Out of Reach | Mikhaiah

Chapter 9

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 :

It was Saturday, and I decided to jog. I needed to clear my mind from everything that had happened the past week. The crisp morning air was refreshing, and for once, my thoughts weren't as chaotic.

Until I ran into Arisha.

She was dressed in a sleek black sports jacket and leggings, her hair tied in a high ponytail. She looked effortlessly good-not that I'd ever say that out loud. When she spotted me, her expression instantly turned into a glare, as if just my presence annoyed her.

"Tch. What are you doing here?" she asked, crossing her arms.

I raised an eyebrow. "Jogging. Obviously."

She rolled her eyes. "I meant, why here?"

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Public place, Miss President. Didn't know you owned it."

She huffed but didn't argue. Instead, she wiped some sweat off her forehead and sighed. "I was about to grab coffee. You're coming or what?"

I blinked at her, surprised by the invitation-if you could even call it that. "Are you asking me out, Arisha?"

She gave me a deadpan look. "As if. I just don't want to hear you complain later that we didn't get to discuss the festival."

I smirked. "Sure, sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

She muttered something under her breath but turned on her heel, walking ahead. I jogged beside her, amused at how she acted so tough but still waited for me.

Halfway through our jog, Arisha suddenly slowed down, her breathing uneven. I glanced at her and frowned. "Hey, you okay?"

She waved me off. "I'm fine."

She wasn't fine. A few moments later, she completely stopped, gripping her knees as she tried to steady herself. Without thinking, I stepped closer, placing a hand on her back. "You're obviously not okay. Let's get you checked."

She huffed. "I don't need-"

"Arisha." My voice was firm. "Don't be stubborn."

She looked at me, eyes filled with irritation but also exhaustion. After a moment, she sighed in defeat. "Fine."

I led her to my car, helping her into the passenger seat. She groaned. "Tch. This is embarrassing."

I chuckled. "Don't worry, Grimmy. I won't tell anyone your weak moment."

She glared at me. "Call me that again and I'll throw your phone out the window."

I smirked but didn't push further. As I drove, I occasionally glanced at her. She leaned against the window, arms crossed, looking out as if she wasn't slightly trembling.

"You should've told me you weren't feeling well," I muttered.

She scoffed. "And let you nag me? No, thanks."

I sighed, shaking my head. "You're impossible."

When we arrived, she walked ahead, acting like she had everything under control. That illusion shattered when we ran into Shezelle at the hospital entrance.

"Well, well, well," Shezelle grinned. "What do we have here? A little hospital date?"

Arisha groaned. "Shut up, Shez."