Lost and Found • mikhaiah au

18. Untold Depths

That same day, Maiko found herself at Agnes' condo door, grappling a fresh bouquet of flowers in her hand. She glanced down at them, trying to calm her nerves as she caught Colleen giving her a curious look.

Colleen's eyebrow arched slightly as she asked, "So, is there something going on between you and Agnes?"

Maiko's cheeks flushed a deep pink, caught off guard by the question. "What? No, nothing like that," she blurted, flustered. "We've just, uh, developed, uhm—a good relationship after everything that happened. I just wanted to... brighten her day?"

Colleen's smile turned teasing, her gaze knowing. "Right. Just a good relationship. Sure."

Maiko fidgeted, avoiding eye contact as she mumbled, "It's nothing serious, really."

Colleen chuckled softly, clearly amused by Maiko's reaction. "Uh-huh, whatever you say," she said, her tone playful.

Maiko, eager to escape the teasing, quickly gestured for Colleen to hide around the corner. "Okay, okay, enough of that. Just, hide over there for now. Let me talk to her first."

Colleen, still smiling, slipped out of sight, but not without giving Maiko one last amused glance. Maiko took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she faced the door. She raised her hand and knocked, trying to ignore the flutter of nerves in her stomach.

As she waited, Maiko couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. She was about to see Agnes again, and with Colleen just around the corner, the evening could take an unexpected turn. But for now, all she could focus on was the hope that the flowers—and her presence—would bring a smile to Agnes' face.

When Agnes opened the door, her smile widened at the sight of Maiko standing there with another bouquet of flowers. She raised an eyebrow and teased, "Again? Ang papansin talaga."

Maiko chuckled, trying to keep her composure despite her nerves. "Well, I figured you could use another set of flowers. Besides, who could resist the chance to brighten your day?"

Agnes's smile grew even warmer, and she playfully put her hand on her hip. "Bagong hobby mo ba to? O crush mo lang talaga ako?"

Maiko shrugged, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Maybe. Or maybe I just enjoy making you smile."

Agnes's eyes twinkled with amusement as she took the bouquet from Maiko. "Trying hard makuha ako no?"

Maiko grinned, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "You do have a way of making it worth my while naman."

Agnes laughed softly, her heart fluttering. "Ang epal, Herrera! Kainis! Pumasok ka na nga, nagluto ako."

As Agnes opened the door wider, inviting Maiko inside, Maiko hesitated, holding her ground. "Wait, promised me first that you will not be angry with me."

Agnes looked puzzled. "Ha? Ano daw?"

"Promise me first."

"Oh edi promise, ano ba yan?"

Before Maiko could respond, Colleen stepped out from her hiding spot around the corner, her presence startling Agnes. Her jaw dropped in shock. "Coach? Maiko, anong ginagawa niya dito?"

Colleen looked apologetic, her voice trembling slightly. "Agnes, please, just hear me out. I didn't get a chance to apologize properly, and I really need to explain everything."

Agnes turned her gaze to Maiko, searching for reassurance. Maiko's eyes were steady and encouraging, silently pleading for her to listen.

If it weren't for Maiko, Agnes swore she probably has slammed the door in Colleen's face.