Chapter Text
"Seryoso ka ba?" Aiah asks, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Maloi nods and reassures her that she wouldn't suggest it if she didn't think it was a good match.
"Pero bata yan eh? One grade lower siya, ano ka ba? I'm not like that," she continues as she scrolls through the photos that Maloi is showing her. Maloi laughs and reminds Aiah that age doesn't always determine compatibility.
"Try mo nalang kasi, you never know. And 'di lang siya one grade lower," Maloi nervously laughs. "Two years younger din siya," Maloi reveals, knowing she would have to convince Aiah more.
"Oh, no thank you, Loi. Bahala ka diyan. I have a good reputation here at Binistar High, why would I ruin that?" Aiah refused Maloi's offer, as she gave her back her phone.
It's known that it's a big deal at Filipino schools whenever someone dates someone a grade lower or higher. Many people judge and gossip about it, and Aiah was one of them. She was a big hater of her batchmates who date someone a grade lower; she hates that sometimes it feels like they're trying to act superior. Not that she's a big gossiper, she just really hates whenever someone uses their position to take advantage of others. They're in eleventh grade, for heaven's sake. They're supposed to be the lower year's ate's and kuya's.
"Whatever. Ito socials niya if you want, pero maganda siya diba?" Maloi smirked but gave up convincing her and just sends her a list of social media accounts of who she was trying to set Aiah up with. She just gives a nod of approval as she walks away to get Maloi off her back. They then went their separate ways because their lunch break was almost over.
"Mikhaela Jianna Lim, huh?" Aiah was already intrigued without even realising it. As she walked to class, she remembered that name felt familiar. She couldn't quite place where she had heard it before, but there was definitely something about Mikha Lim that piqued her interest. Maybe this reto wouldn't be so bad after all. But she shook off the name in her mind because she had a club meeting this afternoon that she had to be worried about.
As classes ended for the day, she headed to her club meeting. Aiah couldn't shake off her curiosity about Mikha Jianna Lim. She made a mental note to look up that name later and find out more about who this person was. She went inside her club room, and there she was. The senior was surprised to see the junior Maloi just brought up, Mikha in the corner, quietly observing the people in the meeting.
"That's why she seemed familiar, she signed up for this club pala. Patay ka sa akin Maloi," Aiah groaned inwardly.
"Hello guys. Kompleto na ba lahat?" Aiah announced, seeing that the attendance list was already full.
"Ako pala si Maraiah Quinn Arceta. You can call me Aiah lang or Ate Aiah. And I'm the club president," she continues. All of the students there looked at her, smiling awkwardly.
"I mean, you guys signed up for the photography club, naman diba or is this the wrong room?" she chuckles lightly, trying to make a joke out of the somewhat awkward situation. The students just nodded, laughing lightly. One student stood out from the rest of the crowd. Mikha. Her eyes were mesmerizing, wide, and expressive, with a depth that drew her in. Her brows are well-shaped, with a beautiful arch that brings out the intensity of her eyes. Mikha emitted a feeling of mystery and intrigue. As the photography club meeting went on, Aiah, while explaining the rules of the club, found herself stealing glances at Mikha, feeling a strong sense of curiosity about her. Mikha also noticed the way Aiah would meet her eyes but yet avoid them.
Mikha has always known that Aiah's reputation has always been someone who is both admirable and lovely to her fellow schoolmates and to teachers. As the president of the photography club, a consistent honor student and the secretary of the grade 11 council, her leadership skills are well recognised and respected. Her popularity among students is a testament not only to her abilities but also to her charisma. She carried herself with an air of confidence and strength that set her apart. Even on days when the pressures of school life weigh heavily on everyone, Aiah remains composed and impeccably put together. Her demeanour suggests a deep well of inner strength and resilience, qualities that inspire those around her. Aiah's ability to juggle multiple responsibilities with grace and poise is truly impressive. Mikha has always admired that about her. It is no surprise that she is often looked up to as a role model by her peers. Mikha's friends even look up to her too.
"Gagi, ang ganda talaga ni ate Aiah," Sheena stated to her friends, seated in the back.
"Oo nga, naka bunganga na si Mikha o," Jhoanna pointed to Mikha beside her as her mouth hung open in awe. Sheena and her, of course, laughed uncontrollably, but not enough to disturb the meeting.
"Huy!" Colet lightly pushed her head to snap her out of her trance. "Nakatulala ka na naman diyan."
"Sorry na," Mikha sheepishly apologised, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"Asan na kaha uyab ko?" Colet wondered, and speaking of the devil, Maloi flung the door wide open and entered the room with a big smile on her face.
"I'm here!" Maloi said, causing Colet to roll her eyes playfully at her dramatic entrance and everyone to look at her.
"Ay, hi guys, sorry late ako," Maloi said, grabbing her composure and realizing that there were many students in the room.
"Everyone, meet Mar Loi Yves Ricalde," Aiah announced, guiding her to the center of the room. "She will be our club's vice president, and Marie Nicolette Vergara, standing at the back, will serve as our secretary," she added, first pointing to Maloi in front of her, then gesturing towards Colet in the back. Both stood up straight and bowed to the other members.
"Hi girls," Maloi greeted the three as she made her way in the back.
"Hoy Mikha, mission success," she whispered to her friend as she sat in the seat between her and Colet, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Bakit? Why?" Mikha asks with visible confusion.
"Ni-reto na tika ni Aiah," Maloi explained with a smirk.
"HA? WHEN DID I EVER-" Mikha calmed down when she noticed she was speaking too loudly. "When have I even told you that I like her?"
Jhoanna laughed. "Alam na namin lahat, Mikha. It's obvious." The other three also nodded in agreement.
"This is your fault. Why do you tell your girlfriend everything? Akala ko ba tropa tayo," Mikha said to Colet with a hint of annoyance. Maloi shrugged,
"Sorry, but I couldn't resist teasing you. Anyway, hindi ka naman masyadong magaling sa pagtatago, eh." Mikha rolled her eyes, realising that her crush on Aiah was more obvious than she thought.
She now wonders as she stares into the abyss, "Has ate Aiah known all along? Fuck, I'm dead."
The meeting concluded, and the room slowly emptied as the other club members gathered their belongings and chatted about the plans ahead. The sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow through the windows. Mikha was about to go out of the room, but Colet called out to her. "Hoy bai. Hintayin mo ko. Sasakay kaming Maloi sa sundo mo." Mikha, without choice, went back in and sat to wait for the two.
They were talking to Aiah about what the next club meeting would be. She couldn't help but stare at Aiah. She effortlessly captured the couple's attention with her authoritative and professional demeanour. Mikha had always admired her from afar, losing herself in thoughts of what it would be like to date Aiah. Would she be able to handle the pressure of being with someone so captivating? Mikha's heart raced at the thought, wondering if she would ever have the courage to make a move.
As she daydreamed, Colet suddenly nudged her, bringing her back to reality. "Ano ba, Mikha? Tara na," Colet said, snapping Mikha out of her reverie. Mikha quickly stood up with her head down to follow them out of the room, feeling a mix of embarrassment and longing.
Mikha followed the couple and couldn't help but wonder, "Would ate Aiah ever consider Maloi's attempt to set them up?" She frowned, gave her head a big scratch, and let out a small cry of frustration at the thought of what might result from Maloi's impulsive plan.