No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 44- Priceless

Aiah’s teasing expression softened. “Love…” she whispered.

I took a deep breath, still feeling the weight of the fear and pain I had gone through. My anger wasn’t just from the prank—it was from how close I had been to actually losing her.

Aiah reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. “I’m here. I’m okay.”

I swallowed hard, my resolve weakening. “I hate you for this.”

She smiled. “I know.”

I sighed, finally sitting beside her. “Just… don’t ever do that again. Ever.”

She nodded. “I promise.”

Then, after a beat, she smirked. “But… umiyak ka talaga nang sobra, no?”

I groaned and smacked her arm lightly as the others burst into laughter again.

My so-called friends were grinning like idiots, clearly enjoying my misery.

"Awww, Mikha," Stacey cooed, nudging me playfully. "Yung reaction mo kanina parang nasa teleserye. ‘Aiah, mahal na mahal kita! Huwag mo akong iwan!’” she mimicked, dramatically clutching her chest.

Gwen wiped a fake tear from her eye. “Grabe, Mikha! Akala ko nga mahihimatay ka sa iyak.”

"Tapos yung yakap mo kay Aiah, sobrang higpit!" Sheena chimed in, holding her arms out like she was reenacting it. “Akala ko hindi mo na siya bibitawan!”

Jho shook her head with a smirk. “If this was a movie, title nito My Girlfriend’s Near-Death Prank Almost Gave Me a Heart Attack!”

The entire room burst into laughter again.

Meanwhile, Aiah was just lying there, smirking like the devil herself. “So, love… mahal na mahal mo pala talaga ako, no?” she teased, batting her lashes at me.

I shot her a glare, my face burning. “Shut up.”

"Awww!" They all said in unison, making kissing noises.

I groaned. "Bwisit kayo."

Aiah giggled and tugged me closer, resting her forehead against mine. “I love you, too, Mikha,” she whispered, smiling.

My heart melted a little, but I refused to let her win that easily. “Hmm… bahala ka. Masama pa rin loob ko sa’yo.”

She pouted. “Paano kita babawiin?”

I crossed my arms, pretending to think. “Simple. Treat mo ko sa isang buwan na dates. No complaints.”

Aiah laughed, shaking her head. “Fine, deal.”

The others groaned in playful disgust. “Yuck, PDA!”

I rolled my eyes but smiled. Because, despite everything, I wouldn’t trade this moment for anything else.

Aiah crossed her arms and gave our friends a pointed look. “O, kayo, umalis na. Mag-uusap pa kami ng asawa ko.”

The room erupted in exaggerated gasps and teasing laughter.

“Asawa agad?!” Stacey clutched her chest like she was about to faint. “Grabe, bilis naman ng promotion ni Mikha!”

Sheena wiggled her brows. “Hmm, so kasal na pala kayo? Bakit wala kaming invitation?”

Gwen smirked, nudging Jho. “Tayo kaya gumawa ng prank wedding para makabawi?”

I groaned, running a hand down my face. “Lumabas na kayo bago ko kayo isa-isang buhatin palabas.”