we were never really friends : a mikhaiah au

nineteen

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of deep orange and purple, Mikha and Aiah sat in their small kayak, gently bobbing on the calm waters off the coast of Cebu. The day had been long, but it was moments like these—wrapped in each other's presence—that made everything worth it.

"Babi, I know we said we'd stay here for a little while longer, but it's getting really dark," Mikha murmured, her voice tinged with concern as the sky above them transitioned to twilight.

Aiah looked over at her, a soft smile playing on her lips. "A few more minutes, please?" Aiah pleaded, her eyes widening in a classic puppy-dog expression that she knew Mikha could never resist.

Mikha sighed theatrically but couldn't suppress her smile. She rolled her eyes affectionately and pulled Aiah closer, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Hay nako, ikaw kanina 'tong natatakot, tas ngayon ayaw mo na umalis," Mikha teased, shaking her head. Aiah's fears had dissipated, replaced by a fascination with the stars beginning to twinkle overhead.

"Look at the stars, kasi," Aiah said softly, her eyes sparkling as she tilted her head back. "They're so pretty."

Mikha gazed at Aiah, who was still entranced by the sky. "You know my answer always stays the same, naman," she replied, her voice low and tender.

Aiah turned to her, curiosity piqued. "What?"

"At this point, you're just fishing for compliments, babi," Mikha teased, a playful grin forming on her lips.

Aiah crossed her arms and pouted, the picture of indignation. "No, I'm not!"

Mikha chuckled at her girlfriend's adorable display, unable to resist her charm. "You know damn well I'd say you're more beautiful than anything else in this world," she said, her voice softening with sincerity.

Aiah's cheeks flushed, and she tried to hide her smile. "No, I don't," she insisted, though her eyes betrayed her delight. "But say it again!"

Mikha laughed, leaning in to place a gentle peck on Aiah's lips. "See! Fishing for compliments," she teased, pulling back with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Aiah huffed, pretending to be annoyed, but the warmth in her gaze gave her away. "You know I don't really like compliments... but when it comes to you, it's music to my ears," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mikha's heart swelled at Aiah's words. "Sus!" she said, shaking her head with a fond smile.

Aiah looked down for a moment, then back up at Mikha, her expression serious yet filled with affection. "But, Mikha?" she began, her voice soft.

"Yeah?" Mikha responded, her gaze locked on Aiah's face, taking in every detail.

"You're beautiful too," Aiah said earnestly. "You're beautiful, your soul, your heart, your mind... everything about you. I admire you a lot, do you know that? There are thousands of things I like about you."

Mikha felt a lump in her throat, touched by Aiah's heartfelt words. "You make me feel safe," Aiah continued, her voice unwavering. "You make me feel things I haven't felt before. You make me happy, Mikha. So much. I don't know how many times I have to repeat this, but I really do mean it when I say you make me happy. Everything makes sense because of you. Everything makes sense."

Mikha felt a warmth spread through her chest, and she couldn't help but smile. "Kiss nga sa lips kung totoo," she teased, her tone light but her eyes glistening with emotion.

Aiah gasped, her eyes widening in mock outrage. "Tangina nito! I'm being cute!" she exclaimed, laughing despite herself.

Mikha joined in the laughter, shaking her head. "I know," she said softly, her voice full of affection. "Everything makes sense because of you too, Aiah."