Unspoken

CHAPTER 13 : Building tension

THIRD PERSON POV

Jaz was back on campus, walking better now that her sprained foot had healed, but it kept her out of cheer practice. Mikha—sweet, dependable Mikha—had been by her side the entire time, helping with notes, keeping her company, and making sure she didn't fall behind.

Of course Mikha would help her, Y/n thought bitterly. That's just who she was—always there for everyone. But it was impossible to ignore the tight knot of jealousy in her stomach. She had no right to feel this way, not when Mikha was just being her kind and selfless self. They were just friends, after all.

But why did it hurt so much?

Y/n was walking with her classmate, Jhoana, just as they left class.
"Sorry, Y/n. I need to go. I still have to finish a project that's due later."
"Don't worry about it," Y/n replied with a small smile. "I'll grab the notes you asked for from my desk at the student council office and send them over later."
"Thanks! You're a lifesaver. See you later!" With a wave, Jhoana hurried off, leaving Y/n alone with her thoughts.

As Y/n walked, the whispers she overheard in the halls echoed in her mind.
"I saw Mikha and Jaz out yesterday. They look pretty cute together."
"Are they a thing now? Gosh, I'd kill just to be noticed by Mikha Lim."
"Not sure, but they might just be the new 'it' couple."

Y/n had laughed it off, masking the twist in her chest with a casual shrug. But now, walking further, those words gnawed at her. She couldn't shake the ache, no matter how hard she tried.

A familiar voice suddenly cut through her thoughts.
"Y/n!"

She turned, her heart skipping as she saw Mikha jogging toward her, trying to catch up. Her fiery red hair was down, falling in soft waves around her shoulders, and there was a glow in her eyes that only made her more endearing. Y/n hated how easily Mikha's presence softened the ache she'd been nursing.

"Hey," Y/n greeted, her tone carefully neutral as Mikha stops in front of her, catching her breath.
"I finally caught you," Mikha said, smiling. "You've been MIA."
"Me?" Y/n asked, forcing a light laugh. "You're the one who's been busy."

Mikha winced, guilt flashing across her face. "Yeah, I know. Between class, volleyball, and helping Jaz, I haven't had time to breathe." She leaned in slightly, her gaze warm and focused. "But I missed talking to you. How've you been?"

Y/n's breath hitched, but she kept her expression neutral. "I've been fine. You know, just... busy with schoolwork." Mikha nodded, looking relieved. "I've been meaning to catch up with you, but everything's been so hectic." Y/n tried to muster a smile, but the knot in her chest tightened. "It's okay. You've had a lot on your plate."

"Still," Mikha said, her tone sincere, "I want to make it up to you. How about dinner later? My treat."

Y/n's heart leaped at the offer, but the pain from earlier still lingered. Spending time with Mikha, knowing the whispers about Jaz and her weren't entirely baseless, might only make things worse. Before she could respond, a voice interrupted them.

"Mikha!"

Jaz approached them in the hallway, her smile bright as she waved. Y/n stiffened.

"Hi, Y/n," Jaz greeted, her cheerful tone cutting through the tension that had settled in the air.

Y/n responded with a tight smile and a nod, doing her best to mask the unease simmering beneath the surface.

"Oh, hey, Jaz," Mikha said, standing up straighter as she noticed the subtle shift in Y/n's demeanor.

Jaz beamed at her. "I've been looking for you. I wanted to see if you're free for dinner later. It's my way of saying thanks for everything you've done for me this week."

Y/n froze, her heart sinking as her stomach churned. Mikha glanced at her, an apologetic look flashing in her eyes. "Actually, I was just—"

Before Mikha could finish, Y/n cut her off. "You should go," she said quickly, her voice a little too high-pitched, forcing a smile that felt tight on her face. "I forgot I have this test tomorrow, so I'll be busy studying tonight anyway."

Mikha frowned. "Y/n, you don't—"
"It's fine," Y/n said, not letting her voice waver. "Maybe next time, Mikha." She didn't wait for a response, quickly walking away before Mikha or Jaz could say another word.

An ache spread through her chest before she could take a few steps. She cursed herself for letting her emotions get the better of her.

Back where Y/n had left them, Mikha watched her go, guilt tugging at her chest. Something was off, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

"So, what do you think? Dinner later?" Jaz asked again, her voice cheerful but insistent.

Mikha hesitated, glancing back in the direction Y/n had gone. She wanted to say no, to chase after Y/n. But the weight of Jaz's hopeful expression and her gratitude for all the help Mikha had given made her pause.

"Yeah, sure," Mikha said reluctantly, her voice quieter than usual. "Dinner sounds good."

But as Jaz beamed, chatting about where they should go, Mikha's mind was elsewhere, filled with the image of Y/n walking away.