Bound by Destiny: The MikhAiah Chronicles

Chapter 3: Falling In Love (7)

The warm lights and cozy ambiance of the restaurant wrapped around the group as they settled in for the evening. Aiah and Mikha's announcement had set the tone of excitement and celebration. Everyone was smiling, some teasing, others congratulating the new couple, and the atmosphere was lively and buzzing.

Amidst the chatter, Sheena couldn't stop glancing at Gwen. She was trying her best to focus on the ongoing conversation, but her mind kept drifting back to Gwen's gentle smile and the casual warmth in her words. Each interaction with Gwen seemed to unravel Sheena's usually cool and composed demeanor.

Gwen, on the other hand, was completely oblivious to Sheena's internal turmoil. She was caught up in celebrating with her friends, laughing as she and Stacey shared a lighthearted argument about what dessert to order.

"Okay, I'm telling you, cheesecake is superior to lava cake." Gwen said, shaking her head in mock disapproval.

Stacey gasped dramatically. "Wala kang taste talaga!" she shot back, earning an amused eye-roll from Jhoanna.

"Kayong dalawa, ang dami niyong drama." Jhoanna muttered, crossing her arms. "Everyone knows the real answer is halo-halo."

Sheena, distracted, suddenly found herself the unexpected judge of the dessert war when Gwen turned to her. "Right, Sheena?" Gwen asked, smiling brightly, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Caught off guard, Sheena fumbled for a response. "Uh... oo, halo-halo ang the best." she mumbled, her voice coming out more breathless than intended. Gwen chuckled at her answer, not realizing the tiny crisis Sheena was having over being spoken to.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Colet and Maloi were exchanging amused looks. Maloi raised an eyebrow at Colet, who shook her head slightly, her lips curving into a small, knowing smile. They had been planning something of their own for tonight and decided this might be the perfect moment.

Maloi cleared her throat, capturing the group's attention. "Okay, since may nag-aannounce tonight..." she began, her tone light but tinged with a hint of nervousness.

Colet leaned in closer to her, giving her a subtle nod of encouragement. "Kaya mo 'yan." she murmured.

Maloi took a deep breath. "So, um, Colet and I..." She glanced at Colet, who was smiling softly at her, then turned back to their friends. "Magkasama na kami." she finally admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly.

There was a moment of stunned silence, followed by an eruption of cheers and congratulations. Stacey clapped her hands together in excitement. "Oh my God! Ang cute niyo!" she gushed.

"I knew it!" Mikha exclaimed triumphantly, giving Colet a knowing look. "You two have been making eyes at each other forever."

Colet chuckled, scratching the back of her neck. "Matagal na rin, finally, naamin na." she admitted, glancing fondly at Maloi, who was trying to hide her embarrassment behind a grin.

The group quickly ordered another round of drinks to toast the new couples, and laughter filled the air once more. Stacey couldn't resist giving Jhoanna a sideways glance, her eyes glinting with mischief.

"Well, since we're all being honest tonight." Stacey said, raising her glass, "Jhoanna and I also have something to announce."

Jhoanna's eyes widened. "Wait, seryoso?" she asked, looking momentarily confused before it dawned on her. She sighed and rolled her eyes playfully. "Fine, alam ko na kung saan papunta 'to."

"What?" Maloi asked, leaning in with sudden interest. "Kayo ba? Totoo?"

Jhoanna shrugged casually, as if it were no big deal. "Oo, Stacey and I... we've been dating for a little while." she admitted, trying to downplay it.

There was another round of surprised gasps and laughter, as if their table was suddenly a confessional for all the relationships that had been secretly blooming within their circle. Gwen raised her glass, grinning from ear to ear. "Okay, ngayon, dapat apat ang celebration!" she declared, her enthusiasm infectious.

Everyone laughed, and a fresh wave of cheers and clinking glasses rippled through the group. Sheena glanced at Gwen, feeling slightly envious of how effortlessly Gwen seemed to radiate joy and bring people together. When Gwen noticed Sheena watching her, she gave her a soft smile, making Sheena's heart flutter nervously once again.

As the group continued chatting, the mood remained light and festive. The waiter soon brought over a spread of the restaurant's signature dishes, and everyone dug in, sharing bites and trading stories between mouthfuls.

Jhoanna and Stacey were busy bickering over who made the first move in their relationship, their playful banter filling the air with lightheartedness. Across the table, Colet and Maloi were whispering quietly, clearly enjoying each other's company despite the bustling atmosphere around them.

When the conversation shifted back to Mikha and Aiah. Gwen, ever the supportive friend, asked, "So, anong plano niyo next?"

Aiah glanced at Mikha before responding, her voice tinged with excitement. "Honestly, slow lang. Masaya kami ngayon, and that's what matters." she said, her eyes sparkling as she spoke.

"That's what's important." Gwen agreed warmly. "You two deserve all the happiness in the world."

As the night wore on, the table remained alive with conversations and laughter, and everyone gradually fell into more relaxed and private conversations with their partners. Gwen and Sheena ended up talking quietly, the two of them discovering more shared interests as the hours ticked by. Sheena was still shy, but Gwen's gentle approach helped her slowly come out of her shell.

By the end of the evening, Mikha felt an overwhelming sense of contentment. She leaned her head on Aiah's shoulder, feeling grateful for this moment with their friends, old and new. "This was perfect, all of us are sharing everything." she whispered.

Aiah nodded, her eyes crinkling with a smile. "Oo, sobrang saya, pero mas masaya akong nasabi na natin sakanila kung anong mayroon saating dalawa." she agreed softly, her fingers gently intertwining with Mikha's.

It was a night full of new beginnings, old friendships, and the promise of a future bright with love and support. Despite the uncertainties of what lay ahead, Aiah, Mikha, and their friends knew they had each other. And that made all the difference.

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