The shift between Mikha and Aiah had been slow and steady, like the changing of seasons—subtle but undeniable. They had quietly agreed to let things unfold naturally, to explore the possibility of rekindling something without rushing or defining it too soon.
But there was one thing they hadn't done yet: tell anyone.
Especially not their friends.
They weren't ready for the flood of opinions, the inevitable "Are you sure?" or "Baka magkasakitan lang kayo ulit." So, for the past couple of months, Mikha and Aiah carefully kept whatever was growing between them quiet.
And that meant learning how to move around each other in plain sight, carefully hiding stolen glances and subtle touches.
/
The gang had planned a casual Sunday brunch at a cozy spot downtown. Mikha arrived with Colet, laughing about something stupid they saw on the way, while Aiah came a bit later with Maloi.
As they all settled into their seats, Mikha casually chose the spot beside Colet, leaving an empty chair between her and Aiah.
"So, Mikhs," Stacey teased, eyeing her suspiciously, "wala ka bang ka-date today?"
Mikha almost choked on her water. "Ano ba, Stacey. Lahat ng tanong mo kailangan may shade?"
Aiah snorted into her coffee but quickly looked down to hide her smile.
Throughout the meal, Mikha and Aiah kept their exchanges brief and casual. A quick glance here, a passing smile there, but nothing that would raise alarms.
But under the table, Mikha's phone buzzed.
Aiah: Yung last ng fries mo, ibigay mo sa'kin.
Mikha smirked, subtly sliding the fries toward Aiah.
Minutes later, Colet's brow furrowed. "Hoy, bakit yung fries mo nasa side ni Aiah?"
Mikha blinked innocently. "Ay, nadulas ata. Bakit gusto mo din ?"
Aiah just quietly popped a fry into her mouth, eyes fixed on her plate.
/
The living room was a mess of half-empty snacks, scattered playing cards, and loud laughter. They were in the middle of a heated game of charades.
"Okay, next team!" Maloi shouted. "Mikha and Aiah, kayo naman!"
Mikha and Aiah froze for half a second, exchanging a brief look.
"Lagot kayo," Colet teased. "Let's see kung may chemistry pa kayo sa game na 'to."
Mikha forced a laugh. "Uy, wag niyong i-pressure! Baka masira ang friendship naming dalawa."
Aiah chuckled, rolling her eyes. But when the timer started, they slipped into sync effortlessly. Aiah barely mimed a motion before Mikha was already shouting the answer.
"Grabe, psychic!" Sheena said, eyebrows raised.
"Tagal na kasi nilang friends, alam na ang galawan," Maloi shrugged.
But no one noticed the subtle squeeze of Aiah's arm when Mikha got the answer right or the way Mikha leaned a little too close to whisper, "Kita mo? Di tayo talo dito."
/
The group had spontaneously planned a weekend beach trip. It was meant to be an easy getaway—sun, sand, and nothing serious.
Mikha sat on a beach towel with Jho and Stacey, half-listening to their conversation while watching Aiah in the distance, walking along the shoreline.
Colet noticed where Mikha's gaze lingered. "Uy, Mikha. May tinititigan ka ah."
