Mic Drop Harmony (BINI_Aiah & Female!Reader Fanfiction)

CHAPTER 22 - AIAH

BINI basked in the golden glow of victory as the won the Rookie Group of the year that night. As Jhoanna, their leader, spoke into the microphone, her voice brimming with pride and gratitude, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirled within Aiah. The surrealness of the moment threatened to engulf her. This was their first major award, a milestone they'd all strived for with unwavering dedication. Yet, a hollowness echoed in her heart, a stark contrast to the joyous smiles plastered on the faces of her group mates.

Her gaze darted through the sea of cheering faces, searching for a familiar one. She longed to see you, to share this victory with the person who had been her rock, her confidante throughout their arduous journey. Memories of late-night practice sessions fueled by your delicious meals and the camaraderie they shared with you and your bandmates filled her mind. You weren't just a sibling group; you were their silent support system, a family, their anchor amidst the ever-churning waves of the music industry. The pang of disappointment intensified with every passing second that your face remained unseen.

She leaned towards Stacey, a silent question twisting her lips. "Have you seen her?" The worried frown and gentle headshake were all the answer she needed. Where could you be? Why were you absent on this momentous night? The unanswered question hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over their triumph.

The after-party, a whirlwind of forced smiles and congratulations, held little appeal for Aiah. Her heart yearned for the familiar comfort of the camp, for the genuine joy of sharing this accomplishment with you and your band. As they settled into a booth, Aiah watched numbly as the others ordered drinks. Jhoanna raised her glass. "To more awards!" she declared, a toast met with cheers and enthusiastic chants of "To BINI!" Aiah remained silent, drowning in a sea of conflicting emotions.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the crowd, approaching their booth. "Hi," the young man greeted the group, his eyes lingering on Aiah.

"Joao," Aiah mumbled, barely a whisper, feeling a wave of unease wash over her. The girls turned their heads, curiosity flickering in their eyes. She rose from the booth, a forced smile plastered on her face as she met his greeting. Stacey and Colet exchanged a knowing glance, their eyes rolling ever so subtly.

A desperate despair bloomed in Aiah's chest – she hope that you hadn't yet stumbled upon the interview. She needed time, time to explain, to make you understand. Before coming to the interview, she'd been pressured into agreeing to a public relationship – a decision fueled by desperation and a yearning for a sense of normalcy amidst the grueling demands of their careers. The weight of deception gnawed at her, the fear of your potential reaction a constant cloud hanging over her head.

Joao, oblivious to the turmoil brewing within her, extended an invitation. "Do you want to get on the dance floor?" he asked with a playful nudge. Aiah shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm too tired," she lied, the energy for revelry completely absent.

"Oh gusto mo na ba umuwi? I can take you," he offered, a hint of disappointment tingling his voice. With another negative shake of her head, she murmured a polite excuse. Joao, albeit confused, simply shrugged his shoulders. "Alright, well," he said, a hint of concern in his eyes, "enjoy the night. And remember, we have a date tomorrow." He winked at Aiah, a gesture that felt hollow and forced, before waving at the girls and disappearing into the throng.

Aiah sank back into her seat, a sigh escaping her lips. Frustration gnawed at her, her hands rubbing her face in a futile attempt to erase the weariness that had settled upon her.

Stacey, leaned in, her voice laced with concern. "What's your plan, Aiah?"

Aiah looked up, her eyes filled with despair. "Do you think Y/N will be mad?" she whispered, her voice cracking.