Out of Reach | Mikhaiah

Chapter 20

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 :

I sighed, rubbing my temples as I sat in the Councilor’s Office, listening to another long discussion about finals and the upcoming one-week sem break. It was exhausting, but at least it meant we were nearing the end of the term. December is right around the corner, then no classes. Next year? Graduation.

Good. About time.

Unfortunately, wala si Mikhazra today dahil may seminar siya. At mas unfortunate, kasama ko ngayon si Jhoelle—who, instead of helping, was making my life difficult.

“Hey, Ari, alam mo ba kung anong meron bukas?” she suddenly asked, eyes glinting with mischief.

I barely looked up from my notes. “And so?”

She gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. “Grabe ka, wala kang pake?”

I exhaled sharply, already masungit. “Just say it, Jhoelle. I swear to God.”

“Birthday ng pinaka-hot mong Vice President.”

I didn’t even flinch. “I know.”

Jhoelle blinked. “Wait. Alam mo?”

I raised a brow at her. “Why wouldn’t I? It’s November 8.”

She clicked her tongue. “Tapos wala ka pang gift? Ang pangit mo naman, Ari.”

I rolled my eyes. “She doesn’t need anything.”

“Exactly!” she pointed at me. “Mayaman na ‘yon. Nasa kanya na lahat. Except for one thing.”

I stared at her. I did not like where this was going. “Don’t.”

She smirked. “Ikaw.”

I swear, this woman—

“Jhoelle, what the hell—”

“Ikaw nalang gift ko sa kanya!” she said, clapping her hands as if she had just come up with the smartest idea ever. “Diba? Practical. Economical. Sustainable. Tsaka best gift ‘yon for her!”

I deadpanned. “I hate that you just described me like I’m some eco-friendly product.”

“Pero ‘di ba?!” she laughed. “Out of reach ka daw kasi. Alam mo naman ‘yon. Mayaman na siya, pero hindi ka niya makuha.”

I sighed, massaging my temple. “Jhoelle, I am not a luxury handbag.”

She gasped. “Ay, hindi! Mas mahalaga ka sa Hermes, bes!”

I groaned. “I am not going.”

“What?!” she whined. “Ari naman! Birthday niya ‘yon! And surprise party ko pa ‘to.”

I crossed my arms. “Exactly. It’s your surprise party. Not mine.”

She dramatically flopped on the table. “Grabe, wala ka talagang puso!”

I ignored her.

“Wait! What if I tell you na pupunta rin friends mo?” she suddenly said, sitting up.

That made me pause. “Who?”

She grinned. “Shezelle, Malisse, and Stazia.”

I frowned. “Stazia’s going?”

She nodded quickly. “Yeah! Alam mo naman ‘yon, sunod lang sa agos.”

I sighed, thinking. If they were going, then…