Drinking Game
The grand hall buzzed with anticipation. Journalists, industry leaders, and VIP guests gathered, their conversations blending into a steady hum. The project Aiah and Mikha had worked tirelessly on was finally launching, and tonight was the moment they had been building toward.
Aiah, poised and confident in a sleek black suit, stood near the stage, scanning the room. Her eyes naturally sought out one person, but she forced herself to focus. They had agreed—business first. Their relationship was theirs to protect, at least for now.
Across the room, Mikha was engaged in a conversation with investors. She wore a deep navy dress, her hair styled to perfection. She looked every bit the formidable CEO, commanding respect with every word.
Aiah smirked, watching from afar.
Damn, she’s hot when she talks business.
"You’re staring," a voice teased beside her.
Aiah turned to see Colet, arms crossed, an amused expression on her face.
"I am not," Aiah replied, sipping her champagne.
Colet chuckled. "Sure. You’re just intensely analyzing her business strategy from across the room."
Aiah rolled her eyes. "Aren't you supposed to be networking?"
Colet shrugged. "I’m networking with you."
Before Aiah could retort, the event coordinator approached. "Miss Rivera, Miss Lim, we’re ready for your speech."
Aiah and Mikha locked eyes from across the room. For a brief second, the world faded—the noise, the flashing cameras, the expectations. Just them. Then, as if on cue, they both turned back to business mode.
They stepped onto the stage together, the spotlight illuminating them.
Mikha took the microphone first, her voice steady. "Good evening, everyone. It’s an honor to stand before you tonight as we unveil a project that is more than just business—it’s a vision."
Aiah continued, her tone equally commanding. "This initiative represents innovation, collaboration, and the future of our industry. We’re proud of what we’ve built, and we’re excited for what’s to come."
Applause filled the room. They answered questions, shook hands, smiled for photos—flawless in their execution. No one in the audience could have guessed that just a few nights ago, they had been tangled in each other’s arms, whispering promises only they would ever hear.
Colet, watching from the sidelines, just smirked.
After the formalities, Aiah finally had a moment to breathe. She grabbed a glass of wine and found a quiet corner of the venue. Before she could take a sip, Mikha slid beside her, holding her own drink.
"Not bad, Rivera," Mikha murmured, her voice low enough that only Aiah could hear.
Aiah chuckled. "I’d say the same to you, Lim."
Their fingers brushed as Mikha set her glass down, sending a jolt of electricity up Aiah’s spine.
"Careful," Aiah warned softly.
Mikha smirked. "You started it."
Before Aiah could respond, an investor approached, and just like that, they were back in CEO mode.
But under the table, where no one could see, Mikha’s fingers deliberately brushed against Aiah’s hand once more.
And Aiah?
She let them stay there.
—
Aiah and Mikha moved through the crowd like seasoned professionals, engaging in discussions with investors and industry leaders. The night was progressing smoothly—on the surface, at least.
But under the layers of professionalism, the glances, the accidental brushes of hands, the knowing smirks—those were for them alone.
Aiah was in the middle of discussing future partnerships when she felt a discreet nudge at her side. She turned, and there was Mikha, looking at her with an expression that was far too casual to be just casual.
“The press wants a photo of us together,” Mikha said smoothly.
Aiah raised a brow. “Right. For business.”
Mikha’s lips twitched. “Of course.”
They walked side by side to the media backdrop, where photographers were eagerly waiting. As they stood in front of the cameras, their shoulders brushed. It was subtle, unnoticed by anyone else, but to Aiah, it was enough to make her pulse jump.
“Smile,” Mikha murmured, just loud enough for Aiah to hear.
Aiah turned slightly, her gaze locking onto Mikha’s for half a second longer than necessary before tilting her head toward the cameras with a smirk.
Click. Click. Click.
The flashes went off, capturing what the world saw as a powerful alliance between two CEOs—when in reality, it was a moment laced with something far more dangerous.
As soon as the photos were taken, Colet walked past them, whispering under her breath, “You two are so obvious.”
Mikha barely held back a laugh. “Shut up.”
But before Colet could tease them further, an investor approached, and Mikha immediately switched back to business mode.
Aiah watched her, admiring the way she effortlessly commanded attention. It was unfair how easily Mikha could shift between teasing and serious.
Then, just as Aiah was about to take a sip of her wine, she felt a hand ghost over the small of her back—brief, fleeting, but unmistakable.
She nearly choked on her drink.
When she turned, Mikha was already walking away, hiding a victorious smirk.
Aiah exhaled, shaking her head. This woman is going to drive me insane.
But if she was being honest with herself…
She wouldn’t want it any other way.
—
The night carried on with speeches, presentations, and business formalities, yet beneath all of that, something far more personal was brewing. This wasn’t just the culmination of a business project—it was a milestone in Aiah and Mikha’s relationship.
They had survived everything: the competition, the tension, the miscommunication, and the overwhelming pressure of their work. Now, standing at the center of their biggest professional achievement yet, they were no longer just rivals. No longer just business partners. They were something more.
As the event neared its climax, the unveiling of their project was finally at hand. A massive LED screen came to life, displaying the fruits of their months-long collaboration—a sleek, innovative venture that had already gained massive industry attention.
The applause was deafening. Cameras flashed, and journalists scribbled notes as Aiah and Mikha stood side by side, poised and confident. They fielded questions from the media with ease, seamlessly bouncing off each other’s words like they had been doing this for years.
But then, a reporter raised her hand. “Ms. Rivera, Ms. Lim—your collaboration has been an undeniable success. Many are wondering, given your history as competitors, how you managed to work together so seamlessly?”
Mikha, ever the composed speaker, smiled. “We had a shared vision. At the end of the day, we both wanted what was best for this project, and we made it work.”
Aiah nodded, adding with a smirk, “We may have our differences, but we also push each other to be better. That’s what made this partnership so effective.”
A murmur of approval spread through the crowd. The answer was smooth, professional—completely in line with what was expected. But then, another journalist raised her hand.
“There have been rumors circulating that your relationship isn’t purely professional.” She paused for effect. “Would you like to clarify?”
The room went still.
Colet, who had been watching from the side, immediately pressed her lips together, barely holding in her excitement.
Mikha and Aiah exchanged a glance. This was it—the moment they had been preparing for. No more hiding. No more careful wording.
Mikha was the first to speak, voice calm but firm. “We won’t deny it.”
Aiah smirked. “In fact, we’re confirming it.”
A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd. Some gasps, some excited whispers. Aiah could see the reactions of their inner circle from the corner of her eye—Maloi had literally dropped her drink, Gwen was gaping, Stacey was grinning like she had won a bet, Jhoanna’s eyes widened, and Sheena immediately turned to Colet, who was trying very hard not to look too pleased.
“So, to be clear,” another reporter asked, leaning forward with interest, “you’re saying that you two are in a relationship?”
Aiah turned fully to Mikha then, a teasing glint in her eyes. “You want to say it, or should I?”
Mikha rolled her eyes but smiled. “Yes,” she said simply. “We’re together.”
The reaction was instant. Cameras flashed, journalists scrambled to take notes, and somewhere in the crowd, Maloi let out a very audible, “WHAT?!”
Colet finally gave up pretending to be neutral and smirked knowingly. “Took them long enough.”
Meanwhile, Gwen was still blinking in shock. “Wait, wait, wait. So all those times they were flirting in front of us—”
“It wasn’t just business tension,” Jhoanna finished for her, eyes still wide.
“Oh my god,” Stacey muttered, staring at them like she had just cracked a code. “It all makes sense now.”
Aiah, completely unbothered by the reactions, simply wrapped an arm around Mikha’s waist and pulled her close. “Any more questions?” she asked the reporters, grinning.
The journalist chuckled. “I think that answers everything.”
With that, the conference portion of the event officially wrapped up. The crowd began dispersing, but their friends immediately swarmed them the moment they stepped off stage.
Maloi was still processing. “You guys—YOU GUYS—”
“Breathe, Maloi,” Sheena said, patting her on the back.
“How long?!” Gwen demanded.
Colet snickered. “Long enough for me to know before all of you.”
Jhoanna groaned. “Of course you knew.”
Stacey crossed her arms. “Wait, so when you guys were arguing all the time, was that...?”
Mikha raised an eyebrow. “Foreplay?”
Stacey choked. “I—”
Aiah laughed, tugging Mikha closer. “Alright, alright, you guys can interrogate us later. For now, let’s celebrate.”
Maloi huffed. “You better be buying the drinks tonight.”
Aiah smirked. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
And just like that, the night wasn’t just a success for their project—it was the official beginning of their future.
And they weren’t hiding anymore.
—
The teasing didn’t stop, but at some point, it became background noise—just their friends having fun at their expense. Aiah and Mikha didn’t mind. It was oddly refreshing to finally have their relationship out in the open, even if it meant endless teasing from Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Jhoanna, Sheena, and Colet.
The rooftop lounge was alive with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. The city stretched below them, glowing in the night, while the cool breeze carried the scent of their drinks and the faint trace of Aiah’s perfume—warm, familiar, and entirely intoxicating to Mikha.
She turned slightly, watching Aiah sip her drink, her jaw sharp under the glow of the ambient lights. It had only been a few hours since they made their relationship public, but it still felt surreal.
“Stop staring, baby,” Aiah murmured, amusement laced in her voice.
Mikha rolled her eyes but smiled. “You just look so smug.”
Aiah smirked. “I have every reason to be.”
Before Mikha could respond, Maloi clapped her hands. “Alright, enough about them! Time for a game.”
Jhoanna groaned. “Why do I feel like I’m about to regret this?”
“Because you probably will,” Maloi said. “We’re playing Spin the Bottle: Truth or Drink edition.”
Gwen whistled. “This sounds dangerous.”
“It is,” Maloi grinned. “Simple rules: whoever the bottle points to gets asked a question. They either answer or take a shot.”
With the game set, Maloi grabbed an empty beer bottle, set it in the center of the table, and spun it. The glass whirred against the wooden surface before slowing… and stopping at Aiah.
“Oh, this is perfect.” Stacey smirked. “Aiah, truth or drink?”
Aiah leaned back, smug. “Truth.”
Jhoanna’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Who confessed first?”
Aiah chuckled, glancing at Mikha before answering. “Me.”
Gasps erupted.
“WHAT?!” Maloi nearly choked on her drink.
Gwen pointed. “Wait, wait, wait. Mikha, you let her have the upper hand in this?”
Mikha groaned. “Why is this even a thing?”
“Because we need details.” Stacey leaned forward. “How did it happen?”
Aiah swirled her drink, smirking. “It wasn’t planned. We were arguing—nothing new there. But then I just… stopped fighting it. I told her.”
“She just said it?” Sheena echoed, eyes wide.
Aiah tilted her head playfully. “And kissed her, actually.”
“Oh my god,” Colet cackled. “That’s hot.”
Mikha groaned, burying her face in her hands. “I hate you all.”
“No, you don’t,” Aiah teased, nudging her.
The bottle spun again, the laughter and teasing never-ending, but through it all, Aiah and Mikha kept stealing glances at each other—smiling, hands intertwined under the table, completely wrapped up in their own world.
—
The teasing was endless, but Aiah and Mikha were too lost in their own world to care.
The rooftop lounge buzzed with laughter and the clinking of glasses as the game continued.
The bottle spun again, everyone watching as it slowed… and landed on Colet.
“Ohhh, perfect timing,” Maloi grinned. “Truth or drink?”
Colet sighed, already sensing where this was going. “Truth.”
Maloi smirked. “Since you’re one of the most observant ones here—when did you first realize Aiah and Mikha were more than just rivals?”
Colet hummed, pretending to think, but the knowing smile on her face gave her away. “Honestly? I had my suspicions for a while, but I knew when I saw them at that investor’s summit last year.”
Mikha blinked. “What? What about it?”
Colet raised an eyebrow. “Oh, you don’t remember? Aiah was talking to some guy—Jeremy something—”
Mikha’s jaw clenched slightly. “Jeremy Tan.”
Colet smirked. “Right, him. And while Aiah was talking to him, you, Mikha, were just… staring. Not your usual I’m-analyzing-my-competition kind of staring.
It was different.
You looked pissed.
And then, when he laughed and touched Aiah’s arm, I thought you were going to flip the entire table.”
Aiah turned to Mikha, eyes gleaming with amusement. “You were jealous?”
Mikha groaned. “I was not jealous.”
“She was absolutely jealous,” Colet said smugly. “That’s when I knew something was up.”
The table erupted into laughter, Mikha burying her face in her hands as Aiah smirked in satisfaction.
“Alright, alright,” Maloi chuckled. “Next spin!”
The bottle twirled again, landing on Mikha.
Stacey grinned. “Truth or drink?”
Mikha sighed, knowing she had no way out. “Truth.”
Stacey leaned forward, eyes gleaming with mischief. “At what point did you know you were in love with Aiah?”
Silence.
Mikha inhaled sharply, her fingers tightening around her glass. Aiah was watching her now, head slightly tilted, waiting.
Jhoanna nudged Stacey. “Damn. You really went straight for the jugular, huh?”
Mikha set her glass down and exhaled. “I think… I knew for a long time but refused to admit it. But the moment I was sure?” She hesitated, then glanced at Aiah. “It was during one of our biggest negotiations. Aiah was running on barely any sleep, barely eating, just pushing through. And I—” she swallowed, “—I caught myself worrying. Not about the deal, not about the competition. Just… her. I wanted her to rest. I wanted her to be okay. And that’s when I realized it wasn’t just rivalry anymore.”
Aiah’s smirk had faded, replaced by something softer. More real.
Their friends had gone unusually quiet.
Then, of course, Maloi ruined it.
“Oh my god, that was so disgustingly romantic,” she groaned.
Sheena fake gagged. “This game was supposed to be about fun and exposing secrets, not making us all feel single.”
Mikha rolled her eyes. “You asked.”
Aiah, still holding her hand under the table, squeezed gently.
“Alright, before this turns into a full-blown confession session, let’s keep going,” Colet said, spinning the bottle again.
The game continued, the teasing relentless, the laughter louder. But for Aiah and Mikha, nothing else mattered.
Because in that moment, with hands intertwined under the table, it still felt perfect.
—
The energy in the room had shifted. The group had passed the point of tipsy and was well into full-on drunken territory. The laughter was louder, the words slurred, and everyone seemed to be living in a haze of carefree abandon.
Aiah, still in her usual mischievous mood, had her arm around Mikha, keeping her grounded. Mikha, while slightly tipsy, was still clear-headed enough to look after the others. Colet and Gwen, the only ones still mostly sober, watched the chaos unfold, while Jhoanna kept a steady stream of commentary.
“Alright, alright,” Jhoanna slurred, leaning back in her chair. “We should probably start thinking about how we’re getting home.”
Gwen, ever the responsible one, nodded. “I’ll take Sheena home.” She said it with a warm smile, glancing over at Sheena, who had her face pressed against the table in a semi-conscious stupor.
Sheena gave a lazy thumbs-up. “Thanks, Gwen…” she mumbled, her words barely intelligible.
Gwen stood, a little unsteady, but managing to steady herself. “Come on, Sheena. Let’s get you out of here.” She helped Sheena stand up, pulling her into a somewhat awkward but manageable walk toward the door.
Colet, her eyes twinkling with playful mischief, looked at Maloi. “Well, looks like it's just us now. We should get Stacey home, huh?”
Maloi was already swaying side to side, grinning like she had just discovered the meaning of life. “Yeah, yeah. We’ll take her. I’m so ready for bed…” She shot a wink at Colet, which only made Colet laugh.
Stacey, who was stumbling but still in good spirits, grinned. “I’m good, guys. Just give me a sec…” She took another gulp of her drink and giggled, “Alright, let’s go home.”
Colet, ever the considerate one, was already grabbing her purse and wrapping an arm around Maloi for support. “Let’s get out of here before you pass out on the floor.”
Maloi laughed. “You wish.”
Mikha, who had been keeping an eye on the group, turned to Aiah, who was sitting beside her, one hand resting on her lap. "Looks like it’s just us now," Mikha said with a smile. “Everyone’s either leaving or too out of it to function.”
Aiah’s fingers gently brushed Mikha’s hand. “Well, I’m not complaining about that.”
Mikha leaned in closer. “You’re always like this, aren’t you?”
Aiah’s smirk was playful, but there was something softer in her eyes. “It’s the charm,” she said simply.
Mikha laughed. “Sure, the charm.” She was still holding her own glass, but the effect of the alcohol had mostly worn off for her, leaving her to feel warm and comfortable beside Aiah.
Gwen was just about to open the door when she turned to Mikha and Aiah, her voice loud enough for them to hear. “Alright, you two. I think it’s about time for you to go home too.”
“Do we have to?” Aiah asked, her tone laced with mischief.
Gwen raised an eyebrow. “Oh, you definitely have to. Just remember—Mikha, you’re taking care of her tonight.”
Mikha shot her a look, half-exasperated and half-amused. “I think I can handle that.”
Gwen chuckled, walking Sheena out the door. “Good luck, then. And please make sure she actually sleeps.”
As the door closed behind them, Aiah’s eyes softened. She turned to Mikha, her hand sliding down Mikha’s arm, entwining their fingers together. "I can't believe it's just the two of us now."
Mikha smiled, squeezing her hand. "I don't mind."
Colet, Maloi, and Jhoanna were busy helping Stacey into the car, Maloi still wobbling as she grinned at the others. “We’re going to be the best friends, I swear…” She then stumbled into the backseat of the car, with Colet and Jhoanna following suit.
"Good night!" Jhoanna shouted out the window as Colet waved. "Take care of her!" she added, looking over at Mikha.
With everyone else gone, the air between Mikha and Aiah was thick with a calm, comforting silence.
"I guess we should go too," Mikha said, her voice gentle as she stood up. Aiah followed her lead, leaning in to kiss her cheek before they walked toward the exit, hands clasped tightly.
“Let’s get out of here,” Aiah said, her voice smooth and low. Mikha felt a rush of warmth wash over her, and suddenly, the cold breeze outside the lounge felt refreshing compared to the chaos they’d just left behind.
Together, they stepped out into the night, the city lights casting a soft glow over them, just as their connection between each other became even clearer. There were no more games, no more teasing. Just them.
It was exactly what they both wanted.
—
The city night wrapped itself around Aiah and Mikha as they made their way toward Mikha’s car, the cool breeze blowing through their hair. Mikha could feel the softness of Aiah’s grip, but it was Aiah who seemed to be the most affected by the alcohol now.
Aiah’s steps were a little unsteady, her usual confident stride replaced by a giggly wobble. Every few moments, she’d sway toward Mikha, leaning into her with a soft, playful hum.
"Whoa," Aiah said, giggling as she stumbled sideways. "Mikha... I think I’m drunk."
Mikha couldn’t help but smile, her own mood lightening as she helped Aiah steady herself. "You think?"
Aiah’s eyes sparkled mischievously, but there was a dreamy softness to them too. "I’m really drunk." She paused, looking up at Mikha with a pout. "You’ve been holding me up all night. Is that what you’re gonna do now? Take care of me? You like that idea, huh?"
Mikha raised an eyebrow, amused. "I don’t mind," she replied, her tone soft and warm. "But if you keep wobbling like that, I might need a bit of help too."
Aiah let out a tipsy laugh. "I can do that!" She grinned, then wrapped her arms around Mikha in a surprisingly tight hug. "I love you, Mikha," she whispered with complete sincerity, her voice light but full of emotion. "You’re my best friend. You’re my favorite person in the world."
Mikha was taken aback, not expecting the sudden declaration, especially not in Aiah’s current state. She chuckled softly, her chest tightening with affection. "Aiah, you’re really drunk."
"I’m not!" Aiah protested, pulling back slightly to meet Mikha’s gaze with a confident, though slightly wobbly, smile. "I’m serious. I’m like… really, really serious about it."
Mikha shook her head, her laughter bubbling up in response to the sweetness in Aiah’s words. "I know you are. And I love you too."
Aiah’s face lit up at those words, and without any warning, she planted a soft kiss on Mikha’s cheek, her lips lingering for just a second longer than necessary. "See? That’s what I’m talking about!" She grinned proudly. "You love me too."
Mikha’s heart fluttered, and she couldn’t help but smile as Aiah swayed in her arms, clearly struggling to keep her balance. "You’re adorable," Mikha said, her voice quiet and affectionate.
Aiah giggled, her voice slurring slightly as she tried to steady herself again. "I’m super adorable," she declared, puffing out her chest. "And I’m also the best thing that’s ever happened to you, Mikha. I’m your dream girl."
Mikha laughed again, helping her into the car. "If you say so."
Once Aiah was seated, she leaned back in her chair, her eyes half-closed as she sighed happily. “I’m so glad it’s just us,” she said, her voice dreamily soft. "You make everything better. Like, I feel safe with you."
Mikha turned to her, smiling at the genuine sweetness in Aiah’s words. She was still holding Aiah’s hand, her fingers intertwined with hers. "You don’t have to be drunk to feel that way, Aiah. You are safe with me."
Aiah’s gaze softened, and she reached over, her hand gently cupping Mikha’s cheek. "I know," she whispered, her voice suddenly quiet and tender. "I just… I’m so happy. I’ve never been this happy before. You make me feel like I’m everything I need to be, just by being here."
Mikha’s heart skipped a beat at the vulnerability in Aiah’s words. She leaned into the touch, her eyes softening. "You’re everything you need to be, Aiah. And I’m so glad I get to be with you."
Aiah smiled lazily, her eyelids fluttering as she leaned in, placing another soft kiss on Mikha’s cheek, this time a little more sluggish, but filled with affection. "You’re just the best."
Mikha couldn’t help but laugh, feeling a sense of contentment settle over her. "I think you’ve said that about a million times tonight."
"Good. I’ll keep saying it a million more," Aiah mumbled, her voice getting softer as the alcohol started to take its full effect. "You’re my best friend, my favorite person, and you’ll always be."
Mikha’s smile was genuine and warm. "You know you’re my favorite too, right?"
Aiah nodded dreamily, her eyes closing. "I know. I love you, Mikha." Her words were more relaxed now, slower. "Can we just stay like this forever?"
Mikha looked at her, her heart full, and nodded. "We can. We definitely can."
Aiah’s eyes fluttered open one last time as she leaned her head against Mikha’s shoulder, her voice barely a whisper. “You’re my best dream.”
Mikha smiled softly, her heart swelling with affection as she turned to face the road, content with the sound of Aiah’s peaceful breathing beside her.
It had been a wild night, but in this moment, everything felt exactly how it should be—perfect.
And as Mikha drove them home, Aiah fell asleep with a soft smile on her lips, completely at peace in Mikha’s presence.
The city lights flashed outside the window, but nothing could compare to the warmth that filled Mikha’s heart as she held onto the person she never wanted to let go of.
—
The morning came too soon.
Aiah’s head throbbed in a painful rhythm, each beat reverberating through her skull as she slowly opened her eyes. She groaned, squinting at the harsh light filtering through the curtains. Her mouth felt dry, like a desert, and she could taste the remnants of last night’s drinks lingering on her tongue.
“Ugh, what happened…?” she muttered, pulling herself up and immediately regretting it. Her body felt heavy, like a lead weight had settled in her limbs. She winced, her eyes fluttering closed again as she let out a groan.
"Good morning, sunshine," a voice teased from the side, making Aiah jump slightly. She turned her head and saw Mikha sitting on the edge of the bed, an amused grin on her face, though she looked just as tired.
Aiah blinked a few times, then wiped her face with both hands. "Mikha… I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck."
Mikha chuckled, but there was no real malice behind it—just a quiet, affectionate amusement. "You were pretty funny last night."
Aiah groaned again, sinking back into the pillows. “Please, don’t remind me. I’m never drinking again. Ever.”
“You say that every time,” Mikha pointed out, her voice dripping with sarcasm, but it was clear she was trying not to laugh at the sight of Aiah’s pitiful state.
Aiah shot her a half-hearted glare, her head still pounding. “I meant it this time.”
Mikha laughed softly, standing up from the bed and walking over to the window. “How do you feel about breakfast? I’m thinking greasy food—something that’ll help with the hangover.”
Aiah gave a small, defeated nod. “Anything that’ll make me feel human again.”
Mikha smiled and reached for her phone, texting Gwen, Colet, and the others to make plans for breakfast. She turned back to Aiah. “You looked pretty adorable last night, you know.”
Aiah buried her face in her hands, groaning again. “Mikha, if you say anything about last night, I swear I’ll die.”
Mikha walked over to the bed and sat next to Aiah, chuckling softly. “You don’t remember much, huh?”
“Bits and pieces,” Aiah muttered, her voice muffled by her hands. “But I’m pretty sure I embarrassed myself.”
“Not really. You were just… cute,” Mikha teased, nudging her gently. “I think you were more affectionate than you’ve ever been with me.”
Aiah looked up, her eyes wide and slightly pained from the headache, but her expression betrayed a small hint of curiosity. “What do you mean?”
“Let’s just say… you said some really sweet things,” Mikha said, her grin widening as she watched Aiah’s face flush a deep red.
Aiah immediately sat up, her eyes locking onto Mikha with a mixture of panic and disbelief. “What did I say?”
Mikha’s smile softened, leaning back against the headboard as she watched Aiah scramble to sit up straight, clearly trying to piece together last night’s events. “Well, you said you loved me. A lot.”
Aiah’s face turned an even deeper shade of red. “I… I did?”
Mikha nodded. “Yeah. And you also told me I was your best friend, your favorite person in the world, and that I’m your dream girl.”
Aiah buried her face in her hands again, her voice muffled. “Oh my God.”
Mikha chuckled, reaching over and placing a hand on Aiah’s shoulder. “It’s okay. You were drunk. It’s cute. I didn’t mind at all.”
Aiah looked up at Mikha with wide, mortified eyes. “I don’t know how to handle this.”
“You don’t have to,” Mikha said gently, her thumb rubbing soothing circles on Aiah’s shoulder. “You said what was in your heart. And I’m pretty sure I feel the same way.”
Aiah’s gaze softened, and for a moment, the weight of the hangover seemed to lessen. “You mean it?”
“Of course,” Mikha replied with a smile. “You don’t have to be drunk to say things that are true, Aiah. Besides, it was nice to hear you say it. I’m just glad you’re not totally mortified about it.”
Aiah buried her face in her hands again, but this time, she didn’t sound as embarrassed. “Okay, okay, no more. Please. I can’t deal with this right now.”
Mikha laughed softly, but there was no teasing in her voice now. “Alright. No more about last night. But, you know… you did look pretty adorable when you were trying to tell me how much you love me.”
Aiah grumbled but smiled at the same time, leaning into Mikha’s side. “I really hate you right now, but I love you too. Just… not in front of anyone else.”
Mikha smiled warmly, her heart swelling with affection. “You’re lucky I think you’re adorable even when you’re hungover.”
Aiah raised an eyebrow. “Is that why you’re sticking around?”
Mikha shrugged nonchalantly, but there was a gleam of playfulness in her eyes. “Maybe. But it’s also because I’m pretty sure you’d die without me by your side right now.”
Aiah snorted and rolled her eyes, but her grin widened. “You’re lucky I love you.”
Mikha leaned in and placed a soft kiss on Aiah’s forehead. “Yeah, yeah. I know.”
The warmth of the moment lingered between them, and despite the pounding headache, Aiah felt like maybe this hangover wasn’t the worst thing in the world.