Almost is Never Enough | MIKHAIAH

6

Third-Person P.O.V.
Sunday || 12:43am

After a fun-filled day, Z, Rae, Lucky, Sage are dropped off by Max's bandmates.

Z was the first one to head home. As the girls are saying their goodbyes, they spot someone leaning against the wall near the entrance. It's Daniel, waiting patiently, looking somewhat remorseful and anxious.

"Uh-oh, trouble's waiting." Sage whispered.

"Should we stay?" Lucky looked at Z

Z, forcing a smile, but her voice betrays her nerves, "It's okay, guys. I'll handle this."

Wesley, sensing the tension, offers Z a comforting smile. "Z, we'll stay right here okay, We won't leave you. Plus, we promised Max na kami ang bahala sayo." They all nodded.

Z takes a deep breath and walks up to Daniel. "What are you doing here, Daniel?"

Daniel, with a soft voice. "I wanted to talk. I know I messed up... again. But I can't just let you walk away like this."

Z crosses her arms, unsure of what to say. She knows she should be angry, and part of her still is, but the familiarity of Daniel's presence tugs at her emotions.

"We've been through this before, Daniel. I can't keep doing this."

Daniel, stepping closer, his voice pleading. "I know, and I don't expect you to forgive me right away. But I'm really sorry, hon. Please, can we just talk? I miss you."

Z looks down, her emotions swirling in conflict. Part of her wants to walk away, but another part longs for the comfort of what they once had.

Z sighed and looked at the car. "Fine. Let's talk inside."

As they enter the apartment, Z already knows she's about to make a decision she's made too many times before or not.

Z opens the door to her apartment and steps inside, the familiar scent and cozy atmosphere greeting her. Daniel follows, closing the door behind him. The air is thick with tension, both of them aware that this conversation could change everything again.

"You can sit down." Z gesturing towards the living room.

Daniel nods and takes a seat on the edge of the couch, his hands clasped together, clearly nervous. Z stays standing for a moment, looking at him with a mix of apprehension and fatigue. She finally sits down on the opposite end of the couch, maintaining some distance.

-- Flashback --
Z's old apartment, late at night, about a year ago.

Z stands in the living room, still reeling from the revelation that Daniel slept with another woman. The tension in the room is suffocating, and the air is thick with the emotions they can't seem to control.

"How many times are you going to say sorry, Daniel? How many times do you expect me to forgive you?" Z said, her voice shaking.

Daniel, clearly agitated, paces back and forth, his frustration mounting. He's feeling cornered, guilty, and unable to cope with the consequences of his actions. Daniel, raising his voice. "I already told you it was a mistake! How many times do I have to explain myself?"

Z, her heart broken, refuses to back down. She's hurt, betrayed, and she wants answers, real ones, not excuses.

"This isn't about explaining yourself, Daniel! You lied to me, and now you expect everything to just go back to normal? I'm not sure I can even look at you anymore!"

Daniel stops pacing and turns to face her, his eyes darkening with anger. His temper, already on edge, snaps.

Daniel, his voice low and dangerous. "You think I don't know that? You think I don't hate myself for what I did? But you just won't let it go, will you?"