Neighbor ✓ [MikhAiah] [Book #2]

05

—🦊—

MIKAELA'S POV

I watch Alana walk inside her house through my car's side mirror, her figure getting smaller as she disappears behind the front door. Alone in my car, I grip the steering wheel a little too tightly, my mind racing with thoughts. Hindi ko naman alam na may kinalaman siya sa relasyon ni Nicole at Amalia. The fact that Cole didn't tell me any of this gnaws at me, and suddenly, Alana's earlier comment plays over and over in my head.

I sigh, shifting gears and driving off towards home. The familiar hum of the engine doesn't help settle my thoughts. By the time I pull into our garage, right next to Alana's house, the tension in my chest hasn't eased. Our homes are frustratingly close—neighbors, of all things—and it feels like I can't escape the reminder of today's conversation.

As I step out of the car, I slam the door shut, just hard enough to release some of my frustration. Walking into the house, the familiar smell of dinner fills the air, but I'm too distracted to care. Mom meets me at the hallway, her warm smile greeting me.

"Nahatid mo na ba si Alana, anak?" she asks, as if it's a daily routine.

I flash her a tight, forced smile. "Yeah, Ma. I got her home."

Before she can ask any more questions, I mumble an excuse about being tired and head straight to my room. The second I'm inside, I throw my bag onto the desk with a thud and flop onto my bed, letting out a deep breath I didn't realize I was holding. My brain is still stuck on one thing—How did Alana help Nicole and Amalia?

I cuss under my breath. This is so stupid, I think, but the nagging curiosity won't go away. Sitting up, I grab my phone and scroll through my contacts until I find Nicole's name. I hesitate for a second before hitting the call button.

Nicole picks up quickly. "Oh, Miks! Bakit ka napatawag?" she asks, her tone as light as ever.

I take a breath, feeling awkward but pushing through. "Hey, uhm... I was just wondering... paano nga ba naging kayo ni Malia exactly?" I try to sound casual, but even I can hear the stiffness in my voice.

There's a pause, and then Nicole chuckles softly. "Parang alam ko na kung saan patungo 'to ah. Are you planning to ask Judy out na?"

Her teasing tone makes my face heat up. Of course she'd assume that. "No shit, Cole. Nagtatanong lang ako—"

But Nicole cuts me off with a laugh. "Honestly, I'm not a love expert myself, pero if ever nanghihingi ka ng advice, I think you should ask my cousin, si Lana. Love expert yun."

Lana, again. I had expected as much, but hearing Nicole confirm it makes something click in my mind. Still, I try to shift the conversation. "Are you sure? Judy to pinag-uusapan natin—"

Nicole interrupts me again, her voice teasing. "Nako, look at me and Malia, diba? Two years na kami! I'm sure it'll go the same for you too, Miks."

I let out an exasperated sigh. "Alright, alright. I trust you."

But Nicole's not done yet. "Trust my cousin, Miks," she adds with a knowing tone before hanging up.

I drop the phone beside me on the bed, staring at the ceiling. I swear, tomorrow's gonna be a long day.

—🐶—

ALANA'S POV

Another day, another school day. It hasn't even been a week since classes started, and I already feel like I'm running on empty. It's not like I hate school, but the constant flood of assignments and worksheets is wearing me down. The moment Mom's car pulls up at the school gates, I'm already mentally counting the hours until I can leave.

As I step out of the car, I see Jo waiting for me near the entrance, her signature playful grin plastered on her face. She waves wildly at me.

"Hey, gorgeous!" she calls out as she hurries to catch up with me, walking in step beside me. "So, how'd your ride home with Miks go like kahapon?"

I groan, rubbing my forehead as memories of yesterday flood back. "Hays, ayaw ko muna siya isipin, Jo." I shake my head, and Jo laughs, clearly entertained by my reaction.

"You're really in deep," she teases, nudging my shoulder.

Ignoring her, we continue walking down the hallway toward our classroom. As soon as we step inside, my eyes land on Nicole and Mikaela talking in the corner of the room. I immediately notice the way Nicole's eyes light up when she sees us, waving us over.

"Lana!" Nicole calls out, her grin widening. "May favor daw sayo si Miks—"

Before she can finish, I see Mikaela's hand fly to her face, her expression a mixture of frustration and embarrassment. She facepalms, cursing under her breath, and it's clear she hadn't intended for Nicole to announce it so openly.

I can't help the grin spreading across my face, feeling a little triumphant. "So... need mo talaga tulong ko with Judy?"

I raise an eyebrow, watching as Mikaela groans and rubs her temple, clearly regretting whatever conversation led to this moment.