The day unfolded under a brilliant blue sky, with the sunlight glittering off the waves as Mikha and Aiah spent their time at the beach. True to her word, Aiah had rented a surfboard and was determined to teach Mikha how to ride the waves, despite Mikha's initial skepticism.
"Okay, balance lang talaga ang key," Aiah explained, kneeling on the sand as she demonstrated the proper stance on the board. Her damp hair stuck to her skin, and her golden retriever energy was in full swing as she gestured excitedly. "Once you feel the wave pick you up, you pop up and—"
"Fall face-first into the water?" Mikha interjected, crossing her arms and smirking down at her.
Aiah shot her a playful glare. "Very funny. But seriously, kahit beginner ka, you'll be fine. I'm here, diba? Trust the process."
Mikha raised a brow, shaking her head but stepping onto the board nonetheless. "Fine. But if I drown, kasalanan mo."
"Promise, hindi ka malulunod," Aiah said, rolling her eyes but smiling. "I won't let you."
And just like that, the lessons began.
The first few attempts were, unsurprisingly, a disaster. Mikha fell off the board multiple times, sputtering seawater as Aiah tried (and mostly failed) to stifle her laughter.
"Masakit pala 'to, ha," Mikha grumbled after her fourth wipeout, sitting on the edge of the board as the waves lapped at her legs. "How is this supposed to be fun again?"
"It's fun once you get the hang of it," Aiah said, paddling over to her and sitting on her own board. Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she added, "And also, seeing you struggle is very entertaining."
"Glad I could make your day," Mikha deadpanned, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.
Eventually, Mikha managed to stand for a few fleeting moments before tumbling back into the water. Aiah cheered so loudly from the shore that even the other surfers turned to look.
"See? Kaya mo naman pala!" Aiah called, clapping her hands as Mikha swam back toward her board.
"Sure," Mikha replied, shaking water from her hair as she climbed back onto the board. "Next time, no clapping. Feeling ko lalo akong nadi-distract."
Aiah grinned. "Noted, Doc."
After a couple of hours in the water, they called it a day and headed to a small beachside shack for lunch. The smell of grilled seafood filled the air, and they dug into a feast of fresh prawns, calamari, and mango shakes, their laughter punctuating the quiet rhythm of the ocean waves.
"You're not as bad at surfing as I thought," Aiah said, taking a bite of grilled fish.
Mikha raised a brow, pretending to look offended. "Wow. Thanks for the glowing review."
"I'm just saying, you could actually improve if you keep practicing," Aiah teased. "Maybe in a few years, you'll be good enough to join me on a surf trip."
Mikha smirked, shaking her head. "We'll see. Pero for now, I'm fine being a medical professional and leaving the extreme sports to you."
Aiah leaned her chin on her hand, grinning at her. "Fine. But admit it—you had fun."
Mikha didn't answer right away, but her lips twitched into a faint smile. "Yeah," she said softly. "I did."
Later in the afternoon, as the golden hour bathed the beach in warm light, Aiah pulled out her trusty Polaroid camera and began snapping photos.
"Come here," Aiah said, motioning for Mikha to join her near the water.
Mikha, who had been sitting on the sand with her legs stretched out, tilted her head. "Why?"
