Mikha knew this was coming.
She had been there when Aiah invited Jhoanna the night before, watched as Jho lit up at the idea of meeting Maloi, felt the impending doom settle in her stomach the second she realized what that meant.
More introductions. More people getting involved in whatever this thing was between her and Aiah.
She wasn't sure if this was a good idea.
But who was she to say no to Aiah?
And now, Mikha was suffering because she had stupidly invited Jho over to get ready at her place, and her dear friend?
Did not know when to shut up.
"So, let's go through the facts," Jho started, sitting cross-legged on Mikha's bed as she casually sipped wine. "Aiah invited me. Meaning, she wants me there."
"Yes, Jho, that's how invitations work," Mikha deadpanned, buttoning up her shirt in front of the mirror.
"And," Jho continued, ignoring her sarcasm, "she also wants me to meet Maloi, her best friend. Meaning, she's pulling me into her inner circle?"
Mikha sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I guess?"
"And," Jho leaned forward, smirking. "That means you are already inside that circle."
Mikha paused for half a second before shaking her head. "Jho, we're just..." She hesitated, gripping the edge of the dresser. "Figuring it out."
"'Figuring it out,'" Jho repeated, mockingly twirling her wine glass. "That's so cute. Kasi Aiah seems very sure about you. Bakit ikaw hindi?"
Mikha exhaled sharply, turning to Jho. "It's not that I'm not sure. It's just..."
Jho raised an eyebrow, waiting.
And fuck—
How was Mikha supposed to explain that she wanted this, wanted Aiah, but was still terrified of what it meant?
Of what it would mean when Aiah left?
Jho sighed, setting down her glass. "Mikha, look. You can overthink all you want, pero sa dulo, isa lang naman tanong eh."
"Ano?"
"Gusto mo ba siya?"
Mikha glared. "Tangina, obviously."
"O, edi 'yun na!" Jho threw her hands up. "Masyado kang matalino sa ibang bagay, pero pagdating sa feelings, wala kang common sense."
Mikha groaned, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at Jho, who just cackled.
"Gago ka talaga," Mikha muttered, shaking her head.
"And yet, Aiah chose to invite me!" Jho sang, kicking her feet up. "See you at the restaurant, lover girl!"
Mikha let out a long suffering sigh.
This night was going to be a lot.
And she wasn't sure if she was ready.
/
Mikha deeply regretted asking Jho for fashion advice.
What started as a simple, casual pre-hangout session had somehow turned into Jhoanna Robles: Stylist Extraordinaire.
"Mikha, you cannot— I repeat—CANNOT just wear all black tonight. This is a moment."
"Jho, I wear all black every day. Ano'ng problema mo?"
"The problem," Jho sighed dramatically, "is that you're about to meet your girlfriend's best friend, and I simply will not allow you to look like a background character."
