Unspoken

CHAPTER 14 : Oblivious to the signs

THIRD PERSON POV

The restaurant buzzed with soft chatter and the clinking of utensils. Mikha sat across from Jaz at a small table near the window, the glow of city lights filtering through the glass. Despite the cozy ambiance, Mikha couldn't shake the unease gnawing at her chest. Jaz was mid-story, laughing lightly about an incident in class, but Mikha found herself nodding absentmindedly, her mind drifting back to Y/n. She replayed the way Y/n had rushed out earlier, her tone strained, her smile forced.

"Mikha?" Jaz's voice pulled her from her thoughts. Mikha blinked, realizing Jaz was looking at her expectantly.

"Sorry, what did you say?" Mikha asked, feeling a bit disoriented.

Jaz tilted her head, her smile faltering slightly. "I was just saying how weird it would have been not to cheer for the team this season if my injury was worse. It would suck, I wouldn't want to miss out on everything."

Mikha nodded, guilt prickling at her. "Yeah. Good thing your leg is getting better."

"It is," Jaz agreed, her tone brightening. "And honestly, I wouldn't have kept up with classes without you. You've been such a lifesaver."

Mikha gave her a small smile, poking at her food. "It's no big deal. I just didn't want you to fall behind."

"It is a big deal," Jaz insisted, leaning forward slightly as she put her hand on top of Mikha's. "Most people wouldn't go out of their way like you did. You're... different, Mikha. Special."

Mikha froze, her fork pausing mid-air. She glanced at their hands and then up at Jaz, who was looking at her with a softness in her eyes. Mikha felt a twinge of discomfort but couldn't quite place why.

"Uh... thanks," Mikha said awkwardly, shifting in her seat. She quickly took a sip of water, gently pulling her hand back to avoid saying anything else.

Jaz smiled, thinking Mikha was just being shy. "You're welcome. I mean it."

Mikha nodded, her gaze flickering to the window. She wasn't sure why she felt so restless. Jaz was nice-sweet, even-but something about this dinner felt... off.

"So," Jaz continued, breaking the silence. "Now that things are settling down, maybe we could hang out more? You know, not just because I needed help, but because..." She trailed off, her cheeks tinged with pink. "I'd like to get to know you better."

Mikha's stomach twisted. A bit confused about where this was going, and for some reason, she couldn't help but feel her guilt deepen. She thought of Y/n again, of how she had brushed her off earlier, and how she hadn't even tried to stop her from having this dinner with Jaz.

"I don't know, Jaz," Mikha said carefully, setting her fork down. "Things are still pretty hectic with volleyball and school. I don't even have time to breathe most days."

Jaz's expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered, her smile returning. "I get it. You're super busy. But maybe when things calm down?"

Mikha forced a polite smile. "Yeah, maybe."

They lapsed into silence, the cheerful hum of the restaurant feeling oddly out of place. Mikha's phone buzzed in her pocket, and she pulled it out, glancing at the screen. It wasn't a message from Y/n, but she couldn't help wishing it were.

"Everything okay?" Jaz asked, noticing her distraction.

"Yeah," Mikha said quickly, tucking the phone away. "Just a reminder about practice tomorrow."

Jaz nodded, but the atmosphere between them felt heavier now, at least for Mikha. Mikha pushed her food around her plate, suddenly wishing the evening would end.

When the check arrived, Jaz reached for it, but Mikha shook her head. "I got this."

"You really don't have to," Jaz protested, but Mikha had already handed her card to the waiter.

"It's fine," Mikha said with a faint smile. "Consider it a thank-you for putting up with me all week."

Jaz laughed softly, though there was a flicker of disappointment in her eyes.

As they left the restaurant, Mikha walked Jaz up to her car. Jaz lingered by the door, her hesitation clear. "Thanks again for tonight, Mikha. And... for everything else."

"No problem," Mikha said, offering a quick smile.

Jaz hesitated, then stepped closer, her gaze searching Mikha's face. "Goodnight, Mikha."

"Goodnight, Jaz," Mikha replied, keeping her tone light.

As Jaz drove away, Mikha let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She glanced up at the night sky, the cool air brushing against her skin. Her mind wandered back to Y/n-her warm smile, her quiet presence, the way she had looked earlier, like she was holding something back.

Pulling her phone from her pocket and glancing at the time, Mikha hesitated before typing out a quick message.

Mikha: Hey, are you still up?

She stared at the screen for a moment and deleted the message she typed out, then shook her head and slipped the phone back into her pocket. She didn't want to push Y/n if she didn't want to talk. Still, as Mikha walked back to her car, she couldn't shake the feeling that she'd let something important slip through her fingers tonight.