I'll Be Back

32

Mikha

I waited patiently at the shore, the gentle sounds of the waves playing in the background as I traced Aiah’s name into the sand. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the water. I couldn't help but smile, excitement bubbling inside me. It was our picnic date, something we hadn’t done in a while, and I was looking forward to spending time with her, just the two of us.

I was so lost in my thoughts, my fingers idly fidgeting with the sand, that I didn’t notice someone approaching until they sat beside me.

“Na miss mo ba ako?” Aiah’s voice rang out, teasing yet soft, pulling me from my daydream.

I turned to her, my heart skipping a beat. There she was, looking effortlessly beautiful as always, wearing a simple white sleeveless top that draped perfectly over her frame, her hair swaying slightly in the breeze. She had this glow about her, something that always drew me in.

“More than you know” I replied with a smile, my chest filling with warmth just from seeing her. “You look stunning”

She laughed, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “Bolera ka talaga noh. But thanks.”

I laughed with her, feeling the usual lightness she brought out in me. “I have to be, right? I want to impress you.”

“You don’t have to try naman” she said softly, her eyes meeting mine for a moment. “You already do.”

Her words sent a flutter through my chest. I reached out and took her hand, feeling the softness of her skin, the warmth of her touch. "Bolera ka rin pala" I teased, squeezing her hand gently. "Thanks for coming, Aiks."

We sat there quietly for a while, watching the waves roll in, the sky slowly changing colors. Every now and then, I’d glance at her, and each time she’d catch me, I’d look away, pretending I wasn’t staring. But she’d smile, that small, knowing smile that made my heart skip.

As the sun dipped lower, casting an orange glow across the water, we shared strawberries dipped in chocolate. Aiah leaned back on her elbows, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

"I love this time of day" she murmured, her voice soft and thoughtful. "It’s peaceful."

I watched her, the light catching her face, making her look almost ethereal. "Me too" I said quietly. "It feels perfect."

We stayed like that, enjoying the simplicity of the moment, the calmness of the beach, and the comfort of each other’s company. Her hand eventually found mine again, and she held it gently, her fingers tracing slow circles against my palm.

time skip

As the sun disappeared below the horizon, we packed up the remains of our picnic. I folded the blanket while Aiah gathered our things, her movements slow and deliberate. It was as if neither of us wanted to leave just yet, but the evening chill was settling in.

“I’ll go ahead” she said as we started walking back, her voice breaking the quiet. “Kunin ko na si Jane sa room namin, then we'll have dinner. Gusto mo sumama?”

I nodded enthusiastically. “Of course”

The excitement of spending more time together filled me with a warm sense of contentment. We walked side by side, the cool evening breeze brushing against us, the sound of our quiet footsteps blending with the distant hum of the town. Every now and then, our arms would brush, sending little shivers down my spine. It was such a small thing, but it made me feel so alive.