Youth [MikhAiah] [Book #1]

14

—🐶—

The morning light streams into Aiah's apartment, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. Sheena, Stacey, and Maloi are gathered around the small dining table, sipping the last of their coffee. The clinking of cups and soft murmur of conversation fills the air, but Aiah can sense the underlying concern in their voices. After everything that happened with Marc, her friends are reluctant to leave her alone.

Stacey glances at her phone, her brows furrowing as she checks the time. "Guys, I have to head out. May shoot ako this afternoon, and alam niyo naman si manager—baka patayin ako kapag na-late ako."

Maloi stretches her arms above her head, her back cracking slightly. "Same here. My manager's been on my case about finalizing the setlist for the next performance. I need to run through a few songs pa."

Sheena, who has been quietly observing Aiah, reaches over to give her a reassuring pat on the back. "Ako din, may kailangan pang asikasuhin sa bahay. Pero isang sakay lang naman ako from here, so if you need anything, Ate Aiah, sabihan mo lang ako, ha?"

Aiah forces a smile, trying to mask the lingering anxiety gnawing at her. "I'll be fine, guys, promise. Thank you talaga for coming over and checking on me. It means a lot."

Maloi squeezes Aiah's shoulder affectionately. "Anytime girl, at tsaka, call us if you need anything, okay? Alam mo naman na we're just a message away."

Aiah walks them to the door, waving them off as they head out. The door clicks shut behind her, and the apartment falls into a heavy silence. Aiah takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly in an attempt to steady herself. The weight of the past day's events still clings to her, despite her friends' comforting words.

As she turns back to her apartment, her phone buzzes on the counter, and she freezes. Her heart jumps, immediately flashing to Marc, and her breath catches. But when she checks the screen, she lets out a relieved sigh—it's Mikha.

—🔔—

heather.
hi :D

—🔔—

—📱—

heather.
hi :D
how are you holding up? 

aiahyah
i'm alright, a little rattled
but i'm managingwhat about you?

heather.
i'm alrightt
i was wondering if you have any plans today?