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

Chapter 4: Red Flag?

Just as Aya was arranging her books on the shelf, there was a soft knock on the door.

Aya had promised herself that she would be the one to answer the door when her new roommate arrived.

She stood there nervously, rehearsing in her mind how she would greet the person who would share her space for the foreseeable future.

When she swung the door open, she was taken aback to find the red-haired girl standing there, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Aya recognized her immediately as the same girl who had accidentally hit her with the ball a few days ago.

"Hi, my name is Miraya," Aya said, extending her hand in greeting.

The red-haired girl simply looked at Aya from head to toe, her expression unreadable.

Without a word, she walked past Aya and into the dorm room, carrying a backpack slung over one shoulder.

Aya blinked in surprise, feeling a mix of confusion and irritation. She had expected at least a polite response, if not a friendly one.

As she closed the door behind her, she couldn't help but think to herself, "Red indeed, a red flag."

Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Aya followed Mavise into the dorm room.

Mavise had already started unpacking, laying out her belongings on her side of the room with efficient movements.

Clearing her throat, Aya tried again. "So... Red. Do you need any help with unpacking or anything?"

Mavise paused momentarily before correcting Aya in a monotone voice, "My name is Mavise, not Red."

Aya bit her lip, feeling a pang of embarrassment. "Oh, 'di ka kasi nagpakilala nang maayos kanina," she murmured, mentally chiding herself for the assumption. "But it's nice to finally officially meet you, Mavise."

Mavise simply nodded in acknowledgment, returning her focus to organizing her things.

Aya sighed inwardly, feeling a bit deflated by Mavise's cold demeanor. She decided to give her new roommate some space, busying herself with organizing her own desk and belongings.

The silence in the room stretched awkwardly as they both settled in. Aya stole glances at Mavise from time to time, trying to gauge her roommate's mood or thoughts, but Mavise seemed completely indifferent to her presence.

After what felt like an eternity, Aya finally broke the silence. "So, tiga saan ka?" she asked, attempting to start a conversation.

Mavise paused momentarily before answering in a monotone voice, "Not far."

Aya bit her lip, unsure of how to proceed. She wanted to make an effort to get along with Mavise, but it seemed like an uphill battle. She wondered if maybe Mavise was just shy or reserved, but her initial impression was leaning more towards aloofness.

Deciding to give it one last try, Aya ventured, "Well, if you need anything or if there's anything bothering you, just let me know, okay?"

Mavise glanced up again, this time meeting Aya's eyes directly.

There was a hint of something unreadable in her gaze before she looked away. "Sure," she replied shortly, her tone still guarded.

Aya sighed inwardly once more, realizing that building a rapport with Mavise might take more time and effort than she had anticipated. She resolved to be patient and hoped that with time, they could find common ground and perhaps even become friends.

As the evening wore on, they continued unpacking in relative silence, the atmosphere in the room tinged with a sense of unease. Aya couldn't shake the feeling that their living arrangement was off to a rocky start, but she was determined to make the best of it.

Eventually, they both retreated to their respective beds, each lost in their own thoughts. Aya stared up at the ceiling, her mind racing with questions and uncertainties about her enigmatic new roommate.

"Maybe she's just shy," Aya mused to herself optimistically, trying to find a silver lining. "Maybe she'll warm up to me eventually."

With that hopeful thought in mind, Aya closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, hoping that tomorrow would bring a fresh start.

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