It had been a few weeks since their honest conversation about taking things slow, but the air between Mikha and Aiah had changed. It was warmer now, softer. There was a new layer of intention behind every look, every touch.
Mikha knew she couldn't let herself fall back into old patterns. This time, she wanted to show Aiah how much she mattered.
If we're starting over, she thought, I need to make her feel like I'm choosing her every day.
So she planned something different. Something Aiah-coded.
/
Mikha leaned against the hood of her car, tapping her fingers against the metal, excitement buzzing in her veins.
When Aiah finally emerged from her apartment, she looked effortlessly beautiful in a flowy sundress, hair loose and falling softly around her shoulders.
But the way she narrowed her eyes at Mikha was anything but soft.
"You're wearing that smug look again," Aiah called as she approached, pulling her sunglasses down just enough to glare at her.
"What smug look?" Mikha grinned, opening the passenger door.
"The I planned something but won't tell you look. And it's dangerous."
Mikha laughed, leaning closer. "Relax, this one's safe. Very 'you.'"
Aiah quirked an eyebrow but slid into the car.
"No hints?"
"Nope."
Aiah sighed dramatically but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "You better not disappoint me, Lim."
Mikha only smirked.
/
When Mikha turned into a familiar street, the air thick with the scent of fresh flowers and earth, Aiah's entire face lit up.
"Mikha..." she breathed, recognition flashing in her eyes.
Mikha parked the car, feeling a small swell of pride at Aiah's reaction.
"You haven't been here in a while, right?"
Aiah turned to her, surprised. "No. I stopped going because you never wanted to come with me."
The admission stung more than Mikha expected.
But this was exactly why she was here.
"I know," Mikha said quietly. "And I was wrong for that. So, today, I'm here. No complaints. Lead the way."
Aiah studied her for a second, then let out a soft chuckle.
"Alright, flower girl. Let's go."
As they walked through the narrow stalls, Mikha trailed behind Aiah, watching the way her fingers delicately traced the petals of fresh blooms.
She watched as Aiah carefully picked out bunches of fresh peonies, dried eucalyptus, and sprigs of lavender.
At one stall, Aiah lifted a bouquet of pale pink roses and glanced over her shoulder.
"What do you think?" she asked casually.
Mikha tilted her head. "Nice. But I think sunflowers suit you better."
Aiah blinked, surprised.
"Sunflowers?"
"Yeah. They're bold. They stand out. Like you."
Aiah's cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly hid it by turning back to the vendor.
"Corny mo," she muttered under her breath, but Mikha caught the small smile that lingered on her lips.
