Youth [MikhAiah] [Book #1]

12

—🦊🐶—

The air in Aiah's apartment was thick with tension, an unbearable mix of shock, confusion, and the raw truth that hung heavily between them. The prince stood before Aiah, with her face exposed, no longer hidden behind the mask and cap that had been her shield.

Aiah's heart continue to pound in her chest as she tried to reconcile the different versions of the stranger she had come to know: Heather, her in game duo. Janna, who had accompanied her during the BGC performance, now the Royal Prince.

Mikha took a tentative step forward, she closes her phone, her expression full of regret and vulnerability. "Aiah, I can explain."

Aiah's mind raced, her thoughts tangling in a mess of emotions. She had just begun to understand the depth of her connection with Heather, and now this revelation felt like the ground had been ripped out from under her. She sank down onto the couch, her gaze fixed on Mikha as if she were seeing her for the first time.

"I—" Mikha's voice cracked, and she swallowed hard, her usual composure nowhere to be found. She had rehearsed so many times how she would eventually tell Aiah the truth, but nothing could have prepared her for this moment, with Aiah looking at her like she was someone completely different. "I never meant to hide this from you. I just... I didn't know how."

Aiah's eyes were wide, still struggling to piece together the reality in front of her.
"So, Heather... Janna... lahat yun, ikaw?" Her voice was quiet, more a statement than a question, as if saying it aloud would make it easier to believe.

The dots were starting to connect.

Mikhaela Janna Lim.

Mikha nodded slowly, biting her lower lip as she knelt down in front of Aiah, her eyes filled with sincerity. "Heather, Janna, the Prince... but more than anything, I was just trying to be close to you. To be someone who understood you, someone you could trust. I didn't want to be just a title or a role. I wanted to be me."

Aiah stared at her, her eyes welling with tears again, but this time for an entirely different reason. She could see the genuine regret in Mikha's eyes, the raw honesty in her voice. It was like watching the layers peel away, revealing the real person underneath the royal facade.

"So all this time.." Aiah whispered, her voice breaking. "You've been with me.."

Mikha nodded, reaching out to take Aiah's hand in hers, holding it gently between her own. "I've always liked you, Aiah. From the very first time we exchanged social accounts.. I know this is a lot for you to take in, but you made me feel special."

"You just became that person I always look forward to talk to, to hear, to laugh with everytime I wake up in the morning."

Aiah let out a shaky breath, her tears spilling over as she clutched Mikha's hand tighter. She could feel the sincerity in Mikha's words, the pure, unfiltered emotion that connected them beyond titles, beyond identities. She knew this was real—what they had for a solid 5 years was real.

"I'm not upset because of who you are," Aiah said softly, her voice trembling but steady. "I'm overwhelmed, yes, but not upset."

Mikha's eyes softened, and she gently squeezed Aiah's hand. "I am sorry for not telling you sooner. Natatakot kasi ako na—"

Aiah nodded, wiping away her tears with her free hand. "It's okay, naiintindihan ko naman and I'm still grateful, Mikha. For everything. I don't care about the titles or the disguises. I care about you—just you."

The two sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the revelation slowly lifting as they shared a quiet understanding. Mikha felt a rush of relief wash over her; Aiah wasn't angry, she wasn't pushing her away. Instead, she was holding on, accepting Mikha in her entirety.

Aiah looked at Mikha, her eyes glistening but filled with warmth. "So... what happens now?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.

Mikha smiled, a small but genuine smile that reached her eyes. "I wanted to ask if you'd let me pursue you."

Aiah stared at her, dumbfounded. "Ha? Pursue? Hindi ba ano yun—"

Mikha could only and laughed at the same time, "I mean to say, gusto kita ligawan."

"Only if you'd let me, Aiah."

"Pero you're the prince, sure ka? Baka dinodogshow mo lang ako." Aiah asked and this even caused the Prince to laugh,

"I am absolutely sure."