Echoes of Red [BINI AU]

Chapter 2

Mikha's Point of View

After what seemed like an eternity of taking notes and listening to the professor, the lecture finally ended, and I quickly gathered my belongings. As I was making my way out of the lecture hall, I felt her phone buzz in my pocket.

It was a message from Sheena.

Sheena: Hey Mikha, feeling a bit dizzy. Think I'm gonna head to the clinic. Can you meet me there, ate?

It wasn't uncommon for Sheena to experience bouts of dizziness or weakness, but it always left me worried nonetheless.

Mikha: Of course, bebe. Katatapos lang din ng class namin. I'll be there ASAP. 

As I hurried towards the clinic to meet Sheena, my thoughts consumed with worry, I accidentally bumped into someone in the crowded hallway. My momentum halted abruptly as I stumbled backward, my heart racing with surprise.

"Sorry!" I exclaimed, steadying myself and offering a sheepish smile to the person I'd bumped into.

The girl I'd collided with looked equally startled, her eyes wide with surprise. "No worries," she replied, her voice soft but tinged with curiosity as she took in my flustered appearance.

I quickly brushed off my clothes, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up my cheeks. "I'm in a bit of a rush," I explained hastily, gesturing towards the direction of the clinic. "My friend isn't feeling well, and I need to meet her there."

Understanding flickered in the girl's eyes, and she nodded sympathetically. "Hope she feels better soon," she said, offering me a small smile of encouragement.

"Thanks," I replied gratefully, relieved by her understanding. With a final nod of farewell, I hurried off towards the clinic, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of Sheena's well-being.

As I entered the clinic, I scanned the room anxiously, searching for any sign of Sheena. Spotting her sitting in one of the chairs, I quickly made my way over to her side.

"Shee, ano na naman ba kinain mo other than mom's sandwich? Saan ka ba nagpunta, ha?" I asked, my voice filled with concern as I knelt beside her.

Sheena looked up at me with a weak smile. "Uhm..hello muna? nanay? Anyways yes, I'm okay. Just feeling a bit dizzy."

I reached out to feel her forehead, checking for any signs of fever. "You should've messaged me sooner. I would've come to get you right away," I scolded gently, my worry for her evident in my tone.

Sheena shrugged, her shoulders sagging with fatigue. "I didn't want to bother you. I thought mawawala rin kanina eh."

I sighed, knowing all too well how stubborn Sheena could be when it came to her health. "You should've known better than to tough it out on your own," I chided, though my words were softened by the concern in my voice.

Just then, the student nurse came and approached us, a warm smile on her face. "Oh, hello, Sheena. How are you feeling?"

Tsk.

Sheena managed a small smile in return. "Hello, just a bit dizzy. Nothing too serious, I hope."

Gwen nodded, her expression sympathetic. "Let's get you checked out, just to be safe."

As Gwen led Sheena to one of the examination rooms, I followed close behind, my protective instincts kicking into overdrive. Though I tried to mask it with a polite smile, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over me at the sight of Gwen.

Sheena and Gwen exchanged a few words in hushed tones as they disappeared into the room, leaving me to wait anxiously outside. My mind raced with worry, but beneath it all, a flicker of jealousy burned quietly in the depths of my heart.

I tried to push aside the irrational feeling, reminding myself that Gwen was simply doing her job. But the memory of their past lingered in the back of my mind, casting a shadow over my thoughts.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment towards Gwen, even though I knew it was unfair. Sheena had moved on from their relationship long ago, and I had no right to judge her for it.

But still, the thought of Gwen being so intimately involved in Sheena's care left a bitter taste in my mouth. I clenched my fists in frustration, wishing I could banish the irrational feelings that threatened to consume me.

As I waited anxiously for Sheena's return, a million thoughts raced through my mind. But amidst the chaos of my emotions, one thing remained clear: I would always be there to protect Sheena, no matter what.

Especially ako lang ang meron siya ngayon.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Sheena emerged from the examination room, her expression weary but relieved. I rushed to her side, my concern spiking anew at the sight of her pale complexion.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, my voice soft with worry as I gently guided her towards a nearby chair.

Sheena managed a tired smile, her eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and exhaustion. "Better, now that Gwen's checked me out. Turns out it was just a bout of vertigo."

I nodded, relieved to hear that it was nothing serious. "Thank goodness, yari ako kay mama kung may mangyari man sa'yo," I murmured.

"Ang oa mo, 'di mo rin naman mac-control nangyayari sa katawan ko." Felt like may tinatago siya sa'kin, but then Gwen approached us once more, a warm smile on her face. "I'm glad to hear you're feeling better, Sheena. Don't hesitate to come back if you need anything."

Sheena thanked her with a nod, her gaze lingering on Gwen for a moment longer than necessary. I felt a pang of discomfort at the sight, but I forced myself to push it aside.

"Thank you, Gwen," I said, mustering a polite smile despite the turmoil of emotions swirling inside me.

Gwen returned my smile, her gaze lingering on me for a moment before she turned to attend to her other duties. As she walked away, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the easy familiarity between her and Sheena.

But as Sheena leaned on me for support, her trust in me evident in the way she clung to my arm, I knew that our bond was stronger than any past relationship could ever be.

Hays, buhay nga naman.

-