we were never really friends : a mikhaiah au

thirteen

"It's so peaceful here," Mikha said softly, her eyes sweeping over the tranquil, moonlit beach. There was not a soul in sight, just the rhythmic flow of the waves and the gentle rustling of the palm trees. She felt a sense of calm wash over her, knowing they were alone and could be themselves without fear of being seen. The weight of their hidden relationship seemed to lift in the privacy of this secluded spot.

"Yeah, I know. I love Cebu," Aiah replied, her voice filled with affection for her hometown. Mikha couldn't help but chuckle at the fondness in her tone.

"Syempre, you love it. Dito ka nakatira, eh," Mikha teased, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief.

"Manila girlie na kaya ako! Minsan na nga lang ako pumunta dito," Aiah countered, playfully poking Mikha's nose. The simple, affectionate gesture made Mikha laugh again, the sound blending with the soothing whispers of the sea.

"Look," Mikha said, pointing towards a distant structure.

"Hmm?" Aiah turned her gaze in the direction Mikha indicated.

"I see light," Mikha squinted, trying to make out the shape in the dim light. She pulled out her phone and attempted to zoom in, but the darkness thwarted her efforts. Aiah's laughter filled the air, light and melodious.

"and it's warm and real... and bright... and the world has finally shifted. all at once, everything is different," aiah hummed, singing the disney song, "now that i see you." she sang, looking straight into mikha's eyes. mikha smiled at her and placed a peck on her lip.

"It looks like a lighthouse, babe. You wanna check it out?" Aiah suggested, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Girl, anlayo," Mikha laughed, shaking her head at the absurdity of the idea. But Aiah's enthusiasm was infectious.

"So? Ano naman?" Aiah replied nonchalantly, leaning in to plant a quick kiss on Mikha's cheek. The unexpected affection caught Mikha off guard, but she couldn't help but smile. "It would be fun, Mikhs. You have no idea how peaceful it is to walk around the beach ng gantong oras with no one around."

"Ugh! Fine," Mikha groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically as she let go of Aiah. They both stood up, brushing off the sand from their clothes.

"Even better if you have someone to hold your hand as you walk," Aiah added, reaching out to intertwine her fingers with Mikha's. The simple gesture sent a warm flutter through Mikha's heart.

"Alam mo, 'di ko alam if lasing ka pa rin, but you're getting really brave, huh," Mikha said, her tone a mix of amusement and curiosity. Aiah's boldness was both surprising and endearing.

"What's wrong with that? I just want to hold my girl's hand," Aiah stated confidently.

"Your girl?" Mikha asked, her heart skipping a beat.

"Yes, my girl," Aiah affirmed, her gaze unwavering.

"Parang kanina lang sabi mo hindi pwede dahil there's too much to risk and everything," Mikha reminded her, gently laughing at the irony.

"That girl," Aiah pointed back towards their hotel, "seeing you with that girl, gumuho yung mundo ko. I never thought I'd be capable of feeling the way I felt kanina. Right then and there, I knew I had to have you."

"So kailangan ka lang pa lang pag selosin," Mikha laughed, her amusement tinged with a hint of disbelief.

"Look..." Aiah said, turning to face Mikha fully. She cupped Mikha's face in her hands, her touch gentle yet firm. "We're here in Cebu. We have two days. Today's just started. That means we have the whole day. And tomorrow, since flight's at around like 10PM pa."