Out of Reach | Mikhaiah

Chapter 14

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 ✦ -

Arisha's POV:

The midterm were finally over. The weight on my shoulders should've lifted, but instead, it felt like it had sunk deeper into my bones. Yesterday was brutal-mind-draining exams, the suffocating tension in the air, and, of course, that unexpected rooftop moment with Azra. The way she comforted me... it lingered.

But no amount of comfort could erase my frustration. One question. One stupid question, and I blanked out completely. I knew I got it wrong. Time ran out. I hated myself for it.

"Ate Ari, are you okay?"

Shezelle's soft voice pulled me back to the present. Her doe-like eyes searched my face, concerned.

I forced a small smile. "I'm fine, bebe. How about you? How was your exam?"

"It went well, Ate." She smiled back, but something about it felt like a quiet reassurance-like she was trying to cheer me up.

We chatted as we walked, the exhaustion in my limbs screaming for rest. Just as we reached the Elite Office, Stazia and Malisse caught up with us, their expressions unreadable.

"Arisha."

I turned at Stazia's voice. Her eyes held something unspoken.

"Hey, Ari. You know we're always here for you," she said, her voice softer than usual.

The warmth of their words squeezed at my chest. It was comforting, but at the same time, it made me want to cry. I hated feeling this way-so vulnerable, so transparent.

By the time our last class ended, the sky had taken on shades of warm orange and muted pink. We made our way to the Elite Office, hoping to take a break. But the moment we stepped in, something felt... off.

Cyrain, Mikhazra, Gwenora, and Jhoelle were already there, each preoccupied, yet the atmosphere was thick with tension.

Jhoelle, usually the loudest in the room, sat unusually quiet. No witty remarks. No playful insults. Just silence. Her gaze flickered toward Stazia multiple times, only to look away just as fast. Suspicious.

Meanwhile, Gwenora's eyes flickered toward Shezelle, barely noticeable-except I noticed. Shezelle, oblivious as ever, simply hummed as she scrolled through her phone.

Cyrain, on the other hand, had her gaze locked onto Malisse like she was either trying to set her on fire or read her mind. Knowing Cyrain, either was possible.

And Stazia? She was reading. Quietly. Alone. Not even throwing side comments at Jhoelle, which was strange because they were practically attached at the hip. Jhoelle's leg bounced slightly-a nervous habit.

Something was definitely up.

Before I could question it, a familiar voice spoke beside me.

"Hey, do you want to have some snacks with me?"

I turned, blinking as I met Mikhazra's steady gaze. She was so close I could catch the faintest scent of her perfume-something expensive, subtle, and undeniably her.

I raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? Are you asking me out, Kamizaki?" I teased.

"This is just a friendly snack, Miss Yñares," she smirked, her usual cold demeanor cracking just enough to make me grin.

"Whatever you say, Kamizaki."

She took my books before I could protest. How sweet. I didn't even bother fighting it.