Bini High

16

Since Aiah and Mikhael's relationship took flight, their days became filled with secret rendezvous and stolen moments. They had carefully crafted a routine to keep their budding romance hidden, but their efforts didn't go unnoticed by their circle of friends.

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**Secret Dates**

Their first date was a quiet dinner at a small, cozy café nestled in a corner of the city. The place was charming, with soft lighting and a relaxed atmosphere. Mikhael had chosen the spot for its intimacy, perfect for their first evening out together. They sat at a corner table, away from prying eyes, where they could talk and laugh without interruption.

"Hindi mo ba alam kung gaano kalakas ang tibok ng puso ko sa mga ganitong sitwasyon?" Mikhael teased as he gently held Aiah's hand across the table.

Aiah blushed, taking a sip of her drink to cover her smile. "Siyempre, Mikhael. Alam ko na hindi mo mapigilan ang pagiging cheesy mo."

Mikhael chuckled, leaning closer. "Baka kasi 'yun ang nagpapakilig sa'yo."

Aiah playfully rolled her eyes. "Sabi mo na lang 'yan."

They shared a quiet dinner, their conversation flowing easily as they talked about their dreams, their families, and their plans for the future. Every glance and every touch felt electrifying, a reminder of how special their secret moments were.

---

**Second Date**

The second date was an evening stroll in the park. Mikhael had insisted on walking Aiah home, but they took a detour through a nearby park. The moonlight reflected off the water of the small lake, creating a magical atmosphere.

Aiah leaned against Mikhael as they walked, their hands intertwined. "Gusto ko 'tong oras na ito, Mikhael. Parang lahat ng problema ko nawawala kapag kasama kita."

Mikhael smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "Ako rin, Aiah. Ang saya ko kapag ikaw ang kasama ko."

As they reached a secluded bench by the lake, they sat down, their shoulders touching. Mikhael reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, handing it to Aiah.

"Para sa'yo," he said, his eyes twinkling with affection.

Aiah opened the box to reveal a delicate silver bracelet with a tiny heart charm. "Mikhael, ang ganda naman nito. Thank you."

Mikhael grinned. "You're welcome. Para malaman mo na lagi kitang iniisip."

Their evening ended with a sweet kiss under the stars, a promise of more moments like these.

---

**Curiosity of Friends**

Meanwhile, Aiah and Mikhael's friends began to notice their absence. The friends, curious and somewhat suspicious, started piecing together clues about their whereabouts. They became increasingly interested in why Aiah and Mikhael were declining invitations to hang out.

One afternoon, Stacey and Maloi were chatting in the cafeteria, both looking puzzled.

"Bakit kaya ang daming excuses ni Aiah at Mikhael lately?" Stacey mused, her curiosity piqued.

"Hindi ko rin alam," Maloi replied, adjusting her glasses. "Baka naman may nangyayari sa kanila."

Stacey narrowed her eyes. "Tama. Mag-obserba tayo."

---

**Following the Couple**

The following weekend, their friends decided to take matters into their own hands. They discreetly followed Aiah and Mikhael, hoping to uncover the truth behind their mysterious absences.

JR, Cole, and Sheena joined forces with Stacey and Maloi in their investigation. The group carefully trailed Aiah and Mikhael as they went out on their secret dates.

As they followed them to the café, JR leaned towards Stacey, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Stacey, ang dami mong pink sa suot mo. Baka mata mo ang makakita sa kanila."

Stacey gave him a playful shove. "Shut up, JR. Ang importante ay malaman natin kung anong meron sa kanila."

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**Unexpected Revelations**

The group managed to stay out of sight as they watched Aiah and Mikhael share a romantic dinner. Maloi couldn't help but gush as she saw them laughing and enjoying each other's company.

"Ang sweet nila! Ang dami nilang paborito, ay!" Maloi whispered excitedly.

Cole, who was trying to keep a low profile, gave her an annoyed look. "Maliit na labanan lang 'to, Maloi. Huwag mong gawing malalaking issue."

The friends continued to observe Aiah and Mikhael, who remained blissfully unaware of the covert operation. Their affection for each other was evident in every gesture, every glance, and every touch.

---

**The Big Reveal**

As the evening progressed, the group followed Aiah and Mikhael back to Aiah's house. Mikhael had walked her home, and they were saying their goodbyes at her doorstep. The friends, hiding behind a nearby tree, watched as Mikhael leaned in for a kiss.

Aiah, surprised by their sudden appearance, looked up with wide eyes. "Nandiyan na ba sila?"

Mikhael turned and saw their friends coming towards them with grins and teasing looks.

"Hule kayo!" shouted Stacey, breaking into a fit of laughter.

Aiah and Mikhael froze, their faces flushed with embarrassment as their friends crowded around them.

"Uy, sino namang mga stalker na 'to?" Mikhael asked, trying to hide his amusement.

JR smirked. "Naku, baka may plano ka pang iba diyan, Mikhael."

"Baka naman," Mikhael replied, his tone light and teasing.

Aiah, her face red, shook her head. "Gusto ko sanang magtago sa lupa ngayon."

Maloi laughed, nudging Cole. "Ang saya, di ba? Kita mo, Cole, ang dami nating natuklasan."

Cole rolled his eyes. "Sa lahat ng bagay, Maloi, ikaw pa ang nangunguna sa kalokohan."

As the group continued to tease Aiah and Mikhael, the couple couldn't help but laugh at the unexpected turn of events. Despite the embarrassment, they were relieved that their secret was finally out, and their friends seemed to have accepted their relationship with good humor.

The evening ended with a lot of laughter and teasing, and Aiah and Mikhael were left with the realization that their friends were more involved in their lives than they had anticipated. The couple held hands, ready to face whatever came next, knowing that their love was now an open book to their closest friends.