Mistake?
The morning sun crept into the room, warm and bright. Mikha blinked awake, her head heavy but her mind racing. For a moment, she wondered if last night had been a dream — a haze born out of too much alcohol and not enough caution.
But the weight of it settled in her chest. No, it was real. She could still feel the ghost of Aiah’s touch, the heat of her breath against her skin.
She turned her head slightly, careful not to make noise, and saw Aiah still asleep on the other bed. Her face was soft, the morning light casting a gentle glow over her features. Mikha's heart twisted, and she quickly looked away, her pulse quickening.
This was a mistake. It had to be. Business partners, rivals — they weren’t supposed to do that. And yet, the thought of it still lingered. The taste of Aiah’s lips, the way her hands gripped Mikha’s waist, the rush of losing control.
Mikha quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Aiah. She needed space, needed air. Maybe some coffee. Anything to drown out the memories still fresh on her mind.
///
By the time Aiah woke up, the room was quiet. Her head pounded slightly, a dull ache from last night's drinks. She sat up slowly, eyes adjusting to the light. For a moment, she forgot where she was. Then, like a sudden rush, everything from last night came back — the bar, the dance floor, the kiss.
Her face burned as she buried it in her hands. What the hell was she thinking?
Mikha’s bed was empty, the sheets neatly folded back. Aiah's heart sank. Did she regret it? Was she trying to avoid her?
Aiah let out a long, frustrated breath before getting up to change. She couldn't let it affect her — not now, not today. It was their last day in Elyu, and she wouldn't let last night's mistake ruin it.
///
Downstairs, the rest of the girls were gathered, laughing over breakfast. Colet waved them over, her energy annoyingly lively for the morning.
"Good morning!" Colet grinned. "Hangover breakfast, anyone?"
Aiah took a seat between Stacey and Jhoanna, trying to mask her anxiety. Her eyes flicked to Mikha, who was already seated at the end of the table. Their gazes met briefly before Mikha quickly looked away, her expression unreadable.
"So," Stacey leaned in with a smirk, "how's everyone feeling after last night? Wild night, huh?"
Mikha tensed, her grip on her coffee mug tightening. "Just another night out," she muttered, forcing a smirk.
Aiah’s jaw clenched, remembering how it wasn’t just another night out. She pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, focusing instead on the plate in front of her.
"Actually, ang saya!" Maloi chimed in. "Kaso, sino ‘yung girl na kausap ni Mikha kagabi? Ex ba yun?"
Mikha's head shot up, her eyes wide. "Ha? No, no. Just a random stranger."
Aiah focused on her toast, chewing slowly, willing herself not to care. She didn't have a right to be bothered — it wasn't like they were anything.
It was just a mistake, a slip.
"Ah, akala namin ni Jhoanna, ex-fling mo," Stacey teased, glancing between Mikha and Aiah. "Kasi parang may something, eh."
"Stacey, shut up," Jhoanna laughed, nudging her.
Mikha forced a laugh, but her eyes strayed to Aiah. Aiah didn't look back. The tension was there, thick and palpable, and it felt like everyone else could see it.
"Anyway," Gwen interjected, her voice bright, "last day na! What’s the plan? Beach ulit?"
"Yeah!" Colet grinned. "Sulitin na natin ‘to, guys."
Aiah nodded, grateful for the change in topic. She glanced briefly at Mikha before standing. "I’ll just get more coffee."
She could feel Mikha’s eyes on her as she walked away.
///
Aiah leaned against the counter near the coffee station, waiting for the machine to finish brewing. She tried to steady her thoughts, but it felt impossible. The laughter from the group drifted toward her, a reminder of how out of place she felt right now.
Her eyes strayed back to the table, to where Mikha sat, a strained smile on her face as she listened to Colet’s animated storytelling. Mikha looked so composed, like nothing had happened. Like the kiss that kept replaying in Aiah’s mind was just a fragment of imagination.
“Hindi mo pa rin tapos mag-reflect?” a voice teased.
Aiah turned, finding Stacey beside her, a playful smirk on her face.
“Wow, napag-iwanan na pala ako,” Aiah chuckled lightly, masking her unease.
“Alam mo,” Stacey leaned in, her voice low, “if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were avoiding someone.”
Aiah scoffed softly, pouring herself a cup. “I’m not avoiding anyone. Just... tired.”
Stacey’s smirk widened, unconvinced. “Right. Kaya kanina pa kayo ni Mikha iwas tinginan. I wonder why.”
Aiah rolled her eyes, but her heart thumped louder. “Nothing’s going on, Stacey. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure, Aiah,” Stacey drawled, patting her shoulder. “Keep telling yourself that.”
As Stacey walked back to the table, Aiah glanced once more at Mikha. Their eyes met, but this time, Mikha didn’t look away. There was a beat — a moment of hesitation — before Aiah quickly turned her attention back to her coffee.
It was going to be a long, complicated day.
///
Aiah kept her distance for the rest of the morning. She stayed on the sidelines while the others lounged by the pool or played around in the sand. Her mind replayed bits and pieces of last night — the kiss, the heat, the way Mikha's touch had burned through her skin.
She had thought avoiding Mikha would help, but it only made things worse. Every laugh, every glimpse of Mikha from the corner of her eye felt like a reminder of what they were avoiding.
"Aiah!" Jhoanna's voice snapped her back to reality. "Are you even listening?"
"Ha? Ano 'yun?" Aiah blinked, realizing she had been caught zoning out.
Jhoanna rolled her eyes, nudging her shoulder. "I was saying, mag-group picture tayo before lunch. Tapos packing na, diba? Last day na!"
"Ah, oo, sige," Aiah muttered, her eyes instinctively searching for Mikha, who was now talking to Gwen and Sheena near the cabanas. Their laughter rang out, easy and unburdened — a stark contrast to the tension knotting her insides.
The group gathered for the picture, everyone squeezing together as Stacey set the timer on her phone. Aiah ended up next to Mikha — a twist of fate or someone's intentional mischief, she couldn't tell.
Mikha's arm brushed against Aiah’s shoulder, sending a jolt through her. She held her breath, forcing herself to smile for the camera. When the picture was done, she quickly pulled away, mumbling an excuse about checking her bag.
///
Aiah was adjusting her things by the lounge chairs when Colet suddenly slid beside her.
"Hoy, what happened last night? Parang ang tahimik mo ngayon," Colet teased, poking Aiah's side.
"Wala, I'm just tired and maybe because of the hangover na rin," Aiah shrugged, forcing a small smile. "Ang dami kayang ginawa kahapon and uminom pa."
"Talaga ba?" Colet squinted at her suspiciously. "O baka naman may ibang dahilan? Alam mo na... different kind of pagod." She wiggled her eyebrows.
Aiah rolled her eyes, but her face burned. "My gosh, what are you even saying? Uminom ka na agad?"
Colet laughed. "Ewan ko sa'yo. Pero kanina ka pa iwas nang iwas kay Mikha, ha. Ano? Spill!"
Before Aiah could respond, Jhoanna called out from the poolside. "Uy, kayo d'yan! Halika na, lunch na daw!"
"Save by the bell," Aiah muttered, earning another laugh from Colet.
As they made their way to the dining area, Aiah felt Mikha’s presence a few steps behind her. She tried to focus on the conversation buzzing around her, but every time Mikha's voice cut through — calm, measured, a bit teasing with Stacey — Aiah's heartbeat tripped.
They settled at the table, the group squeezing into the long benches. Mikha ended up across from Aiah, a view Aiah wasn’t sure she appreciated. She kept her head down, stabbing at her plate, focusing on her food.
"Okay ka lang" It was Stacey, noticing her silence.
"Ha? Yeah, Gutom lang siguro," Aiah replied quickly, forcing a laugh.
"Parang iba 'yung gutom, ah," Sheena teased, smirking. "Sino ba nanggugutom sa'yo?"
The table erupted in laughter, and Aiah joined in, hoping her nervousness didn't show. Across the table, Mikha glanced at her — quick, searching — and Aiah's smile faltered for just a second. She couldn't tell if Mikha was pretending or genuinely unaffected.
"Hoy, Aiah, come here na!" Gwen nudged her. "Mag-picture pa tayo before umuwi. 'Yung hindi basa at mukhang losyang!"
"Okay, okay," Aiah nodded, grateful for any distraction.
///
After lunch, the group dispersed to explore the beach one last time. Some went back to the shore, while others lounged by the pool. Aiah tried to blend in, sticking close to Colet and Maloi, hoping their chaotic energy would distract her.
"Ano, guys, more photos pa?" Colet suggested, waving her phone. "Para may pang-post tayo na hindi haggard!"
"Game!" Maloi grinned, pulling Sheena and Gwen into the frame. Aiah found herself half-heartedly smiling for the pictures, her mind a thousand miles away.
"Hoy, Aiah!" Stacey's voice pulled her back. "Okay ka lang ba talaga? Kanina ka pa tulala."
"Yes, don't worry. Okay lang ako," Aiah insisted, forcing a laugh.
"Sure?" Maloi teased. "Baka naman kasi may gusto kang kasama na iba, hindi kami."
Aiah rolled her eyes, but before she could retort, she caught sight of Mikha by the poolside. Mikha was talking to Jhoanna and Gwen, but her eyes drifted in Aiah's direction — a split second of recognition before she looked away. It was quick, barely there, but Aiah felt it like a jab.
"Uy, Aiah!" Colet waved a hand in front of her. "Wala ka na naman sa sarili mo! Ano ba 'yan?"
"Ang dami niyo kasing sinasabi," Aiah mumbled defensively. "Ano ba?"
"Baka may iniisip na nakaka-distract," Maloi teased. "Sabihin mo na kasi."
"Wala nga!" Aiah insisted, but the warmth on her cheeks gave her away.
"Kung wala, bakit pula na mukha mo?" Sheena joined in, laughing.
Aiah groaned, burying her face in her hands. She was never going to live this down.
"Ano, Aiah," Colet smirked, nudging her. "Sino ba talaga iniisip mo d'yan? Spill!"
"Wala nga!" Aiah protested, rolling her eyes. "Kayo talaga."
"Oo na, defensive!" Maloi teased. "Eh bakit kanina pa nakatitig kay Mikha? Kung makatingin ka kala mo gusto mong—"
"Stop!" Aiah's eyes widened, and she quickly swatted Maloi's arm. "Hindi ah!"
Sheena snickered. "Eh kung hindi, bakit parang naiilang ka? This is not you, Aiah."
Aiah groaned, pressing her lips together. Her gaze involuntarily wandered back to Mikha, who was now laughing at something Gwen said. That effortless laugh that Aiah had seen countless times but now carried a different weight.
"Okay, fine!" Aiah huffed, crossing her arms. "Can you all stop? Ang dami niyong chismis!"
"Fine, fine," Colet giggled, raising her hands in surrender. "Pero if may drama mamaya, alam mo na kung sino tatawagin namin."
"Drama agad?" Aiah scoffed, shaking her head. "I don't have time for that."
"Yeah, sure," Maloi muttered, still grinning. "Sabihin mo 'yan sa sarili mo kapag nakita mong kasama ulit ni Mikha si Denise mamaya."
Aiah's jaw tightened at the mention of Denise. She forced herself to laugh it off, but the thought of Mikha and Denise together clawed at her insides.
She hated how easily she got affected, how one look from Mikha seemed to scramble her defenses.
"Bahala kayo," Aiah muttered before walking ahead, ignoring the teasing glances thrown her way.
///
Mikha stepped away from the group, her eyes catching Denise lounging near the shore. The girl spotted her and waved, a playful smirk on her face. Mikha walked over, welcoming the distraction.
"Hey, stranger," Denise greeted. "Akala ko iniwasan mo na 'ko."
Mikha chuckled. "Iniwasan? Why would I do that?"
Denise shrugged, tilting her head with a teasing smile. "Eh kasi you seem... busy lately. Or maybe someone else is keeping your attention?"
Mikha rolled her eyes. "I'm just busy exploring this island since it's our last day here, Denise. Alam mo naman."
"Sure," Denise laughed, but her eyes glimmered with curiosity. "Or maybe a certain CEO na medyo masungit?"
Mikha's smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly composed herself. "I don't have any idea sa sinasabi mo."
But before she could say anything more, Mikha felt a presence watching her. Her eyes instinctively drifted to where Aiah stood a distance away, a hard-to-read expression on her face. Denise followed her gaze and raised an eyebrow.
"Interesting," she mused softly. "Really interesting."
Denise’s observation lingered, and Mikha forced a light laugh. “Wala ‘yon,” she brushed off, though a part of her wondered if it was that obvious.
“Okay,” Denise replied, smirking. “Pero, Mikha, since it's the last day here, what do you say we grab dinner later? Just to catch up before everyone heads back to reality.”
Mikha hesitated, her eyes instinctively darting toward the group. Aiah was in the distance, talking animatedly with Gwen and Sheena. The idea of a quiet dinner away from the chaos was tempting, but she couldn’t ignore the possibility of Aiah's reaction.
“Dinner sounds good,” Mikha finally said, her voice steady. “Just a quick catch-up.”
“Perfect,” Denise grinned, her eyes twinkling. “I'll see you later then.”
As Denise walked off, Mikha's gaze lingered, the reality of their trip's end sinking in. Tomorrow, they would all go back to their lives—back to being CEOs, competitors, and whatever it was that she and Aiah had become.
Mikha turned to find Aiah again, but she was gone—lost somewhere in the mix of sun, sand, and laughter. She exhaled, feeling a strange weight pressing down on her.
///
Aiah leaned back on the lounge chair, half-listening to Colet and Maloi's banter about who won their last game of beach volleyball. Her eyes, however, kept drifting to where Mikha stood with Denise a few meters away. She could see the way Mikha's expression softened, the slight laugh that escaped her, the easygoing charm that seemed to come effortlessly when she was with Denise.
"Ano, game pa ba mamaya? Or tama na 'yang pahinga?" Jhoanna nudged her, pulling Aiah out of her thoughts.
"Huh? What? Sorry. Ano 'yun?" Aiah tried to refocus, but her attention was still on Mikha.
Stacey chuckled, following Aiah's line of sight. "Hmm, mukhang may ibang iniisip."
Aiah rolled her eyes, forcing a laugh. "Hindi, grabe kayo."
Just then, Mikha approached the group, Denise already walking away to her own friends. "Hey, guys. Just letting you know, I won't be joining you later for dinner. Denise and I are catching up tonight."
Aiah's jaw tightened slightly, but she quickly masked it with a casual nod. "Oh, okay. Have fun," she managed, her voice steady.
"Sure thing." Mikha flashed a smile, but Aiah noticed the flicker of hesitation in her eyes before she turned away.
“Dinner with Denise, huh?” Gwen teased, nudging Sheena. “Mukhang may reunion na magaganap.”
“Sayang, Mikha,” Colet joked. “Kala ko ba bonded na tayo dito? May dinner date ka pala.”
Mikha just laughed it off, a playful smirk on her lips. "It's not a date. Catch-up lang."
But the words rang hollow to Aiah, who felt an uncomfortable tightness forming in her chest.
Catch-up or not, it still didn't sit right with her. Mikha's attention had been somewhere else this whole trip — always pulled toward Denise.
As the sun began to set, the rest of the group decided to stay by the shore, drinks and snacks scattered across the mats. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, but Aiah's mood was souring by the minute. She tried to brush it off — it wasn't her business. Mikha could have dinner with whoever she wanted.
“Okay ka lang?” Stacey whispered, sitting down beside her.
Aiah forced a smirk. “Yeah, bakit naman hindi?”
Stacey gave her a knowing look. “Kilala kita. Baka kung sinong Denise 'yan masapak mo mamaya.”
“You are so OA,” Aiah muttered, but there was a trace of bitterness. She hated that Stacey could see through her so easily.
When Mikha finally left for her "catch-up," Aiah found herself quieter than usual, the lively conversations of her friends muffled by her own thoughts.
The laughter and teasing felt distant, background noise to the whirlpool of frustration and jealousy she tried to ignore.
“Hoy, earth to Aiah!” Maloi waved a hand in front of her. “Ano, shot pa?”
Aiah blinked and forced a grin. “Game! Last shot since it's the last day” She laughed, but it sounded too forced, too bitter.
“Okay, Tara! Para sa mga naiwan!” Gwen raised her glass, and the group cheered.
Aiah took a long drink, hoping it would drown out the weight sitting on her chest. She laughed along, teased back, but her eyes kept searching the shore — searching for any glimpse of Mikha and the girl who seemed to steal her attention so easily.
///
The night wore on, and the girls’ laughter grew louder as more drinks were poured. Aiah had lost count of how many shots she had taken, only aware of the heat pulsing through her veins and the slight blur of her surroundings.
“Hey, Aiah!” Sheena giggled, swaying slightly as she threw an arm around Aiah’s shoulder. “Are you sure you can still handle this?”
Aiah laughed, her voice a little slurred. “What do you mean? I can still go! Come on, another shot!”
Gwen and Colet were already on the sand, giggling uncontrollably. Jhoanna was dramatically singing an off-key rendition of a BINI song while Stacey cheered her on. Maloi, barely holding herself together, had her face buried in her hands, half-laughing, half-groaning.
Just as Aiah reached for another shot, a familiar voice broke through the noise.
“What is going on here? You’re all wasted.”
Mikha’s gaze swept over the scene, and her eyes landed on Aiah—flushed, glassy-eyed, and barely steady. For a moment, the irritation from earlier softened, replaced by concern.
“Oh my gosh, Mikha!” Jhoanna greeted, waving both hands and almost tipping over. “Join us!”
Mikha shook her head, a small smile forming. “I think that’s enough for tonight. You guys need to rest.”
Before Aiah could react, Mikha was already pulling her up from the sand. “Come on, Aiah. You need to sleep.”
Aiah blinked up at her, a lazy smile spreading on her lips. “Mikha! You’re back! How was your... d-dinner?” She hiccupped.
“It was fine,” Mikha said, steadying Aiah’s wobbling frame. “But you’re done drinking for tonight.”
“Wow, bossy,” Aiah mumbled, but she let herself lean on Mikha, too tired to resist.
“I am bossy,” Mikha muttered softly, her tone gentler than she intended. “Now, let’s get you to bed.”
They made their way back to the rooms, Aiah's steps were heavy, but Mikha's grip on her was steady. The noise from the beach faded away, leaving just the sound of their footsteps and Aiah’s quiet, drowsy breaths.
As they reached their room, Mikha carefully guided Aiah inside, closing the door behind them. She sat Aiah down on the edge of the bed, kneeling slightly to remove her sandals.
“Aiah, you need to drink water,” Mikha said softly, reaching for the bottled water on the nightstand.
Aiah watched her with hazy eyes, a lopsided grin on her face. “You’re so... caring, Mikha. So... responsible,” she slurred, her gaze dropping lazily to Mikha’s lips. “Always so... composed.”
Mikha sighed, unscrewing the cap. “Well, someone has to be when you’re like this. Here, drink.”
Aiah took a sip, but her eyes never left Mikha’s face. “You know, Mikha... last night... that kiss,” she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper, “I still think about it.”
Mikha’s grip on the water bottle tightened, her heartbeat quickening. “Aiah, you’re drunk. You don’t know what you’re saying.”
“Do you?” Aiah countered, a boldness seeping through her intoxicated state. “Do you know what I’m saying? Do you think about it too?”
Mikha’s breath hitched, her eyes meeting Aiah’s — raw, unguarded, and vulnerable. “Aiah, stop.”
Aiah leaned in, her voice a breath against Mikha’s ear. “You don’t get it, do you? That kiss...it messed me up. I can’t stop thinking about it. About you.”
Mikha’s pulse hammered in her chest. The air between them was charged, heavy, suffocating. She pulled back slightly, her eyes wide.
“Aiah... you need to sleep,” Mikha whispered, her voice barely steady.
Mikha swallowed hard, her pulse erratic as Aiah’s drunken confession lingered in the air between them. She needed to step back, to create space before things spiraled again—but Aiah wasn’t letting that happen.
Before Mikha could react, Aiah’s fingers curled around her wrist, pulling her closer. "You’re always running away," Aiah murmured, her voice lower now, husky with something more than just alcohol. "Pero hindi mo ako matatakasan, Mikha."
Mikha’s breath hitched as Aiah tilted her head up, their faces mere inches apart. She could smell the faint scent of liquor on Aiah’s lips, could see the way her eyes flickered down to her mouth—like she was daring her.
“Aiah, you’re drunk,” Mikha repeated, but this time, it sounded weak, unconvincing.
Aiah smirked. “Doesn’t mean I don’t know what I want.”
And then, before Mikha could stop her, Aiah closed the gap, capturing her lips in a slow, deliberate kiss. It wasn’t rushed like last time—it was deeper, more intense, filled with all the frustration, tension, and unspoken words between them.
Mikha felt herself melting into it, her hands gripping Aiah’s shoulders to steady herself. But just as quickly as it started, she forced herself to break away, breathing hard.
"This is a mistake," Mikha whispered, but neither of them moved away. Neither of them truly believed it.
Mikha barely had time to catch her breath before Aiah pulled her back in, lips finding hers again, hungrier this time. The taste of alcohol still lingered between them, mixing with something deeper, something they both refused to name.
Aiah’s hands were everywhere—gripping Mikha’s waist, sliding up her back, pressing her closer like she couldn’t stand even an inch of space between them.
Mikha’s pulse hammered against her ribs as she felt Aiah’s fingers slip beneath the hem of her shirt, tracing slow, burning patterns against her skin.
“Aiah—” Mikha gasped against her lips, but Aiah didn’t stop.
She tugged at Mikha’s shirt, lifting it inch by inch, her touch sending a wildfire through Mikha’s body. The room felt unbearably warm, thick with something dangerous and intoxicating.
Mikha knew she should stop this—Aiah was drunk, emotions heightened, lines already blurred beyond recognition. But when Aiah’s fingers brushed against the bare skin of her stomach, her resolve crumbled, a quiet shudder escaping her lips.
Aiah smirked against her mouth, her voice a low whisper. “You feel it too, don’t you?”
Mikha didn’t answer. She couldn’t. Because the moment Aiah slipped her shirt over her head and tossed it aside, all logic disappeared.
Her breath hitched as Aiah’s hands roamed over her exposed skin, slow and deliberate.
Aiah's hand started cupping her right boobs. She started squeezing it and Mikha felt the heat of Aiah's hand—a dangerous flame she's obsessed with.
Aiah's hand lifted up the piece of clothing that's been blocking her hands and that's when Mikha lost it.
"Aiah... Shit" Mikha can't hold back the whimper she's been holding back. Aiah continued on what she's doing, her both hand playing with it.
Mikha bit her lip to suppress a moan.
Mikha’s own fingers found the hem of Aiah’s top, hesitating only for a second before she pulled it over her head, leaving them both breathless, flushed, and dangerously close to losing control.
Aiah’s gaze darkened as she looked at her, as if taking in every inch, every unspoken thought between them. And just when Mikha thought she might let this go too far—
Aiah suddenly swayed, eyes fluttering shut.
Mikha barely caught her before she collapsed onto the bed, her body slack, breathing steady.
Mikha exhaled sharply, pressing a hand to her forehead. “Jesus Christ,” she muttered under her breath, staring at the woman now passed out in her arms.
She sighed, carefully laying Aiah down and pulling the covers over her. The heat of the moment still burned through her veins, but the spell had broken.
Mikha sat at the edge of the bed, running a hand through her hair, heart still racing.
What the hell just happened?