Speak Now

IX - It's A Date

Mikha's pulse quickened. Of course. Of course, it made sense now. The way Aiah had always been so comfortable with women -- her, in particular. The subtle flirtations she'd dismissed. Their conversation over after that dinner with Julienne and Jho.

"Ex, huh?" Colet drawled, a playful smirk playing on her lips. "Well, you certainly haven't lost your touch, Aiah."

Aiah rolled her eyes, a fond smile playing on her lips. "Oh, shut up. Tara na lang sa loob."

As they walked back towards the party, Mikha couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider. She watched as Colet and Aiah laughed together, their bodies close, their eyes locked in a way that made Mikha's stomach twist.

Aiah, catching Mikha's look, quickly smiled at her and added, "Colet's a little too touchy sometimes," as if trying to brush off the moment.

Colet laughed, a musical sound that seemed to carry on a bit too long, her fingers still grazing Aiah's arm before she pulled away. "Touchy? Nah, just reminding her of the good old times."

The words hit Mikha like a cold splash of water. Good old times?

"So, Mikha," Colet said, her gaze sliding over to her once more, lingering on her just a bit longer than comfortable. "What about you? Are you, uh... taken?" Her question was casual, but Mikha could feel the edge of scrutiny in her tone.

Mikha blinked, momentarily stunned. "Uh, no," she answered quickly, looking down at her shoes. She wasn't sure why it mattered, but she couldn't help but feel the need to explain. "Not really my priority right now."

"You know, you two make a good pair," she said with a grin, raising an eyebrow. "And from what I've heard, you already stopped this girl's wedding."

She knows? Just how close they are really? Are they really just exes? Why does she care?

"Col, I told you it was just a misunderstanding." Aiah said.

"Th-that's right. We're just friends," Mikha said a bit too quickly, shaking her head. "Nothing more."

"Besides, Mikha likes someone else. As for me, I'm enjoying this new-found freedom." Aiah added with her gaze distant.

"Whatever you say, beautiful." Colet said shrugging as she excused herself to get some drinks.

"Are you okay?" Aiah's voice pulled Mikha from her thoughts. She was standing next to her, her hand brushing against Mikha's. There was concern in her eyes, but also something else—something that Mikha couldn't place.

"I'm fine," Mikha replied, but the words felt hollow.

Mikha had never seen someone so effortlessly comfortable with Aiah. She couldn't help but notice how Colet's attention seemed to fall on Aiah with such ease, as if nothing had changed between them.

"Sorry about Col. She's complicated," Aiah said, her voice filled with a hint of melancholy. "But she's also harmless."

"Harmless?" Mikha echoed, skepticism lacing her tone. "She seems pretty possessive to me."

Aiah sighed. "She cares about me, in her own way. But she also knows I'm not hers to keep."

After some time, Mikha sat on the edge of the bar, nursing a drink she hadn't quite touched yet. She hadn't expected Gwen to find her in this quiet corner of the party, but here she was.

"Mind if I join you?" Gwen asked, her voice light and teasing. She slid into the seat across from Mikha before waiting for an answer. "I see you've met Col."

Mikha nodded absentmindedly. "So, Aiah likes the bold type, huh?" she mused.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that," Gwen chuckled. "Colet is the kind of person who grabs life, you know? Quick-witted, bold, and charming. She could talk anyone into anything. Even convinced Aiah to get a motorcycle. She's always been that way."