Mic Drop Harmony (BINI_Aiah & Female!Reader Fanfiction)

CHAPTER 15 - BIRTHDAY AND NEW BEGINNINGS

The crisp autumn air greeted you as you pulled up to your ancestral home, a wave of nostalgia washing over you. Today wasn't just your birthday – it marked the double celebration of your grandparents' anniversary, a tradition that brought your entire family together for generations. Excitement bubbled in your chest as you stepped out of the car, the familiar scent of wood smoke and freshly baked treats hanging heavy in the air.

As you entered the house, a chorus of excited voices erupted from the kitchen. Before you could take a step further, your grandparents were upon you, their faces etched with a mixture of joy and relief. Your grandmother, eyes shimmering with unshed tears, engulfed you in a hug so tight you could almost hear her heart beat.

"Y/N," she rasped, her voice thick with emotion. "How have you been, apo?"

Your grandfather, a man whose gruff exterior often masked a heart of gold, mirrored your grandmother's embrace. His calloused hand squeezed your shoulder, a silent communication of pride and affection.

With tear-filled eyes, they ushered you towards the kitchen, the heart of the house where family gathered and laughter echoed. There, your mother and sister awaited, their faces mirroring the joy you felt. Warm hugs were exchanged, punctuated by whispered promises to catch up later.

Just then, the kitchen door swung open, revealing Stacey, your favorite cousin, flanked by her groupmates, Maloi, Colet, and Jhoanna. Since meeting them at the camp, they'd become fast friends, a bond forged through shared experiences and the relentless pursuit of a dream. A collective gasp escaped their lips as they spotted you, followed by a chorus of excited greetings. Though your time together had been intense, it had laid the foundation for a strong friendship.

With unbridled enthusiasm, they launched a coordinated hug attack, nearly knocking you off your feet. The laughter that erupted spilled out onto the veranda, a welcome melody that blended seamlessly with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves in the cool breeze. You gravitated towards the familiar wooden railing, settling onto a worn bench that likely held countless memories for your family.

Taking a deep breath of the fresh air, you surveyed the scene before you. The vibrant tapestry of family, the warmth emanating from the kitchen, and the laughter echoing around you – it was a perfect snapshot of home, a reminder of where you belonged. Finally, after months of hectic schedules and the challenges of navigating the music industry, you were home. And as you turned to your friends, eager to catch up and hear about their latest adventures as BINI, a genuine smile blossomed on your face. The celebration had just begun, and you couldn't wait to see what stories this reunion would bring.

Confusion clouded your face as Maloi, Colet, and Jhoanna suddenly launched into a flurry of apologies. "We're sorry, Y/N," Jhoanna blurted, her voice laced with unexpected remorse. You raised an eyebrow, bewildered by the abrupt shift in tone.

"Oo nga," Maloi echoed, nodding in agreement while Colet offered a silent apology through a sympathetic head tilt.

"For what?" you asked, genuinely perplexed. Your mind raced, searching for any clue that might explain their sudden contrition.

Apparently, a realization dawned on you. Had Stacey filled them in on the reason behind your abrupt departure from the camp and the subsequent radio silence? A flicker of guilt tugged at your heart.

"No, I should be the one apologizing," you admitted, regret washing over you. You hadn't meant to leave things on such a sour note.

"No, we understand," Colet chimed in, her voice gentle. "Sana sinabi mo para hindi na umabot sa ganon"

"Yeah," you agreed, a frown etching itself onto your forehead. The weight of unspoken words hung heavy in the air.

Sensing the tension, Stacey intervened, her gaze flitting between you and your newfound friends. "There's more to it than that," she stated, her words cryptic yet intriguing.