No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 14- Move of vengeance

Napabuntong-hininga ako, pero sa totoo lang, wala naman talaga akong ganang bumalik sa opisina at makita si Aiah.

"San mo gusto?" tanong ko, pilit na iniiba ang usapan.

Sheena grinned. "Hmm... sa UP Town Center na lang? Madaming options doon-may ramen, burgers, rice meals, kahit milk tea kung gusto mo."

"Ikaw bahala," sagot ko, wala sa mood makipagtalo.

Makalipas ang ilang minuto, nakarating na kami sa UP Town Center. As expected, madaming estudyante at empleyado ang narito, lalo na't lunch break. Napatingin ako sa mga restaurant sa paligid-Pero ramen agad ang unang napansin ko.

"Tayo na sa Mendokoro Ramenba," sabi ni Sheena, hinihila na ako papasok.

Umupo kami sa isang table at agad kaming nag-order.

"So," Sheena started, resting her chin on her palm habang hinihintay namin ang pagkain namin. "Ano na, Mikha? Anong plano mo?"

I frowned. "Plano saan?"

She smirked. "Kay Aiah, syempre. Hindi mo pwedeng iwasan yan forever. If you really care about her, baka dapat gumawa ka na ng move."

Napairap ako. "Hindi ito laro, Sheena."

"Exactly," sagot niya. "Kaya wag mong hayaan na basta na lang siyang mapunta kay Zara. Unless, of course, okay lang sayo na hindi ikaw ang priority niya."

I clenched my jaw.

Hindi. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang dapat kong gawin. Pero isang bagay ang sigurado ako-hindi ko kayang isipin na si Zara ang laging nasa tabi ni Aiah.

At mas lalong hindi ko kayang isipin na baka maging seryoso sila.

Bago pa ako makasagot, dumating na ang order namin. Tumingin si Sheena sa akin habang iniinom ang iced tea niya.

"Think about it, Mikha," she said. "Hindi kita pinipilit... pero baka dumating yung araw na magsisisi ka kasi hinayaan mo lang siya."

I sighed, picking up my chopsticks.

I just hoped that whatever this feeling was, it would go away soon. But deep down, I already knew-

It wouldn't.

__

The night air was warm as I stepped out of my car, the faint hum of music already spilling out from Colet's house. The driveway was packed, and through the wide windows, I could see people everywhere-laughing, drinking, dancing.

A smirk curled on my lips. Perfect.

If Aiah was busy enjoying herself with Zara, then I could do the same. Tonight, I wouldn't think about her. No overthinking, no jealousy-just pure, reckless fun.

"Mikha!" Colet's familiar voice called out as she appeared at the front door, already holding a drink in her hand. "Akalain mo 'yon, sumipot ka!"

I shrugged, stepping forward. "Eh syempre, ayoko namang ma-miss ang party mo."

She grinned, linking her arm with mine as she pulled me inside. The house was a scene of pure chaos-loud music, dim lights, bodies pressed together on the makeshift dance floor. Everywhere I looked, there were people making out, downing shots, or swaying to the beat.

"Drink?" Colet offered, handing me a glass of something strong.

I took it without hesitation, throwing it back in one go. The burn was sharp, but I welcomed it.