Echoes of Red [BINI AU]

Chapter 1

Third Person's Point of View

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains of Mikha Lim's bedroom, casting a warm glow over the room. As the sun rose higher in the sky, the gentle rays danced across Mikha's face, gradually coaxing her out of her slumber.

"Mikha, anak, gising na," came a gentle voice from the doorway.

Mikha stirred, blinking sleepily as she slowly emerged from the depths of her dreams. She squinted against the brightness of the room, turning towards the source of the voice.

Standing in the doorway was Mikha's mother, a warm smile on her face as she watched her daughter rouse from sleep. "Come on, sweetheart, it's time to start the day," she said, her voice soft but firm.

Mikha groaned, burying her face in her pillow as she tried to ignore the persistent call to wakefulness. "Mama, just five more minutes," she mumbled, her words muffled by the fabric.

Her mother chuckled indulgently, crossing the room to sit on the edge of Mikha's bed. "You know the rules, Mikha. Early bird catches the worm," she said, gently shaking Mikha's shoulder. "Besides, you don't want to be late for school again."

Reluctantly, Mikha cracked open one eye, peering up at her mother through a tangle of sleep-mussed hair. "Fine, fine," she grumbled, pushing herself into a sitting position. "But only because you asked so nicely."

Her mother laughed, leaning in to press a kiss to Mikha's forehead. "That's my baby," she said, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Now, hurry up and get ready. Breakfast is almost ready, and you don't want to miss it."

With a resigned sigh, Mikha swung her legs out of bed and began to shuffle towards the bathroom. As she washed her face and brushed her teeth, she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the love and warmth that filled her home.

With her mother's gentle encouragement echoing in her ears, Mikha knew that no matter what the day held in store, she would face it with courage and determination. And with a final glance at her reflection in the mirror, she straightened her shoulders and prepared to greet the day head-on.

As Mikha finished getting ready for the day, she heard the familiar chime of her phone from the bedside table. With a towel wrapped around her shoulders, she hurried over to check the message.

It was from Sheena.

Sheena: Loe! Rise and shine, girl. Are you all set to pick me up? Don't forget your keys this time ha! 

Mikha smiled fondly at Sheena's message. Sheena may be like a younger sister to her, but she had a way of brightening up her day with her playful antics. Quickly, she typed out a response.

Mikha: Hey Shee! Yeah, I'm almost ready. Just need to grab my bag and I'll be on my way. See you in a bit!

As she hit send, Mikha couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for Sheena. Ever since they had met, Sheena had been like a little sister to her, always there to offer support and encouragement whenever she needed it.

Sheena's reply came almost instantly.

Sheena: Great! Bilisan mo, Teh. Ang init kasi here sa labas,, Hurry up, slowpoke!

Mikha chuckled at Sheena's playful jab. Sheena may be younger, but she had a way of keeping Mikha on her toes. With a final glance at herself in the mirror, Mikha grabbed her bag and headed out the door, excited to spend the day with her dear friend.

But as she reached the kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of her mother's cooking filled the air, reminding her of the breakfast waiting for her on the table. Mikha's stomach rumbled in response, and she realized that she couldn't leave without grabbing a bite to eat.

Quickly, she made her way to the table and grabbed a plate, piling it high with the delicious food her mother had prepared. With a grateful smile, she thanked her mother for the meal before rushing out the door, determined not to keep Sheena waiting any longer.

As she made her way down the street towards Sheena's house, Mikha couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her. With her stomach full and her best friend by her side, she knew that today was going to be a good day.

As she made her way down the street towards Sheena's house, Mikha couldn't help but feel grateful for the bond she shared with Sheena. She may be like a little sister to Mikha, but she was also one of her closest friends, someone she could always rely on no matter what. As she rounded the corner and spotted Sheena waiting for her on the sidewalk, Mikha couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness. With Sheena by her side, she knew that today was going to be a good day.

As Mikha approached Sheena, she could see the pout forming on her younger friend's face.

"Ang bagal mo talagang kumilos, nagugutom na yung tao eh," Sheena complained, her stomach audibly growling.

Mikha chuckled, understanding Sheena's hunger all too well. "Sorry, bebe. I had to make sure I didn't forget anything this time."

Sheena rolled her eyes playfully. "Sure, blame it on the keys."

Reaching into her bag, Mikha pulled out a neatly wrapped sandwich. "Here, I brought you something to eat. Mom made it specially for you."

Sheena's eyes lit up with delight as she eagerly took the sandwich. "Aw, Tita is so thoughtful talaga. Ako talaga ang anak niya sa'ting dalawa."

Mikha smiled warmly at her younger friend. "No problem, Shee. Anything for my favorite bunso."

Time passed by, Mikha, and Sheena made their way to the university, and they fell into their familiar rhythm of banter and laughter. Despite the weight of their upcoming midterms hanging over them, they couldn't help but enjoy each other's company.

"So, how's studying for your midterms going, Shee?" Mikha asked, glancing over at her friend.

Sheena let out a dramatic groan. "Ugh, don't even get me started. I swear, Ate. If I have to write one more line of code, mababaliw na ako."

Mikha chuckled sympathetically. "I feel you. Anatomy has been kicking my butt lately. But hey, at least we're in this together, diba?"

Sheena grinned. "Right. It's nice knowing na hindi lang ako ang nalulunod sa mga assignments and exams."

As they approached the university gates, Mikha and Sheena parted ways, each heading to their respective buildings. Mikha settled into her seat in the lecture hall, she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Sheena's friendship. Even though they were pursuing different paths, Sheena had always been there for her, offering encouragement and companionship whenever she needed it most.

Even though she's not a fan of people talking to her, she can't deny the fact that she liked the younger girl's company.

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Author's Note:

If some of you are wondering why the story changed, I changed the plot, because I feel like the previous one is very rocky. Hope you guys will understand. Thank you.

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