Youth [MikhAiah] [Book #1]

15

—🦊—

MIKHA

As I step through the castle gates, the familiar walls and ornate fixtures welcome me back, but my mind is still lost in the memory of Aiah. I'm smiling to myself, my cheeks feeling warm, and I can't shake the feeling of her lips on mine. The soft press, the way her hands found their way to my shoulders—it's playing on repeat in my head, making it impossible to keep a straight face.

I'm pulled out of my reverie by the sound of laughter. My three cousins, Colet, Gwen, and Jhoanna, are lounging near the entrance, their casual clothes a stark contrast to the royal surroundings. Gwen's the first to notice me, her eyes widening as she elbows Jhoanna.

"Aba, mukhang masaya nanaman siya." Gwen says, barely containing her amusement. "Namumula nanaman mukha niya oh, parang nung nakaraan lang na nakausap mo siya sa BGC."

I immediately feel the heat rush up to my cheeks again, and I try to play it off, waving my hand dismissively. "Wala, ano ka ba," I mumble, but my voice lacks conviction. The memory of Aiah keeps creeping back, and it's hard to keep the goofy grin off my face.

"Wala daw, oh," Jhoanna snickers, nudging Colet. "Ang saya mo naman para sa 'wala.'"

"Kulang na lang, kulayan mo buhok mo na pula eh."

Colet gives me a knowing look, her eyebrow raised in curiosity. "Sige na nga, hindi na kami magtatanong kung ayaw mong magkwento." But there's a mischievous glint in her eyes that tells me they're not buying my nonchalant act for a second.

I roll my eyes, trying to keep my composure. "Promise, it's nothing," I lie, but the truth is, the kiss has been the only thing on my mind since it happened. The way Aiah's laughter melted into that kiss, her fingers threading through my hair, and the soft gasp she made when I pulled her closer—it's all too vivid.

We decide to take a stroll around the castle grounds, slipping into our casual clothes to blend in. The garden paths are serene, lined with blooming flowers and the gentle hum of nature. As we walk, the conversation flows easily, a mix of light teasing and shared stories. The warmth of the sun feels good on my skin, and for a moment, I feel like any other young person, not bound by the weight of royal expectations.

We eventually make our way to the castle's terrace, a favorite spot of ours for its sweeping view of the city below. We settle onto the stone benches, the breeze ruffling our hair as we relax under the shade of the large oak trees.

"So," I say, breaking the comfortable silence as I turn to Colet. "Kamusta na kaya ang number one fan ni Maloi?"

Colet blushes, her usual confidence momentarily slipping. "Sino bang hindi magiging fan? She's... something else," she admits, her voice softening. "It's just hard sometimes, alam mo yun? Parang gusto ko na pero minsan hindi ako sure kung okay lang."