Mic Drop Harmony (BINI_Aiah & Female!Reader Fanfiction)

CHAPTER 14 - RECONNECT

The bell above the door chimed a cheerful melody as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air while you entered the cafe, the familiar scent a welcome distraction from the churning emotions within you. You scanned the tables, your eyes immediately catching the flash of a familiar smile. It was Stacey, perched at a corner table, a mug cradled in her hands. A surge of warmth flooded your chest as you approached her.

The moment she saw you, her face lit up. Before you could even reach the table, she was up, arms outstretched for a hug. The warmth of her embrace was like a balm to your soul, a silent testament to the bond that still existed between you, despite the year of silence.

"Oh my God, Y/N," she exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion. "I missed you so much."

You returned the hug tightly, the familiar scent of her perfume triggering a wave of bittersweet nostalgia. "I missed you too, Staks," you whispered, using the childhood nickname that still sent shivers down your spine.

Pulling back slightly, she ushered you towards the empty seat across from her. "I already ordered you your favorite," she said, a playful glint in her eyes. "Mocha latte, right? Hope it's still the same."

A genuine smile bloomed on your face. It had been a year, a year of immense personal turmoil, yet Stacey still remembered such a seemingly insignificant detail. "Of course it is," you replied, your voice thick with gratitude.

The conversation flowed initially, albeit laced with a subtle undercurrent of tension. You exchanged basic updates, Stacey chattering about the stresses of her current job while you offered vague reassurances about your own well-being. The truth, however, lay heavy on your tongue – the persistent rumor about Aiah. You desperately wanted to ask Stacey for confirmation, a part of you hoping she might debunk it, another part dreading the possibility that it could be true.

"So, how are you?" Stacey asked, her gaze searching your face. You could see the flicker of concern in her eyes, a tear threatening to spill over the rim. You forced a smile, the lie tasting bitter on your tongue. "Good," you replied, your voice unconvincing even to your own ears.

The silence that followed your response stretched, filled with unspoken questions. Finally, Stacey spoke, a hint of desperation creeping into her voice. "That's good to hear," she said, a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes gracing her lips. Your coffee arrived, a welcome distraction as you took a sip, the hot beverage momentarily stealing the focus away from the emotional storm brewing within.

"Ikaw? How have you been?" you managed to ask, forcing the conversation away from your own turmoil.

She shrugged, a hint of weariness in her shoulders. "Stressful, but manageable," she replied. A beat of silence followed, then she leaned forward, her eyes locking with yours. "Can I open the topic now?"

You hesitated, your heart pounding a frantic rhythm against your ribs. Were you ready to talk about it? A year had passed, a year of carrying the burden of unspoken words. Yet, the thought of revisiting the raw emotions still sent shivers down your spine. Taking a deep breath, you gave a hesitant nod.

"Why did you leave the camp? Is it because of Aiah saying yes to Joao?" she asked, her voice gentle yet firm. You braced yourself, the floodgates about to open. "No, it wasn't just Aiah saying yes to Joao," you began, launching into a detailed explanation. You talked about the award show snub – the humiliation of being turned away at the door despite all your efforts. The lingering doubt, the feeling of being unappreciated, it all poured out in a torrent of words.

Stacey listened intently, her brow furrowed in confusion as you recounted the events. "What?!" she finally exclaimed, disbelief coloring her voice. "That can't be, Y/N."