Buhos na Ulan, Aking Mundo'y Lunuring Tuluyan

CHAPTER 4 - Hatid na Kita?

—MIKHA—

"Hatid na kita?" I said to Aiah when I found her outside the bar, waiting for public transportation to arrive.

She turned her head as she heard me. "Ay, ma'am, hindi na po. Malapit lang naman po yung bahay ko," she replied shyly. I told her not to address me formally, but I guess it was a habit she couldn't easily break.

"Gabi na and it's not safe for you to take a jeep or even a taxi. At saka, ako yung last na nakakita sa'yo. Technically, ako yung held accountable pag may di magandang nangyari sa'yo," I blurted out, trying to convince her.

"Naku, hindi na po talaga, nakakahiya. Saka promise, isang sakay lang ako," she insisted.

"How about this, ngayon lang kita ihahatid tapos we won't even mention it sa work para di awkward for you?" I offered, trying not to sound too intimidating.

"Hmm, okay sige na po. Ngayon lang ha?" she asked for reassurance.

I paused for a bit because I couldn't promise it would be just this once. I wasn't implicating anything, but who knows what might happen in the future.

"Yes, ma'am," I said, making a salute gesture which made her laugh.

"Wait for me here, kunin ko lang yung kotse ko," I said before heading to the parking lot.

I walked quickly to my car, the night air cool against my skin. The bar's neon lights flickered behind me as I approached my vehicle. As I unlocked the car, I couldn't help but smile, remembering Aiah's shy but genuine laughter. It had been a while since I had felt this kind of warmth, and I was determined to make sure she got home safely.

When I pulled up to where Aiah was waiting, she looked a bit more relaxed. She got into the passenger seat, and I could see the tension in her shoulders ease slightly.

"Thank you, ma'am. This is really kind of you," she said softly as she buckled her seatbelt.

"No need to thank me. It's just common courtesy. And remember, call me Mikha," I replied, trying to make her feel at ease.

As we drove through the quiet streets, the conversation flowed more naturally. We talked about work, her studies, and the places she liked to visit in Manila. It felt good to get to know her outside the confines of the office, and I found myself genuinely interested in her stories.

After a short drive, we arrived at her place. It was a modest apartment complex, neat and well-kept.

"Thank you again, Mikha. I really appreciate it," Aiah said as she unbuckled her seatbelt and prepared to get out.

"Anytime, Aiah. Take care, and see you at work," I responded with a smile.

She gave me a small wave before heading into her building. As I drove away, I couldn't help but think about the connection we had formed in such a short time. Despite the rules I had set for myself, I realized that staying distant from Aiah might be more challenging than I had anticipated.

I sighed and focused on the road ahead. There was a lot to think about, but for now, I was just glad she was safe.

...

The following day, as promised, Aiah and I didn't mention anything to each other. I just greeted her as a boss is supposed to and proceeded to my office.

The moment I placed my things on the desk, I took a big sigh. Now it's difficult to be cold and distant towards her. But I know my place; I should be professional at all times. Besides, Dad and his associates are watching me closely, making sure I can handle the position.

While I found myself overthinking, my phone rang. It was Colet.

"Yo, wazzup?" I answered.

"Mikha, thanks for last night. I had fun. Pero I have something to ask you, that's why I called," she hesitated.

"Ano yun, go lang," I assured her. Ano kaya kailangan nito? I thought to myself.

"I'm kind of interested kay Aiah, yung nagwo-work d'yan sa shop mo. Pwede ko bang mahingi contact number?" she blurted out.

Then something pierced me inside. Hindi naman ako pwedeng tumanggi kasi wala akong karapatan saka ayaw ko may mahalata si Colet na interesado ako sa empleyado ko. Alam niya na hindi ko pwedeng gawin 'yun pero at the same time, parang masama sa loob kong ibigay sa kanya yung contact ni Aiah eh Colet is a very charming person. Anyone would love to meet her.

Anyways, ano ba sa'kin si Aiah at bakit ako nag-o-overthink?

So I had no choice but to answer.

"Sure, pero itatanong ko na lang rin muna sa kanya dahil confidential information rin to sa company yung contact number niya. Babalikan kita, Colet," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Sure, thanks Mikha, you are the best." Colet hung up the phone.

I put down my phone, feeling a mixture of frustration and confusion. Ano ba talaga ang nararamdaman ko? I couldn't deny the pang of jealousy I felt when Colet asked for Aiah's number. I knew I had to talk to Aiah about it, but how could I do it without making things awkward?

Later in the day, I saw Aiah taking inventory at the counter. I walked over, trying to appear casual.

"Hi, Aiah. Can we talk for a moment?" I asked, keeping my tone professional.

"Of course, ma'am," she replied, looking a bit nervous.

"Call me Mikha, remember? Anyway, I had a call from a friend earlier. She's interested in getting to know you and asked for your contact number. I wanted to ask your permission before sharing it," I explained, watching her reaction closely.

Aiah looked surprised. "Um, sure. It's okay if you give her my number. Thank you for asking, Mikha."

I nodded, trying to hide my own discomfort. "Alright, I'll let her know. Thanks, Aiah."

As I walked back to my office, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was complicating things more than I should. But for now, I had to focus on my work and maintain the boundaries I had set for myself.