Mic Drop Harmony (BINI_Aiah & Female!Reader Fanfiction)

CHAPTER 16 - REUNION

The rhythmic thrumming of bass echoed through the bar doors as you stepped inside. The air vibrated with a cacophony of sounds - amplified music, boisterous laughter, and the clinking of glasses. A wave of nostalgia washed over you, transporting you back to countless nights spent with your friends, sharing dreams and anxieties over cheap drinks and shared plates of greasy bar food. Tonight, however, the occasion was a celebration - a toast to the unbelievable feat of selling out your concert tickets within a single hour.

Following the directions in Stacey's text, you navigated the dimly lit space, scanning the sea of faces for your friends. There, amidst the throng, a familiar hand waved enthusiastically. A grin spread across your face as you recognized Stacey, her bright smile a beacon in the crowded bar. As you approached their table, a chorus of greetings erupted. Maloi, Jhoanna, and Colet welcomed you with warm smiles and enthusiastic hugs.

However, the energy shifted slightly as another member of the group caught sight of you. Sheena, the youngest of the bunch, practically launched herself out of the booth, throwing her arms around you in a tight embrace.

"OH MY GOD!!!! ATE Y/N I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!!!" she squealed, pulling back with a smile so wide it threatened to split her face in half. You chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately.

"Missed you too, bunso," you replied, your heart swelling with warmth at their genuine joy. Warm smiles and fist bumps were exchanged with Gwen and Mikha, their happy greetings an evidence to the enduring bond you all shared. Though you really never talked to Mikha during the camp era but still you're happy to see that she's winning in life with the girls.

But then, your gaze landed on Aiah. It had been almost two years since you'd last seen her, the weight of that time hanging heavy in the air. Her hair, once streaked with blonde highlights, was now a warm brunette, framing her face in a way that seemed both familiar and different. Your breath hitched for a moment - a nervous flutter in your chest as your eyes met hers. A flicker of recognition, a hint of something unspoken, passed between you.

Just as you were about to break the ice, a shadow of discomfort crossed Aiah's face. "Sorry, guys," she announced, her voice laced with a hint of forced cheer. "Turns out Joao and I have plans after all."

Without so much as a glance in your direction, she excused herself and disappeared into the crowd, heading straight for the bar. The air crackled with a sudden tension, the joyous atmosphere momentarily dampened by her abrupt departure. You stared after her, your heart thudding against your ribs with a confusing mix of disappointment and... was it hope? The weight of unspoken words hung heavy in the air, leaving you with a bittersweet cocktail of emotions and a head full of unanswered questions.

The air hung heavy after Aiah's abrupt departure. You sank down next to Stacey, a knot of apprehension tightening in your stomach.

"She's really mad, isn't she?" you murmured, your voice barely audible above the din of the bar.

Mikha sighed, her gaze heavy with a mix of understanding and frustration. "You left her, Y/N," she said gently. "Can't blame her for being upset."

A pang of guilt stabbed at you. Relief washed over you, though, at the realization that Mikha, at least, wasn't harboring any lingering resentment. You knew how fiercely protective she was of Aiah, and her acceptance felt like a small victory.

"How have you been, Mikha?" you asked, forcing a smile.

She met your gaze, a flicker of sadness giving way to a reassuring smile. "If you're worried about me being mad, don't be. Aiah's strong enough to handle herself." She squeezed your hand briefly. "But I am happy for you, Y/N."

You let out a shaky breath, the weight of the past two years pressing down on you. "Thanks," you managed, the word thick with unspoken emotions.

The tension began to dissipate as Maloi interjected, raising her glass in a celebratory toast. "Congrats on the sold-out tickets, Y/N!" she exclaimed.

A chorus of congratulations echoed around the table, the other girls chiming in with well wishes and questions. "Where are Donny, Zild, and Syd?" Jhoanna asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Celebrating with their families," you replied, a genuine smile gracing your lips.

The mood lifted considerably as you decided to treat the girls to a round of drinks. Cheers erupted as the drinks arrived, and you all clinked glasses in a joyous toast.

Suddenly, a figure materialized at your table, blocking the weak light from behind. "Hi girls," a voice greeted, sending a shiver down your spine. You squinted, your vision already blurring slightly from the tequila shots.

A collective eye roll from your friends confirmed your suspicions. "Joao," Maloi acknowledged with forced cheer, gesturing for him to sit. Her unwavering hospitality, even towards unwelcome guests, continued to amaze you.

"Libre mo kami drinks?" Maloi continued, a sly glint in her eyes. You suspected she was already feeling the effects of the alcohol, judging by the mischievous twinkle in her gaze. Joao chuckled, seemingly unfazed by her playful jab.

"Actually, I was looking for Aiah," he announced, his gaze sweeping across the table.

Your stomach clenched. You couldn't quite place it, but something about Joao rubbed you the wrong way. Maybe it was the way his smirk seemed permanently plastered on his face, or the obnoxious glint in his eyes. Perhaps it was just a protective instinct, a premonition that he wasn't good for Aiah.

"Well, as you can see, she's not here," you retorted, your voice sharper than intended. The alcohol was emboldening you, but your dislike for him was undeniable.

Joao raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Sorry, who are you?" he asked, his smugness grating on your nerves.

Before you could unleash a scathing reply, Colet intervened, her voice laced with exasperation. "Joao, piskit ka talaga," she muttered. "wala nga rito si Aiah, umalis ka na"

Her words had the desired effect. Joao's smirk faltered, and with a mumbled excuse, he slunk away from the table.

A wave of relief washed over you, followed by a surge of annoyance. "Nakakabwisit mukha non," you grumbled. "Makes me want to rip out that stupid lip piercing."

The girls burst into laughter, the tension dissipating completely. "Alright, alright," Stacey chuckled, raising her hand in a placating gesture. "To take your mind off the annoying guy, how about I buy the next three rounds?"

A grateful smile spread across your face. "Sounds good to me," you replied, raising your glass in agreement. As you clinked glasses with your friends, the bar's lively atmosphere returned, filled with laughter and the promise of a memorable night. The mystery surrounding Aiah's sudden departure and the unwelcome arrival of Joao added a layer of intrigue to the evening, but for now, you were content to enjoy the present company and celebrate your success with your cherished friends.