Hookup [MikhAiah] [Book #3]

08

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AIRA'S POV

I stand in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of my blouse, a hint of nervous energy creeping up my spine. I never thought my first day would be so... instantly active. It's not that I'm unprepared—I've gone over everything in my head multiple times—but there's always that sense of uncertainty when stepping into something new. With a final glance at my reflection, I take a deep breath and head downstairs, my heels tapping lightly against the wood as I make my way to the garage.

Dad is already there, leaning against the car, wearing the same bright smile he always does when he sees me.

"First day today! Naeexcite ka ba?" he asks, voice full of pride, eyes twinkling.

"Yes... kahit kinakabahan ako onti," I admit with a soft laugh, sliding into the passenger seat. "Baguhan palang ako, Dad."

—🐶—

3RD PERSON

Her father chuckles as he buckles his seatbelt, then Aira does the same. He starts the engine and gives her a reassuring smile. "Hindi yaan! You always have the beginner's luck. I'm sure masasanay ka rin kaagad."

As they pull out of the driveway, he glances at her from the corner of his eye, a teasing grin on his face. "And hey, buti na lang si Miki yung kasama mo nung nawalan ng kuryente. Talino at apaka-bait pa naman nung batang yun."

Aira smiles at the comment, hiding the small flutter of emotion behind a knowing look. If only he knew what actually happened, she thinks, biting her lip at the memory of that moment, heat creeping up her neck.

They soon arrive at the parking lot, her father still offering words of encouragement. As Aira unbuckles her seatbelt, a car pulls up behind them, parking next to theirs. She glances over, her heart skipping when she spots a familiar figure in the driver's seat. A window rolls down, revealing a stranger sitting next to Miki—the redhead who still lingers on her mind from the other night.

Her father waves cheerfully, rolling down their window. "Chase!" he calls, followed by a string of names as the band members exit the car one by one. Aira offers a polite smile as they step out, her father's energy radiating in all directions.

"Just in time!" he beams, his excitement clear. "Girls, meet your new temporary manager. Aira here will be stepping in while your regular manager is on maternity leave."

Chase, the leader, steps forward with a warm smile. "Hi, Chase na lang and I'm the leader din, it's nice to meet you." She gestures to the rest of the group, introducing them one by one. And when her hand reaches Miki, Aira's eyes lock onto hers, the world narrowing for a split second. It's as if Miki had been looking at her the entire time.

Johanne nudges Gale beside her, whispering something with a grin, "May anak pala boss natin? Ganda niya."

Unbeknownst to Johanne, the remark makes Miki blush, her lips twitching as if she's fighting back a smile. She quickly looks away, trying to keep her composure. No one can know. No one can find out about what we did...

Aira's father claps his hands, breaking the moment. "Well, girls, marami pa ako aayusin na mga papers—mostly for Yves and her concert. Show Aira around, will you?"