we were never really friends : a mikhaiah au

eighteen

As Aiah and Mikha sat in the back of the taxi, they watched the world outside rush by, a blend of vibrant colors and fleeting moments. Aiah, her eyes wide with excitement, suddenly turned to Mikha, her voice filled with urgency and a hint of longing.

"Oh my god, the sun's about to set na, babi," Aiah exclaimed, her hands clenching into little fists of excitement. She pressed her face against the window, trying to catch a glimpse of the sun dipping below the horizon. "Noooo, I wanna see it. I miss sunsets in Cebu."

Mikha chuckled softly at Aiah's childlike enthusiasm, her heart warming at the sight. Aiah's love for simple pleasures always made Mikha smile, and today was no exception. She reached out and gently touched Aiah's shoulder, her voice soothing. "Babi, we're almost there," she reassured her, a tender smile playing on her lips. Aiah's excitement was infectious, making Mikha feel giddy as well.

Aiah pouted adorably, her brows furrowing with concern. "I know, but what if 'di natin maabutan?" she murmured, her voice tinged with worry. She hated the thought of missing such a beautiful sight, especially with Mikha by her side.

Mikha laughed, finding Aiah's concern both endearing and amusing. "Nagtaxi na nga tayo para mabilis eh," she teased, her eyes twinkling with affection. "You're so cute." The taxi driver, a quiet older man, couldn't help but smile at their playful banter.

They fell into a comfortable silence, the only sound being the gentle hum of the taxi's engine and the faint music playing on the radio. The cityscape outside began to give way to the more serene surroundings of their hotel area, with lush greenery and the soft sound of the ocean waves becoming more prominent.

As they neared their destination, Mikha suddenly had an idea. Her eyes lit up with mischief and excitement. "Omg, what if we kayak?" she suggested, turning to Aiah with a mischievous grin.

Aiah blinked, taken aback by the sudden suggestion. "Kayak? Uhm..." she hesitated, biting her lip. The idea of being out on the water sounded both thrilling and terrifying.

Mikha leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Oh, takot 'yan," she teased, her eyes sparkling with playful challenge.

Aiah puffed up her cheeks, a mix of indignation and determination flashing in her eyes. "Di ah!" she retorted, crossing her arms.

"So g?" Mikha grinned, loving the spark of competitiveness in Aiah.

"Wait, pagisipan ko," Aiah added, her resolve wavering slightly.

"You'll be safe, babi. You'll be with me," Mikha promised, her voice softening with reassurance. She reached out and gently squeezed Aiah's hand, her touch warm and comforting.

Aiah couldn't help but smile at Mikha's earnestness, though a teasing glint entered her eyes. "Baka nga ikaw pa mismo tumulak sakin sa tubig," she joked, her voice playful but with a hint of genuine concern.

Mikha laughed, the sound bright and joyful. "True..." she admitted, still chuckling. Aiah playfully scrunched her nose and looked away, pretending to be annoyed.

Seeing Aiah's mock annoyance, Mikha quickly leaned in, her voice laced with mock seriousness. "Joke lang! 'To naman. I'll protect you, syempre," she said, her eyes soft with sincerity.

"Pag nahulog ka, iiwan kita... charot ulit!" She laughed, unable to keep a straight face.

Aiah shot her a mock glare, but her eyes were full of warmth. "Ugh! Fine... I think it would be nice to watch the sunset," she conceded, her voice softening.

Mikha's eyes lit up, her smile widening. "We'll be far away from people, babi. No one could see us," she said, a hint of mischief in her voice. She leaned in closer, her eyes twinkling.