we were never really friends : a mikhaiah au

six

After a grueling practice session, the members of BINI packed their bags and headed out of the studio. They chatted and laughed, still buzzing from the energy of their rehearsal. As they walked towards the exit, Stacey spotted someone familiar waiting outside and nudged Aiah.

"Ate Aiah, andito pala si Oliver?" Stacey announced with a mischievous grin.

Aiah looked up, surprised. "Oh, I didn't know he was here."

As they approached, Oliver stepped forward with a wide smile. "Surprise! I wanted to pick you up since you said you were feeling sick."

Aiah's face lit up with a smile. "Thanks, Oliver."

The rest of the group immediately started teasing them. "Aww, so sweet!" Jhoanna cooed, while Maloi playfully nudged Aiah. "Sana all may pick-up."

"Sweet naman ni Kuya Oliver!" Sheena teased, making exaggerated kissy faces. "Ate Aiah, 'di mo naman sinabi samin may personal nurse ka pala!"

Stacey laughed, adding, "Next time, Oliver, dalhan mo rin kami ng ice cream ha? Para hindi kami mainggit."

Maloi chimed in, "Oliver, you really know how to make a girl feel special. Swerte mo, Ate Aiah!"

"Andito naman ako," Colet added with a smirk, looking at Maloi. Maloi, ever the joker, leaned in and puckered her lips as if to kiss Colet. Everyone burst out laughing, adding to the teasing atmosphere. Mikha managed a smile, but inside, her thoughts were in turmoil.

Amidst the laughter and jokes, Mikha remained quiet, her thoughts swirling. She had planned to go with Aiah to her condo to take care of her, but it seemed Oliver had beaten her to it. She glanced at Aiah, feeling a pang of disappointment. Aiah, noticing Mikha's silence, gave her a small, reassuring smile. "Thanks, Mikha, for looking out for me earlier."

Mikha forced a smile back, trying to hide her feelings. "Of course, Aiah. Always."

"Alright, guys, we'll head out now," Aiah said, waving to the group. Oliver put his arm around her shoulder, and they started to walk away.

"Ingats, Aiah!" Colet called out, while Gwen and Jhoanna continued to tease, "Enjoy sa date!"

As the couple walked away, Stacey called out after them, "Sana may leftover care package for us, Oliver!"

The girls laughed, and Sheena added, "Oo nga, Kuya Oliver, take care of our girl. Don't let her lift a finger ha!"

Mikha watched them leave, a knot forming in her stomach. She felt a mix of emotions—worry for Aiah's health, frustration at Oliver for showing up, and a deeper, more confusing feeling she couldn't quite place. She sighed and turned to the remaining members.

"Let's go, guys," she said quietly, leading the way towards the parking lot.

As they walked, the group fell into a more subdued conversation. Mikha, trying to shake off her disappointment, suddenly had an idea. She turned to the others with a hopeful smile. "Hey, why don't we all go to a bar and have some drinks?"

The suggestion caught the girls by surprise. Colet raised an eyebrow. "Mikha, ang aga aga natin for practice tomorrow, ano, nakalimutan mo na?"

Gwen nodded in agreement. "And kakainom lang natin kagabi. Uwi naman kaya muna tayo."

Stacey, Sheena, Maloi, and Jhoanna all voiced similar sentiments, reminding Mikha of their early morning and the need to rest. Mikha's shoulders slumped a bit, her attempt to distract herself from her feelings falling flat.

"Yeah, you're right," Mikha said, trying to sound casual. "It was just a thought."

Sheena looped an arm around her shoulders. "'To naman si Mikhs, mamimiss agad kami. Don't worry, Mikha. Dami natin time, sis. Magpahinga muna tayo, ano, pahinga muna, Mikhs, ha?" Everyone else laughed.