No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 25- Memories to keep

Not happening.

The warm water felt good against my skin, washing away the sleep and... other remnants of last night. I shook my head, trying to focus. Aiah is impossible, I thought, but a small smile still crept onto my lips.

After finishing up, I wrapped myself in a towel and stepped out of the bathroom. I went straight to the large mirror by the vanity, towel-drying my hair as I started fixing myself up.

Just as I reached for my skincare products, I felt familiar arms wrap around my waist from behind, a warm body pressing against mine.

Aiah.

I sighed, but I didn't push her away. "Aiah... ano na naman?"

She rested her chin on my shoulder, her breath warm against my skin. "Wala lang," she murmured, her voice softer than before. "Gusto lang kitang yakapin."

I met her gaze through the mirror, my heart skipping a beat at the way she was looking at me.

Then, her lips brushed against my ear as she whispered, "Ang ganda mo talaga, Mikha."

I swallowed hard, my hands pausing midair. My reflection showed the slightest hint of pink dusting my cheeks. "Aiah, ang aga-aga..."

She chuckled, tightening her hold on me. "Totoo naman, ah. Bakit ba hindi mo matanggap?"

I rolled my eyes, trying to play it cool despite the way my chest felt like it was about to explode. "Kasi ang dami mong bola."

She smirked, pressing a kiss to my shoulder. "Hindi bola 'yun. Lahat ng sinasabi ko, totoo."

I exhaled slowly, placing my hands over hers. "Kung ganyan ka na naman, paano ko matatapos 'to?"

Aiah grinned, swaying us slightly from side to side. "Eh 'di 'wag mo na tapusin."

I turned my head to glare at her, but she just looked at me with that same playful yet sincere gaze.

And damn it-how was I supposed to argue with that?

I sighed, shaking my head, but I didn't pull away from Aiah's embrace. She was warm, and as much as I wanted to pretend she was just being annoying, her words sent a different kind of warmth spreading through my chest.

Aiah's lips brushed against my ear again, her voice softer this time. "Alam mo, Mikha... minsan naiisip ko kung anong ginawa kong tama sa buhay para mapunta ka sa'kin."

I stilled, my breath catching slightly. "Ano na naman 'tong drama mo?" I tried to joke, but my voice came out quieter than I intended.

She chuckled, hugging me tighter. "Seryoso ako. You're so beautiful... inside and out. Minsan parang hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na akin ka na talaga."

I met her gaze in the mirror, my heart pounding a little too fast. The way she was looking at me-like I was the most precious thing in the world-made it hard to breathe.

I swallowed hard, trying to compose myself. "Ikaw lang naman kasi 'yung makulit."

She smirked. "Kung hindi ako makulit, baka hindi kita nakuha."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't stop the small smile forming on my lips. "Hmm, good point."

She grinned, then leaned in, pressing a slow, lingering kiss on my bare shoulder. "Ang swerte-swerte ko sa'yo, Mikha."

I felt my heart squeeze at her words.

I wasn't used to this side of Aiah-the serious, almost vulnerable side. She was always teasing, always playful. But moments like this? They felt rare, like glimpses into a part of her she didn't show to just anyone.