Youth [MikhAiah] [Book #1]

09

—🐶—

Aiah arrived at the café, the usual warmth and aroma of freshly brewed coffee doing little to ease the tightness in her chest. She'd barely slept the night before, her mind racing with endless possibilities of what Marc could want. The lingering unease gnawed at her, and she felt it settle like a heavy weight on her shoulders.

As she entered, she greeted a few regulars with a faint smile, but anyone who knew her could tell something was off. She moved mechanically behind the counter, her usual lively demeanor replaced by a quiet, distracted air.

Juno watched Aiah closely. He had a knack for picking up on the subtitles of human behavior, a skill that had served him well in his line of work, and today, Aiah's strange behavior didn't go unnoticed.

Juno watched as Aiah fumbled with her apron strings, her movements unusually clumsy. She glanced around the café more than usual, her eyes darting to the windows and lingering on the people walking by. Her smile was strained, and there was a nervous energy about her that was impossible to ignore.

He approached the counter, pretending to restock the sugar packets as he observed her. "Okay ka lang, Aiah?"

Aiah looked up, startled as if she hadn't realized someone was talking to her. She forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Oh hi, Jun. Okay lang naman ako, medyo puyat lang."

Juno nodded, but his gaze remained sharp, studying the way Aiah's hands trembled slightly as she poured a latte. "Sure ka? You look like you've got something on your mind."

Aiah hesitated, her fingers pausing on the edge of a coffee cup. For a moment, she considered telling Juno about Marc's sudden reappearance, the messages that wouldn't stop, the creeping feeling of being watched. But she shook her head, pushing the thoughts away. "It's nothing. Just tired, like I said."

Juno gave a noncommittal hum, not entirely convinced but willing to let it slide for now. He knew better than to push her when she wasn't ready to talk. But his instincts told him something was wrong, and Aiah's evasive answers only confirmed it.

As the morning rush died down, Aiah took a quick break, retreating to the back room. She leaned against the wall, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths to steady herself. She pulled out her phone, hoping to distract herself with a quick scroll through social media. But the moment she unlocked her screen, her heart sank.

A notification banner flashed across the top.

—🔔—

unknown
we just need to talk things out.

—🔔—

Aiah's stomach twisted. She could feel her anxiety spiking again, the small break she'd hoped for now soured by the relentless presence of Marc in her notifications. She locked her phone and stuffed it back into her pocket, trying to focus on anything else.

From his spot near the espresso machine, Juno had seen the notification pop up. He couldn't make out the full message, but he caught enough of it to understand. His eyes narrowed, the pieces falling into place.

Aiah returned to her duties, but Juno noticed she was even more distracted than before. She kept glancing at her phone, her eyes flitting nervously towards the café entrance every few minutes as if expecting someone to walk in. Juno's protective instincts flared. He made a mental note to report this to the Prince as soon as he got the chance.

As Aiah reached for another break, her phone buzzed again. This time, the message was clearer, the tone more demanding.

—🔔—

unknown
you can't ignore me forever, aiah.

—🔔—

Aiah's hands shook as she read the words, and she clenched her phone tightly. The last thing she wanted was for Marc to show up at her work or her home. Her mind raced with what-ifs, her breath quickening as she struggled to keep her composure.

Juno watched, his concern deepening. He couldn't stay on the sidelines any longer. He approached Aiah, his voice gentle but firm. "Sure ka talagang okay ka lang? Parang takot na takot ka."

Aiah swallowed hard, her eyes darting to Juno, and for a split second, she considered telling him everything. But she shook her head, her voice shaky. "It's nothing, Juno. I'm just... I'm just dealing with some stuff."

Juno nodded slowly, but his gaze was unwavering. "I'll be here if you need someone to talk to ah."

Aiah offered a weak smile, appreciating the gesture even though she wasn't ready to take him up on it. She turned away, but Juno's expression hardened with determination. He knew he needed to act before things got worse. As soon as Aiah stepped away, Juno discreetly pulled out his own phone, sending a quick message to his Boss.

—📱—

Juno
Your Highness, I'm afraid I have bad news.

Aiah seems to be acting strange ever since this morning.

Mikha
Why? What happened?

Juno
I can't make with the notifications that keep popping up from her phone, but I'm sure it's scaring her.

It's like someone is stalking her or something.

—📱—