Youth [MikhAiah] [Book #1]

21

—🦊—

MIKHA

I wake up to the sound of birds outside my window, the usual Sunday morning calm washing over the palace. For a moment, I let myself enjoy the peace, but it doesn't last long. My father's words echo in my head, pulling me back to reality.

"We've arranged a date with a potential partner."

It's all I can think about. The fact that it's already September means I have exactly three months to introduce Aiah to my parents—to make them understand that she's the only one I want to be with. But the thought of having to break up with her if things don't go as planned... it eats me alive. I can't imagine parting ways with her, not after everything we've been through.

I grab my phone from the nightstand, my thumb hovering over Aiah's contact. A simple greeting seems like the least I can do, so I type out a quick message.

Good morning, my love. I hope you're having a great start to your day. Miss you already.

I stare at the screen, waiting for the little notification that shows Aiah's seen it. My heart pounds as I imagine her reaction, her sleepy smile as she reads my message. Despite the storm brewing in my mind, thinking about her brings me a small sense of comfort.

A few seconds later, my phone buzzes with her reply.

Good morning love, still sleepy and lazy to do anything, what about you?

I smile at her use of love—her endearment name for me—but the weight of what I have to do pulls me back to reality. As much as I want to keep talking, to pretend everything is fine, I can't. There's no escaping today's "important matters."

I have some things to take care of today... My father arranged a date with a potential suitor. 

The message feels like a betrayal. Even though I'm just informing her, I can't help but feel like I'm letting her down, letting us down.

I hold my breath, waiting for her response. The thought of hurting Aiah... it crushes me. But when her reply finally comes, it's short and to the point.

Be careful today... I understand. 

My heart aches at the tiny heart emoji, knowing the pain behind her words. She signed up for this when she said yes to being my girlfriend, but that doesn't mean it's any easier. And the worst part is, there's nothing I can do right now to change the situation.

I'm sorry, Aiah. I'll talk to you later.

I send the message before I can second-guess myself and toss the phone onto my bed. There's no escaping the reality of what I have to do.

—🐶—

AIAH

The apartment is quiet. It's been quiet ever since Mikha's message. I read it over and over, the words sinking in deeper each time. I tell myself I signed up for this—that I knew what I was getting into. But knowing doesn't make it any less painful.