Hookup ✓ [MikhAiah] [Book #3]

30

—🦊—

MIKI's POV

I place my guitar case gently beside the desk, letting out a long, frustrated sigh. Chase's voice still echoes in my head from earlier, her words tumbling around, twisting into knots I can't ignore. The whole idea feels impossible. As much as I want to be with her on this—to believe her theory that Aira might be our lost childhood friend Aria—it just doesn't make sense. Sure, their names sound alike, but that's no proof of anything. And it's not like I want to spend my days chasing the past. Not now, when I've found something real with Aira.

I settle down on the edge of the bed, hands running through my hair as I battle the thoughts. I'm sorry, Chase. I can't be with you on this. But before I can drift further, a voice brings me back.

"You okay?" I look up to find Aira standing in the doorway, her presence flooding me with calm. Every time I see her, things feel right, like I could actually be myself. There's no doubt about how I feel—I want her, not just for fleeting moments but for something deeper, something real. I'm tired of this friends with benefits dance we've been doing. I want a genuine shot at... us.

"Oh, hey." I try to shake the worry off and flash her a small smile, hoping she won't catch the storm brewing behind it. She walks over, sitting beside me, close enough that her warmth seeps into me.

"Everything alright?" she asks, brows knitting in concern. "I noticed you and Chase had that same intense look earlier." Guilt claws up my spine. Maybe I was too harsh with Chase, shutting her down over this whole Aria thing. But still... could Aira really be her? I push the thought away as I turn back to Aira.

"No, we're okay," I reassure her, forcing a calmness into my voice that I don't feel. She doesn't seem convinced, but she nods with a soft smile.

Aira's hand finds mine, and my heart races under hertouch. I can hardly believe how deeply she affects me, how she's become someone I can't seem to shake. "Well, if there's anything I can help with, let me know." Her voice is gentle, and the thought of her wanting to be there for me makes something inside me ache.

"Thanks, Ai." I manage, feeling that familiar pull toward her. She grins, lighting up her whole face, and I can't help but want to lean in, to close the gap between us like we always do when we're alone. But with these new feelings stirring, I feel more hesitant than ever.

"We'll call it a day," she says as she stands, her voice soft with fatigue. "We have to leave a little early so we might as well get some sleep now." She heads over to her bed, tucking herself in, and pulls on the switch to dim her bedside lamp.

"Goodnight, Miki," she murmurs, already drifting into sleep. I smile to myself, watching as she nestles under the blankets.

"Goodnight, Ai." I whisper, sinking into bed. Her warmth lingers in my thoughts as I let sleep take me.

—🦊—

A thin beam of sunlight creeps through the window, prying my eyes open. I groan, shielding my face as I sit up, my head a hazy mess. The bed creaks as I swing my legs to the floor, letting the early morning sounds filter in. Then, a familiar voice greets me.

"Good morning." Aira stands in the doorway, looking effortlessly beautiful. She's dressed and ready, her energy already charging the air around her. I can't help the smile that spreads across my face.

"Morning," I reply, remembering the hazy memory of last night. A part of me feels like I've had this moment before, a whisper of déjà vu from that night.

She leans on the doorway, crossing her arms. "Didn't want to wake you up, you guys were all tired from last night din." Her gaze softens as she watches me. "I made breakfast, so go ahead and prepare na muna. I'll wake the others."

"Got it." I answer and she hums as she walks away, closing the door. I stretch, reaching for my towel and some clothes. In the shower, the water rushes over me, giving me space to think. Yesterday was a whirlwind, and this whole situation with Chase has only added to the weight on my shoulders.

—🐶—

AIRA's POV

Everyone's finally up, and I finish setting the table for breakfast. Simple but enough to keep us going until we get back. Johanne's the first to arrive, followed closely by Gale. Then come Miki and Chase, an uncomfortable silence clinging to them. I try to smooth things over as everyone sits down.

"The driver's on his way," I announce, taking a seat in the middle. There's a soft chorus of nods and murmurs in response as they start eating, the clinking of silverware filling the quiet. We're all drained, each of us just waiting to get back home. The meal passes with little talk, everyone's focus on the food and the desire to rest.

My phone buzzes just as we finish. "Girls, he's here na pala," I say, standing to gather my things. We all rise, a blend of relief and fatigue on our faces. Gale sighs, voicing what we're all feeling.

"Grabe, ang bilis ng araw pero gusto ko na rin umuwi," she murmurs as she and Johanne head back up to pack.

—🐶—

Once my luggage is ready, I head down to the lobby with everyone else. The driver waves from outside, and we haul our bags into the van. Everyone settles in, tired but ready to finally be on the way home. I pull out my phone, texting Dad to let him know we're on the road. Gale and Johanne are asleep within minutes, while Chase gazes out the window, lost in thought, and Miki keeps to herself, her headphones on. They're already prepping for their next concert week, and a quiet determination rests over them.

As we reach my stop, I speak up. "Kuya, pwede idrop niyo na lang ako here?" I ask. Chase's brows knit in confusion.

"But your car's back at the building, right?" she asks.

"Yeah, I'll pick it up later. I just need to get home right now," I explain, and she nods without further question.

I wave at them as I watch the van drive off, Once I'm inside, I set my luggage down and text my dad again. "Hey Dad, just got home. Do you have any tools I can use to pry open my laptop? Just an emergency." I wait, pacing a bit, until his reply comes in.

"There's a toolbox in my drawer upstairs sa kwarto, check mo na lang lahat since nakalimutan ko na rin saan ko nailagay." he responds. I shoot him a quick thanks and head up. His room feels like a memory, filled with little things from our family's past—pictures, a few paintings I did as a kid. But I go straight for the drawers, opening them one by one until I spot the toolbox in the last one. As I pull it out, a small bundle of papers catches my eye.

"What's this?" I murmur, unrolling the papers to reveal...

Hospital bills. Psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy... Hypnosis treatment?

What are these for, Dad..?