Hookup [MikhAiah] [Book #3]

05

—🐶—

AIRA'S POV

I'm walking in circles in the small restroom, my thoughts spinning just as fast. Saan naman napunta yun? I tug at my collar in frustration, as if that would magically make my necklace appear. I know I was wearing it when I met up with Mellie, Sandy, and Selene. The image of the delicate chain resting around my neck is crystal clear. But now, it's gone, and the emptiness against my skin feels like something far deeper than just a missing trinket.

My mind races through the possibilities—did it fall off when I changed clothes? Or maybe it slipped off in the car? No, I always check my neck before leaving anywhere.

Just as I'm about to spiral further into panic, a knock sounds on the door, cutting through my frantic thoughts.

"Aira? Okay ka lang diyan?" My dad's voice, calm but concerned, filters through the door.

I freeze, staring at my reflection in the mirror. The faint red mark on my neck catches my eye, and my heart skips. Shit. I tug my shirt collar a bit higher, making sure the hickey is completely hidden. Not now, please.

"Yeah, Dad, I'm okay naman." I lie, putting on my best fake smile, even though he can't see it. I reach for the lock and open the door, stepping out with a nonchalant shrug.

Dad studies me for a moment, his eyes scanning my face, but I hold my ground, trying not to let any of the tension seep through. After what feels like forever, he finally nods, slightly relieved.

"Alright then," he says. "Tara?"

We walk back to his office, his footsteps steady and confident. Mine, on the other hand, feel heavier with every step. Once we're seated again, he leans back in his chair and looks at me, his eyes warm but probing.

"So, since kakabalik mo lang," he begins, crossing his arms over his chest, "May plans ka na ba this year? Do you still plan to study or like settle ka muna here for the mean time?"

I laugh softly, more to myself than him. "Honestly, Dad,I don't have any plans pa naman. Four degrees, including a master's and a doctorate... siguro magpapahinga muna ako for now." I sigh. "Pero siguro if may job opportunity, then titingnan ko."

He hums, clearly pleased with my answer. "Well, you've earned a break." But then, his face lights up with an idea. "Actually, speaking of jobs... how would you feel about working here? naghahanap din kasi kami ng assistant manager, and I think you'd be perfect for it."

I blink, caught off guard by the offer. "Work for you?" The thought is strange, but also... intriguing. I've never really been involved in my dad's business. Still, I've always loved a challenge, and this feels like one. "Sure. I'll give it a shot siguro."

Dad grins, clapping his hands together like an excited kid. "Good! I knew you'd be up for it." He pulls open one of his desk drawers and takes out a folded piece of paper, handing it to me. "Here, You'll need to meet one of the staff members in this room to collect all the requirements, tapos yung password for the smart lock is written on the back."

I take the paper, the weight of responsibility settling in. Dami pala need nito, I glance at the hastily drawn map. Okay, kakayanin ko 'to.

—🐶—

3RD PERSON

Aira steps out of her father's office, the folded paper in hand. She sighs, looking at the map. The hallway ahead stretches out, the fluorescent lights casting a clinical glow over the pristine tiles. As she walks, her mind drifts between restlessness and determination. She's always taken on challenges headfirst, and this shouldn't be any different. Yet something about today feels... off. Maybe it's the missing necklace. Maybe it's everything else she's trying to push down.

Her eyes scan each room she passes, searching for the one marked on the map. Along the way, she spots a pair of electricians fiddling with an open fuse box, wires sprawled out as they mutter to each other. She brushes them off with a glance and keeps moving, her pace quickening as she nears the last door at the end of the hall.

Standing in front of it, Aira pauses, taking in the sleek, high-tech design of the door's smart lock. She recalls the password her dad gave her and types it in, watching as the door clicks open with a soft beep. One try. Not bad.

The room is eerily silent when she steps inside. Empty. She calls out a tentative, "Hello?" but there's no response. Great. The frustration begins to bubble up again, and she curses under her breath. As she turns to leave, the door swings open once more.

Aira freezes, her eyes locking onto a familiar figure standing in the doorway.

Miki.

—🦊🐶—

Aira chuckles softly to herself, shaking her head. Tinetesting talaga ako ni Lord today. It seems like the universe has a twisted sense of humor today. Seeing Miki twice in such a short span feels like some kind of cosmic joke.

Miki steps inside, her movements fluid and calm, though her eyes hold a flicker of something—surprise? Amusement? It's hard to tell. She closes the door behind her, the click echoing in the quiet room.

"You're alone?" Miki asks, her tone measured but curious.

Aira nods, trying to keep her voice steady. "Yeah. Just checked. No one else is here."

Miki hums softly in response, walking toward the door again as if to open it for Aira to leave. But before she can reach the handle, the lights flicker once, then die out completely.

Darkness swallows the room.

The silence that follows is suffocating, the only sound Aira can hear is her own quickening heartbeat. Oh God. She feels a sudden rush of panic and without thinking, her hand reaches out, grabbing onto the nearest thing—Miki's arm.

"M-Miki?" she stammers, her voice trembling.

"I'm here," Miki's voice comes through the darkness, calm and steady. She catches Aira, her grip firm but gentle, her hand resting on Aira's shoulder.

"Sorry," Aira mumbles, embarrassed by her sudden reaction. The emergency lights flicker on, casting the room in a dim, red glow. It's then that Aira realizes just how close they are—faces only inches apart, breaths mingling in the narrow space between them.

Miki doesn't pull away and neither does Aira. The tension between them, once simmering beneath the surface, now bubbles up, undeniable and electric. They stand frozen, the world outside fading away as the air thickens with anticipation.

Their gazes lock. The door behind them, powered by the now-dead smart lock, remains shut, trapping them together. The room, the situation, it all presses in on them.

Aira feels her heart hammering against her chest, the pull of her desire for Miki stronger than ever. She can't hide it anymore, and neither can Miki. They've been dancing around this for too long.

And it's only a matter of time before they give in.