Neighbor ✓ [MikhAiah] [Book #2]

38

—🦊🐶—

3RD PERSON

Alana groans as she wipes the sweat from her forehead, staring at the recipe on her phone. It's the weekend, and instead of lounging around her dorm all day, she decides to be productive for once—by baking. Ever since she met Mikaela, she's noticed that Mikaela does all the cooking, and Alana hasn't had the chance to return the favor.

Alana isn't great at cooking meals, but baking? She's confident about that. Since Mikaela is out with the girls, Alana takes this opportunity to surprise her girlfriend.

With all the ingredients spread out in front of her, Alana starts measuring the exact amounts from the recipe, mixing them with smooth, circular motions. Her eyes follow the swirl patterns as they appear and disappear in the bowl.

When everything is done according to the instructions, Alana places the pan in the oven and waits for it to bake, already thinking about how she'll decorate it.

An hour and a half later, the cake is done, fully decorated with "Happy One Month" written neatly across it. Alana places the cake in the fridge and decides to take a nap while waiting for Mikaela to come home.

Meanwhile, after hanging out with BINI, Mikaela decides to leave early and head home. She tells the others she's tired, but everyone knows the real reason: Mikaela can't stand being away from Alana for too long.

When the elevator dings and the doors open, Mikaela steps out and quickly makes her way down the hall, knocking on Alana's door. "Babe! I got you something!" she calls, holding a small bag from her shopping trip with the girls.

Moments later, the door opens, revealing a beaming Alana. "Miks! Pasok dali!" Alana grabs Mikaela's wrist, pulling her into the apartment before closing the door.

"Ano meron?" Mikaela laughs as Alana covers her eyes.

"I have a surprise for you!" Alana says excitedly, guiding Mikaela to the kitchen.

"Ta-dah!" Alana removes her hands, and Mikaela's eyes widen at the sight of the perfectly decorated cake. It looks so good that Mikaela almost thinks it's from a bakery.

"Ikaw nagbake?" Mikaela asks in amazement, her smile widening as she glances at Alana. "Aww..."

"I love you so much," Mikaela whispers, stepping closer and giving Alana a soft kiss on her forehead.

"I love you too," Alana replies sincerely, grabbing plates and cutlery before sitting beside Mikaela. "Hindi mo naman siguro nakalimutan na it's our month today, diba?"

"Of course not! I even got you a gift." Mikaela watches eagerly as Alana cuts slices of the cake for them both. "I can't wait to taste this!"

Mikaela takes a bite of the cake, but her face immediately shifts from joy to an expression of discomfort. She tries to keep it together, but the urge to spit it out is strong.

"Oh no..." Alana's heart sinks. "Is it that bad?"

Mikaela quickly brightens up, forcing a smile. "Hindi ah! It's the best!"

Alana lets out a relieved sigh. "Thank you Lord!"

"Hays, I didn't know my girlfriend is so good at baking," Mikaela says, pretending to wipe a tear from her eye. "This is officially the best cake I've tasted, totoo,"

"Okay, masyado ka na dramatic," Alana laughs, amused by Mikaela's antics.

Mikaela grins, then remembers the gift. "Here pala," She hands over the bag she's been holding.

"What is it?" Alana eagerly opens it, pulling out puppy onesie,  "Ay ang cute naman nito!"

"Try it on pagtapos natin kumain!" Mikaela urges.

—🦊🐶—

A little while later, Alana calls out from the bathroom, "Sakto lang sakin, Miks!"

"Labas ka! Gusto ko makita," Mikaela calls back from where she's lounging on the bed.

Alana steps out, modeling the onesie. "Bagay diba?"

Mikaela's jaw drops slightly, momentarily forgetting to breathe. The sight of Alana in that onesie makes her heart race.

"Uh... Miks?" Alana waves her hand as she walks closer. "Nakikinig ka ba?"

Before Alana can finish her sentence, Mikaela pulls her into an embrace, making Alana fall into her arms. Mikaela's arms wrap around her tightly. "Cute mo,"

Alana, unused to such close physical contact, feels oddly at peace in Mikaela's arms. The warmth, the soft fragrance, and the comfort of Mikaela's touch feel just right.

"I hope Cole doesn't barge in on us again," Alana jokes, resting her head against Mikaela's chest.

"She won't na, I stole the dorm key she had when we were out," Mikaela says, smirking as she rests her chin on top of Alana's head.

The two fall into a quiet, comfortable silence. Mikaela's hands move absentmindedly, one stroking Alana's back while the other runs through her hair. The simple gestures ease all of Alana's tension, making the world outside disappear.

Alana looks up to find Mikaela gazing at her with a serene expression, lips slightly curved into a smile. Just as Alana is about to look away, Mikaela's hand moves to the back of her neck, pulling her in for a gentle kiss.

Alana responds immediately, but Mikaela quickly deepens the kiss, turning it into something more passionate. Their lips move in sync, the heat between them building until they finally break apart, breathless.

"I love you," Mikaela whispers.

"Me too," Alana murmurs, snuggling closer into Mikaela's embrace.