Anthologies {MIKHAIAH AU}

casual pt 3

Something must have shifted after that long weekend in Cebu.

Mikha noticed it after that conversation with Aiah in her bedroom.

They weren't big things, they were the subtle changes in Aiah's actions that caught her attention.

There were lingering looks when they were with her friends which rarely happened before — Aiah used to always look away when they accidentally locked eyes — but after that weekend, it felt like the brunette had a newfound confidence, one that allowed her look back at Mikha, wordlessly responding to whatever challenge the red-head is asking her to do.

Mikha also noticed the way in which Aiah did small things that made her heart flutter like putting food on her plate first when they're out for dinner, or asking her if she needed anything else and then following it up by a subtle brush of her hand against Mikha's back. Or even the way she says Mikha's name, there was something in her voice that sounded different. A softness, an adoration that Mikha never experienced outside of the four walls of her room.

All of these things, though they might sound insignificant to others, made Mikha's mind go into overdrive. She wanted to remain nonchalant and not overly enthusiastic because she was afraid that it could all slip away — that one day Aiah would stop doing those little things and that will certainly be the end of her.

Her phone buzzed, breaking her out of her thoughts.

Arceta: Hey bub, can I come over later?

Bub.

That's new. They say it in person but never in text. A smile forms on Mikha's lips.

Mikha couldn't stop grinning as she read the message. She bit her lip, trying to calm the sudden rush of excitement.

Mikha: Sure,bub. Maybe around 6pm? Are you okay, do you need me to help with anything?

She hit send and stared at her screen, waiting for Aiah's reply. Her heart raced when she saw the typing indicator pop up.

Arceta: Wala naman, pero ikaw, baka may gusto ka?

Mikha felt her cheeks warm at the text. It was such a simple question, but why did it feel like there was something more to it? Or was she just overthinking this?

Mikha: Hmm... maybe ice cream? You know me, I'm always craving something sweet.

She cringed as soon as she sent it. Why did she say it like that? So obvious! But before she could even think of sending a follow-up, Aiah's reply came.

Arceta: Sweet tooth ka talaga. Sige, I'll bring some. Same flavor as last time?

Mikha felt that familiar flutter in her chest. It was always the little things with Aiah, and the fact that she remembered her favorite flavor meant more than she'd ever admit.

Mikha: Yes, thank you. Ingat ka ha, see you later!

She put her phone down and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. But no matter how hard she tried to stay relaxed, she couldn't help feeling giddy over every small gesture Aiah made.

//

Mikha was pacing her room, half-nervous and half-excited, when she heard the doorbell. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself before opening the door.

Standing there was Aiah, holding a tub of Mikha's favorite ice cream and, unexpectedly, two bags of takeout. Aiah offered a small smile, her eyes warm as she handed the bags over.

"Hey," Aiah said softly. "Naisip ko baka gutom ka, so I brought some dinner. Pad Thai and spring rolls—favorite mo, di ba?"

Mikha blinked, momentarily thrown off. "Oh... yeah, I—thanks. I didn't expect this."