Lost and Found • mikhaiah au

24. Parallel Hearts

Agnes opened the door to find Maiko waiting outside, a bright smile on her face. "Ready?" Maiko asked.

Agnes nodded, returning the smile. "Yep, tara."

It had been two weeks since Agnes and Maiko's unexpected encounter with Glen, and Sienna at the café. Their reunion had been a whirlwind of emotions and revelations, from their appearance on Glen and Sienna's lives to their visit on Jovanna's house last week. When they arrived, Casey and Jovanna had been so overcome with shock at the resemblance to their old friends that they could hardly speak. Their tears flowed freely, mingling with laughter and heartfelt hugs.

Since then, Agnes and Maiko had been embraced as the new "babies" of the group.

It was as if Sienna, Glen, Casey, and Jovanna had taken on the roles of generous, rich aunties, showering them with affection and treats.

Today was no different as their Ate Jovanna had invited them for brunch, a gesture that was becoming a tradition to them.

As Agnes and Maiko made their way to Jovanna's house, Agnes found herself stealing glances at Maiko.

Maiko's concentration was fixed on the road, her hands confidently gripping the steering wheel, her expression relaxed and focused. Agnes couldn't help but smile at the sight of her.

Never in her wildest dreams did she think she'd find herself sitting in Maiko's car, feeling this way.

Six months ago, the thought of looking at her rival with anything other than competitive fire would have seemed absurd. If she could tell her past self what she was feeling now, she would have burst out laughing. But here she was, unable to deny the warmth spreading through her chest every time she looked at Maiko.

Agnes's gaze lingered on Maiko a moment longer, memorizing the curve of her lips and the way the sunlight filtered through her hair. She felt a wave of fondness wash over her, one she hadn't expected but was growing to embrace.

Maiko's eyes flicked over to Agnes for just a second, catching her in the act of staring. A grin spread across her face, and she couldn't resist the urge to tease. "Hey, wifey," she said, her tone light and teasing. "If you keep looking at me like that, I might start melting."

Agnes felt a flush of warmth spread across her cheeks, and she quickly turned her gaze toward the window, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Epal! 'Di naman ako sayo nakatingin, sa ibon kaya, ayun oh!"

"Oh, sure you weren't," Maiko interrupted with a chuckle, her grin widening. "I mean, I can't blame you. I do look extra pogi today, right?"

Agnes rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips despite herself. "Patayin ko muna yung aircon, nilalamig na ako sa sobrang hangin mo eh!"

"Sus, you can't take your eyes off me nga," Maiko shot back, her tone still light but laced with affection.

Agnes shook her head, laughing softly. "Nye, nye, nye, OA!"

Maiko winked at her, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But you love it," she said, her voice dropping to a softer, more sincere tone. "And you love me."

Agnes bit her lip, trying to suppress the grin that threatened to spread across her face. "Mag-focus ka na nga diyan!" she said.

After a while, Maiko and Agnes finally pulled up to Jovanna's house, the familiar comfort of the car was then replaced by the nervous excitement of seeing everyone again.

As they approached the door, it swung open before they could even knock, revealing Casey with a huge smile on her face.

"Agnes!" Casey exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug. "I'm so glad you're both here!" She then waved Maiko over enthusiastically. "Pasok ka, Maiko!"