The steady buzz of tattoo machines filled the shop, blending with the low chatter of clients and the rhythmic tapping of Colet's nails against the appointment book. She furrowed her brows, eyes scanning the schedule for the week, her lips twitching into a smirk when she landed on a very familiar name.
"Bai," Colet drawled, turning the book toward Mikha, who was perched on a stool sipping her coffee, trying her best to look disinterested. "Naka-ilang consultations yang Aiah na 'yan—mag papatattoo ba talaga yan?"
Mikha nearly choked on her drink but managed to recover, setting her cup down with forced nonchalance. "I think so," she replied, clearing her throat. "She seems, uhm... interested."
Colet arched an eyebrow, skepticism written all over her face. "'Interested,' huh?" she repeated, tapping Aiah's name on the Friday evening slot. "Baka naman interested siya sayo, hindi sa tattoo?"
Mikha shrugged, casually swirling the remaining coffee in her cup to avoid making eye contact. "Clients like to take their time. It's a big commitment," she said, hoping she sounded convincing.
Colet snorted. "Aba, big commitment na pala 'tong consultations na 'to, ha? Ano 'yan, parang kasal?"
Mikha groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Col, please, trabaho 'to. Wala nang ibang issue."
Colet leaned against the counter, grinning. "Trabaho? Mikha, ang dami mong alam. Alam ko namang kinikilig ka tuwing nandito siya."
Mikha glared at her, but the warmth creeping up her neck betrayed her. "Hindi ako kinikilig!" she protested, a little too quickly.
Colet crossed her arms, grinning wider. "Talaga? Eh bakit parang natutunaw ka tuwing nag-uusap kayo? Pati si Gwen napansin 'yon, bai."
Mikha groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Jesus, ang hilig niyong mag-imbento ng kwento."
"Imbento?" Colet teased. "Mikha, minsan literal kang natutulala habang nag-e-explain si Aiah. Tapos yung mga subtle touches pa? Yung slow smiles?" She wiggled her eyebrows. "Kayo na ba at hindi mo lang sinasabi?"
Before Mikha could formulate a snappy comeback, Gwen walked over, wiping her hands on a rag, having clearly eavesdropped on the conversation. "Uy, Mikha," Gwen said, holding up her phone. "Nag-message si Aiah sa shop page—'Hi! Just confirming my appointment for Friday evening. Can't wait!' May smiley face pa."
Colet whistled low. "Oof, excited siya sayo, Mikha. I mean, sa tattoo," she added quickly, smirking.
Mikha rolled her eyes, ignoring the way her stomach flipped at Aiah's message. "Okay, just reply and confirm her slot," she muttered, trying to keep her face neutral.
Gwen tapped away on her phone, but not without giving Mikha a knowing look. "Confirmed! Pero Mikhs, ilang beses na siyang bumalik, parang hesitant pa rin siyang magpa-tattoo. O baka naman iba talaga ang goal niya?"
Colet grinned, nudging Mikha. "Ayun na nga sinasabi ko, eh. Baka gusto lang niyang makita ang artist after hours."
Mikha groaned, setting down her things in surrender. "Tapos na ba kayo? Balik na kayo sa trabaho niyo."
Colet laughed, throwing her hands up in surrender. "Fine, fine! Pero Mikha, one more thing..."
Mikha sighed. "Ano na naman?"
Colet smirked. "Pag dumating siya sa Friday, promise ko, aalamin ko kung anong totoo. Ayoko ng sikreto."
Mikha smirked, standing up and gathering her things. "Good luck with that, Col."
But deep down, Mikha knew their secret game was becoming harder and harder to keep under wraps.
/
Mikha had been laser-focused, expertly finishing the last details of her client's shaded sleeve, the hum of the tattoo machine filling the shop. Gwen stood beside her, observing intently, taking mental notes like a good apprentice. Mikha liked mentoring Gwen—she was eager to learn and quick to pick up techniques, but right now, something was off.
