In Your Orbit (1st Book) Completed.

Chapter 27: Prom Prep

The hallways buzzed with excitement as students hustled to prepare for prom, hanging streamers, arranging tables, and chatting animatedly. Jennie stood by the lockers, her eyes scanning the colorful decorations. A soft smile tugged at her lips, watching the enthusiasm around her. Despite the cheerful energy, her mind wandered to a single question: Will Lisa ask me to prom?

Before her thoughts could spiral further, Lisa appeared in her line of sight, holding a large bundle of balloons. Her mask and hat from the previous escapade were long gone, replaced by her easygoing smile that made Jennie's heart skip a beat.

"Hey, babe," Lisa greeted, adjusting the balloons in her arms. "Where am I putting these?"

Jennie blinked, momentarily distracted by how effortlessly charming Lisa looked even while doing something as mundane as carrying decorations. Composing herself, she pointed toward a group of students by the staircase. "Just over there with Kelly," she replied with a smile.

Lisa gave her a quick nod. "Got it," she said, turning to head in the direction Jennie had indicated.

Jennie's gaze lingered on Lisa's retreating figure, her mind once again wandering. Is she planning something? She hasn't said anything yet, but maybe... The thought filled her with anticipation and a hint of nervousness.

Her musings were abruptly interrupted when Rose suddenly grabbed her wrist.

"Come on, Jennie!" Rose said excitedly, tugging her toward the other side of the hallway. "We need you to check out the progress on the backdrop!"

Jennie let out a small laugh, allowing herself to be dragged away, though her eyes darted once more to where Lisa had gone. Something about the way Lisa had smiled earlier told her there might be more to come.

And she couldn't wait to find out.

Lisa crouched beside Kelly, carefully untangling a string of balloons as they worked together to finish the decorations. The hum of chatter filled the hallway, blending with the occasional squeak of balloons rubbing together. Suddenly, a loud pop echoed, making Lisa jerk back and drop the string she was holding.

"Jesus!" Lisa exclaimed, staring at the popped balloon on the floor.

Kelly covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laugh, but her amusement got the better of her. "The tough Lisa Manoban... scared by a balloon?" she teased, her grin widening.

Lisa immediately straightened up, brushing off her reaction. "No, I wasn't scared!" she insisted, crossing her arms. "It was just loud, that's all." She added a shrug for effect, attempting to look unbothered.

Kelly raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Uh-huh," she said, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm. "Sure, Lisa."

Lisa tried to ignore her teasing, focusing back on tying a new balloon. Kelly leaned closer, her expression softening.

"You know," Kelly began, "I can see why so many people talk about you the way they do."

Lisa glanced up, confused. "What do you mean?"

Kelly smiled knowingly, twisting a balloon string in her hand. "The way people say just talking to you feels like being on cloud nine. You're a genuine person, Lisa. What's there not to like about you?"

Lisa blinked, caught off guard by the compliment. A sheepish smile tugged at her lips, and she scratched the back of her neck. "Uh... well, I don't know about all that," she mumbled, her usual confidence wavering.

Kelly shook her head with a laugh. "See? Even now, you're humble about it. That's exactly why they say it."

Lisa chuckled awkwardly, unsure how to respond. "Uh, thanks... I guess?"