Neighbor ✓ [MikhAiah] [Book #2]

40

—🦊🐶—

The morning sun filters through the curtains, casting warm rays across the living room as Mikaela and Alana bustle about their cozy home. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement, a palpable energy that comes with spontaneous plans. Mikaela flips through their beach bag, checking off items on her mental list.

"Wag mo kakalimutan yung mga snacks ah!" Alana calls from the kitchen, her voice bright and cheerful. She rummages through the cupboards, her eyes gleaming as she pulls out a colorful pack of chips and a small stash of fresh fruit. The scent of ripe bananas and juicy oranges fills the air, mixing with the faint aroma of coffee from the pot still brewing.

"Yes, babe. Papunta na rin pala sila Cole." Mikaela responds.

"Nasama mo ba yung picnic blanket? For sure, magbibilad tayo sa initan." Alana joins her.

Mikaela grins and nods, "Oo naman, dalhin ko nga raw yung bola sabi ni Cole eh, gusto raw kasi ni Malia maglaro ng beach volleyball."

Suddenly, a sharp honk echoes from outside, cutting through their cheerful chatter. "Sila na ata yun!" Alana exclaims, her excitement bubbling over as she grabs the bag.

They dash to the door, hearts racing in anticipation of the day ahead. Stepping outside, the salty breeze greets them, tangling their hair and filling their lungs with the crisp scent of the sea. Jo's car stands ready, their friends piled in and leaning out the windows, all laughter and cheerful shouts.

"Hi!" Jo hollers, waving enthusiastically. "Dalian niyo para makareserve na tayo ng cabin!"

Alana beams as she hops into the car, Mikaela right behind her. The vehicle fills with warm chatter, and as they drive, the scenery outside shifts to a tapestry of green hills and shimmering blue waters, the sun casting a golden hue on everything it touches.

—🦊🐶—

As they approach the beach, the sound of crashing waves crescendos, welcoming them like an old friend. The moment they step out, the sun kisses their skin, and the salty air fills their lungs, invigorating and refreshing.

"Who's up for some beach volleyball?!" Jo announces, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Me!" Amalia cheers, her heart racing with excitement as she jumps to her feet. "Magkakampi kami ni Lana."

Mikaela laughs, shaking her head. "Wow okay. Wag kayong iiyak ha, kami ni Cole magkakampi."

The match begins, and Alana feels the thrill of competition surge through her veins. The ball flies back and forth, laughter echoing around them like music. The sun shines brightly overhead, casting long shadows on the golden sand as they dive, jump, and shout in delight.

Mikaela, focused and competitive, winds up for a powerful serve, her brows furrowing in concentration. With a fierce swing, she sends the ball soaring, but it veers off course, almost colliding with Alana. "Sorry!" Mikaela calls out, her voice a mixture of urgency and concern.

"It's okay!" Alana laughs, her heart racing as she runs to retrieve the ball. But in her focus, she collides with someone—a woman wearing a cap, her red hair peeking out in a vibrant shock of color. The impact surprises Alana, and she stumbles slightly before steadying herself.

"I'm so sorry—" Alana exclaims, looking up into the woman's eyes, wide with surprise.

The woman brushes it off with a friendly smile. "No worries! Kasalanan ko rin!" she replies before jogging away, her figure disappearing into the crowd.

Alana blinks in confusion, momentarily caught off guard. "Uhmm.." she mutters to herself.

Mikaela catches up, concern knitting her brows together. "Okay ka lang, Babe? Nakita ko yun ah,"

"I'm fine," Alana reassures her, shaking her head and bending down to pick up the ball, but her eyes catch something glinting in the sand—something the red-haired woman dropped. She leans down and retrieves a crumpled paper, squinting at the faded print. "Hala!"

"What is it?" Mikaela asks, peering over her shoulder.

"Parang poster to a concert? ibabalik ko sana but nawala na siya." Alana sighs, her shoulders slumping slightly.

Mikaela frowns, clicking her tongue. "That person was rude ha, you should've told her to watch where she's going!"

Alana chuckles, tucking the ticket into her pocket. "It's fine, hindi naman niya siguro sinasadya."

Just then, they notice another girl sprinting after the redhead, her expression a mixture of determination and concern. But the moment passes, and Alana and Mikaela brush it off, returning to the group.

—🦊🐶—

As they settle into their beach spot, laughter mingles with the sound of waves crashing against the shore. The air is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of grilled food, and the group gathers around, chatting and teasing one another while the sun begins its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Stella, ever the gossip, "Narinig niyo na yung royal couple?"

"Ah si Prince Lim?" Sienna brings up, before shoving a pile of chips down her mouth,

"Ate, hindi na siya prince, hari na siya." Stacey rebuts.

"Kinasal lang sila a month ago and ang dami na rin nilang projects nagagawa together ha," Stella announces, "In fairness, Her Majesty, Arceta, really deserved that position."

"Binuksan na rin ni Her Majesty yung Royal Museum, open na siya for visitors kahit hindi holidays." Alana replies, glancing at Mikaela, who raises an eyebrow.

"I used to only watch her livestreams, now she's a queen na." Mikaela muses, sipping on her drink.

"Punta kaya tayo museum next?" Amalia joins in, sitting beside Cole.

"I'd love to pero may pupuntahan kasi kaming concert eh," Giselle grins, her eyes landing on Sienna. "This month pa yung concert, so titingnan pa namin when kami free."

"OMG, pupunta kayo concert ni Yves? May special appearance raw yung isang band but nakalimutan ko yung name," Stella, ever the fangirl.

"Rumors say na sila yung band na magpplay for Yves the whole concert!"

Alana and Mikaela shares a quick glance to each other as Alana pulls out the poster she picked up a while ago. She scans it and sees the similar red head she bumped with, "Grabe yung lead guitarist nila, apaka pogi!" Stella queels.

—🦊🐶—

As the sun dips below the horizon, they make their way to the cabin they'll be sharing for the night. Inside, the warm glow of fairy lights illuminates the cozy space, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for bonding and sharing stories.

As the laughter fades into a comfortable silence, Mikaela finds herself lost in thought, the sounds of her friends drifting into the background. She glances at Alana, who sits nestled comfortably beside her, a soft smile gracing her lips, illuminated by the warm lights. Memories flood back—those late nights they've spent together, eating, the way Alana's laughter always filled the air, and the journey they've shared from dorm neighbors to lifelong partners.

Mikaela's heart swells as she reflects on how lucky she is to have Alana in her life. Maybe it wasn't so bad to be her neighbor after all. The realization washes over her like a gentle wave, filling her with warmth and gratitude for all the moments that led them here, with a content smile.

(You may proceed to book #3, "Hookup")