Orbit

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The librarian purposely coughs and gives a stern look at a group of students huddled together on a nearby table.

“Tsk. We should have picked a different spot; it’s suffocating out here” Mark complains.

“Right. Which idiot decided to sit here anyway?” Nanon asks in which Mark purses his lips towards Namtan. They both turn to her, but were surprised to see Namtan nonchalantly skimming through the pages of a book with a little smile on her face.

Their class was tasked to do a research activity at the library today. The three of them were waiting for Milk so they can start their group project.

“So, what’s with the dumb smile?” Nanon squinted at her, suspicion dripping from his tone. “Did you win the lottery or something?” he said in a hushed tone and then looking back to check if the librarian is still onto them.

Namtan ignores him, closes the book and starts tapping her fingers gently on the table. Seemingly impatient.

Mark chimed in, nudging her arm. “Or did someone confess their undying love for you overnight?”

Namtan scoffed, stuffing her hands into her pockets to hide the way her fingers itched to check her phone. “You two are so dramatic.”

“Ohhh, so there is something.” Nanon gasped. “Who is it? Do we know this guy?”

Idiots. It’s not a guy.

Mark crossed his arms, pretending to think. “I swear, you’ve been acting weird since the founding anniversary. Are you in love or something?”

Namtan rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t stop the small smirk from forming. As she was about to retort a witty comeback at Mark, a familiar figure suddenly walks past an aisle of shelves several feet ahead of them.

Namtan’s heart skipped a beat.

She was sure who that is.

After a few weeks of texting back and forth, Namtan had grown fonder of her especially after finding out that although Film is timid in person, she’s actually a little less shy and is more open in expressing her thoughts through messaging. Namtan thoroughly enjoys their little texting escapades where they can freely talk about anything under the sun not noticing the track of time.

They’ve grown closer since then.

“I’ll be right back” she tells the duo and closes her book.

The library was hushed, filled with the soft rustling of pages and the occasional quiet footsteps. Film, standing by one of the shelves, skimmed through the spines of books, her fingers tracing the titles.

“Design principles, design principles…” she mutters to herself.

“Looking for something, Nong?”

Film stiffened.

That voice—that voice—was way too close.

She turned her head slightly, already knowing who it was.

Namtan leaned lazily against the bookshelf just a step behind her, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. Her posture was relaxed, but there was a certain mischief dancing in her eyes that made Film immediately wary.

“Phi…” Film whispered, glancing around. “What are you doing here?”

“What? Can’t I be here?” Namtan tilted her head, pretending to scan the books. “I love a good…what section is this again?”

“Medical and scientific media creation” Film mumbled, hugging the book in her hands closer to her chest.

Namtan hummed. “Right. Totally what I came for.”

“Phi, are you…following me?”

“Following?” Namtan echoed in mock offense. “I was already here. You came into my section.” she flashes a knowing smile at Film.

Film bites her lip, trying to hold back a chuckle while shaking her head.

They’ve come into the teasing phase.

Film huffed, about to walk away, but Namtan’s voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Oh, by the way…” Namtan tapped her chin, pretending to recall something. “Didn’t you call me something that goes like—”

She was referring to a nickname that Film gave her after that bus ride which was "Phi'Hero"

Film whipped around so fast that her book nearly slipped from her hands. Her panicked expression was exactly what Namtan wanted.

“Shhh!!” Film pleaded; her eyes wide. “Don’t say it out loud!!”

Namtan looks at Film’s intent grip on her arm and grinned. “What? I was just gonna say—”

Film grabbed the nearest book and playfully shoved it against Namtan’s stomach.

“Phi, Stop.”

Namtan bit her lip, trying to hold back a laugh as she accepted the book, but instead of backing off, she took a step closer. Film instinctively stepped back, only to feel the bookshelf press against her.

“Your wish is my command” Namtan whispers. Film could feel the older girl’s breath near her now reddening ears. Namtan leaned in slightly—just enough to let nose gently poke at Film’s whisker dimple.

Film squeaked.

“Quiet in the library please” the librarian reminded over the PA system.

Her hands flew up to cover her mouth, mortified.

Namtan grinned victoriously.

Satisfied with her teasing, she took a step back and turned as if she was about to leave.

Then, over her shoulder, she murmured low enough just for Film to hear:

“Talk later? "

It wasn’t a question. It was a promise.

Film watched as Namtan casually slipped away between the shelves like she hadn’t just turned her entire world upside down.

Her heart thudded loudly against her ribs.

She barely noticed she was gripping the book in her hands too tightly.

“Talk later.”

She’s actually looking forward to it.

---

Unbeknownst to the two girls, a pair of eyes were watching them from an opposite aisle. Observing Namtan’s discreet little smiles, Film’s flustered reactions, and their secret glances—it was pure entertainment.

I should start charging for matchmaking services. She sends Namtan a text with a snapshot of her and Film’s silhouettes, snickering to herself.

With a smug grin, she took a sip of her taro milktea and strolls back to their table, humming to herself. Enjoying watching this slow burn unfold.

“Reminder to students – no food and drinks allowed in the library” rang the PA system.

Milk was too immersed in being her best friend’s silent supporter that she forgot to get rid of her drink before entering the premises. Panic sets in within her as she frantically searches for a trash bin. But just as she makes her way towards one, somebody collides onto her, spilling the drink on herself.

“Oh my! Kho Tohd, Kho Tohd, I’m so sorry” says the girl.

Milk didn’t even know what to say, it all happened so fast.

“I’m so sorry, these books blocked out my view and I didn’t see you walking in front of me” the girl explained.

“No, it’s okay, partly my fault, I was in a hurry” Milk surmised, setting her spilled drink aside and helping the girl pick up some of the books that fell on the floor. “Here, your books” she turns to the girl and couldn’t help but blink twice.

How pretty, is she a model?

Small in stature and petite in frame.

Long, slightly wavy, rust-colored hair cascading just above her waist.

The girl fumbles with something from her pocket and brings out a pastel-colored handkerchief which she hands over to Milk, her boba eyes full of remorse.

“I’m really sorry” she says with a slight pout and then walks away, carrying the stack of books.

Milk is left there, dumbfounded by what just happened but also brimming with curiosity. She looks at the handkerchief she was now holding, it had a tiny embroidered red heart the bottom corner and a set of initials – L.P.

Who is she? 

- 🐥See you on the next chapter 🐼-