Out of Reach | Mikhaiah

Chapter 4

Disclaimer: This is pure fiction. Any similarities to real people, places, or events are purely coincidental. Read, enjoy, and don't take it too seriously!

- ✦ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 ✦ -

Mikhazra's POV:

I called Cy's phone, and she picked up immediately. I didn't even get a chance to speak before she cut in, "Ms. Yñares is in the lounge."

Without wasting a second, I rushed to the location she mentioned. When I arrived, my eyes immediately landed on Ms. Yñares, casually sitting with a book in hand. She looked so... hot. A simple black top paired with wide-leg pants-how did she make something so basic look that good?

I sat down across from her, trying to act normal even though my brain was still buffering. Before I could even say anything, Arisha scoffed, flipping a page in her book without even looking at me. "You really had Cy ask Malisse where I was? How desperate."

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms. "Oh please, I was just making sure my partner for the event isn't slacking off somewhere."

She turned another page, her tone uninterested. "And why would I tell you that?"

I leaned forward slightly, teasing, "In case you forgot, we have to plan for the upcoming event, Miss Yñares."

She finally looked up, her sharp gaze meeting mine. "Oh? And you think I don't have that under control?"

I smirked. "Didn't say that. Just making sure you don't flake out on me."

She narrowed her eyes before shaking her head. "Tch. Annoying."

As we worked on the event planning, the air conditioner in the lounge blasted freezing air. I noticed Arisha rubbing her arms subtly, clearly uncomfortable with the cold. Without a word, I shrugged off my jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

She immediately stiffened, turning her glare on me. "What the hell?"

"You're cold," I said simply, keeping my focus on the documents in front of me.

She huffed, obviously debating whether to shove the jacket off. But after a few seconds, she adjusted it around herself, pulling it tighter. "I didn't ask for this."

I shrugged. "I know."

She grumbled something under her breath but didn't take it off. I caught her subtly sniffing the fabric at one point, but I pretended not to notice, hiding my smirk.

Later, as we sorted through documents, I noticed her struggling to carry a heavy box of files. Before she could argue, I took it from her hands without a word.

She scowled. "I could've handled that."

"Sure," I smirked. "But why struggle when I'm right here?"

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

____

Then, as we worked late into the evening, I ordered food without asking and placed a takeout box in front of her. She stared at it, then at me.

"You eat yet?" I asked casually.

She scoffed. "Why do you care?"

"Because I don't want you passing out in the middle of our work. Eat."

She huffed but opened the box anyway. I caught the small, begrudging nod she sent my way before she started eating.

The Playful Banter Before the Storm

After finishing our meal, Arisha leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "I can't believe you actually ordered for me."

I raised an eyebrow. "Why? Surprised I have manners?"