Almost is Never Enough | MIKHAIAH

4

Third-Person P.O.V.
Friday || 7:26pm

Z lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. The room was quiet, but her mind was anything but she kept replaying the evening in her head, how easy it was to talk to Max, how close they had gotten at the café, and the way Max had looked at her, making her feel something she couldn’t quite name.

"Nganong di man ko katulog?" Z muttered to herself, turning onto her side and hugging her pillow tighter. She sighed, feeling restless as the memories of the day played like a loop in her mind.

Just as she was about to force herself to close her eyes, her phone buzzed on the bedside table. She reached for it, seeing her girl’s name light up on the screen.

Pretty Sage: Hey, Z! Got any plans tomorrow? Tumambay tayo, it’s Saturday after all. What do you think?"

Selene rae: Ate Z, tagal na natin 'di nakaka tambay oh.

Merlucky: Kaya nga, pahinga muna sa aral at plano. Labas muna tayoooo

:Hi Girls, no plans yet. Sounds great, actually. Let's meet up! Saan tayo?

Selene rae: 'yun oh! nayswan nayswannn.

Pretty Sage: How about that new café near campus? Sabi nila masarap daw ang brunch nila.

Z’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of a café, her thoughts immediately drifting back to her time with Max. But she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on her plans with her friends instead.

:Sounds perfect. See you tomorrow morning!

Pretty Sage: Okii! I'll see you tomorrow then. Night girls!

Z set her phone down, hoping to finally get some sleep. But as she closed her eyes, the image of Max smiling warmly at her crept back into her mind, making her stomach flutter.

"Nganong ingon ani man ni?" she whispered to herself, feeling a mix of confusion and excitement.

She hadn’t planned on doing much for the weekend, but now she had something to look forward to. She turned over again, trying to shake off the thoughts, but it was no use. The way Max had looked at her, the warmth in her eyes, the way her voice softened when she spoke, it was all too much to ignore.

Z sighed, finally admitting to herself that tonight was going to be one of those sleepless nights. But as much as she tried to clear her mind, a small smile tugged at her lips.

"Bahalag way tulog, worth it man pud" she whispered before pulling her blanket closer, knowing full well that her thoughts would be occupied by a certain someone all night.

--

When Z arrived at the café the next morning, she was greeted by the sight of Sage, Lucky, and Selene already chatting at a table. She joined them, and soon they were laughing and enjoying their brunch, the conversation flowing naturally.

After they finished eating, Sage suggested, "Why don't we hang out at my sister's place? It’s just nearby."

"Hindi ba nakakahiya?" Z asked.

"Not at all, plus it'll be fun to hang out with her." Lucky added.

Z nodded, thinking it would be fun to continue their time together. As they made their way to the penthouse, Z couldn’t help but feel a bit curious about Sage’s sister. She had heard bits and pieces about her from her friends but had never actually met her.

When they arrived, Sage unlocked the door and led them inside. The place was modern and stylish, with a view of the city that took Z’s breath away. "Wow, this place is amazing," Z said, admiring the space.