Hookup ✓ [MikhAiah] [Book #3]

22

—🐶—

AIRA's POV

The day couldn't be more perfect—a bright, sunny day, just made for a getaway trip. Dad always has an uncanny sense for the right timing, as though he has some hidden insight into moments like these. Standing in front of the mirror, I adjust the brim of my sun hat, tilting it just enough to keep the light out of my eyes. A white dress flows lightly around me, airy and fitting for a day under the sun. I can't help but smile. Yes, this is perfect.

Grabbing my luggage, I make my way out of the house and set it down on the passenger seat before slipping behind the wheel. The excitement buzzes through me as I start the engine and turn on the radio, leaning back to take a steadying breath. I hope these next two days turn out well. It's been so long since I've had a chance like this—to relax and really spend time with the girls.

Dad isn't back yet, and he did say he'd be gone for a few more days, but knowing him, he'll probably try to make it home sooner. For now, though, I'll take this little escape. I pull into the parking lot at work, shutting off the engine and feeling the thrill of the upcoming adventure intensify. After a quick breath, I grab my bag and step out of the car, walking toward the building's entrance.

"Aira! Sakto, maaga ka," a staff member calls out, jogging over to meet me. She falls in step beside me. "We printed out all the posters, and your dad told us to bring them along to the beach to promote the band, too," she explains as we walk toward the faculty room. I nod, finding a seat in the waiting area.

"Papunta na rin yung service, so please wait here, Miss Riley," she adds, smiling at me.

"Thank you," I reply, returning the smile before she heads off. Alone, I pull out my phone, absentmindedly scrolling through my messages as I wait. The faculty room door soon swings open, and Chase steps out, a bright, excited smile lighting up her face when she spots me.

"Good morning," she greets, placing her bag on the chair beside me and sitting down. "Aga mo ah."

"Good morning! Wala rin naman ako magawa sa house, so here I am," I reply, matching her energy. She tucks her car keys into her pocket and gives me an appraising look.

"Did you have breakfast? Do you want to grab some coffee muna? Mukhang matatagalan pa daw sila Miki," she suggests. I nod, a little surprised by the offer.

"Sure, tara," I answer, reaching for my purse, but she gently places a hand on my shoulder.

"It's okay, it's on me, manager," she insists, her eyes twinkling with mischief. I chuckle, knowing I won't win this time.

"Okay," I agree with a smile.

—🐶🐺—

Leaving our luggage in the faculty room, we walk toward the main exit side by side. Chase slips on a dark face mask, a simple precaution for public encounters. We chat about the trip, her voice barely muffled as we stroll to a small local café nearby. As we step inside, Chase raises a hand, waving to the cashier.

"Good morning, Em," she greets, pulling down her mask.

The cashier—Em, I assume—smiles back. "Uy, good morning, Chase!"

"Can I get the usual?" Chase requests, and I glance at her, amused. She must be a regular here. Em turns to me, her gaze warm and welcoming.

"And for your plus one?" she asks, looking up at the chalkboard menu. I scan it quickly.

"I'll have a café au lait," I reply, trying not to stumble over the words.

Em's eyebrows raise in surprise, and she glances at Chase before smiling at me. "Your French accent is on point!"

I chuckle softly, feeling my cheeks warm a little. "Thank you."

"Is it for to-go?" Em asks, and Chase nods, handing over her card.

With a swipe and a cheerful "Thank you!" from Em, Chase and I find a nearby table to sit at while we wait for our drinks.

"So, I didn't know you speak French," Chase comments, an intrigued look crossing her face.

"Ah, yeah. I studied there for a couple of years, so I had to pick it up," I reply with a shrug.

"That's really cool," she says, looking genuinely impressed.

"Thanks," I say, smiling. She seems to consider this for a moment, her brow furrowing.

"Do you speak any other languages?" she asks, leaning forward, genuinely interested.

I tap my chin, thinking. "Hmm, well, French, Spanish, a bit of Mandarin, Japanese, and Russian," I list off, laughing at the look of shock on her face.

"Grabe, inikot mo na ata buong mundo para matutunan lahat yan," she jokes, and I grin.

"Not really," I reply, laughing softly, but her expression shifts. There's something serious behind her smile now.

"Aira, can I ask you something? If okay lang?" she says, her tone softening. I meet her gaze, nodding.

"Sure," I say, watching her eyes flicker down to my necklace. There's a pause, and I can sense the weight behind her words.

"Where did you get that necklace?" she asks carefully.

The question lingers between us, feeling heavier than it should. I part my lips to answer, but before I can speak, the door swings open with a cheerful ring.

Cutting through the tension. Gale, Johanne, and Miki walk in, shedding their masks and grinning as they spot us.

"Daya niyo naman kayo lang bumili, hindi niyo man lang kami hinintay." Gale teases, giving us a mock frown as they make their way over.

A quiet relief washes over me. The question remains unanswered, hanging in the air between Chase and me. I'm not sure if I'm ready to give her— or anyone else that story yet. But as I steal a glance at Miki, catching her gaze, a flicker of guilt stirs inside me. Her eyes linger on me, and I wonder—why are you looking at me like that, Miki?