No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 29- Break us apart

Mikha's POV

The night air felt heavy, almost suffocating, as we sat at the table. I tried to focus on the candles flickering between us, on the dinner I had carefully prepared, but the image in my head-the picture of Aiah with someone else-kept creeping back in.

Aiah was tense. She kept shifting in her seat, her eyes darting to me every few seconds. She wasn't eating.

I knew what was coming.

"Mikha..." Aiah's voice was soft, hesitant. "I need to-"

I placed my fork down gently and looked at her.

"Aiah, please," I interrupted, my voice barely above a whisper.

She froze, her guilty eyes locking with mine.

"Just for tonight," I continued, forcing a small, shaky smile. "Can we not talk about it?"

Aiah swallowed hard. "Pero-"

I shook my head, cutting her off again. "I know what you're going to say. I know you want to explain. But Aiah... I'm begging you."

Her fingers curled into fists on her lap. I could see the struggle in her expression, the way she wanted to reach for me, to say something-anything-to fix this.

But she didn't.

Instead, she nodded slowly, her shoulders slumping in defeat.

I exhaled shakily, looking down at my plate. "Let's just eat, love. Please."

Aiah hesitated for a second before finally picking up her fork.

And so, we ate in silence.

But no matter how hard I tried, the lump in my throat never went away. And deep down, I knew that once this night was over, I would have to face the truth.

I watched Aiah, the exhaustion clear in her eyes, the guilt written all over her face. I knew she wanted to explain, but I wasn't ready to hear it. Not tonight.

So, I smiled. A small, tired smile.

"You forgot about today, didn't you?" I said, trying to keep my voice steady, trying to pretend it didn't hurt.

Aiah's lips parted, her brows drawing together. "Mikha, I-"

"It's okay," I cut her off gently before she could come up with an excuse-before I could break apart in front of her.

I reached for something on the table and handed it to her. A folded piece of paper. "I have a gift for you," I said softly. "Basahin mo."

She hesitated, looking at me like she wanted to say something. But in the end, she took it.

I watched as her eyes moved over the words I had written earlier today, back when I was still excited, back when I still thought this night would be perfect.

---

Aiah,

Happy monthsary, love.

I know one month isn't that long, but to me, it means everything. Every single day, I fall in love with you all over again. I love your laugh, your stubbornness, the way you always find a way to make me smile even when I'm stressed. I love how you pull me into your world, how you make me feel safe and cherished.

You've always been my home, Aiah.

I know we're not the same people we were back in college. We've grown, we've changed, and I know relationships aren't always easy. But I want to fight for us, for this love we have. I want to keep choosing you, every single day.