Cadenza [BINI Mikha X OC]

Chapter 5: First Meetings

"Have we met somewhere before?" Jon asked, arriving with a tray filled with sandwiches, yogurt drinks, and electrolyte beverages.

"First, that's the fourth time you've apologized, and second, this is our first meeting," Mikha replied.

"Well, I'm not used to people being so friendly on a first encounter. I mean, I did bump into you. Most people would be gnawing my ears off if they fell."

"Well... I'm not most people," Mikha said confidently, catching Jon off guard.

"Wow. Pop stars are built different," Jon replied. "I thought you'd be quite intimidating."

"Is it the eyebrows?" she asked playfully.

"Not entirely. Mostly it's your presence and how you carry yourself," Jon explained. "It's intimidating at first, but you're really easy to talk to."

"You're easy to talk to as well," Mikha replied kindly. "So, are you a musician?"

Jon smiled, acknowledging the guitar case he was carrying. He decided to play along. "Why yes, how did you know?"

"It must be my amazing observation skills," Mikha said sarcastically.

Jon laughed. "Yes, I am a musician. A producer buddy invited me to come 'prove my worth' here."

Mikha had already figured it out when their manager, Sir Z, announced the new music team. "So, how was your first day?"

Jon paused, organizing his thoughts. "The studio is impressive, and the equipment is top-notch. But getting here was a hassle."

"Tell me about it!" Mikha exclaimed. "The rain isn't stopping anytime soon either."

"Though, I do like the rain."

"Really? Why?"

"It reminds me of when I was a kid. I used to play in the rain. It felt liberating, as if I wasn't shackled by anything," Jon said. "Though, as a kid, nothing really shackles you."

That word, shackles, struck a chord with Mikha. It resonated with her thoughts earlier in the dance hall, eavesdropping in the recording room, and her conversation with Aiah. Was she really shackled by anything? Was she trapped? Didn't she want this in the first place? Wasn't this her dream? Her thoughts ran wild until...

"Hey, are you okay?" Jon asked, snapping her back to reality.

"Oh yeah. Sorry, I just got lost in thought."

"Hmmm... you might want to rest."

"Maybe you're right."

"Let's eat these sandwiches first," Jon offered. "Wouldn't want them to go to waste."

Mikha smiled and agreed. As they ate, their conversation shifted to their favorite music and shows.

"You also play metal?"

"Yep. I got into it in college," Jon responded.

Mikha realized Jon might be older than she thought. He looked young and approachable, so she assumed they were around the same age. "You went to college? How old are you?"

"Around 24. How about you?"

"I'm turning 22 in November."

"That's just a few months away," Jon commented. "Any plans for it?"

"It's still months away, why would I think about it now?"

"Well, you only turn 22 once," Jon said. "And you know, it should be special since Taylor Swift wrote a song about it."

Mikha chuckled. "True."

It was getting late, which Jon pointed out. Despite their engaging conversation, time wouldn't wait for them.

"It's already 7:30. I need to get home; you should too."

"Oh. Didn't realize how quickly time passed," Mikha agreed. "Yeah, I should get home."

"Do you have a ride?"

"Yeah, my brother's picking me up."

"Okay. Then I'll walk you to the exit."

"Thanks."

As they walked to the building's exit, they continued chatting. The sound of the rain became less distracting. Meeting new people had proven productive for both Mikha and Jon.

For Mikha, it was refreshing. Most people were too awkward meeting her for the first time, especially if they were fans. At work, everyone treated her professionally and were much older, so casual conversations felt weird. Jon, however, was different.

Jon was in the same age group and not a fan, so talking to him wasn't awkward. He wasn't overly familiar with her either, which provided comfortable boundaries.

For Jon, Mikha was the first famous person he talked to casually. Sure, he had dealings with famous people before, but he never imagined conversing with them so casually. Now, he might have even made a friend.

"I'll introduce you to some metal songs someday."

"Well, I'm not sure if I'll like it. Our music tastes are pretty different."

"You can be honest. But some of our tastes do overlap," Jon said. "I'll make sure you like my recommendations."

"Then, I look forward to it," Mikha said.

A car pulled up to the gate.

"I think that's my brother. I'll be going now," Mikha said. "Sure we can't give you a ride?"

"Nah, it's okay," Jon responded. "I still have somewhere to go. But thanks for offering."

Mikha hesitated to offer. It was polite and the right thing to do, but she worried people might misunderstand, and she didn't want Jon to get the wrong idea either. Although, it might also be her overthinking.

"Oh okay," Mikha said as she got into the car. Before closing the door, she said, "Thanks for the meal! Bye!" and waved.

Jon waved back as the car drove off into the wet streets of Quezon.

Inside the car...

"Who was that, sis?"

"He's a new hire at the studio. He's going to be a musician for our group."

"Oh... I thought he was your boyfriend."

Mikha pouted. "I just met him today, Kuya!"

Enzo laughed. "Sorry for teasing you. But you haven't really dated anyone since... okay, you haven't dated anyone ever."

"I'm just too busy with work, okay," Mikha pointed out. "Not to mention, what would the Blooms think if I started dating someone?"

"There'd probably be mixed feelings," Enzo responded. "Though you did say in a past podcast that you'd stay lowkey."

Mikha thought for a moment. "I don't see it happening soon anyway, so no point in obsessing about it."

"You're that busy, huh," Enzo commented. "Well, good luck, sis."

---

Back at the studio, Jon scrolled through his phone, patiently waiting for someone. He opened Instagram and browsed his feed. Most of the posts were from old friends and colleagues. He fondly remembered his time in Pangasinan, performing marine research. It was his job, but he also enjoyed it. Studying marine life had always been a dream. But what about now? A life vastly different from his past occupation.

If it weren't for... If it weren't for... No. There's no point in thinking about it now.

Jon was getting lost in his thoughts until...

*Beep Beep*

A car honked as it parked in front of Jon. The windows rolled down to reveal Martin in the driver's seat.

"Hey," Martin called out. "Didn't know you were still here. Come on, I'll give you a ride."

"Took you long enough," Jon replied as he boarded the car with his guitar.