Anthologies {MIKHAIAH AU}

fools in love pt 2

A/N : Part 2/3 ! Enjoy the fluff — your feedback is much appreciated!

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As they left the bar, Aiah took the lead, guiding Mikha through the lively streets toward Fisherman's Wharf. The city lights flickered around them, casting a warm glow over the sidewalks. Occasionally, Aiah would point out landmarks or quirky spots that Mikha would have missed on her own, her eyes lighting up as she shared little pieces of the city with her.

At one point, Aiah brushed her arm lightly against Mikha's as she steered her away from a sidewalk puddle, her touch lingering a second longer than necessary. Mikha's cheeks warmed, and she shot Aiah a small smile, which Aiah returned with a playful wink, as if they were sharing some small, private joke.

As they got closer to the Wharf, the air filled with the smell of the sea and the distant aroma of fresh bread and sizzling seafood from nearby restaurants. The waterfront was buzzing with activity, couples strolling hand in hand, street musicians playing soft melodies, and the occasional sound of seagulls punctuating the evening calm. Aiah seemed to know the area well, weaving through the crowd with Mikha in tow until they found a cozy little seafood restaurant with large windows overlooking the water.

They settled into a booth by the window, and as they opened their menus, the server brought them a warm basket of sourdough bread and a small bowl of clam chowder to start. Mikha dipped a piece of bread into the chowder, savoring the creamy, savory warmth that instantly took the chill off the evening air. Across the table, Aiah watched her with a small, amused smile.

"Okay ka lang? You look like you're enjoying that way too much," Aiah teased.

Mikha laughed, swallowing her bite. "Sorry, food is my weakness. And this is... so good." She dipped another piece, feeling unexpectedly comfortable, as if she'd known Aiah for much longer than just a few hours. "Pero, seriously, hindi ba you're on a tight schedule or something? Baka naman may kailangan ka pang gawin after this?"

Aiah just gave her a soft, almost mischievous smile. "Why, do you want me to be on a schedule?"

Mikha nearly choked on her bread, laughing nervously as she shook her head. "No! Of course not," she replied quickly, her cheeks warming as she tried to recover. "I just... you know, baka may ibang plans ka pa."

Aiah leaned back, her gaze unwavering. "Nope," she said simply, with a gentleness that sent a wave of warmth through Mikha. "Tonight, I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be." She paused, her eyes meeting Mikha's. "Don't you think... maybe we were meant to be here?"

For a moment, Mikha found herself speechless. Her gaze drifted out the window to the water, reflecting the city lights in a soft, shimmering glow. This whole evening felt surreal, as if she were caught in a dream she didn't want to wake up from.

"Maybe," she said softly, finally meeting Aiah's eyes again. "Life does have a way of surprising us, di ba? And it's... really nice to just be here, honestly. I can't remember the last time I felt this free."

Aiah's expression softened, her gaze intent. "Me too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She leaned in, as if sharing a secret, her voice soft but sincere. "Life gets so busy... sometimes we forget to actually live. Pero ngayon, tonight, this feels real."

Mikha's heart swelled as she looked at Aiah, feeling that pull between them deepen. She could feel Aiah's foot brush gently against hers under the table, and though it was subtle, the touch felt electric, like a silent connection they were both acknowledging.

Their dinner arrived—grilled salmon for Aiah and a rich seafood pasta for Mikha, which she immediately offered to share. They laughed over clumsy bites and swapped stories between mouthfuls, growing more comfortable, their laughter occasionally drawing glances from nearby tables. At one point, Aiah reached across the table, brushing a strand of hair that had fallen into Mikha's face. Her fingers lingered a moment before she pulled her hand back, and Mikha felt a blush creep up her cheeks.