Neighbor ✓ [MikhAiah] [Book #2]

07

—🐶—

ALANA's POV

I once fell in love, hard and fast, with someone who I thought would be my first and last. We dated for almost two years, and for a while, it felt like everything was perfect. But eventually, they got bored of me. It's funny how I can play the wingman between two people, doling out advice like some kind of love expert, yet I couldn't even make my own relationship last. I thought love was supposed to be easy if both people wanted it to work. But maybe that's just something people say to make themselves feel better.

Now, two weeks into the school year, I'm pulled back into reality. I spot Mikaela and the group hanging out by the courtyard, laughter and chatter filling the air. They're gathered under the shade of a tree, sprawled on the benches, and the sound of Nicole's voice cuts through the noise. I approach them, waving as I get closer.

"Oh, pinsan!" Nicole calls, noticing me first. "This is Stella and Sienna." She gestures toward two girls I haven't met before. "They're under a different department, kaya minsan lang kami magsama-sama."

I offer Stella and Sienna a polite smile, extending my hand for a handshake. They each take it in turn, their smiles warm but brief, the kind of acquaintances who might remain just that—faces in the hallways.

Settling in beside Mikaela, I lean close and whisper, "Nakita mo na ba si Judy today?"

She shrugs, barely acknowledging me as she absentmindedly stirs the food on her plate. I follow her gaze to where Judy sits across the courtyard, laughing with her own friends. The sight of her makes me smirk, and I nudge Mikaela playfully with my elbow.

"Ayun siya oh," I say, motioning toward Judy with my lips. "Go," I mouth, grinning as Mikaela's shoulders stiffen slightly.

From the corner of my eye, I see her gulp, a small nod barely noticeable as she tries to focus on anything but Judy. I turn my attention back to Nicole and Amalia, who are deep into their conversation. "So ayun nga guys, malapit na second anniversary namin ni Uyab," Malia announces with a wide grin, and everyone cheers in response.

"Grabe, second anniversary agad!" Stella remarks as she zips up her makeup kit, glancing at Malia in awe.

"So, meron ba kayo plans to celebrate?" Sienna asks before shoving a handful of chips into her mouth.

"Syempre," Nicole responds, intertwining her hand with Malia's, their fingers locked together like it's the most natural thing in the world. "Plano nga namin today eh, pero kasama kayong lahat!"

Just as the air is filled with excitement, Mikaela stands up abruptly beside me. Nicole and Malia look at her with frowns of confusion. "Saan ka nanaman pupunta, Miks?" Nicole asks.

Mikaela shrugs, her response dry. "CR."

I bite down on my lip, trying not to laugh. Smooth, Mikaela. "Ah, same," I chime in, standing as well. "CR lang din ako,"

As we step away from the group, I watch as Mikaela veers off, heading not toward the bathroom but in Judy's direction. I follow her at a distance, watching her back tense as she approaches Judy, and I can't help but think she's going to mess this up. Not on my watch. I dart behind a nearby wall, just close enough to watch the encounter unfold but far enough to remain unseen.

"Psst," I call out quietly, and Mikaela turns to see me peeking out from behind the corner. Her eyes widen slightly, and she mouths, "Ano ginagawa mo rito?!"

Rolling my eyes, I mouth back, "Duh, tutulungan ka!"

She exhales deeply and faces forward again, her confidence clearly wavering. I nod toward Judy, who's sitting a few feet away, chatting with her friends. "Mag-hi ka!" I mouth, urging her on.

Mikaela clears her throat, then flashes an awkward, ear-to-ear smile. "Hey..." she says, her voice sounding a little too cheerful for someone like her.

Judy turns and smiles, her eyes lighting up as she recognizes Mikaela. "Oh, hi Miks!"

Compliment her, compliment her, I think desperately, whispering the words under my breath. Mikaela fidgets, her fingers tugging at the hem of her shirt behind her back. For a moment, I think she's going to chicken out.

"You... your socks look nice."

Oh my god, Mikaela Alvarez, seryoso ka ba? I nearly slap my forehead. Out of all the compliments she could have given, socks?

But to my surprise, Judy just laughs softly, her smile never fading. "Aw, thanks, Miks. You're very nice."

I cover my mouth to stifle a giggle. Hindi ako makapaniwala na gumana yun. What the hell?

"Ask her about her day," I whisper again, my voice barely audible as I press myself closer to the wall.

"So... how's your day?" Mikaela stutters, her voice a little steadier this time.

Judy sighs, her tone shifting. "Mahirap actually, ang hirap imaintain y'know, schoolwork and personal problems."

Mikaela's face softens, and for a moment, she actually seems like she's getting the hang of this. "Well, you can ask me anytime naman for help," she says smoothly, surprising even me with how natural it sounds.

Judy beams at her. "Thanks, Miks!" Her smile is warm, genuine. "What about you ba?"

I carefully inch forward, leaning against the edge of the wall so I can hear Mikaela's response. "Maganda naman, actually..." she starts.

"Sabihin mo 'kasi nakita kita,' dali!" I whisper again. Come on, Miks, you've got this.

"Kasi... nakita kita." The words leave her mouth, and I cringe inwardly at how cheesy it sounds. But at the same time, there's a spark of excitement bubbling up in my chest.

Judy giggles, her cheeks flushing just a little. "Grabe, bakit ang sweet mo today?"

Ugh. That giggle sends a shiver down my spine, but not the good kind. Cringe.

Before either of them can continue, Mikaela's phone rings loudly, interrupting the moment. I see her face shift immediately, that familiar grumpy look taking over as she glances at her screen. "Oh wait, Judy—"

But Judy waves her off with a smile. "It's fine, Miks. I have to go na rin. It was nice talking with you though." She winks at her, and I roll my eyes from my hiding spot. She probably hasn't seen Mikaela's salty side yet.

As Judy walks away, I step out from behind the wall, jogging up to Mikaela. "Sino tumawag sayo?" I ask, curiosity creeping into my voice.

Mikaela mutters a curse under her breath. "Cole."

I shrug, trying to lift her mood. "Okay lang yan. You did good naman."

She shoots me a glare, her brow furrowed. "Oh really? Nagpanic ako kanina! I complimented her socks instead of her looks!"

I let out a small laugh, patting her on the back. "Well, nag-blush naman siya, and it seems like her replies were genuine. So, I think... mission accomplished."

Mikaela doesn't look convinced, but she lets out a frustrated sigh, running her hand through her hair. "Okay, so ano next step?"