The morning sun cast a warm glow over the campus, the hum of students going about their day filling the air. Mikha was strolling through the grounds, her usual confident stride attracting attention as she passed. She wasn’t particularly looking for anything, or anyone, when her eyes landed on a familiar figure.
There, sitting alone on a bench under the shade of a large tree, was Aiah. She had her earbuds in, seemingly lost in thought, a book open on her lap. Her calm demeanor made her stand out in the bustling surroundings.
Mikha’s lips curved into a playful smirk. This was too good to pass up.
“Hello there” Mikha said, her voice dripping with mock curiosity as she sauntered up to Aiah.
Aiah glanced up, her sharp eyes meeting Mikha’s. She pulled out one earbud and raised an eyebrow. “And here I thought the morning would be peaceful.”
Mikha chuckled, unbothered by the jab, and plopped down on the bench beside her, ignoring the slight sigh Aiah let out. “What’s the matter? Party still got you drained?”
Aiah closed her book and leaned back, studying Mikha with an air of disinterest. “No, but I didn’t expect the campus celebrity to grace me with her presence today.”
“Celebrity, huh?” Mikha leaned closer, her smirk widening. “I like the sound of that.”
“Of course, you do.” Aiah’s tone was dry, but her lips twitched as if suppressing a smile.
For a moment, there was silence between them, the distant chatter of students filling the gap. Mikha tilted her head, her gaze flicking to the book in Aiah’s hands.
“What’s that you’re reading?”
“Something you wouldn’t be interested in,” Aiah replied, tucking the book into her bag.
“Try me,” Mikha shot back, undeterred.
Aiah hesitated, her sharp gaze assessing Mikha as if trying to figure out what game she was playing. Finally, she sighed. “It’s a novel about resilience and growth. Something that requires depth, which I’m not sure you have.”
Mikha feigned offense, clutching her chest dramatically. “Wow, hitting me where it hurts. You really know how to keep me intrigued.”
Aiah rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the faint smile that tugged at her lips. “Why are you even here, Mikha? Don’t you have a fan club to entertain?”
“I’m taking a break from my adoring fans,” Mikha replied with mock seriousness. “Besides, I couldn’t resist bothering you. It’s just too much fun.”
Aiah shook her head, a soft laugh escaping her. “You’re unbelievable.”
“And yet, you haven’t walked away,” Mikha pointed out, her voice teasing but her gaze steady.
Aiah didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she met Mikha’s eyes, her expression unreadable. “Maybe I’m just curious to see how long it’ll take for you to get bored.”
Mikha grinned, leaning back on the bench. “Spoiler alert: I’m not easily bored.”
The tension between them softened into something lighter, the playful banter leaving both of them with a faint sense of satisfaction. Though they came from completely different worlds, in that moment, neither seemed to mind.
For Mikha, annoying Aiah was quickly becoming her favorite way to pass the time. And for Aiah? She wasn’t quite sure why she hadn’t walked away yet.
