Youth [MikhAiah] [Book #1]

20

—🐶🦊🐰🐼🐱—

Mikha glances at the girls, her voice steady but filled with sincerity.

"I'll do my best to fight for Maraiah. I can't imagine being with anyone else," she says, her gaze shifting toward Aiah, who gives her a grateful, soft smile.

Stacey gasps dramatically, grabbing a nearby pillow and playfully swatting Aiah on the shoulder. "Lintik ka, kinulam mo ata si Mikha!" she teases, her voice high-pitched with excitement. "Apaka haba talaga ng hair mo ha!"

Maloi and Sheena quickly follow suit, grabbing pillows and joining in on the playful attack, giggling as they gently smack Aiah. "Hindi na namin kakayanin 'to! Ikaw pa talaga ang napili ng prinsipe!" Maloi exclaims, laughing as Aiah tries to fend off the incoming pillow blows, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"Grabe, guys!" Aiah manages to squeal between giggles. "Tigil na, hindi ako makahinga!" She's laughing, caught between the teasing affection of her friends and the overwhelming realization of what Mikha just promised.

Mikha watches them with a smile, but the moment of fun comes to an end as she checks the time on her watch. "Okay, okay, as much as I'd love to stay and watch you all torment Aiah, I should get going," she says, a hint of reluctance in her voice. "Before my parents realize I'm not at the palace."

The room quiets, the playful energy fading as the reality of Mikha's royal life sets in. Aiah walks over to Mikha, and they share a brief moment of quiet understanding. Mikha leans down and presses a soft kiss to Aiah's forehead, her lips lingering just long enough to make Aiah's heart flutter.

"Take care," Mikha whispers, her hand gently brushing against Aiah's cheek before she turns to the girls. "Salamat pala, for accepting us ni Aiah."

The girls nod in unison, smiling softly. "Of course, Your—uh, Mikha," Sheena corrects herself with a sheepish grin.

As Mikha exits the apartment, Stacey, Maloi, and Sheena exchange glances before bursting into a fit of giggles. They turn to Aiah, their grins wide as they close in on her. "Awwww!" Maloi coos, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Forehead kiss? Huy!"

Aiah rolls her eyes, though her smile gives away her happiness. "Grabe kayo. Tapos na, tapos na!"

But before the teasing can continue, the atmosphere shifts. Stacey, always the voice of reason, leans back on the couch and glances at Aiah. "Uy pero seryoso Aiah, what happens if the public finds out? This is dangerous. You know how intense things can get... especially if Marc finds out."

The mention of Marc sends a small ripple of unease through the room, but Aiah takes a deep breath and shakes her head. "I know it's risky. But I trust Mikha. I trust us." Her voice is firm, though the flicker of worry in her eyes doesn't go unnoticed by her friends.

"Mas matapang ka naman kesa saamin eh, sure," Sheena adds quietly, her gaze softening. "Pero mag-iingat ka pa rin ha."