No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 25- Memories to keep

Mikha's POV

A soft touch against my cheek stirred me from sleep. My brows furrowed as I let out a small, sleepy groan, trying to burrow deeper into the warmth of the sheets. But the gentle caress didn't stop.

Slowly, I blinked my eyes open, only to be greeted by the sight of Aiah's face just inches from mine. Her dark eyes were warm with amusement, and a soft smile played on her lips.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," she murmured, her fingers still tracing slow, lazy circles on my cheek.

I yawned, stretching my limbs as I adjusted to the light filtering through the curtains. "Hmm... what time is it?" My voice came out hoarse from sleep.

"Past nine," she answered. Then, with a teasing glint in her eyes, she added, "Breakfast is ready, love."

That woke me up a little. Love? I narrowed my eyes at her, my lips twitching. "Love?" I echoed. "Since when did we start using that?"

Aiah just grinned, propping herself up on one elbow as she looked down at me. "Since now. Problem?"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't fight the small smile tugging at my lips. "Ang aga-aga, Aiah, ang cheesy mo na agad."

She chuckled, then tilted her head, pretending to study me. "Eh, ikaw kasi, parang napagod kagabi."

I froze for a second before kicking the blanket off of me and sitting up abruptly. "Hoy, Aiah!" I shot her a glare, but the heat rushing to my cheeks completely ruined my attempt to look intimidating.

She just laughed, obviously enjoying my reaction. "Oh? Defensive?"

I grabbed a pillow and smacked her with it, making her burst into laughter. "Grabe ka!"

Aiah caught the pillow before it could hit her a second time, effortlessly pinning my wrist down as she leaned in, her lips brushing my ear. "Pero seryoso... napagod ka, 'di ba?"

I swallowed hard, my body betraying me with the way it shivered slightly at her closeness.

Before I could push her away, she suddenly pulled back with a smirk and stood up. "Come on, let's eat before lumamig 'yung food," she said, acting all innocent like she hadn't just teased me to death.

I groaned, flopping back onto the bed, covering my face with a pillow. This woman is going to be the death of me.

After a few more minutes of hiding under the pillow-trying to will away the blush Aiah had caused-I finally forced myself out of bed. My legs still felt a little weak, which only made me glare at Aiah's retreating figure as she walked out of the room, looking way too smug.

With a sigh, I stretched before making my way to the dining area. The smell of food filled the air, making my stomach grumble in protest. I stopped in my tracks when I saw the table already set-plates neatly arranged, eggs, bacon, toasted bread, and even a small bowl of fruit.

Aiah was already sitting down, casually sipping coffee like this was something she did every day.

I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms. "Wait, ikaw nagluto nito?"

She looked up, smirking. "Bakit parang ang doubtful mo?"

I scoffed, taking a seat across from her. "Aiah, noong college tayo, hindi mo nga alam paano magsaing nang hindi nasusunog."

She chuckled, shaking her head. "Grabe ka naman, that was years ago."

I gave her a pointed look. "Years ago or not, you almost set our dorm kitchen on fire dahil sa isang fried egg."