Anthologies {MIKHAIAH AU}

lego house pt 3

The morning sunlight streamed into Aiah's penthouse as she stood in the kitchen, cradling a mug of coffee and trying to shake off the lingering fuzziness from last night. Her head throbbed faintly—not enough to ruin her day, but just enough to remind her she'd had a little too much wine with Mikha.

The idea of Mikha crashing in her spare room still felt surreal. She hadn't planned for it to happen, but it wasn't like there was much choice. After two bottles of wine, neither of them was in any condition to drive, and even the Grab suggestion Mikha had made was dismissed by Aiah with an exasperated wave of her hand.

"May spare room ako, toothbrush, pajamas. It's fine, Mikha," Aiah had said, shoving an oversized band shirt and a new toothbrush into Mikha's hands before disappearing into her own bedroom. Nothing happened—just two ex-wives having wine after their daughter fell asleep.

But now, standing in the kitchen with the faint buzz of a hangover, Aiah couldn't help but think about how bizarre the situation was. She wasn't used to waking up knowing Mikha was just down the hall, sleeping in her old shirt.

The doorbell rang suddenly, breaking her thoughts. Aiah frowned. She wasn't expecting anyone, and it was far too early for uninvited guests.

When she opened the door, there stood Maloi, holding a paper bag of pastries and wearing the smug grin of someone who knew they were about to stir the pot.

"Surprise!" Maloi announced, brushing past Aiah without waiting for an invitation. "Brought breakfast in exchange for juicy gossip."

Aiah groaned, closing the door behind her. "Maloi, anong ginagawa mo dito?"

"What? I can't drop by and bring my best friend food?" Maloi replied, already setting the bag of pastries on the counter and helping herself to a glass of water.

"You don't just 'drop by,' Maloi," Aiah said, narrowing her eyes at her friend. "What do you want?"

"I wanted to see you," Maloi said innocently, though her grin betrayed her. "Also, ang tahimik mo sa chat kahapon. Tapos sinabi mo wine night. So, naturally, I had to come investigate."

Aiah rolled her eyes, pouring herself more coffee. "Walang kailangan i-investigate. Nag-wine lang ako after Janna fell asleep. That's it."

"Oh, really?" Maloi raised an eyebrow, her grin growing wider. "Sino kasama mo?"

"No one—" Aiah began, but her voice faltered when she heard the soft patter of footsteps behind her.

"Mommy!" Janna's cheerful voice rang out as she walked into the kitchen, holding Mikha's hand like she was presenting a prized treasure.

"Mama's still here! She stayed the night!"

Aiah winced, internally begging the floor to open up and swallow her whole. She turned slowly, her worst fears confirmed.

There was Mikha, fresh from sleep, her hair tied in a messy bun and her face still soft with drowsiness. She wore the oversized band shirt Aiah had thrown at her last night, paired with pajama pants that were clearly too big and rolled up at the ankles.

Mikha froze when she saw Maloi, her sleepy expression quickly morphing into something more guarded. "Oh. Uh... hey, Maloi."

"Hi, Mikha," Maloi said sweetly, her grin now fully devilish as she leaned casually against the counter. "Long time no see."

"Yeah," Mikha said awkwardly, glancing at Aiah for backup.

"Breakfast is ready, Mama!" Janna said, tugging Mikha toward the table. "Mommy and Tita Maloi made food! Come eat with us!"