Anthologies {MIKHAIAH AU}

casual pt. 1

Aiah quietly slips out from under the warmth of the covers, carefully and ever so stealthy, trying not to cause any sudden movements in case the figure next to her wakes up. Her feet land on the surface of the cold tiles and she shivers at the contact. A stark contrast from the cosy warmth that surrounded her body just seconds prior. She tiptoes around the familiar bedroom, picking up pieces of her clothing which were hastily discarded as a result of last night's antics. This has been their norm for the past couple of months and though she is getting more and more used to this delicate dance, her exit strategies in the morning are becoming more and more difficult. She tries not to overthink their situation — it was something they had both agreed, but Aiah had noticed recently that her companion has been dropping hints about moving on from whatever this phase of their relationship is called. It was never a direct question, more like the subtle changes in the way the other acted around them in public and around their friends, or the way that they have now given each other nicknames. Aiah must admit that those things made her heart flutter, but for some reason, not enough to give in to the request.

Her inner thoughts were broken by a soft, sleepy voice. "Leaving in a hurry, again?"

Aiah looks over to the figure on the bed, her red hair splayed over her shoulders as she continued to lie on her stomach. She didn't even bother looking over, it was the same old routine, so by now I'm sure she's used to it.

"Sorry bub, I have class this morning." Aiah replies, nonchalantly, still trying to trace the last of her belongings in the room.

The figure finally sits up, pulling her knees to her chest, still covered by the sheets. Aiah couldn't help but be in awe at the porcelain beauty. How could someone look that beautiful after just waking up. She tries not to stare because she really needs to get out of this place before her heart takes over her brain.

"Aiah, it's 6am. Your class is at 9 — why are you in such a hurry?" She prodded.

"Mikhs, you know naman why. Do we need to have the same conversation again?" Aiah responded, with a statement that sounded more like a plea.

"You know, no one cares right?" Mikha retorted, her raspy morning voice laced with a hint of annoyance.

Aiah stopped in her tracks, still lacking clothes from last night, and walks over to the bed. Sitting close to take Mikha's hand but far enough so that she doesn't get enticed to stay.

"But I do, Mikha." She looks at the younger woman intently. "We've talked about this before."

A frown forms on Mikha's lips and though it breaks Aiah to see her like this, she can't let it break her resolve.

"Whatever you say, bub."

Aiah gives her a quick peck on the lips. "I'll see you in class, okay?"

She stands up again and disappears to the bathroom to get ready. By the time she came out, Mikha's back was turned towards the wall. She was sleeping soundly again and Aiah didn't want to disturb her so she left, closing the door quietly behind her.

Everything is fine.

//

Everything is not fine.

And Mikha was not asleep. She simply could not face the brunette again as she left her room once more, after a night spent together. Although this arrangement of theirs had been going on for the past couple of months, and Mikha knew exactly what she signed up for, in practice it was actually more difficult than she had imagined.

Maybe it's the fact that she always knew she had deeper feelings for Aiah. Or maybe it's because when they are alone together, Aiah acts like this thing between them is so much more than a casual thing. Or maybe, it's just because, contrary to popular belief, Mikha doesn't do casual flings. She internally curses for getting herself into this situation — one that is getting more and more difficult to get out of because simply, she's head over heels in love with Aiah and the masochist in her would rather have Aiah in this capacity than not have her at all.