No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 42- Hold my hand

My vision blurred.

The air in the room suddenly felt too heavy, pressing against my chest, making it hard to breathe. My hands shook, and before I knew it, I was on my feet, the chair scraping loudly against the floor.

"Mikha?" Ethan's voice cut through my daze, concern etched into his face. "What's wrong?"

I couldn't speak. Couldn't think.

My entire body felt cold.

Aiah-what was she saying? Why did it sound like she was saying goodbye?

No. No. Something was wrong.

I grabbed my phone, frantically dialing her number.

Once.

Twice.

Straight to voicemail.

"Damn it!" I cursed under my breath, my heartbeat thundering in my ears.

Ethan stepped closer. "Mikha, talk to me. What's going on?"

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my breathing, but I couldn't. I knew Aiah. And this-this wasn't just a message.

This was a warning.

"I have to go," I muttered, already grabbing my coat.

Ethan's eyes widened. "Wait, where are you-"

But I wasn't listening.

I was already running.

My hands were still shaking as I gripped the steering wheel, the city lights blurring past me. My mind was screaming at me-something was wrong, terribly wrong.

Aiah's message kept playing in my head like a broken record.

"No matter what happens, don't come looking for me."

Hell no.

I slammed on the brakes as I reached Jho's apartment. I barely put the car in park before I jumped out, sprinting to her door. I pounded on it with urgency.

"Jho! Colet! Open up!"

The door swung open seconds later, revealing a very startled Jho, her brows furrowed in confusion. "Mikha? What the hell-"

I pushed past her, scanning the room. Colet was sitting on the couch, a slice of pizza in her hand, eyes wide as she looked up at me.

"Mikha?" she asked, surprised. "Anong problema?"

I turned to them, heart hammering. "It's Aiah."

Jho immediately straightened, concern flashing in her eyes. "What about her?"

I pulled out my phone, showing them the message. Colet's face darkened as she read it.

"This doesn't sound right," she muttered.

"It's not," I said through clenched teeth. "I tried calling her-nothing. Straight to voicemail."

Jho exhaled sharply, already grabbing her jacket. "Damn it. Where is she?"

I shook my head, frustration boiling inside me. "I don't know, but I'm going to find her."

Colet stood, determination hardening her features. "Then let's go. We're not letting you do this alone."

Jho nodded, already moving toward the door. "If Aiah's in trouble, we're getting her back. No matter what."

I took a deep breath, steeling myself.

Hold on, Aiah. I'm coming.

Jho and Colet exchanged glances, their expressions tense.

"Alam niyo ba kung saan sila nakatira ni Adrian?" I asked, gripping my phone tightly. My heart pounded in my chest. I didn't have time to waste-every second that passed felt like I was losing her.