Mic Drop Harmony (BINI_Aiah & Female!Reader Fanfiction)

CHAPTER 23 - DEAL

Hours melted away as you and Aiah delved into the past two years, weaving tales of triumphs and heartbreaks. The city lights twinkled in the distance, silent witnesses to your rekindled connection.

You learned that Joao's presence by Aiah's side was a carefully crafted facade, a three-year contract designed to appease management and deflect unwanted attention. A bitter chuckle escaped your lips. "Three years? That seems like an awfully long time to play pretend."

Aiah offered a wry smile. "Indeed," she said, her voice laced with a hint of frustration. "But someone had to make the sacrifice. It couldn't be them."

The weight of her words settled heavily in your gut. You knew the pressures they faced, the ever-watchful eyes of the industry and the unforgiving nature of a conservative society. It fueled your next question, spoken with a touch of desperation. "Why you, then? Why not all of you?"

She met your gaze head-on, a flicker of sadness clouding her eyes. "Because I'm the eldest," she began, then paused, taking a deep breath. "And they knew, Y/N. Knew about us."

Your eyes widened in shock. "They knew? Knew what?"

"Management," she clarified. "They always do. They'd spin it into a PR nightmare, a potential loss of fans, a feeding frenzy for the tabloids. You know how things work here." Regret laced her voice, a subtle plea for understanding.

You nodded slowly, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. This explained the secrecy, the stolen glances across crowded rooms, the carefully crafted public personas. But a new question gnawed at you. "And your parents? How would they react?"

Aiah's smile faltered, a flicker of vulnerability replacing the earlier bravado. "I haven't dared to imagine. Our society..." she trailed off, her voice heavy with unspoken anxieties.

The unspoken truth hung in the air, a thick weight on your hearts. You hadn't considered the societal constraints, the potential judgment from family. All that mattered, all you'd focused on before, was the spark between you, the undeniable connection that transcended words.

"But...doesn't love conquer all that?" you ventured tentatively, searching her eyes for a flicker of hope. "Shouldn't it matter if you truly like the person?"

Aiah's gaze softened, a silent acknowledgment of your words. "That's what I used to tell myself," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper. "When we were...together. I believed it wouldn't matter as long as I had you."

A surge of warmth bloomed in your chest. "And?" you prompted, leaning closer, your heart pounding with a sudden anticipation.

A shy smile played on her lips. "And I never stopped feeling that way, Y/N." Her hand reached for yours, her touch sending shivers down your spine. "Even with everything, even with the distance, my feelings for you never faded."

Your breath hitched, the world around you fading away until all that remained were her eyes, pools of liquid courage reflecting the moonlight. "Never stopped?" you echoed, your voice barely audible.

Aiah squeezed your hand, her voice firm despite the tremor in her lips. "I like you, Y/N. Always have, always will."

The unspoken confession hung heavy in the air, a silent melody waiting to be played. Before you could stammer a reply, she leaned forward, closing the distance between you. Your lips met in a kiss, a collision of unspoken emotions and pent-up desires.

The kiss was electric, a surge of passion fueled by two years of longing. It was a kiss that defied societal expectations, a testament to a love that refused to be silenced. In the quiet embrace of the park, surrounded by the twinkling lights of the city, you found solace and a promise of a future yet unwritten.

As you pulled away, breathless and exhilarated, a gentle smile graced Aiah's lips. The fear in her eyes had been replaced by a newfound determination, a willingness to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The lingering warmth of the kiss hung in the air, a silent promise yet unspoken. Aiah gazed at you, her eyes sparkling with a mix of vulnerability and newfound hope. The question on her lips mirrored the one thrumming in your own chest.

"So," she whispered, her voice husky with emotion, "what do we do now?"

A soft chuckle escaped your lips. "The question should be what are we now?" you countered, your gaze searching hers. A playful smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

"Ligawan mo muna ako." she teased, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes.

You feigned offense, rolling your eyes playfully. "You already kissed me. Now you want me to court you?"

A light swat landed on your arm, a gentle reminder of the playful bond you shared. "Shut up."

"Do you really want me to court you?" you persisted, a hint of amusement lingering in your voice.

Her smile widened, a flicker of something deeper shimmering in her eyes. "Hmm, pwede." She tapped her chin playfully, mimicking deep thought.

"Sige, tsaka na kita tanungin magpapaschedule muna ako interview tas tanungin kita on national television." You said sarcastically, referencing Joao's public proposal. A playful glare shot your way, met by your laughter.

"Pang-asar ka talaga." she muttered, rolling her eyes with a hint of a smile.

"So what are we nga?" she asked again, her voice turning serious.

You shrugged, earning another playful swat on your arm. "Masaya." you replied simply.

"What do you want ba?" you pressed, wanting to know her true desires.

She met your gaze, her voice firm despite a tremor in her lips. "What if I want us to be official?"

A surprised chuckle bubbled up within you. "Seryoso ba yan?" you asked, unsure if you heard her correctly.

She nodded resolutely. "But secret muna until I finished my PR contract."

The weight of her words settled in your gut. You understood her predicament, the tightrope walk between public image and private desires.

"Deal." you agreed, offering your hand for a shake. A sense of determination, of taking control of your own narrative, filled you.

Her hand met yours, a silent pact sealed. Then, with a playful tug, she pulled you closer.

"Hala ikikiss mo ba ako ulit?" you teased, unable to resist a playful jab.

She rolled her eyes, a smile crinkling the corners of her eyes. "Hindi, bumalik na tayo, baka hinahanap na tayo." Her laughter filled the air as you feigned disappointment at the lack of another kiss.

Standing up from the bench, you reached for her hand, your fingers intertwining once more. A comfortable silence settled between you as you began your walk back to Donny's condo, the unspoken promises hanging heavy in the cool night air. The path ahead might be full of challenges, but together, you were ready to face them, hand in hand.

A/N: gift ko kasi medj may progress na system project ko hahaha