Neighbor ✓ [MikhAiah] [Book #2]

09

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MIKAELA'S POV

I sit at my desk, staring at the whiteboard as words blur together. The professor's voice is a low hum in the background, and I can't focus. My attention drifts, pulling me away from whatever lesson is being taught. I glance to my left, and there they are again—Alana and Jo, sitting close together, their heads tilted toward each other as they whisper and laugh quietly.

They always seem so in sync, as if they've been friends for years. It's strange, really, how easily Alana fits in with Jo. There's a bond between them that feels almost effortless. I clench my jaw slightly, a twinge of irritation rising in me that I can't quite explain.

"Eyes on the front, Miks," Jo mouths at me, raising an eyebrow, clearly catching me watching them.

I roll my eyes in response, trying to look unbothered, but as I shift my gaze, it lands on Alana again. Her face looks tense, brows drawn together as she concentrates on taking notes. She's clearly stressed. Her shoulders sag slightly, and every now and then, she bites her lip in frustration.

Baka napapressure na siya sa dami ng schoolwork. I think, suddenly feeling a strange urge to help. Before I can think more about it, the bell rings sharply, cutting through the silence of the room.

It's library time now. I stand up from my seat, feeling the weight of boredom settling over me. The classroom stirs with movement as everyone packs up their things, and I don't bother sticking around. I pull out my phone as I head for the door, messaging Cole and Amalia to meet me in the library. Without glancing back at Jo or Alana, I slip out of the classroom, the noise fading as I enter the hallway.

The library, as always, is half-filled with students who aren't here to study. Instead, they sit behind open books, their eyes glued to their phones. It's the same old scene every time I walk in, and the sight brings a tired sigh out of me.

I find a seat in the corner, slumping into the chair as I wait. It doesn't take long before I spot Cole and Amalia weaving through the tables, heading in my direction. Cole's face is curious, as usual, while Amalia greets me with her carefree grin.

"Oh, ano nangyari?" Cole asks as they sit down across from me.

I shrug, feeling the boredom kicking in even deeper. "Kamusta ka naman and Judy? Is Lana doing a good job naman?" Cole continues, leaning in slightly.

I nod, even though I haven't done much yet. "Sabi ko sayo eh, magaling siya diyan," Cole grins, looking pleased with herself.

I lean back in my chair, thinking about it. Lana is good at this. She's patient, and she knows what to say. But for some reason, my mind drifts back to our conversation from the other day—when we talked about relationships. Something about what she said lingers, sparking a curiosity that I can't shake.

"Kilala mo ba naging ex ni Lana?" I ask, my voice sounding more casual than I feel.

Cole tilts her head, rubbing her chin as if she's sifting through old memories. "Ah, oo," she says after a moment, her eyes lighting up with recognition. "It was Lana's first relationship nga eh, but it was tragic."

Tragic? The word hits harder than I expect, and I feel a slight heaviness settle in my chest.

"She vowed herself not to fall in love again after that," Cole continues, her voice softer now. "It left her traumatized." She sighs but then smiles faintly, as if trying to lift the mood. "But honestly, I think there's still someone out there who could change Lana's perspective about love."

I sit quietly, absorbing her words. Traumatized? I wouldn't have guessed that about Lana. She always seems so composed, so... put together.

"Bakit mo pala natanong?" Cole asks, interrupting my thoughts.

"Curious lang ako. Napadpad kami sa usapan na yun," I answer, trying to brush it off. Cole hums, already distracted by her phone, probably scrolling through messages or social media updates.

"Oh, oo nga pala," Amalia pipes up, breaking the lull. She's holding up her phone, the screen glowing with a new notification. "The school director announced that the school dorm is open. Keys are ready for claim na."

I groan, the thought of moving my stuff to the dorm hitting me like a ton of bricks. "Nakakapagod naman. Mag-mmove pa ako ng mga bagay-bagay," I mutter.

They nod sympathetically, knowing the hassle of moving.

"Swerte mo siguro kung si Judy is like—just next door to yours," Amalia teases, her grin widening.

I shrug, trying to look indifferent, though the thought lingers for a second longer than I'd like. "Sana nga ganun ako kaswerte," I mutter under my breath, half-hoping it would be true.

Suddenly, the school bell rings again, followed by a voice from the public speakers, announcing that dorm keys are ready for pickup. Cole and Amalia jump up, ready to claim their keys.

"Let's go claim our dorm keys," Amalia says, and I wave them off. Alone once again, I lean back in my chair, staring blankly at the ceiling, still thinking about what Cole said about Lana's past.

Traumatized, huh?

I scratch the back of my head, feeling an odd restlessness, before standing up. I might as well go get my key too. I wander through the halls, watching as other students pack up and head toward the office, excited to see their new dorm rooms. I'm not feeling that same energy, though. Moving feels like a chore.

When I reach the school office, I step up to the desk where the admin hands me a key and a pen. "Room 308," they say as I scribble my signature. As I finish, a voice calls out behind me.

"308 ka, Miks?"

I turn around and see Alana, tossing her keys up and catching them in mid-air, an irritatingly smug grin plastered on her face.

"Oh, ano nanaman?" I ask, already anticipating something annoying.

She steps closer, still grinning like she's just won a prize. "Well, I guess tayo ulit magkapitbahay." She tosses her keys at me, and I reflexively catch them. Glancing down, I see the number 309 carved into the metal. Of course.

She starts walking off, her laugh ringing in the hallway. "Halika na, sabay na natin kunin mga gamit natin," she calls back. "You drive ulit, hehe."

I groan loudly, dragging my feet as I follow her. "Seryoso ka ba?"

She doesn't even turn around. "O wala eh, malas ka today. I'm your neighbor for life na," she teases, her voice full of amusement.

I sigh, already imagining the constant teasing I'm going to have to endure. "Kung sana si Judy pa kapitbahay ko, baka ganahan pa ako mag-aral araw-araw," I mutter under my breath.

She hears me and chuckles. "O wala eh, malas ka talaga."

I shake my head, resigned to my fate. Malas naman.