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

Chapter 2: The Ball

A few weeks later, Aya found herself walking to a nearby café where Mina had invited her to catch up over coffee and books.

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the streets, and Aya was lost in thought about the upcoming architecture project.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a ball hit Aya on the head, causing her to stumble and fall.

Dazed for a moment, she blinked and opened her eyes to see the red-haired girl hovering over her, asking if she was okay.

Surprised but quickly regaining her composure, Aya brushed off the incident with a slight wave of her hand, "I'm fine, thanks." She stood up on her own, adjusting her bag.

As she walked away, Aya paused and looked back.

The red-haired girl was now laughing and playing with her friends again.

Aya furrowed her brow, a nagging feeling of familiarity tugging at her thoughts.

Before she could dwell on it further, her phone buzzed in her pocket—it was a call from Mina.

"Hey, Aya! Malapit ka na ba?" Mina's voice sounded cheerful through the phone.

"Yeah, I just had a small... incident," Aya replied, still slightly distracted by the encounter.

"Again? Klutz ka talaga," Mina teased. "Anyway, ingat. I saved you a spot."

Aya chuckled softly, shaking her head at Mina's teasing. "Alright, I'll be there in a few minutes."

With that, she tucked her phone back into her pocket and continued on her way to meet Mina, her mind still wandering back to the red-haired girl and the strange encounter.

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As Aya entered the cozy café, she was greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft hum of chatter from other patrons. Mina from a corner table, her favorite books stacked neatly beside her.

Aya approached, a faint smile playing on her lips despite the lingering thoughts of the red-haired girl. "Hey, sorry I'm late," she apologized, sliding into the seat opposite Mina.

"No worries," Mina replied, handing a cup of coffee to Aya. "So, what was this 'incident' you mentioned kanina?"

Aya recounted the brief encounter with the red-haired girl, describing how she had been hit by a stray ball and then helped up by the same girl, who seemed oddly familiar.

Mina listened intently, her brow furrowing slightly. "Hmm.. Have you seen her around before?"

Aya shrugged, sipping her coffee thoughtfully. "I'm not sure. She looked familiar, but I can't place where I've seen her."

Just then, the café door swung open, and a group of people walked in, chatting animatedly. Among them was the red-haired girl, laughing and gesturing wildly as she spoke.

Aya's gaze involuntarily flickered in her direction.

"There she is," Aya murmured, more to herself than to Mina.

Mina followed Aya's gaze and nodded knowingly. "Ay mukhang mga bata, freshman ata?"

Aya considered this. "Could be."

Mina chuckled, nudging Aya playfully. "Well, mystery girl aside, let's enjoy our coffee and get lost in these books, okay?"

Aya nodded, grateful for Mina's company. At least hindi na siya malalanta sa dorm niya, di ba?

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