Orbit

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The classroom was abuzz with the low hum of discussion, the scratching of pens against paper, and the occasional thud of a book being closed. 

Namtan sat at her desk, chin resting in her palm as her eyes lazily drifted toward the window. She was supposed to be taking notes, but the professor’s voice blurred into background noise.

All she could think about was the night at the jail booth.

It had been days since it happened, but the memories were fresh and vivid—Film’s calm voice, the subtle curve of her smile when she talked, the way her laugh sounded like something soft and rare.

Namtan groaned softly and scribbled aimless doodles in the corner of her notebook, she didn’t understand why she couldn’t shake this feeling. It wasn’t like her to dwell on anyone like this.

The bell rang, jarring her out of her haze.

She wandered aimlessly through the campus grounds until her steps slowed as she passed by the quieter part of campus, where the noise of students faded into birdsong and rustling leaves.

And then she saw her.

Film was sitting under a tree, on the grass with her knees drawn together. A wide, leafy canopy shaded her from the sun, its dappled light filtering through the branches and casting intricate patterns across her skin. She had a sketchpad balanced on her lap, her hand moving steadily as she drew, completely absorbed in her work.

Namtan froze, her heart skipping a beat.

Film looked… stunning.

There was no other word for it. Her hair was tucked behind her ears, a few loose strands falling delicately around her face. Her profile was serene, her brow slightly furrowed in concentration, lips parted just enough to show she was lost in thought.

Namtan’s breath caught as she noticed how peaceful Film looked—like she belonged in a painting herself, sitting there in the golden light, creating something beautiful without even trying.

As if sensing someone’s gaze, Film looked up, her eyes scanning the area until they landed on Namtan. For a moment, neither of them moved. Film blinked in surprise, then gave a small, shy smile, her head tilting slightly in acknowledgment.

Namtan felt her heart leap into her throat. She managed a hesitant wave, unsure what else to do.

Film didn’t say anything, but her smile lingered before she returned her focus to her sketchpad.

The moment felt fleeting yet significant, as if it had etched itself permanently into Namtan’s memory.

She stood there for a few more seconds, mustering up the courage she needed. Namtan opened her mouth to say something, anything, but just as she was about to speak, another voice rang out.

“Film!”

A petite girl with a cheerful smile and a stack of books tucked under one arm walked up, waving.

Namtan froze mid-step, her words dying in her throat as Film looked up and smiled warmly at her friend.

“Oh, hey, Love” Film said, setting her sketchpad aside.

Namtan hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do, but the knot of anxiety growing in her stomach made the decision for her. She turned around and walked away quickly, hoping she hadn’t been noticed.

As she rounded the corner of a building, a familiar voice made her stop dead in her tracks.

“Well, well, well,” Milk drawled, leaning against the wall with a smirk.

“What do we have here?”

Namtan groaned inwardly. “What are you doing here?” she asked, trying to sound annoyed rather than panicked.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Milk said, crossing her arms. “But I think I already know the answer.” She cocked her head, her grin widening. “Don’t tell me you were about to make a move on Miss Shady Tree over there.”

She tried to convince herself that it wasn’t that big of a deal. They’d spent the night together—well, not together—but the night had happened, and it had felt like they had connected, even if neither of them had spoken much about it since.

Namtan shifted uncomfortably, her heart racing. “It’s… it’s not like I’ve been thinking about her that much,” Namtan mumbled, avoiding Milk’s gaze. “It’s just... I don’t know. We just got stuck in that booth the other night, and now everything feels weird but in a good way, do you get me?"

Milk grinned knowingly, nudging Namtan with her elbow. “You’ve got that dreamy look in your eyes. You like her, don’t you?”

Namtan’s hands clenched at her sides, and she finally let out a long sigh. “Yeah, okay, fine. Maybe I do like her. But I don’t know what to do about it! I keep seeing her, and I want to say something, but every time I look at her, I freeze”

Milk nodded slowly, her grin fading into a more thoughtful expression. “This is new,” she said softly. “You’ve never had problems hitting on someone”

Namtan bit her lip and nodded. “I guess. I don’t know what she thinks about me. I don’t even know if she’s interested…”

Milk tilted her head, eyeing Namtan with a raised eyebrow. “Why don’t you ask her, then? Just go up and talk to her. Don’t overthink it.”

Namtan shook her head, frustration bubbling up again.

Milk placed a hand on Namtan’s arm, cutting her off. “Look. If you don’t make a move, nothing’s going to happen. If you like her, you need to say something, even if it’s just a little something to start with. Otherwise, you’re going to keep sitting here, looking like a lost puppy every time she’s near.”

Namtan nodded, the weight in her chest easing just a little. Maybe Milk was right. Maybe it was time to stop staring from a distance, time to take a chance.

- 🐥See you on the next chapter 🐼-

P.S. We are nearing their next encounter :')