Lost and Found • mikhaiah au

22. Sweet Nothings

The next morning, Agnes woke up to the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. She blinked, trying to piece together where she was, and then smiled as the events of the previous night came rushing back.

Maiko was still asleep beside her, her breathing even, and her face peaceful. The sight made Agnes' heart swell with a mix of emotions—relief, affection, and something deeper that she didn't want to name just yet.

Gently, Agnes slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Maiko. She stretched, feeling the slight soreness in her muscles, but it was a small price to pay.

As she tiptoed to the kitchen, the memories of their night replayed once more in her mind, making her smile despite herself.

The kitchen was as she had left it the night before, with the faint aroma of champorado still lingering in the air.

Agnes decided to make a light breakfast for Maiko, something warm and comforting to help her recover. As she began to gather ingredients, her thoughts wandered to what this new chapter meant for them.

Their relationship had always been filled with competition, banter and teasing, but there was an undeniable shift last night. It felt natural, though, as if they had always been moving toward this moment, even if they hadn't realized it until now.

As Agnes worked, she kept glancing at the bedroom door, half-expecting Maiko to emerge at any moment. But Maiko remained asleep, giving Agnes time to think.

Was it too soon to talk about what had happened? Should they just let things unfold naturally?

Her mind buzzed with possibilities, but she knew one thing for sure—she didn't want to rush anything. Whatever this was between them, it was worth taking the time.

Just as she was finishing up in the kitchen, Agnes heard a soft shuffle behind her. She turned to see Maiko leaning against the doorframe, still looking a bit groggy but with a lazy smile on her lips.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Agnes greeted, trying to keep her tone light despite the flutter of nerves in her chest.

"Morning, wifey," Maiko replied, her voice husky from sleep. "Something smells good. Are you cooking?"

Agnes nodded, holding up the bowl of warm soup she'd just finished preparing. "I figured you might need something to help you feel better. How are you feeling?"

"Better," Maiko said, slowly making her way to the table. She paused, her gaze meeting Agnes'. "But I might need some more of that special care you were giving me last night to fully recover."

Agnes blushed, her thoughts flashing back to their night. "Boang! Umupo ka na nga, Herrera, so papansin!" she said, trying to play it cool.

Maiko chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she took the bowl from Agnes. "You're too good to me, you know that?"

Agnes shrugged, feeling a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the heat of her cooking. "Just part of my duties."

"Wife duties," Maiko continued.

As they sat down to eat, the comfortable silence between them was filled with the unspoken promise of what was to come. They had crossed a line, yes, but it was a line that had been waiting to be crossed for a long time.

The tension that once defined them had softened, replaced by something more gentle, more intimate.

Maiko's hand reached across the table, gently taking Agnes' hand in hers. The simple gesture made Agnes' heart skip a beat, the touch so familiar yet electrifying. Maiko's fingers were warm, the contact sending a soft ripple through Agnes' stomach.