No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 24- Shower together

The moment she stepped out of the car, I pulled out the flowers I had hidden behind my back-a bouquet of soft pink tulips.

Mikha's eyes widened in surprise. "Aiah..."

I smirked. "Nagustuhan mo ba?"

She reached out, gently taking the bouquet from my hands. "Tulips? You remembered?"

"Of course," I said, watching her expression. "Sabi mo noon, tulips mean 'perfect love.' Akala ko dati joke lang 'yon, pero ngayon... mas naniniwala na ako."

She smiled, looking down at the flowers before glancing back up at me. Her eyes softened in a way that made my heart race.

"Ang corny mo," she teased, but her voice was laced with affection.

I chuckled. "Para sa'yo, corny na kung corny."

Mikha shook her head, laughing before stepping closer. "Aiah..." she whispered, looking at me with so much warmth.

"Hmm?"

She suddenly leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. "Thank you."

I blinked, momentarily stunned, but before I could react, she grabbed my hand and pulled me inside the café. "Tara na nga, baka masyado akong kiligin at hindi na tayo makakain," she joked.

I just laughed, tightening my hold on her hand. "Okay lang, Mikha. Kasi kung ganito ka araw-araw, gusto kong kiligin ka habang-buhay."

And as we walked into the café, hand in hand, I knew-this wasn't just a date.

This was the beginning of forever.

As we settled into our seats, Mikha eagerly scanned the menu, her eyes lighting up when she spotted her favorite dish. She wasted no time ordering, and the moment the food arrived, she dug in with the same enthusiasm I always found adorable.

I leaned back in my chair, resting my chin on my hand as I watched her. The way she took small bites, her eyebrows slightly furrowed in concentration, and the occasional little hum of satisfaction-everything about her in this moment was just so Mikha.

I smirked, pulling out my phone without her noticing.

Click.

Mikha froze, her fork halfway to her mouth. Her eyes darted to me, then to my phone. "Aiah!" she whined, covering her face with her hands. "Bakit mo kinunan 'yon?"

I grinned, tilting my phone to show her the picture. It was a perfect candid shot-her cheeks slightly puffed out from the food, eyes focused on her plate, and a soft glow from the café lights making her look even more beautiful.

"Ang cute mo kaya," I teased, tucking my phone away before she could snatch it.

She groaned. "Ang pangit ko diyan! Kumakain ako!"

I chuckled, reaching out to gently pull her hands away from her face. "Hindi ka pangit, Mikha. Ang ganda mo kaya. Lalo na ngayon."

She narrowed her eyes at me, clearly trying to act annoyed, but I saw the way the corner of her lips twitched, betraying a small smile.

"Flatter me more, baka bilhan pa kita ng dessert," she muttered, taking another bite.

I laughed. "Sige nga, sabihin ko pa kung gaano kita kamahal."

Mikha rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the blush creeping up her cheeks.

"Ikaw talaga, Aiah," she murmured, shaking her head fondly.

And just like that, I knew I'd keep taking a thousand more photos of her-every candid moment, every laugh, every little thing-because I wanted to remember every piece of Mikha forever.