Beneath Lies [F reader / Aiah Arceta]

Chapter 7

3rd pov

As the celebration wound down, the group began tidying up. Jhoanna and Stacey tackled the leftover cake and snacks, while Maloi and Colet gathered the used plates and cups. Gwen and Sheena took care of the decorations, carefully packing them away. Mikha stayed by Aiah's side, offering one last comforting hug before they prepared to leave.

"Salamat sa visit girls," Aiah said, her voice warm with gratitude. "I really needed this."

"Anytime," Mikha replied, giving her a final squeeze. "Huwag mong kalimutan na nandito kami para sa'yo. Goodnight, ate Aiah!"

After the cleanup was done and farewells were exchanged, Aiah found herself alone in her room, the house eerily quiet after the lively gathering. Her mind wandered back to Y/n, and she couldn't shake the feeling of longing and worry that had been building up.

That night, as she lay in bed, a plan began to form in her mind. Aiah had noticed something during the party that sparked an idea. Earlier, when she had been distracted by her thoughts, she saw a nurse entering Y/n's room with a new set of supplies. The nurse had been kind enough to acknowledge her presence, and Aiah had caught a glimpse of where Y/n's room was.

She decided to take a risk.

Quietly, Aiah slipped out of her room, making her way through the dimly lit corridors of the hospital. She moved carefully, mindful of the security measures and the possibility of encountering staff. Her heart raced with a mix of excitement and apprehension as she approached the area where she had seen the nurse earlier.

Aiah peered around the corner and spotted Y/n's room door. With a deep breath, she approached it, trying to stay as silent as possible. She could hear the faint hum of medical equipment inside, which only heightened her nerves. She knew she shouldn't be doing this, but her concern for Y/n and the need to be close to her drove her forward.

With trembling hands, she carefully turned the door handle and slipped inside. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of a bedside lamp. Y/n was lying in bed, looking peaceful despite the serious nature of her condition. Aiah felt a pang of guilt and worry seeing her like this, but also a sense of relief that she was finally able to see Y/n up close.

Aiah stood quietly beside Y/n's bed, her heart aching with a mix of concern and longing, she felt a sudden, unexpected movement. Y/n's hand, previously resting motionless by her side, reached out and clasped Aiah's hand gently. Aiah froze, her breath catching in her throat.

"Aiah?" Y/n's voice was soft and groggy with sleep. She squinted into the dim light of the room, struggling to wake up fully. "What are you doing here?"

Aiah's heart pounded. She hadn't expected to be caught. "I—um, I'm sorry. I just... I wanted to see you."

Y/n's eyes widened with a mix of confusion and concern. "Pano ka nakapunta dito? You're not supposed to be in the hospital rooms after hours."

Aiah shifted uncomfortably, trying to find the right words. "Eh kasi I saw the nurse earlier and followed her to find out where your room was. Tsaka I've been really worried about you."

Y/n's gaze softened as she processed Aiah's words. "You shouldn't be here, Aiah. It's against the rules and it's not safe for you."

Aiah's cheeks flushed with a mix of guilt and nervousness. "Alam ko. I just... I couldn't stay away. I was really worried about you."

Y/n gave a small, tired smile and squeezed Aiah's hand gently. "I appreciate that you care, but you need to go before someone finds you. I don't want you getting in trouble."