Anthologies {MIKHAIAH AU}

fools in love pt 3

Mikha was practically buzzing, barely able to believe how her night had turned out. What were the odds? She had barely touched her camera in months, but something had pulled her to pick it up after work, to step out into the city. Now, here she was, her heart racing, still feeling the soft, lingering warmth of Aiah's lips on hers, her body moving to the beat alongside this captivating woman. Mikha couldn't help but smile, her mind spinning with thoughts of what this night could mean. She felt a mixture of hope and hesitation—she didn't want to assume anything or ruin whatever this was by getting ahead of herself.

Aiah leaned in close, brushing her lips against Mikha's ear, sending a new shiver through her. Her voice was low and warm, just loud enough to be heard above the music. "Gusto mo bang lumabas tayo dito?"

The words jolted Mikha back to the present, her pulse quickening as she met Aiah's gaze. She smiled shyly, but her eyes betrayed her excitement. "Are you sure? Okay lang sa 'yo?"

Aiah grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Seryoso ka, Mikha? I'm not the one holding back." She gave her a playful nudge, looking at her expectantly. "Unless ikaw ang may second thoughts?"

Mikha let out a small laugh, feeling her cheeks warm. "Wala akong second thoughts," she replied, feeling bolder by the second. "It's just... parang ang bilis. Pero," she added, meeting Aiah's gaze, "wala akong reklamo."

Aiah's smile softened, and she took Mikha's hand, lacing their fingers together. "Then let's make the most of tonight, diba?" Her tone was warm, inviting, as if it was the most natural thing in the world for them to leave together.

Mikha gave her hand a gentle squeeze, nodding as the anticipation fluttered in her stomach. "Saan tayo?" she asked, feeling a bit breathless but ready to follow wherever this moment led them.

Mikha gave Aiah's hand a gentle squeeze, feeling her heart race as they moved towards the exit. "So, saan tayo?" she asked, her voice breathless with excitement and nerves.

Aiah paused, looking back at her with a soft, knowing smile. "Kung okay lang sa'yo..." Aiah started, a hint of shyness flickering in her eyes. "We could go back to my place? Malapit lang dito—mas tahimik, mas makakapag-usap tayo."

Mikha's heart skipped a beat, her pulse pounding in her ears. The offer was unexpected, but the thought of spending more time with Aiah in a quieter, more intimate space was thrilling.

"Sure," she replied, her voice steady but her cheeks warm. "Gusto ko 'yan."

Aiah's smile grew, and without another word, she led Mikha out into the night, fingers still intertwined. The city buzzed around them, but it felt like the world had softened to a quiet hum as they walked side by side, neither one in a rush, savoring each second of this unexpected night together.

//

The walk to Aiah's apartment was quiet and unhurried, each step measured as if prolonging this enchanting night. Aiah's hand remained warm and steady in Mikha's, and they exchanged shy, bashful smiles every few minutes, eyes meeting then darting away with a mixture of excitement and vulnerability. The city around them seemed distant, a soft hum in the background, as if all that existed was this shared silence between them.

After a few blocks, Aiah glanced at Mikha, her eyes bright in the soft streetlight. "Are you... having a nice evening?"

Mikha couldn't help but smile. "Best evening," she replied simply, her voice low but filled with sincerity.

Aiah's apartment was just around the corner, and when they arrived, Mikha found herself stepping into a space that felt like a cozy retreat from the world. The room was bathed in warm, golden lighting, casting a glow on the vibrant, eclectic artwork that adorned the clean white walls. Indoor plants dotted the space, their leaves creating gentle shadows, while shelves held quirky trinkets and mementos that seemed to hold untold stories. Mikha's eyes swept over the place, admiring its charm.