Mic Drop Harmony (BINI_Aiah & Female!Reader Fanfiction)

CHAPTER 8 - DATE NIGHT

The insistent chirping of the alarm clock shattered the remnants of your sleep. Groaning, you fumbled for it, blinking away the remnants of dreams that lingered just out of reach. 8:00 AM. It felt early, especially considering the late-night talks and shared anxieties with Aiah the night before.

You dragged yourself out of bed, the stiffness in your muscles a stark reminder of yesterday's training. A quick shower helped wash away the lingering fatigue, and you headed downstairs, the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast a welcome invitation.

Donny had already cooked breakfast. Zild and Syd were engrossed in a heated NBA game on the PS5, their brows furrowed in competitive concentration. As you entered the room, Donny spared you a quick glance and a mumbled, "Y/N, kumain ka na. May tinira kaming ulam for you."

A slight pang of loneliness tugged at your heart. It felt strange, the house suddenly empty without the girls' usual vibrant presence. You learned later from Syd that Colet, Mikha, Maloi, and Gwen had opted to spend their much-needed rest day with their families. The others, apparently, had gone to the mall.

"Too early for the mall," you muttered under your breath, the comment lost in the excited shouts and controller clicks emanating from the PS5. You sat down at the table, picking at your food with a lack of enthusiasm. Did Aiah join the mall trip as well? You stole a glance towards your bandmates, but they remained enthralled by the virtual basketball game, oblivious to your silent question.

With a sigh, you finished your breakfast, the quiet weighing heavily on you. "Hey, guys," you announced, forcing a lightness into your voice. "I'll be heading out for a bit this afternoon. Date night, you know?"

Donny finally tore his gaze away from the screen, a wide grin splitting his face. "Finally decided to make a move, huh?" he teased, earning a playful swat from Zild. You chuckled, a blush creeping up your cheeks.

Aiah actually did the first move. But you didn't say that outloud.

After finishing your meal, you took a quick drive to the nearest flower shop. Sunflowers – bright, cheerful, and undeniably optimistic – felt like the perfect choice. You made arrangements to pick them up later in the afternoon, leaving them in the capable hands of the florist.

Next stop, a salon. You figured a little pre-date pampering wouldn't hurt. By 3:00 PM, your hair was perfectly styled, a feeling of renewed confidence blooming within you. Picking up the vibrant bouquet of sunflowers, you returned to the camp, a nervous excitement thrumming through your veins. Yet, as you searched for Aiah throughout the afternoon, a gnawing worry began to take root. You hadn't seen her all morning. Where could she be?

The afternoon stretched before you, a vast expanse of empty time. You texted Stacey, your worry gnawing at the edges of your excitement.

YOU: San kayo?

YOU: Anong oras kayo uuwi?

No answer. The silence in the camp house pressed in on you, amplifying the nervous flutter in your stomach.

You decided against searching for them, a strange premonition keeping you rooted to the spot. Just then, you spotted Jhoanna on the balcony, a splash of color against the dull afternoon. Relief washed over you as you called out to her.

"Jho!" Your voice echoed across the house. She turned, a surprised look crossing her face before morphing into a friendly wave.

"Have you seen Aiah?" you blurted out, apprehension tightening your throat. Jhoanna shook her head, her voice apologetic.

"Nope," she said, "She left with Stacey for the mall kaninang umaga."

You nodded, disappointment settling in your gut like a lead weight. But a sliver of hope remained.  Maybe they'd be back soon.