Monday morning, sun cast long shadows over the campus as Aiah made her way toward the library. She had planned to spend a few minutes reviewing her notes, but her thoughts were distracted when she noticed a familiar figure in the distance. It was Mikha, standing near a bench, talking to a girl Aiah recognized from Stacey’s party, Denise.
Denise had a certain energy about her, bold and uninhibited. Even from a distance, Aiah could tell she was the type who didn’t hold back, her body language animated and her laugh loud enough to carry across the courtyard. It didn’t take much imagination to see that Denise’s attention was squarely on Mikha.
Aiah’s steps slowed for a moment as she took in the scene. Denise was leaning in a little too close, her hand brushing Mikha’s arm as she spoke. It wasn’t subtle, and Aiah couldn’t help but think Denise was ready to throw herself at Mikha then and there.
Something about the sight made Aiah’s chest tighten, though she quickly pushed the feeling aside. Not my business. They can do whatever they want.
She kept walking, intending to pass by unnoticed, but Mikha’s gaze flicked in her direction almost immediately. Mikha’s eyes lit up in recognition, and before Aiah could disappear, Mikha was already moving toward her.
“Aiah!” Mikha called, her tone light and genuine as she jogged over.
Aiah stopped reluctantly, glancing back at the bench where Denise was now following behind, a curious look on her face.
“Hey,” Aiah said, her tone neutral as Mikha approached.
“I just wanted to say thanks again,” Mikha began, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly. “You know, for letting Stacey crash at your place that night. I know it probably wasn’t ideal for you, so... yeah. Thanks.”
Aiah blinked, caught off guard by Mikha’s sincerity. “It wasn’t a big deal,” she replied, her voice softening slightly. “She needed help. I was just doing what anyone would.”
Mikha smiled, her usual playful energy subdued for a moment. “Still, I appreciate it. And Stacey does too. You’re... well, you’re pretty great for doing that.”
Before Aiah could respond, Denise finally caught up to them, her curious gaze shifting between Aiah and Mikha.
“Hi there,” Denise said, her voice bright and confident. “You must be Aiah, right? I’ve heard about you.”
Aiah tilted her head slightly, her expression guarded. “And you are?”
“Oh, sorry!” Denise said with a laugh, extending a hand. “I’m Denise. Mikha told me a lot about you.”
Aiah glanced at Mikha, raising an eyebrow. “Has she?”
Mikha looked slightly flustered, her hand darting up to rub the back of her neck again. “Uh, well, not a lot. Just randomly mentioned you.”
Denise grinned, clearly unfazed. “Right. Anyway, I thought I’d say hi since I saw you. Mikha and I were just talking about some plans for the weekend. You should join us sometime. it’d be fun!”
Aiah’s lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze flickering to Mikha, who looked equally surprised by Denise’s suggestion.
“I’m... not really the social type,” Aiah said finally, her tone polite but firm.
Denise laughed, waving her hand dismissively. “That’s okay! No pressure. But seriously, if you ever feel like coming out of your shell, you’d be welcome.”
Aiah nodded slightly, her expression unreadable. “Thanks for the offer.”
Mikha cleared her throat, sensing the tension in the air. “Well, I think Aiah’s probably busy. We shouldn’t keep her.”
