Anthologies {MIKHAIAH AU}

passenger seat pt 5

It had been a week since that morning at Aiah's condo, and while they'd joked about her drunken confession since then, there was a lingering tension between them now—something unspoken but undeniable.

So when Aiah texted on Wednesday asking Mikha out for a "proper date," Mikha couldn't tell if she was excited, nervous, or just plain stunned.

Aiah: "Saturday. Be free. I'm taking you somewhere nice. Dress cute."
Mikha: "Define 'cute.'"
Aiah: "Something nicer than what you wear for Grab."
Mikha: "Grabe ka. Sinisiraan mo na naman ako."
Aiah: "I'm just saying. Effort naman this time. 😏"

When Saturday night came, Mikha parked in front of Aiah's condo building, sitting in her car as she adjusted her collar for what felt like the hundredth time. She was wearing a a grey suit vest and dark slacks paired and a pair of chunky Prada loafers. Mikha may have admittedly dress down for her Grab shifts but that doesn't mean her old high flying lawyer self can't be found somewhere in her closet. Her nerves were buzzing, and it felt ridiculous.

When Aiah finally walked out of the building, Mikha froze. She was wearing a sleek emerald-green dress that shimmered faintly under the streetlights, her hair styled in loose waves. She looked stunning—so much so that Mikha almost forgot to get out and open the car door for her.

But she did.

"Wow," Mikha said as Aiah stepped closer, unable to stop the word from slipping out.

Aiah grinned, her dimples on full display. "Good 'wow,' or 'may dumi ba ako sa mukha' kind of wow?"

"Good," Mikha said quickly, clearing her throat. "Very good. You look... ang ganda mo."

"Salamat," Aiah replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You're not so bad yourself. Ang sharp mo tonight, ah. Effort din pala!"

"Sharp, huh?" Mikha smirked, opening the passenger door for her. "Eh ikaw ang nagsabi na dapat cute ako. Ayoko namang madisappoint ka."

Aiah laughed as she slid into the seat, her hair falling gracefully over her shoulder. "You clean up really well. This is a good look for you."

Mikha smiled as she closed the door and walked back around to the driver's side. Her nerves were still buzzing, but Aiah's laugh—light, teasing, familiar—helped ease them just a little.

"So," Mikha said as she started the car, glancing at Aiah. "San tayo?"

"You'll see," Aiah said with a playful smile. "Surprise."

Mikha raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Lucky ka na mahilig ako sa food. Kung hindi, baka tumanggi ako."

"Don't worry," Aiah replied, her voice warm. "This one will be worth it."

The surprise turned out to be a small but elegant Italian restaurant tucked away in a quieter part of the city. The warm glow of string lights hanging above the outdoor seating area gave the space a romantic yet relaxed ambiance. Inside, the scent of fresh bread and garlic filled the air, and soft jazz played in the background.

"You've outdone yourself," Mikha said as they were led to their table, glancing around.

"Good to know you approve," Aiah replied, her smile soft but pleased.

The two of them settled into their seats, menus in hand. Mikha glanced at Aiah over the top of hers, watching the way Aiah furrowed her brow slightly as she read the pasta options.

"Ang tagal mo pumili," Mikha teased, setting her menu down. "Or are you pretending para lang mukhang mysterious ka?"

Aiah smirked, looking up. "Minsan kasi gusto kong i-maintain ang image ko. Adds to the allure."