Youth [MikhAiah] [Book #1]

13

—🦊—

MIKHA

As Aiah finished tending to my knuckles, she looked up at me with a soft smile. Her touch was gentle, and I could feel the care in every small movement as she carefully wrapped my hand. I found myself lost in the moment, savoring the simplicity of it—the closeness, the warmth of her presence, the sound of her breathing steadying as she worked.

She ended up putting a bandaid on top of my knuckles and it had a little puppy sticker along with it.

"Thanks ulit for having me," I finally said, breaking the silence. My voice came out softer than I intended, a mix of reluctance and longing. I didn't want to leave yet, but I knew I had to get back to the castle before anyone noticed I was gone. "I should go na at hinahanap na rin ko nila Colet."

Aiah looked up at me, her eyes still shimmering from all that had happened tonight. "Okay, drive safe." She nodded, though there was a small flicker of disappointment in her eyes. "Thank you rin, Mikha, for showing up kanina."

I smile at her, feeling my heart flutter at the way she said my name, the way it sounded coming from her lips, "I guess you'll be seeing me a lot from now on."

She chuckled softly, a sound that sent warmth coursing through me. "You're free to come over anytime, Your royal highness." she walks to the door, and as I stepped outside wearing my facemask and cap again, the cool night air hit my face.

I turned back one last time, meeting her gaze.

"Mag-ingat ka ah," I said, feeling a strange mix of happiness and hesitation.

"Opo," Aiah replied, her smile genuine, if not a bit tired. "See you soon, Your Highness."

I laughed lightly, feeling a rush of emotions swell up inside me. "See you soon, Maraiah."

With that, I slipped back into Juno's car, careful to secure the mask and cap. As I drove away, the events of the night played over in my mind. I had just confessed to Aiah. Not as the Prince, not as Heather, but as myself. I couldn't help but giggle, a giddy kind of happiness bubbling up inside me. I felt like a kid who just got away with something mischievous, but also incredibly rewarding.

I was so caught up in my thoughts that I barely noticed when I pulled up to the castle gates. My heart was still light, my mind buzzing with the anticipation of all the moments Aiah and I would share moving forward. Whether it was sneaking out to meet or simply gaming together like old times, I couldn't wait.