HOOPS-LOOPS || BINI UNI #1 [MIKHAIAH AU]

Chapter 1: Fresh Start

Sunlight streamed through the window of Aya's dorm room, illuminating a flurry of activity. Boxes were meticulously unpacked, and their contents, a rainbow of paints, a well-worn sketchbook, and miniature clay sculptures were arranged with the precision of a seasoned curator.

The air buzzed with nervous excitement as Aya, a junior architecture student. The upcoming project, a collaborative design for a new campus recreational facility, sent a thrill through her. But a voice in the back of her head piped up, reminding her of the looming roommate situation.

Wala na nga pala roommate niya.

Last year's experience with a music major whose idea of "white noise" involved a never-ending loop of heavy metal guitar solos was still etched in her memory. "Maybe a mime this time," Aya muttered to herself, a wry smile playing on her lips. "At least they'd be quiet."

Just as she straightened a slightly crooked picture frame above her desk, a sharp knock on the door startled her out of her thoughts.

"Coming!" Aya called out, hastily swiping at a stray dust bunny before hurrying to the door. Her heart quickened with a curious rhythm—could it already be her new roommate?

"Teka lang!" she added, taking a deep breath to steady herself. As she swung open the door, expecting to face a stranger, her heart leaped with relief and delight instead.

"Mina!" Aya exclaimed, her face breaking into a wide grin. "Ginagawa mo rito?"

Mina, her friend and fellow junior, stood in the doorway with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Surprise!" she chirped, stepping inside and enveloping Aya in a warm hug. "I heard wala ka na raw roommate, kaya napadaan na rin ako to check on you."

"Siguro iniwan ka na kasi ang ingay mong humilik." Mina added.

Aya laughed. "Hindi naman ako nahilik uy." she said, closing the door behind Mina. "Pero buti napadaan ka, ang boring kasi."

"Pero I also heard may nahanap na agad na roommate, ang bilis ah." Mina said, as she sat down on the couch, Aya joined her.

"Bilis nga eh, 'di tuloy ako makakapag-senti," Aya replied, a wry smile playing on her lips as she thought about her former roommate.

Mina grinned. "Well, you better make sure your new roommate's up to my standards," she teased, nudging Aya playfully.

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Later that night, unable to shake off her restlessness, Aya decided to take a walk to the convenience store just down the street.

The familiar ding of the bell announced her arrival, and she headed straight for the refrigerated section, eyeing the assortment of drinks.

She opted for an iced coffee to keep her awake through the night.

At the counter, she greeted the elderly cashier warmly, whom she had known since her freshman year. Aya often stopped by the store and developed a friendly rapport with the old lady.

"Lola, you should rest, it's already 11 PM," Aya said with genuine concern, noticing the fatigue etched on the elderly lady's face.

The old lady chuckled softly, her face wrinkled with age but her eyes twinkling with warmth. "Hindi makatulog ang lola, at tsaka susunduin na rin naman ako ng apo ko mamaya," she replied, motioning towards a family photo tucked behind the counter.

The convenience store was her way of passing time and staying connected to the community.

After paying for her items, which included snacks for a late-night movie binge, Aya noticed the old lady eyeing the bread from the shelf. She quickly grabbed a loaf and insisted that the elderly lady take it. "Lola, you need to eat too," Aya said with a gentle smile.

With a warm goodbye, Aya left the store, the cool night air refreshing after the warmth of the store.

She pulled her jacket tighter around her as she walked back towards the dormitory, lost in her thoughts.

As she rounded a corner, a group of rowdy people stumbled past her.

They were loud and seemed drunk, and Aya silently hoped she wouldn't end up with a roommate like them.

Ignoring their boisterous laughter, she quickened her pace, eager to return to the quiet of her dorm room.

Suddenly, a plaintive whine cut through the night, causing Aya to stop in her tracks.

"Hoy, ikaw!"

It was a red-haired girl from the group, calling out to her.

They stood about ten feet apart, and Aya found the situation both awkward and intriguing.

One of the girl's friends, who seemed more sober than the rest, rushed over and apologized profusely to Aya for their behavior.

Aya glanced down at her grocery bag and noticed a water bottle among her items.

Without a word, she extended it towards the red-haired girl, who looked at her with a mix of confusion and gratitude. Aya simply shook her head slightly, indicating it was no trouble, before pulling up her hood and resuming her journey back to the dormitory.

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