In the midst of the crowd, all I see is you

CHAPTER 14

MIKHA

Have you ever felt contented just by having someone's presence at your side? Like, she's not even doing anything but for you, she's the most interesting person on earth.

The way she's just casually wearing her favorite shirt that has a print of a dog in the front and was an old one because it has a tore with it but still, looks as stunning as ever.

The way she softly called my name was music to my ears.

The way she smiles at me warms my heart.

The way she woke up in the morning while her hair was tousled, her natural look was to die for. And damn, I'm living for that.

A lot has happened yesterday. After I was forgiven by Aiah, we decided to call it a night and sleep together on her bed.

I wouldn't trade for anything just to be able to sleep next to her after a tiring day and wake up with her face close to mine while her hands are hugging me.

I woke up earlier than Aiah. I was staring at her for quite a long time now. Admiring her beauty wholeheartedly.

If beauty is a view then Aiah Arceta, I like you. What the fuck are you talking about, Lim?

Suddenly, I hear a knock on our door that pulls me back from my reverie. So, I gently tap Aiah's cheek to wake her up.

"Wake up, bubby. Someone's destroying our door." I whisper to her. She scrunches her nose before opening her eyes. She stared at me for a minute before realizing our position. She then instantly stood up and went directly to the comfort room without saying anything.

"Mikhs, I'll count one to five. If you will not open this damn door I swear I will wreck it, try me." Jhoanna said impatiently while continuously banging on the door.

I quickly ran to the door and opened it because I know she wasn't joking. Her voice was void of fun.

"What the fuck is your problem early in this morning, Robles?" If she was annoyed for I don't know what reason, then I am too. She just interrupted my admiration for Mama Mary.

"Watch your language, Mikha Lim." I gulped. I didn't notice her presence. She eyed me sharply before she went out of our room sensing the need for Jhoanna to talk to me.

"Let me guess, it's Stacey, right? What did she do to you this time?" As I've said before, things like this weren't new to me when it came to Jhoanna, Colet and Gwen.

"I can't take it anymore. Mikhs, can we switch rooms, please? I promise I'll be the one to tell it to Ms. MQ." She pleaded.

"No way! Not a single chance I would trade my peaceful morning life with you. So no, I don't want us to change rooms." I said while shaking my head.

I wonder what happened to them. This was the first time that Jhoanna was pushing to her limit, even opting to switch rooms. Jho is the most patient person I know, especially when it comes to Stacey. So her being like this was shocking.

"Please Mikhs, I'm begging you." She paused for a while and heaved a long sigh before sitting on the couch.

"It's not that we fought. Stacey and I were good. In fact, too good to the point that I'm starting to view her beyond what I should. And that's my problem, Mikhs." She added.

Trust me, I understand you, Jho. I know that feeling damn well because I feel that too.

"Why don't you try to confess your feelings to her? Maybe she likes you too." Stacey was the type of person who likes to annoy someone she's very comfortable with. So the chances of her, liking Jhoanna weren't impossible.

"I'm scared, Mikhs. What if I'm wrong? What if our feelings weren't mutual? That maybe I'm just giving too much meaning to everything. And if I'm right, what am I supposed to do? There's a lot at stake, Mikhs. I don't want to risk our friendship. So, I will try my best to bury this feeling." She closes her eyes to prevent herself from crying.

To be honest, I also don't know what to do. That's the main reason why I don't want to acknowledge my feelings for Aiah.

Because if I do, then it will become real. And if it becomes real, changes are inevitable. That's what scared me the most.

I sighed. I'm lost for words. So, I just gave her a reassuring smile while embracing her to offer a little comfort. To say that no matter what happens, everything will eventually fall into the right places. That I always got her back.

"Hush now Jho, hmm? I know it's hard right now but I promise, it will be alright in time." I don't know if I'm telling it to her or more for myself.

"Thank you, Mikhs. Thank you for listening to me without judgment. I owe you one." Finally, she broke a small smile.

"Anytime, Jho. Fix yourself now. Let's have a breakfast downstairs. The girls will be surprised if they see you looking like shit." I playfully said while pushing her out.

As she was about to go down the stairs, I stopped her.

"Jho, I got you hmm? Always remember that." I patted her shoulder.

She didn't say a word. She just offered a grateful smile.

When we entered the dining room, we saw the girls were already sitting and just waiting for us.

Aiah gave us a knowing smile. I know she was curious and had a lot of questions but thankfully, she chose to keep herself mum.

"What took you guys so long? We've been waiting here for ages. I'm starving to death." Stacey was the drama queen that she was.

"You're being overdramatic, Staku. And one more thing, do we have the food? You can eat immediately if you are really hungry. Why bother to wait for us? Maybe you just miss me, hmm?" Jhoanna teases her.

I'm glad to see Jhoanna being goofy and back to her old self.

"Eww! Shut up you mango that looks like rice. Why would I miss you?" She rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed.

"Don't be shy, babe. Admit it, you miss me." If only looks could kill, Jho would be dead by now.

We're all watching them with amusing smiles. Seeing them this happy makes my heart bleed with happiness. If only could stop time, I would. I will forever treasure this kind of moment with them.

If comfort was a person, it would be them.