No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 31- I love you

Mikha's POV

I buried myself in work, hoping the endless meetings and reports would be enough to drown out the thoughts swirling in my head.

But no matter how hard I tried to focus, my mind kept returning to last night.

The way my apartment had been trashed.
The threatening presence of those men.
The cold fear that settled in my chest when I realized they weren't just random intruders.

Someone sent them.

And that someone wanted to send me a message.

I tapped my pen against my desk, exhaling sharply.

I didn't even have the energy to think about the kiss anymore.

I should have asked Aiah. Should have confronted her.

But after what happened last night, my priorities shifted.

I wasn't just heartbroken anymore-I was afraid.

And worse... I had a feeling Aiah knew something about it.

I snapped out of my thoughts when a familiar figure appeared in front of me.

"Ano'ng iniisip mo?" Aiah asked, setting down a takeout bag on my desk.

I blinked, forcing a small smile. "Wala. Just busy with work."

She squinted at me, obviously not convinced. "Hmm, sure ka?"

Before I could respond, she opened the bag and took out a neatly packed meal. "Kumain ka na ba? I brought your favorite."

I looked at the food, then back at her. There was a softness in her eyes, but also something else-guilt? Worry?

"Thanks," I muttered, reaching for the container.

Aiah sat on the edge of my desk, watching me carefully. "Are you okay?"

I hesitated. Should I tell her? Should I ask her what she knew?

Instead, I just nodded. "Yeah. Just a bit tired."

She sighed, then leaned in, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "You can talk to me, you know."

I swallowed hard.

I wanted to.

But deep down, I was scared of the answers she might give.

Aiah gently took my hand, her touch warm and reassuring. "Come, love. You need to breathe," she said softly, her thumb rubbing soothing circles on my skin.

I hesitated for a moment, my mind still clouded with worry, but when she pulled me up from my chair, I didn't resist.

She led me toward the balcony outside my office, where the cool air brushed against my face.

"Close your eyes," she whispered.

I gave her a questioning look, but she only smiled. "Trust me."

With a sigh, I shut my eyes, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease just a little.

"Breathe in," Aiah instructed, her voice calm and steady. I did as she said, inhaling deeply.

"Breathe out."

I released a slow breath, and for the first time in hours, my chest didn't feel as heavy.

Aiah wrapped her arms around me from behind, resting her chin on my shoulder. "Mikha, I don't know what's bothering you, but I want you to know that I'm here. I won't let anything or anyone hurt you."