Shadows & Spotlight | Anthologies

Behind the Spotlight (2)

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Events during Tabing Ilog: The Musical.

Fluff

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The drive to the ABS-CBN building, their entertainment label's hub, doesn't take long. Mikha skillfully navigates the quiet roads, the buzz of anticipation thrumming softly between her and Aiah. Days before, the girls had coordinated their meetup at the building, ensuring everyone's safety and convenience before heading to Jhoanna's play.

As Mikha parks the car, the engine's gentle hum fades, and the abrupt silence stirs Aiah from her light nap. The older girl blinks sleepily, her hand instinctively reaching for her seatbelt.

"We're here na," Mikha says softly, glancing at her with a small smile.

Aiah nods, still groggy, and grabs her handbag. Together, they swing open the car doors, stepping out into the crisp morning air.

"Wow, good morning talaga," Maloi teases as she spots them, her voice laced with playful laughter.

"Sabay pa talaga ha," Stacey chimes in with a smirk.

Aiah and Mikha exchange sheepish grins, chuckling at their members' teasing remarks.
Before they can respond, Colet's voice echoes from behind. "Girls, andito na yung service!" she calls, pointing to the dark van pulling up to the curb.

The group shifts their focus, gathering near the vehicle. Mikha lingers briefly, double-checking that her car is locked and that she has everything she needs. Her gaze catches on the leather jacket draped over Aiah's shoulders—her jacket.

"Okay na?" Aiah's voice breaks her thoughts.

Mikha nods quickly, snapping back to reality. "Tara," she says, leading the way to their service.

Inside the van, the girls settle into their seats. Mikha finds herself in the back row with Gwen and Colet, while the Yappuchino line (Maloi, Stacey, Sheena, and Aiah) chat excitedly at the front. Jhoanna, already preparing for her role, is noticeably absent, but her presence is felt in their excited chatter about the play.

The drive to the venue is short, and when they arrive, the scene outside is buzzing with media. Cameras flash as the van door opens, and the girls step out one by one, waving politely to the gathered crowd. Mikha, seated at the very back, is the last to exit. She steps onto the pavement just as Aiah casually falls into step beside her.

Aiah's hand briefly brushes against Mikha's, but she quickly pulls away. They both know the risks of being too close in public, yet the fleeting touch sends a warmth through Mikha that lingers. Together, they head inside the venue, staying within the group but subtly aware of each other.

Their reserved seats are toward the back, offering a secluded spot away from prying eyes. Mikha lets the others file into the row first, waiting until Aiah settles in before taking the seat beside her.

Moments later, Jhoanna appears, jogging toward them with a wide grin. "Hi, guys!" she beams

.

The girls rise to greet her with waves and warm hugs, Stacey shouting, "Galingan mo ah!"

Jhoanna laughs, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Bumati lang ako saglit kasi malapit na magstart," she explains, eliciting chuckles from her group.

"O, sige na, enjoy guys!" Jhoanna waves once more before disappearing backstage, leaving the girls to settle into their seats.

As the lights dim and the stage lights come to life, Mikha sneaks a glance at Aiah. The calm on her face and the subtle tilt of her lips remind Mikha of how far they've come.

Their Clarity Movement, a pivotal period in their group, had redefined their dynamics. It wasn't just about addressing personal and professional struggles—it was about setting boundaries, protecting themselves, and preserving the harmony within BINI.

For Mikha and Aiah, the movement brought clarity to their most significant challenge: their ship. Mikhaiah, a fan-favorite pairing, had skyrocketed to fame, but the obsessive focus on them threatened to overshadow the group. What started as a harmless dynamic became toxic, with fans demanding exclusivity and speculating endlessly about their relationship.

Colet, always pragmatic, suggested a solution: limit Mikhaiah's visibility. It meant fewer interactions, more distance, and inevitable backlash from fans. The decision was painful but necessary to ensure their personal well-being and the group's longevity.

Still, the separation took a toll on Mikha. She missed the simplicity of their early days, when their connection felt effortless and unburdened. During their one-on-one session in the Clarity Movement, Aiah had said something that changed everything:

"What if totohanin natin?"

The words had struck Mikha deeply. She knew the risks, the potential fallout, but in Aiah's eyes, she saw readiness—a willingness to risk it all.

Now, as they sit side by side, Aiah nudges her, breaking her reverie.

"Naalala ko nanaman yung sinabi mo nung fanmeet," Aiah whispers, her voice teasing.

"Huh? Anong sinabi ko?" Mikha asks, genuinely curious.

Aiah stifles a laugh. "Yung sa Modess Fanmeet. Ang daming nagtanong sakin ng dare, tapos sabi mo, 'Ayaw niyo ba malaman sikreto namin?'"

Mikha facepalms, groaning as she hides her reddening face. "Oh my God!" she mutters, her laughter muffled.

"Ikaw talaga," Aiah continues, shaking her head. "Nagpapahalata ka rin kasi eh."

"Hindi ko naman sasabihin eh," Mikha retorts, her laughter bubbling over.

Colet, seated beside them, gives them a playful nudge. "Huy, mamaya na kayo magharutan. Start na."

The two quiet down, though smiles linger on their faces. As the lights dim further and the stage transforms into a world of vibrant storytelling, Mikha steals one last glance at Aiah.

Their secret relationship is their own—a bright, fragile bond hidden just behind the spotlight. 

For now, that's enough.