Youth [MikhAiah] [Book #1]

25

—🐶🐰🐼🐱🐺🐨🐣—

As soon as the door swings open and Maloi sees the three figures standing there, she nearly collapses with relief. She lowers the pepper spray, muttering under her breath, "Pucha, akala ko naman kung sino!" Her face flushes as she exhales a shaky breath, and the tension that gripped the room slowly loosens. "Mga pogi lang pala!"

Colet, Gwen, and Jhoanna stand in the doorway, their caps pulled low, and their faces mostly hidden by masks. Colet steps forward first, a calm smile on her lips as she raises her hands in mock surrender. "We're here to help. Mikha sent us," she says, her voice steady and reassuring. Jhoanna follows close behind, nodding in agreement, while Gwen offers a sheepish wave.

Aiah, still standing near the kitchen, watches them cautiously. It feels surreal to have the three princes standing in her small apartment. The gravity of the situation hits her all over again—this isn't just about Marc anymore. It's about her safety, about Mikha, about everything getting more complicated.

"Pasok kayo," Aiah finally says, stepping aside. "Baka may makakita pa sainyo."

As the princes file into the apartment, the atmosphere shifts. The immediate danger from outside fades, but an undercurrent of unease remains. With Marc out there—and now the involvement of royal figures—it feels like a ticking time bomb.

The three princes set down bags on the dining table, and Colet pulls out containers of food. "We brought breakfast pala," she says, flashing a warm smile. "Figured you could use a break after... everything."

"More than you know," Maloi mutters, still shaking off the adrenaline from the scare. She and Stacey exchange glances before sitting down, clearly relieved but still on edge.

Jhoanna pulls a small, nondescript phone from her pocket and hands it to Aiah. "This is from Mikha," she explains. "She wanted you to have a secure line to contact her, away from the media and anyone who might be watching."

Aiah takes the burner phone, her fingers brushing over it lightly. "She thought of everything, huh?"

"Magaling si Mikha dun," Gwen says with a soft smile. "Buong gabi ba naman alalang-alala sa'yo."

Aiah's heart swells at the thought of Mikha being so protective. But there's still a heaviness that lingers. The burner phone represents more than just communication—it's a reminder of the lengths they have to go to keep their relationship safe, to keep Aiah safe.

"We're staying here for a while pala," Colet adds, her voice gentle but firm. "Mikha asked us to keep an eye on you, to make sure Marc doesn't try anything."

Aiah's eyes widen. "You're staying here? For how long?"

"As long as it takes," Jhoanna says. "We're here to help naman,"

Aiah nods, appreciating their presence, but the idea of having the royal trio around feels... strange. She glances at her friends, who look equally baffled by the entire situation. Still, she knows this is the only way to keep things under control.

As they settle down at the table, Colet clears her throat, shifting the conversation. "We should also tell you what's going on with Mikha and Denise. It's important you know the plan din."

Maloi, Stacey, and Sheena lean in, their curiosity piqued.

"It's all for show," Gwen begins, her voice low and measured. "Mikha and Denise have agreed to act like they're affectionate in public to satisfy their parents and avoid any pressure. But... they're not together, not really."