Cadenza [BINI Mikha X OC]

Chapter 32: First Moves

The group of four finally reached the hotel after spending hours at the bar Aiah had suggested. Mikha and Stacey were a bit tipsy, swaying slightly with each step but still managing to carry themselves. Aiah, on the other hand, had completely passed out, leaving Jon no choice but to carry her on his back.

"How is she passed out after drinking two drinks?" Jon asked, puzzled as he adjusted his hold on her.

"Oh yeah... sometimes Ate Aiah can't handle her liquor well," Stacey replied with a grin. "Which is why you don't usually see her drinking. I think it was just this time she really wanted to let loose."

"Actually, she had a few shots while you were on stage," Stacey added, her steps slowing as she recalled the moment. "So maybe that contributed too."

Jon blinked in disbelief, but there wasn't much he could do now. The night had already played out. Scolding her while she was asleep felt pointless. He shifted his gaze to Aiah, still sleeping soundly on his back, her breathing steady and light. Despite the weight, a small smile tugged at the corner of Jon's lips. It was rare seeing Aiah let go like this, and the thought that she allowed herself even a bit of freedom and fun brought him a bit of joy.

Eventually, the three of them made it to the hotel lobby and headed up to their rooms. Stacey and Mikha led Jon down the hall, guiding him to where Aiah's room was. Stacey quietly unlocked the door, revealing a dimly lit, chilled room. On one of the beds, Gwen was already fast asleep, her silhouette barely visible under the covers.

Jon stepped inside gently and laid Aiah on the vacant bed. With practiced care, he pulled the blanket over her and adjusted it slightly to ensure she was tucked in. From where he stood, Aiah looked peaceful, completely at ease. Jon lingered a moment before softly whispering, "Good night, Aiah."

Back outside, Stacey and Mikha were waiting in the hallway, leaning against the wall in sleepy silence.

"Well, she's still fast asleep," Jon noted, giving them both a look. "You two should get some rest too."

Stacey let out an involuntary yawn before chuckling. "You may be right, Kuya Jon."

"Come on, Mikhs," she said, gently pulling Mikha by the hand. "Before you pass out on me."

"Good night, you two," Jon said with a nod, watching as Stacey guided Mikha down the hallway. He stayed for a moment longer, quietly observing the two girls as they reached their room and disappeared inside.

-----

Sleep comes easily for most people. Sometimes, alcohol even helps, since it's a depressant, after all. It dulls the senses, slows the body down, and eases the mind into slumber. But there are nights when even that isn't enough. Perhaps, this was one of those nights, at least for Jon.

He was in his room, lying on the bed, but sleep refused to come. Despite the fatigue from everything that had happened... the bar, the dancing, the laughter—his mind remained active, churning restlessly.

Even tonight, I still can't sleep. Why? he thought. It was the same as last night. A swirl of uncertainty and thoughts flowed through Jon's mind, and he was trying to pluck out an answer from the mess.

He tried to piece it together. The night had gone well, hadn't it? He met Aiah's parents, got roped into performing, even danced in front of a crowd. It was fun. But something still tugged at him, something uneasy. There was a gnawing feeling, vague yet persistent. Like how a shadow always crept out from behind in a well-lit street. It made Jon tense... then, he remembered.