Anthologies {MIKHAIAH AU}

sugar and spice pt 2/4

"So anong oras balik ng parents mo?" Mikha asks Aiah traced abstract patterns on the Aiah's lower back. She feels the brunette snuggle into her more, burying her face into Mikha's neck.

Their bodies are wrapped around each other under the duvet, limbs tangled with each other. In moments like this, Mikha doesn't really know where she ends and where Aiah starts. They are at one, as if two puzzle pieces fitting seamlessly together.

"Hmmm?" Aiah murmurs into Mikha's neck. She's half awake, completely satiated and Mikha's lips curl into a smile. She loves moments like this with Aiah. She doesn't think she'll get tired of this. Of Aiah.

"Sleepy ka parin bub?" Mikha asks, tucking a strand of hair behind Aiah's ear. "I asked when your parents are coming home?"

"No I heard you..." Aiah started, "I just don't want to talk about them... when were like this." She looks up at Mikha.

Mikha's eyes soften. She knows exactly what Aiah means. Just because they haven't talked about the big fucking elephant in the room, doesn't mean she hasn't picked up the vibe. Aiah's evasive when it comes to her family  — and it's understandable. Let's just say they are not the most accepting people, and that is putting it politely. Mikha is empathetic of Aiah's situation and there's nothing she wouldn't give to change that. Aiah deserves the world.

"Hey, are you worried? You can talk to me you know? Really nandito lang ako." Mikha reassures her, pressing a soft kiss on her forehead.

Aiah sighs, her face softening as she looks up at Mikha. "Alam ko naman, Mikha... ikaw nga lang yung taong nakakakita ng ganito... yung totoong ako." She pauses, then snuggles back into Mikha's embrace. "I just... sometimes, ang hirap isipin kung paano nila matatanggap 'to... yung... tayo."

Mikha feels a pang in her chest. She wants to tell Aiah that everything will be okay, that love will find a way, but she knows how complicated family can be. "You don't have to think about them ngayon, okay? Just... just stay here, with me," she whispers, pulling her a little closer. "Here, we're safe. Wala nang ibang mahalaga."

Aiah smiles, a little shy but grateful. "Minsan hindi ko alam kung ano'ng ginawa ko to deserve you, Mikha."

Mikha chuckles softly, running her fingers gently down Aiah's back. "Ako nga din nagtataka minsan... kung paano ko naswertehan 'to." Her tone turns playful, trying to lift the mood a bit. "I mean, ako lang naman 'to, your low-key, sneaker-loving, DIY-window-breaking partner in crime."

Aiah giggles, the sound vibrating against Mikha's chest. "Ang tigas talaga ng ulo mo, ano? Sino bang matinong pumapasok sa bintana kahit may pinto naman?"

"Eh kung gusto mo lang akong paakyatin nang hindi obvious, you could've told me." Mikha grins, nudging Aiah playfully. "Admit it, you secretly like the thrill."

Aiah laughs softly, then lets out a sigh, her voice turning softer, more vulnerable. "Pero seryoso, Mikha. Minsan natatakot ako... pero when I'm with you, parang okay lang. Parang kaya ko."

"Hey." Mikha takes Aiah's face in her hands, gazing into her eyes. "You don't have to be scared, Aiah. Kasi... kahit anong mangyari, nandito ako. Hindi kita iiwan."

Aiah's gaze softens, her eyes glistening as she leans in, pressing her lips gently against Mikha's. It's a kiss filled with all the unsaid promises, the quiet hopes, and the fears they both hold back.

When they pull away, Aiah whispers, "Salamat, Mikha. For... everything."

Mikha just smiles, brushing a thumb over her cheek. "Always, Aiah."

//

The next week arrives, and Aiah's heart races as she stands in her bedroom, trying to think up a way to make this plan work. She really wants to go on this date with Mikha, but of course, her parents are already suspicious. And now, her dad's insisting she video call them from Maloi's house.