Neighbor ✓ [MikhAiah] [Book #2]

06

—🦊—

MIKAELA'S POV

I roll my eyes for the umpteenth time, my foot tapping impatiently against the pavement as I stand outside Alana's house. The soft evening breeze does nothing to ease my growing frustration. Gaano ba katagal magbihis 'to? The sky is painted in hues of orange and pink, and the quiet hum of the neighborhood only serves to highlight how long I've been waiting. My gaze flickers towards her door, willing it to open.

And finally, it does.

Alana steps out, dressed casually in jeans and a loose top, her hair spilling over her shoulders. A wide smile spreads across her face as if she hasn't just kept me waiting for an eternity. "Sorry, natagalan. Parents aren't home, so feel free to make yourself at home," she says, stepping aside to let me in.

I grunt in response and step into the cool, dimly lit foyer, heading straight for the living room. The familiar scent of lavender greets me, probably from some fancy diffuser her mom has set up. I don't bother looking around—I've seen enough of this place when my family moved in next door. I throw myself down onto the plush couch, sinking into the cushions like they're swallowing me whole. Alana follows me, still looking too cheerful for my liking, and sits across from me, her expression full of amusement.

"So," she begins, her tone light but teasing, "as for my payment, I'll help you with Judy." Her eyes gleam with confidence, like she already has a grand plan in mind, one that's destined to succeed.

I scoff, narrowing my eyes at her. "I doubt this will work." I lean back, crossing my arms. "Judy's out of my league."

Alana crosses her arms, her smirk unwavering. "Alam kong sasabihin mo yan," She shifts in her seat, clearly enjoying herself. "Pero listen, when I helped Cole with Malia, I just started giving advice and boogsh—dating!" She claps her hands dramatically, her grin widening as if that explains everything.

I let out a derisive laugh. "That doesn't sound convincing at all."

She playfully smacks my arm, feigning exasperation. "Just shut up, dude. Ikaw na nga tinutulungan eh."

—🐶—

ALANA's POV

I study Mikaela's face carefully, observing the subtle shifts in her expression, the way she's trying to mask her uncertainty. I can't help but wonder if she's really serious about all of this—about Judy, about following my advice. It feels strange to think I might have any influence over someone as seemingly self-assured as Mikaela. But then again, I helped Cole win over Malia, didn't I?

Before I can get too lost in my thoughts, Mikaela interrupts with a familiar grin, that mischievous glint in her eyes that I'm starting to recognize all too well. "Ano? Nahulog ka na sakin?"

I roll my eyes, trying to ignore the sudden flutter in my chest. She's teasing—again. 
"In your dreams, Ms. Alvarez." My tone is light, but I force myself to look away, focusing on the faint ticking of the clock in the background.

She chuckles, kicking her feet up onto the coffee table like she owns the place, lounging back into the cushions with an air of confidence. "So, what now? Wag na tayo magsayang ng oras. Sabihin mo na lang ano ba dapat kong gawin." She crosses her legs, folding her arms behind her head as if waiting for me to start some kind of lecture.

I let out a small sigh, leaning forward slightly. "Alright, let's start with something simple. You need to stop just staring at her like you're stalking her, like siguro start with a simple greeting ganun, o kaya compliment her. Seryoso, para kang stalker minsan eh."

Mikaela groans loudly, tilting her head back like the weight of the world just fell on her shoulders. "Ang hirap naman niyan," she whines, as though I've asked her to solve a complex math problem.

"Not really," I say, shrugging. "Just give it a try muna." I lean in, raising an eyebrow. "Kunwari ako si Judy. Try to have a conversation with me."

She gives me a look, her skepticism obvious. "But you're nothing like her."

Well, thanks for the confidence boost, I think sarcastically, biting back a retort. "Can't you just goddamn act?!" I snap, crossing my arms in frustration.

She rolls her eyes, mimicking my movements. "Tsk, fine." Taking a deep breath, she squares her shoulders, as if gearing up for something monumental.

"Ah..." she starts but trails off, her voice faltering. Her face scrunches in frustration. "Hindi ko kaya."

I slap my forehead with a groan. "What? Bakit nanaman?"

"It's weird kaya," she mutters, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Hindi naman kita kilala, and now I'm here trying to pretend I'm hitting on you." She shifts uncomfortably in her seat, as if the very idea is absurd.

I rub my temples, already feeling the headache forming. "Girl, we've known each other for a week. We're classmates, mas nakikita pa nga kita kesa kay Cole!" My voice rises in frustration, but I try to keep calm.

"Isang linggo lang yun," she replies nonchalantly, still looking completely unbothered by my efforts.

I throw myself onto the couch beside her, crossing my arms with a huff. "Sa pagkaka-alam ko nga si Romeo and Juliet nagkakilala lang after like what... three days?"

She lets out a deep sigh. "Pero... hindi ko nga kaya."

I close my eyes, feeling the exasperation bubbling up. This is going nowhere. "Okay, ganito na lang," I say, sitting up and turning towards her. "All you need to do is walk up to her, look her straight in the eyes, and start a conversation."

To demonstrate, I turn my gaze directly into hers, locking eyes with her. And—oh. Suddenly, I notice how her eyes catch the light, the soft amber reflecting back at me, and I realize, Damn, kahit pala ang sakit niya sa ulo, may itsura pala talaga siya.

I quickly shove that thought to the back of my mind, but my heart beats a little faster. This is not the time, Lana. Focus.