Hookup ✓ [MikhAiah] [Book #3]

04

—🦊🐶—

3RD PERSON

Miki stands frozen in place, her arm still outstretched, the cold can of cola feeling strangely heavy in her hand. Her eyes meet Aira's, and for a second, the world seems to narrow down to just the two of them. Neither of them expected to see each other again, especially not here—in the last place either of them would have imagined.

In Miki's mind, it's not just Aira's father's workplace—it's her workplace too. The sudden realization hits her like a punch to the gut. She swallows, feeling the weight of the moment settling over her. The events of last night are still fresh, raw even, but here they are, pretending like they hadn't shared an intimate moment just hours ago.

"Aira..." Miki mutters under her breath, the name slipping from her lips before she can stop herself. She's about to say more, maybe explain herself, but before she gets the chance, Aira's father reappears, his voice breaking through the thick silence between them.

"Oh! Miki!" Aira's father says, his tone bright and oblivious. He steps up beside his daughter, a proud smile on his face. "Miki is the lead guitarist of one of our bands—GirlsDeMo. And this is my daughter, Aira. Kakabalik niya lang ng Pilipinas." He beams, completely unaware of the tension between the two young women. "I'm sure you two will get along just fine."

Miki forces a smile, trying to suppress the whirlwind of emotions inside her. She has to keep up the facade, pretending like nothing had happened between them. No one here can know that she'd slept with her boss's daughter—the same girl standing in front of her now, looking just as shell-shocked.

"Miki," she says, extending her hand for a handshake, hoping the formal gesture will hide the tremble in her fingers.

Aira hesitates but eventually reaches out, their hands connecting in a brief but charged moment. "Aira. Nice to meet you, Miki." The words come out polite, but the tension lingers, crackling between them like static. Neither of them breaks eye contact, and for a moment, it feels like the whole room is holding its breath.

Aira's father, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension, claps his hands together, his face lighting up. "I'm glad you two are getting along already. Since Aira just got back sa Pilipinas she's still getting used to the place. Miki, maybe you can show her around later, help her settle in." His casual comment sends a ripple of discomfort through Miki. The thought of guiding Aira through her day while knowing what they'd shared the night before makes her stomach twist.

Miki's smile falters for a second, but she quickly recovers. "Of course, sir. I'd be happy to." Her voice is steady, but inside, her mind is racing. Kumalma ka, Miki, she tells herself. She can't let her boss know what had happened. Not now. Not ever.

Aira flashes a small, almost strained smile as she takes the can of cola from Miki's hand. "Thanks," she mutters, her voice barely audible. Miki responds with a quick, "You're welcome," before Aira's father speaks up again, his eyes crinkling with warmth.

"Well, mauuna na kami ha, Miki. I'm sure Aira will be happy to have met someone like you." He gives Miki a friendly nod before guiding his daughter toward the hallway.

As they walk away, Miki can't help but let her gaze linger on Aira. The memories from last night flash through her mind—the warmth of Aira's skin, the feel of her lips, the way they moved together, their bodies tangled in the heat of the moment. She shakes her head, trying to push the thoughts away. It's my boss's daughter, she reminds herself, the words bitter in her mouth. She needs to keep it professional, no matter what.

As Miki watches them disappear down the hallway, she mutters to herself, "What have I gotten myself into?"

—🐶—

On the other side of the building, Aira follows her father into his office. She tries to keep her expression neutral, but her mind is spinning. The fact that she'd slept with Miki—the lead guitarist of a band that works for her father—makes her stomach churn. The situation feels too surreal, and the weight of the secret between them makes her feel dizzy.

"This is where the magic happens," her father says warmly, gesturing around his office. "I'm glad you're here, Aira. You'll get to meet some of our top artists, like Yves, a solo artist, and the band GirlsDeMo." He pauses, a proud smile crossing his face. "Nakilala mo na si Miki, one of the members. I'm sure, magugustuhan mo sila."

Aira forces a nod, but her thoughts are elsewhere, tangled in the realization that her first time—the person she'd been so intimate with—is not only her father's employee but also a rising star in the entertainment world.

Overwhelmed, she excuses herself. "CR lang ako saglit, Dad." she says quietly, and her father gestures toward a door at the far end of the office.

Once inside, Aira locks the door and leans against the sink, her hands gripping the edge tightly. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. When she opens them again, her reflection stares back, a little pale, a little shaken. And then she notices something—a small, red mark on her collarbone. A hickey.

Her heart skips a beat, and she moves closer to the mirror, gently touching the mark. Her mind flashes back to last night—Miki's lips on her skin, the feeling of their bodies pressed together. But then another realization hits her like a cold wave.

Panic surges in her chest as she stares at her reflection, the weight of everything crashing down around her.

Her necklace. The one her first love gave her during their childhood—it's missing.