Juna | A Mikhaiah AU

15.

Aiah is currently on her bed reading a book, but her mind is preoccupied by the "bestie date" she had with Mikha. She's lying on her bed, holding the book up in front of her face. She's reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but she can't focus properly as a certain redhead suddenly pops into her mind whenever she tries to read a sentence.

"I spent half my time loving her and the other half hiding how much I loved her," Aiah murmured as she read the book. She blew a puff of air out of her mouth, making some strands of her hair on her forehead flutter.

"I spent half my time loving Mikha as my best friend and the other half..." Aiah paused as the sudden realization hit her. She then bit her lip, unable to contain the thought. "Hiding my feelings from her."

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Aiah flinched and accidentally let go of the book, causing it to fall on her face. Maloi then opened the door, entering Aiah's room.

"Hala, sorry," Maloi apologized, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Nagulat ba kita?"

"Hindi naman," Aiah replied, gently rubbing her nose. Maloi nodded, making a peace sign with her hand.

"Ready na 'yung lunch," Maloi said as she stood up. "Si Stacey nag-luto."

Aiah nodded, giving Maloi a warm smile. Maloi was about to walk out of her bedroom when a thought suddenly crossed her mind.

"Maloi," Aiah called out. Maloi turned around, raising her eyebrows at the brunette.

"How do you know if you're in love with someone already?" Aiah asked, her voice weakening with each word. Maloi smirked at her. She then closed the door and sat on the edge of the bed, crossing her legs.

"Aba, aba," Maloi retorted, grinning. "Pumapag-ibig na ang isang Aliah Arceta?"

"Ano ka ba," Aiah chuckled nervously. "Curious lang ako, 'no."

"Curious dahil sa pulang buhok?" Maloi asked, a teasing smile visible on her face. Aiah playfully rolled her eyes, but she couldn't resist the smile slowly forming on her lips. Maloi nodded slowly, realizing the situation Aiah was in.

"It's Mikha, 'no?" Maloi asked, crossing her arms.

"Um," Aiah hesitated, sitting on the bed. She then leaned her head on the headboard, her gaze shifting to Maloi. Maloi took a deep breath, preparing to explain.

"You know you're in love with someone when you think about them all the time," Maloi paused and licked her lips. "Without any reason at all."

"Oh," was all Aiah could reply.

"Umamin ka nga," Maloi scooted closer to Aiah. "Mahal mo na si Mikha, 'no?"

"Mahal ko naman talaga siya ah," Aiah retorted. Maloi chuckled, shaking her head.

"What I meant is you've fallen in love with her," Maloi replied.

"But, what if she does not feel the same way?" Aiah asked, a hint of sadness in her voice. Maloi scanned the girl, tilting her head. She then reached out to one of Aiah's hands, softly caressing the back of her palm in assurance.

"And if she does?" Maloi said. Aiah then felt her heart race as if it wanted to burst out of her chest.

"Tapatin mo ako, Aiah," Maloi said, her tone serious. "Have you fallen in love with Mikha?"

"I..." Aiah hesitated. She then bit her lip, slowly shifting her gaze to Maloi. "Yes."

-

The school bell rang, and the students quickly made their way out of the room. Their professor couldn't help but shake his head as he sat down on the chair in front of his table. When there were no students left, Aiah approached her professor and held out a piece of paper in front of him.