Lost and Found • mikhaiah au

09. Full Speed Flirts

Agnes stood there, trying to collect her thoughts. The lingering sensation of Maiko's lips on hers and the electric energy between them made it nearly impossible to think straight. Her mind kept drifting back to the moment, the atmosphere, and the intensity of their interaction. She took a deep breath, attempting to focus on the task at hand: deciding where to have dinner.

She struggled with the idea of sitting down for a meal with Maiko, knowing it would be hard to act normal after what had just happened. The thought of trying to maintain casual conversation while her mind raced with the memory of Maiko's touch felt overwhelming.

Part of her wanted to avoid the situation entirely, but she knew she couldn't. The bet was still in play, and Maiko would be expecting an answer.

Agnes frowned, trying to think of a place where they could go. A restaurant? Too public. Her nerves were already frayed, and the thought of being surrounded by people while trying to navigate the confusing dynamics between them felt unbearable. Somewhere quieter, more private, might be better.

Then she remembered the box—the object that had been the catalyst for this whole situation. The thought of it brought a small measure of clarity.

She needed to give it to Maiko. With a sigh, she settled on the idea of her condo. She could cook dinner there, and it would give her a chance to hand over the box in a more private setting.

Decision made, Agnes hurried to finish her shower, the hot water doing little to soothe her nerves. Still, her mind kept wandering back to Maiko, to the way she'd looked at her, and the intense glint in her eyes. "Ano ba yan, Agnes," she murmured, it was indeed a struggle to keep herself focused on the simple act of washing.

Finally, dressed and somewhat composed, Agnes made her way to the parking lot. Her heart pounded with anxiety as she approached, seeing Maiko leaning casually against her car, waiting.

The sight of her standing there, looking relaxed and confident, only made Agnes' heart race faster.

Maiko looked up and smiled when she saw Agnes approaching, her expression warm and inviting. Agnes took a deep breath, steadying herself. She forced a smile in return, trying to appear calm despite the storm of emotions churning inside her.

"Decided on a place?" Maiko asked, pushing off from her car and walking toward Agnes.

Agnes nodded, her voice a little shaky. "Yeah, I thought we could, um, go to my place. I'll cook."

Maiko's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, and a sly grin spread across her face. "Oh, your place? Moving fast, aren't we? You sure you're not just trying to get me alone?" She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a playful whisper.

Agnes felt her face heat up, a mix of embarrassment and an inexplicable thrill at Maiko's teasing. Despite herself, a tiny smile tugged at her lips.

But then, as quickly as the flustered feeling had come, she was reminded of the reality of their situation, Maiko was her rival, the one she always competed against, the one who had just defeated her in the pool.

Annoyance flared up, pushing aside the momentary 'kilig' sensation. She crossed her arms, giving Maiko a sharp look. "Don't flatter yourself," Agnes retorted, trying to sound more composed than she felt.

"I just thought it'd be more comfortable," she added, aiming for a nonchalant tone. "You know, a quieter setting after the intensity of the race. Plus, I could use the practice cooking for someone other than myself."

Maiko's smile widened, a sparkle in her eyes formed as leaned in closer, "So, you're not just trying to get me alone; you're also showing off your cooking skills? Talk about being girlfriend material, huh? Impressing me with a home-cooked meal? Careful, I might start expecting this more often."

Agnes felt a jolt run through her at Maiko's words, her heart skipping a beat.

The phrase 'girlfriend material' hung in the air, she could feel her cheeks flush as her brain struggled to process the sudden shift in their banter. The idea of being seen as 'girlfriend material' for Maiko sent butterflies through her stomach that she couldn't quite suppress.

Her mind raced, searching for a response, but all she could manage was a flustered, "Wh-what? No, it's not— I mean, I didn't—"

Agnes stumbled over her words, completely thrown off by the unexpected turn. The heat of Maiko's teasing gaze made it hard to think, her usual sharpness dulled by the rush of emotions.

Maiko's laughter was soft and warm, a sound that sent another shiver down Agnes' spine. "Relax, I'm just teasing," Maiko said, her eyes never leaving Agnes'.

She tilted her head, a playful smirk on her lips. "But who knows? If your cooking's as good as I think it might be, I might just have to reconsider."

Agnes felt a flutter in her chest again, the intensity of Maiko's words and the playful yet serious undertone making her breath catch.

She finally managed to regain a bit of composure, rolling her eyes with a shaky smile. "Don't get your hopes up," she muttered, trying to downplay the moment. "It's just dinner. Nothing more than a bet."

But even as she said it, she couldn't ignore the way her heart raced, the thrill of Maiko's comment lingering in the space between them. The moment felt alive with possibility, and Agnes found herself excited by what might come next.

Maiko straightened up, still wearing that playful smirk. "Alright then, let's go," she said, her tone light. She glanced around the parking lot. "So, whose car are we taking? Yours or mine?"

Agnes bit her lip, a bit embarrassed. "I, uh, didn't bring my car today. Guess we'll have to take yours."

Maiko nodded, not missing a beat. "Perfect. I'm an excellent driver," she joked, leading the way to her car. As they reached it, Maiko unlocked the doors with a click. Agnes hesitated for a moment before opening the passenger side door and sliding in.

As Agnes settled into the seat, Maiko couldn't resist another tease. "You know, you're pretty brave, trusting me to drive you home. With our rivalry and all, you sure I won't take a detour to the middle of nowhere?"

Agnes rolled her eyes, trying to mask her nervousness with a sarcastic retort. "As if I'm that worried. You wouldn't want to miss out on my cooking, right? I'd say it's more likely you'd get us lost on purpose just to spend more time with me."

Maiko laughed, clearly amused. "You got me there." She reached over to start the car but paused, glancing at Agnes.

"What?" Agnes scoffed, turning her gaze away and looking out the window to hide her flustered state.

Just as she was starting to get her bearings, Agnes felt Maiko lean closer.

Startled, she looked back just as Maiko reached across her to grab the seatbelt. The closeness was unexpected; Agnes could feel the warmth of Maiko's body and catch a faint whiff of her fresh, clean scent. Her breath hitched as Maiko's fingers brushed lightly against her as she pulled the seatbelt across.

"There," Maiko murmured, her voice close and soft as she clicked the seatbelt into place. She pulled back with a teasing grin. "Wouldn't want my passenger getting hurt."

Agnes sat there, momentarily stunned, her heart racing from the sudden gesture. Her mind scrambled for a response, but all she could manage was a flustered, "I-I can do that myself, you know."

Maiko chuckled, clearly enjoying the effect she had on Agnes. "Sure you can, but where's the fun in that?" she said, starting the car with a playful twinkle in her eye.

As they pulled out of the parking lot, Agnes tried to calm her racing heart, stealing a glance at Maiko, who seemed completely at ease.

The gesture had been simple, but it left Agnes feeling off-balance, the casual intimacy of it lingering in her mind. She turned to stare out the window, trying to focus on anything other than the heat of Maiko's presence and the fluttering in her chest.