No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 22- Together again

Mikha's POV

As we drove to the café, I kept my eyes on the road, but my mind was a complete mess. Why did Aiah bring me here? Was she just reminiscing, or was there something more?

I stole a glance at her. She looked relaxed, one hand on the steering wheel, the other resting on her lap. But I knew better. She's up to something.

The last time we were here... we were happy. This café held so many memories-late-night talks, playful debates over coffee choices, stolen kisses when no one was looking.

I sighed quietly. Damn it, Aiah. Why are you making this harder?

The car slowed down as she pulled into the parking lot. The moment we stepped out, I was hit with the familiar scent of brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries.

"Still looks the same," I muttered, glancing at the cozy little shop.

Aiah smirked. "Still feels the same too."

I ignored the way my heart clenched at that. Instead, I focused on the menu board inside. The barista, a familiar face, smiled at us. "Oh, wow. It's been a while since I saw you two here together."

Aiah chuckled. "Yeah. A long while." Then, she turned to me, eyes playful. "So? Caramel macchiato again?"

I rolled my eyes but smiled despite myself. "You already know the answer."

She grinned. "Good. Some things never change."

And for the first time in a long while, I didn't know if that was a good thing-or something dangerous.

We sat by the window, just like we used to. The sunlight filtered through the glass, casting a soft glow on Aiah's face. She looked calm, but I knew her well enough to sense the anticipation behind her smirk.

Our drinks arrived, and as I took my first sip, Aiah leaned back in her chair, watching me. "So," she started, stirring her coffee slowly. "If I court you again, will you say yes?"

I paused mid-sip, my brows raising at her bluntness. "What?"

Her smirk deepened. "You heard me."

I set my cup down and tilted my head. "Aiah, do you even have to ask?"

She blinked, her confidence flickering for a second. "What do you mean?"

I rolled my eyes and shook my head, a small smile forming on my lips. "Ikaw na yan, e. Of course, I'll say yes."

Aiah froze, as if she wasn't expecting me to answer that easily. "Teka lang, ang bilis mo namang sumagot-"

I laughed softly. "Aiah, do you think I'd still be here, sitting across from you, if I wasn't willing to give us another chance?"

She stared at me for a moment before exhaling, a slow, genuine smile breaking across her lips. "Putangina, Mikha. You have no idea how long I've waited to hear that."

I shook my head, feeling my heart race as I reached for her hand across the table. "Then stop waiting. I'm right here."

Before either of us could say anything, the café owner, Tita Linda, approached our table with a curious smile.

"Aba, ngayon lang ulit kayo bumalik dito," she said, placing a fresh plate of pastries on our table. "Akala ko ba dati, hindi puwedeng lumipas ang isang linggo na hindi kayo dumadaan?"

I felt Aiah's grip on my hand tighten slightly. She chuckled, but there was something softer in her eyes. "We got... busy, Tita."

Tita Linda raised an eyebrow, looking between the two of us. "Busy, o nagkatampuhan?"