Hookup ✓ [MikhAiah] [Book #3]

03

—🐶—

AIRA'S POV

I collapse onto my bed the second I get home. The exhaustion hits hard, but it's more than just physical. My head is spinning with memories of last night—the way Miki touched me, the softness of her lips. I bite my lip, my face heating up as the thoughts rush back in.

But before I can lose myself in them, my door swings open.

"Aira!" It's my dad. His voice is sharp, full of worry. "Saan ka nanggaling? You didn't answer your phone, and I was—"

I sit up, trying to play it cool. "I stayed over at a friend's place. Lost track of time, sorry."

His eyes scan me, not entirely convinced. "You should've at least told me. I was worried sick."

"I know, Dad. I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

He sighs, still concerned. "May kailangan ka ba? Food? Something to drink?"

I shake my head. "No, I just need to rest. Alone, if that's okay?"

He hesitates, clearly wanting to ask more, but eventually he nods. "Alright, but if you need anything, let me know."

I hum in acknowledgment, watching as he leaves and shuts the door. Silence fills the room again, but my thoughts are anything but quiet. Last night keeps flashing in my mind, making my heart race. I let out a sigh, and without even thinking about it, my fingers brush my lips. I shouldn't... but I can't stop but feel like I'm craving the feeling of her kiss.

—🦊—

MIKI'S POV

I start the car, placing Aira's necklace into the glove compartment. I'd meant to give it back to her last night, but... things got a little out of hand. Now I'm not even sure if I'll ever see her again. The thought sits oddly with me.

I glance at the time on my phone—crap, I'm late for practice. Gale, Chase, and Johanne have already texted me a dozen times. I'm never this late.

When I pull up at the studio, I'm met with a sea of worried faces the moment I step inside.

"There she is," Gale says, crossing her arms. "Saan ka ba nagpunta?"

Johanne's eyes are full of concern. "Nawala ka kagabi, we were calling you."

Chase is the most serious, eyes narrowed at me. "You bailed on us, you never do that."

I shrug, trying to act casual. "Got bored, so umuwi agad ako."

They're not buying it. Gale shakes her head. "You're lying."

"I'm not. I just didn't feel like staying out. Can we start practice?"

Chase looks at me a beat longer, but lets it drop. "Fine."

We dive into practice, but I'm only half present. My mind keeps drifting back to Aira, the girl I shouldn't even be thinking about. I'm not usually like this, and I don't care about hookups... but I can't get her out of my head. It's irritating.

—🐶—

AIRA'S POV

I roll over in bed, reaching for my phone. It's buzzing nonstop with messages from Mellie, Sandy, and Selene, all wondering where I disappeared to last night.

Mellie: Girl, where were you? Hindi kami nakatulog nang maayos dahil sayo!

Selene: We were so worried! Bigla ka na lang nawala!

Sandy: Are you okay? Bakit naman hindi ka nagsabi samin?!

I quickly type back, keeping it vague. Checked into a motel nearby to sleep it off. All good.

They flood the chat with relieved emojis, but I toss my phone aside. I don't feel like talking about last night. The truth is... I'm still trying to figure it out myself.

A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. My dad pokes his head in.

"I've got to get back to work. Important meetings today," he says. "You okay here?"

I pause. I don't really want to be alone right now. "Mind if I come with you?"

He looks a little surprised but doesn't argue. "Sure. I'll wait in the garage."

—🐶—

I drag myself out of bed, get dressed, and head downstairs. My hangover's mostly gone, but there's still a faint headache lingering. By the time we reach my dad's office, I'm hoping the fresh air will help clear my head.

The car pulls into a parking lot, and I glance up. My dad's company building looms above us—a well-known entertainment label, minsan nakakalimutan ko gaano ako katagal nawala sa Pilipinas. I follow him inside, trying not to get lost in the sea of hallways.

"Stay here for a minute," Dad says, pointing toward the vending machines. "I'll be right back, CR lang ako."

I nod, wandering over to the vending machine. I scan it, feeling a sudden thirst, and press the cola button—only to realize I didn't bring any cash. Damn. My wallet's only full of cards.

I scratch the back of my neck, about to give up, when someone steps up beside me.

I glance over, only catching the outline of a person wearing a cap and hoodie. Without saying much, they slide a card into the machine and press the cola button again. Two cans clatter into the dispenser.

"Here." They grab both and offer one to me. I take it slowly, and when our eyes finally meet—my heart skips.

Red hair. Familiar eyes.

We stare at each other, the realization sinking in.

It's Miki.