Out of Reach | Mikhaiah

Chapter 36

Disclaimer: This is pure fiction. Any similarities to real people, places, or events are purely coincidental. Read, enjoy, and don't take it too seriously!

— ✦ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 ✦ —

Arisha’s POV:

"Bub," Mikhazra called softly.

I glanced up from my suitcase, my hands pausing mid-fold. She was sitting on our bed, watching me intently, her red hair falling over her shoulder as she leaned forward slightly.

"I'm coming with you," she said, her voice firm yet gentle.

I sighed, zipping up one of the compartments of my luggage before turning to her. "No, bub. You can't."

Her brows furrowed. "Why not?"

"You have so many things to do," I explained, walking over and kneeling in front of her. I placed my hands on her knees, rubbing soothing circles. "As much as I want you there, you have a tight schedule. You're running FlyAsia, plus you have your pilot duties—"

"I can drop them," she interrupted without hesitation.

I shook my head. "No, bub." My voice was gentle but firm. "You can't just drop everything for me."

"I can," she repeated, unwavering.

I took a deep breath before sitting beside her. She turned her body slightly toward me, waiting for my response.

"Bub, listen." I reached for her hand, intertwining our fingers. "I know you can, and I know you'd do it without a second thought." I squeezed her hand lightly. "But I don't want you to. Your career, your responsibilities—they're important, too. I need you to focus on them."

She sighed, her thumb brushing against the back of my hand. "But you're important too, bub."

"I know," I whispered, smiling softly. "And so are you."

She hesitated, but after a moment, she let out another sigh. "Fine."

I lifted her hand to my lips, pressing a gentle kiss against her knuckles. "Thank you."

Silence settled between us for a moment before I spoke again.

"Bub?"

"Hmm?"

"Let's go to our mansion. I miss my mom." I leaned my head against her shoulder. "I'm leaving tomorrow, and I want to see them first."

She didn't even hesitate. "Of course, bub." She pulled me into her arms, resting her chin on top of my head. "Whatever you want."

I smiled against her shoulder, feeling the warmth of her embrace.

Then, after a pause, she asked, "Bub, are you really sure about leaving modeling after this?"

I pulled back slightly to look at her. "Yes, bub," I murmured. "I've spent my entire life working non-stop, chasing after something. I think it's time I let myself rest."

Her fingers trailed against my cheek, her expression unreadable. "You do deserve to rest, bub," she whispered. "Just… as long as you're happy."

I smiled, cupping her face. "I will be. With you."

She exhaled softly before nodding, pulling me into another hug.

––—

The next day, since it was Sunday, Mikhazra and I drove to the mansion with Honey happily settled in the backseat. The drive was quiet, but her hand never left mine, her fingers occasionally tightening as if grounding herself.