Dopamine Part 2

Chapter 12: Jhoanna's wedding

Aiah's POV

The crowd's cheers echoed around the wedding reception, but my heart felt lighter than ever as I watched Jho and Baste share their first dance.

Parang kailan lang nung pinupush ko 'yung dalawa. Look at them now. Seeing them finally tying the knot fills me with nothing but pure happiness.

I looked to my right. Mikha was standing beside me, clapping softly, her eyes focused on the newlyweds. She looked... calm. Genuinely happy. And somehow, that made me feel even lighter.

I can't help but smile. Kahit anong gawin ko, I could never fully move on from this girl.

I thought... I lost her once.

But somehow, life keeps finding its way back to us.

"Can I have this dance miss ma'am?" Mikha asked as the floor opened for everyone to join.

I didn't say anything, I just let her pull me in, and we walked to the dance floor together.

"Love the song," Miks commented softly as the piano instrumental of Imagine by Ariana Grande began to play.

"Of course, fav of the bride, Ari is a mandatory," I replied.

The music was slow, mellow. The kind that made you want to lean in a little closer.

We started swaying, and I couldn't help but feel like it was just the two of us in that moment.

For the first time in a long time, I wasn't overthinking.

I was just... happy.

"This is the first time we've danced like this, right?" Mikha whispered.

I nodded, "Ay, oo nga 'no?"

Mikha wrapped her arms around me, and I did the same. We were just there, wrapped in each other's arms. No need for words, just letting the music guide us.

Then, we were lost in our own little world when suddenly, we both felt the distinct sound of camera shutters going off.

"Ehem." Maloi's voice cut through the music.

Mga panira. I almost said it.

I looked up, and there they were—Maloi, Colet, Gwen, Sheena, and Stacey. All of them were standing in front of us, with their nakakalokong mga ngiti

"Bat ang sweet naman?" Colet said, grinning ear to ear.

"Ibaaa, mas sweet pa sa newly weds," Sheena added, giving us a teasing look.

"Pero dali, smile!" Stacey said as she captured a lot of photos and matik, sent agad sa GC.

With her firm yet affectionate tone, she added, "Cous, wala nang mag le-leave group, okay?"

Mikha looked at me, her eyes softening as she squeezed my hand. "Never again." she whispered, her voice full of sincerity.

As the song ended, people started to gather around the dessert bar. The reception now had a lively, upbeat energy, everyone trying to grab a piece of the assorted Filipino delicacies, where Gwen and Sheena were already laughing with the suppliers who were serving.

Gwen and Sheena really did a lot for this wedding. Buti na lang na madaming connections with suppliers 'yung dalawa and it made everything easier.  But moreover, every one did their part to make sure this wedding was unforgettable.

As the night went on, the excitement of the wedding started to wind down. The laughter and chatter were still there, but it was clear the energy was shifting. We had celebrated, danced, and now it was time to slow down and relax.