbit (1st Book) Completed.

Part 5: Caught in a daydream

The sun had begun its slow descent, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink as the career fair wrapped up. Irene, Seulgi, and Mikaela strolled toward Jennie's school, their pace relaxed as they chatted idly about the day's events. The air was alive with the sounds of students milling about, excitedly discussing the future opportunities they'd explored.

Mikaela, however, was in another world entirely. Her hands gripped the strap of her bag, her mind replaying a moment that had been on an endless loop since it happened—when Lisa had caught her earlier.

The way Lisa's strong arms had steadied her, the brief but undeniable gentleness in her eyes before she'd quickly let go—it was maddening. Mikaela felt like her heart was on a rollercoaster, flipping and turning every time the memory surfaced.

Why does she have to be so... perfect? Mikaela thought, her cheeks flushing a deep pink. The way Lisa had apologized, twice even, had sent her stomach into knots. It was almost absurd how her simple touch had left such an imprint on her.

Irene noticed Mikaela's silence and smirked knowingly. "Uh-oh, Seul. Look who's off in la-la land again."

Seulgi tilted her head, looking over at Mikaela, whose dreamy expression was hard to miss. She grinned, nudging Irene. "Someone's got it bad. Mika, are you even listening to us?"

Mikaela blinked rapidly, snapping out of her trance. "Huh? What?"

Irene and Seulgi burst into laughter, their teasing hitting full force.

"Oh, don't 'huh' us," Irene teased, her voice dripping with mock sternness. "You've been quiet the whole way. Let me guess..." She leaned in with a sly smile. "Thinking about a certain someone, maybe?"

Mikaela's blush deepened, and she looked away, trying to compose herself. "I'm not," she muttered unconvincingly.

"Not?" Seulgi scoffed. "You've been walking like you're floating on air. I'd bet my lunch you were replaying that whole Lisa-catching-you moment in your head."

Mikaela groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Can you both stop?"

"Why should we?" Irene said, laughing as she looped an arm around Mikaela's shoulders. "You're adorable when you're flustered. I mean, Lisa literally caught you like some scene out of a romantic drama. How can we not talk about it?"

"Exactly!" Seulgi chimed in. "And let's not forget the way you looked at her after. Mika, you were like a little girl seeing her crush for the first time."

Mikaela sighed, but her lips betrayed her with a small, shy smile. "I can't help it," she admitted quietly. "She's just... she's so cool and kind of intimidating, but also—ugh, I don't know."

"Adorable when she's flustered?" Irene suggested, her grin widening.

"Effortlessly charming?" Seulgi added with a wink.

"Stop!" Mikaela exclaimed, laughing despite herself.

"You're not denying it, though," Irene pointed out, her voice sing-song.

Mikaela bit her lip, unable to stop her heart from fluttering at the memory of Lisa's touch. She sighed again, this time with a dreamy edge. "I hate that you're right."

"Don't hate it," Seulgi said, tossing an arm over Mikaela's other shoulder. "Embrace it. Who knows? Maybe one day, Lisa will notice how much you like her."

Irene, ever the voice of wisdom, added, "Just don't let it consume you, Mika. If you like her, fine, but remember—Lisa's got Jennie. Don't get caught in something that'll hurt you later."

Mikaela's smile faltered slightly at Irene's words, but she nodded. "I know," she said softly, her voice tinged with a mix of longing and acceptance.

The three continued their walk, Irene and Seulgi easing the mood with light jokes, while Mikaela kept her thoughts to herself. I just need to enjoy what I have right now. Even if it's only from a distance, she thought, her heart heavy but hopeful.