Almost is Never Enough | MIKHAIAH

9

Third-Person P.O.V.
Tuesday || 7:03am

It's early morning, and the campus is just starting to come to life. Students are scattered around, either hurrying to class or grabbing a quick coffee. Z is in line at the campus café, reviewing her notes for the event, when Max walks in.

Z is focused on her notes, unaware of Max entering the café. Max spots her immediately and feels a pull to go say hi. She quietly walks up behind Z, leaning in slightly.

"Mind if I join you?" Max, softly, teasing

Z jumps slightly, startled, but then relaxes when she sees Max. "Oh, hey! You scared me."

Max grins, stepping beside her in line. "Sorry, couldn't resist. You're really deep in thought, huh?"

Z nods, a little flustered. "Yeah, just trying to make sure everything's ready for the event. How about you? Ready for the big night?"

Max shrugs casually. "We'll see. But honestly, bumping into you like this is a good start to the day."

Z blushes slightly, not quite sure how to respond. They order their coffee, and Max insists on paying for both. As they leave the café together, there's an easy, comfortable silence between them.

Max, breaking the silence. "You know, we should do this more often."

Z glances at her, surprised. "What, coffee?"

Max smirks. "Yeah, and just... crossing paths like this. Makes the day better."

Z smiles softly, feeling a warmth in her chest. "I'd like that."

--

Wednesday || 1:21pm

The campus is busy, with students rushing between classes. Z is walking down a hallway, her mind occupied with event preparations, when she spots Max talking with her bandmates near their practice room.

Z tries to slip by unnoticed, but Max catches sight of her. She quickly excuses herself from her bandmates and jogs up to Z.

"Are you avoiding me, Miss Salazar?" Max playfully said.

Z laughs, shaking her head. "No, just trying to get to my next meeting on time. You know how it is."

Max falls into step beside her. "I do, but it's not every day I see you walking by without saying hi."

Z chuckles, appreciating the lightheartedness. "I'll make sure to say hi next time. How's band practice going?"

Max shrugs. "Good. But honestly, all I can think about is how I'll survive this event without messing up."

Z stops walking and turns to face Mikha, her expression sincere. "You won't. You're going to be amazing. You always are."

Max looks at her, touched by the confidence Z has in her. "Thanks. That actually means a lot coming from you."

They share a brief, meaningful look before Z realizes she's running late.

"I've got to run, but... good luck with practice!" Z quickly excused.

Max nods, watching her go. "Thanks, Z. See you around."

Z paused and turned back, raising an eyebrow with a playful smirk. "Z? Since when did you call me Z?"Max blinked, slightly taken aback.

"Oh, uh, just trying it out. It feels... right." Z laughed softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Well, I like it more when you call me Quise. See you around, Max.... NOW HOW DOES IT FEEL?" Z jokingly replied.