No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 33- Letter

Mikha's POV

I woke up to the cold emptiness of the bed. My hand instinctively reached out, searching for the familiar warmth beside me, but all I felt was the sheets-untouched, lifeless.

"Aiah?" I called out softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Maybe she's in the kitchen. Maybe she's just making breakfast.

I got up, my heart hammering in my chest as I walked out of the bedroom. But the kitchen was empty. The apartment was silent.

No sign of Aiah.

I grabbed my phone, hoping for a text-anything to tell me where she was. But there was nothing. No messages. No missed calls.

Something was wrong.

I turned back to my room, and that's when I saw it.

A single envelope resting on my nightstand.

My breath hitched as I stepped closer. My name was written in Aiah's handwriting. My hands trembled as I picked it up.

No.

Not this.

I forced myself to open the envelope, my fingers shaking as I unfolded the letter.

And then I read it.

---

My Love,

By the time you read this, I'll be gone.

I know you'll be mad at me for leaving like this, but it's the only way. I couldn't bear to see your tears. I couldn't bear to say goodbye while looking into your eyes, because I know I'd never be able to walk away if I did.

Mahal kita, Mikha. More than I ever thought possible. And that's exactly why I have to leave.

You deserve a love that doesn't hide in the shadows. You deserve a love that doesn't have to fight battles just to survive. You deserve someone who can hold your hand in public, who won't have to choose between you and a life they were forced into.

And I... I am not that person.

I fought for you in all the ways I could. But some battles aren't meant to be won, love. And this is one of them.

I want you to be happy, Mikha. Please, find someone who can love you the way you deserve. Find someone who can fight for you without question, without hesitation.

And when that day comes...

Hold his hand. Let him love you. Make me jealous.

And make sure that jealousy will kill me forever.

I love you. Always.

-Aiah

---

The letter slipped from my fingers.

My knees buckled, and I collapsed onto the floor.

I wanted to scream. I wanted to chase her.

But all I could do was sit there, gripping the letter, as my heart shattered into a million pieces.

A sob tore from my throat as the letter slipped from my trembling hands. My chest tightened, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps.

"No... No, this isn't real..." I whispered, shaking my head violently.

This is just a dream.

Just a horrible, cruel dream.

My vision blurred with tears as I clutched my chest, the pain so unbearable it felt like my heart was being ripped apart.