THAT GIRL | MIKHAIAH

CHAPTER 20

Maraiah's POV

You know what? Nagtatampo na talaga ako kay Mikha. I just found out from the girls that she's been asking to hangout with them, but she couldn't even send me a message. Hindi niya man lang ako kinukumusta. Ayaw niya ba sa akin? Nalilito tuloy ako kung maniniwala ba ako don sa sinabi ni Maloi o hindi kasi kabaliktaran naman 'yong pinapakita sa'kin ni Mikhs.

Shit. Why do I feel this way? I don't understand myself. I miss her, hindi lang naman siya, pati rin naman 'yong ibang girls, but I miss Mikha a lot.

What should I do? Should I message her? Anong sasabihin ko?

Hi Mikhs, I'm free today. Wanna meet?

Ugh! Hindi ba mukhang desperada pakinggan?

I sigh. Nevermind. I turn my heels bago pa man ako makaapak sa ICT building. I didn't know what has gotten into me to come here, but I've changed my mind. She's probably preoccupied with her Ashley anyway.

I haven't told the girls about that, hindi ko alam kung may alam ba sila tungkol don, o baka Mikha's keeping it a secret for now. Gaya nga ng sabi niya, baka tuksuhin lang siya ni Gwenny.

Pupuntahan ko na lang 'yong best friend ko, tutal it's almost lunchtime. Aayain ko kumain. Nasa OJT din 'yon, panay remind sa'kin eh siya naman 'tong pabaya sa sarili niya. Buti na lang kumpleto sa information si Maloi - my source. And speaking of her, nakita ko siyang papalapit sa'kin, her lips twitch forming a smile as she hugs me.

"Ate Aiah! I missed you! Andito ka pala, ba't 'di ka nagsabi."

"I missed you too, Lucky. I just had to submit a report. Galing akong long haul, pero free ako for the rest of the day. Ikaw, how are you?" We resumed walking towards the gate.

"Okay naman, naghahanda for exam." I hummed. "Nagkita kayo ni Mikhs?"

Napalingon ako sa kaniya. "Huh? Hindi."

She slowly nodded her head, perplexed. "Nakita kasi kita malapit sa ICT, akala ko don ka galing."

I let out a nervous chuckle. "Ano namang gagawin ko don?"

Tumingin si Maloi sa'kin. "Don't you miss her?"

I almost choke on my saliva and look away, not sure of what to respond.

Buti na lang at nagsalita ulit si Maloi. "Alam mo? Nag-uusap na sila ulit ni Stacey. Casual convo, ganon. Hindi na gaanong awkward, iba na rin kilos ni Staks sa kaniya. I mean, wala ng halong flirting."

I'm relieved to hear that. Ang alam ko rin Jho and Staku are even closer now. Minus the bickering, which I think is their love language, so.

"Kayo ni Maki..."

Maloi shrugs her shoulder. "Naging honest na ako sa kaniya, ate Aiah. Mag-iisang buwan na rin nong tumigil siyang manligaw."

I nodded, but squinted my eyes on her. "Eh kayo ni Cols?"

I saw her blush. She pretended to feign ignorance.

She diverted the topic. "May pupuntahan ka ba, ate Aiah? Or sabay na tayo maglunch. Hindi kasi available 'yong iba." I smirk knowingly.

I decided to play along. "Yep, actually sumabay ka na sa'kin."

Maloi smiled, thinking I let her slipped away. I did... didn't I?

We reached the waiting area at hindi naman nagtagal, nakasakay din kami kaagad ng taxi. Our conversation went on during the ride.

"Ate Aiah..."

I hummed in question.

"May napapansin ako." Sabi niya. Napataas naman ang kilay ko.

"Ano?"