No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 17- Trapped in the past

Aiah's POV

I stepped outside and spotted Mikha leaning against the balcony railing, arms crossed tightly over her chest. The city lights stretched beyond her, but she wasn't looking at them. She was staring down at the streets below, jaw clenched, lost in thought.

I took my time walking up to her, stopping just a few steps away. "You always run when things get uncomfortable."

Mikha scoffed but didn't turn to me. "Bakit? Ikaw hindi?"

I smirked. "I don't run, Mikha. I face things head-on."

"Oh?" She finally turned, her gaze sharp. "Then why are you here? Hindi ba dapat kasama mo si Zara?"

I tensed for half a second before regaining my composure. "Bakit parang ikaw yung affected?"

Her nostrils flared, but she laughed dryly. "Alam mo ang kapal talaga ng mukha mo. Bakit parang ang hilig mong magpanggap na alam mo lahat ng nararamdaman ko?"

I leaned against the railing beside her, letting my arm brush lightly against hers. She stiffened but didn't move away. "Because I do know."

"Tama na, Aiah." Her voice was quieter now, almost tired. "Ikaw na rin nagsabi kanina-hindi mo kailangang makialam kung sino gusto kong kasama."

I swallowed. She was throwing my words back at me.

"Mikha-"

"You don't get to be jealous," she cut me off, finally meeting my eyes. "Not when you have someone else."

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

Because for once, I didn't know how to respond.

The words hung between us, thick and suffocating. I clenched my fists, the frustration bubbling up in my chest.

"Sino ba ang nang-iwan, Mikha?" My voice was sharp, challenging.

She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "Ako? Ako talaga, Aiah?"

"Hindi ba?" I shot back, stepping closer. "Ikaw ang lumayo, ikaw ang tumakbo-"

"Dahil hindi ko na kaya!" she interrupted, voice cracking.

I froze.

Mikha exhaled shakily before looking me straight in the eyes, raw and unfiltered. "Umalis ako kasi nasakal ako sa'yo. Kasi gusto mo ng perfect, Aiah. Gusto mo lahat ng bagay may control, may direksyon, walang kapintasan."

I swallowed hard, my nails digging into my palms.

"At sorry," her voice broke slightly, "pero hindi ako perfect. Hindi ako bagay sa future na gusto mong buuin."

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

Because what if she was right?

What if, all this time, I had been asking for something she could never be?

Mikha let out a deep, shaky breath, as if gathering every ounce of courage she had left. Then, she looked at me-really looked at me-with eyes that were tired, hurt, and maybe a little angry.

"Aiah... mahal kita e."

My breath hitched, but she didn't stop.

"Pero hindi ko kaya. Hindi ko kayang mahalin ka sa paraan na gusto mo. Ang hirap mong mahalin!" She let out a dry, humorless laugh. "Gusto mo ng someone na kaya kang sabayan, kaya kang tapatan. Gusto mo ng someone na alam ang gagawin sa buhay niya, na kasing galing mo, kasing determined mo. Pero Aiah... hindi ako yun!"