Neighbor ✓ [MikhAiah] [Book #2]

11

🐶 ALANA's POV

I whistle in relief as I close my laptop, finally making progress and saving half of my research essay. The screen goes black, and I lean back in my chair, stretching my arms overhead. Pahinga lang siguro ako saglit, I think, but a sigh escapes me. Living alone sucks. There's no one to talk to, and my parents—well, they're all the way in Cebu, not here to cook for me like they used to.

As if on cue, my stomach grumbles. Hmm... I wonder if I should just order some food or make instant ramen... Orrrr... Mikaela... I grin at the thought, my mood instantly lifting.

Without thinking too much, I jump up from my chair and dash out of my room. The evening sun is already setting, casting a golden glow through the windows in the hallway. I slip into a pair of slippers and head out of my dorm, my eyes flickering toward the next door over. Nandito ba siya?

I press my ear against Mikaela's door, listening for any signs of life. Balik na lang kaya ako? I rub my chin, contemplating my next move. I don't want to annoy her, especially since I've been dropping by more often. I guess I'll just order food from a nearby store—

But then, the smell hits me. Something delicious. Nagluluto ulit siya. My stomach flips in excitement.

Without even realizing it, I knock on her door. Bakit ba ang kapal ng mukha ko?

"Hi, neighbor! Andiyan ka ba—" I start, but before I can finish, the door swings open, and I tumble forward, face-planting into the floor.

"Hmmm, bakit kaya nandito ka nanaman?" Mikaela stands there, arms crossed, a spatula in hand, looking at me with a raised eyebrow, as if she's been expecting me.

I peel myself off the floor, rubbing my nose. "Uhm, may sasabihin dapat ako na advice—"

"Gutom ka 'no?" Mikaela cuts me off, a cocky smirk tugging at her lips.

I sigh, feeling caught. "Yes." I laugh nervously. "Pero may idadagdag talaga ako na advice!" I add, trying to save face.

Mikaela rolls her eyes, turning away from the door. "Sure you do. Just come in."

—🦊🐶—

"Naks, ano niluluto mo?" Alana asks, hopping up onto the kitchen countertop, swinging her legs playfully.

"Sinigang," Mikaela replies, barely glancing up as she continues stirring the pot. She is fully immersed in her cooking. Normally, she hates letting people into her apartment unless they're family or her bandmates, but Alana has somehow become an exception. Besides, eating alone is lonely.

Alana tilts her head, watching Mikaela intently. "Wow, bagay pala sakanya yung nakatali buhok," Alana quietly observes, a faint smile creeping up her face.

"Oh may naisip ako," Alana says out of the blue, causing Mikaela to glance over her shoulder, curious.

"Siguro try mo lutuan ng food si Judy," Alana suggests, her voice playful. "Some girls get really attracted to people who cook."

"Like you?" Mikaela looks at the latter.

Alana grins. "Exactly."

Mikaela raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "You think so?"

Alana nods confidently. "Sure na sure ako."

Mikaela seems to ponder this for a moment. "Hmm.. Osige."