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

Chapter 6: Beyond the Surface

Aya and Mina spent the day with each other as usual, and when the sun was finally down, the two strolled back to Aya's dorm after eating, their steps synchronized with the quiet hum of the campus evening.

The soft glow of streetlights cast long shadows, and the cool evening breeze rustled the leaves, creating a serene backdrop for their conversation.

Mina's voice came through in a whisper, tinged with disbelief. "You know, your roommate is already "ano". What if she's always this difficult?"

Aya tried to project confidence, but doubts lingered at the edges of her mind, after "that"?

Aya thought about Mav's aloofness and the recent kitchen incident. Was she being too optimistic?

"Don't worry, Mina," Aya assured Mina. "I think she just needs some time to adjust. We'll manage."

Mina sighed, her brows furrowed as she kicked at a small pebble on the sidewalk. "Hindi ko naman alam na siya pala magiging dormmate mo. After that incident of her hitting you with that ball, I heard a lot from some of the other students saying she's... not exactly the easiest person to be around. Are you sure you're okay with this?"

Aya placed a reassuring hand on Mina's arm, pero kahit siya nagaalinlangan na.

Hindi naman siya babysitter.

"I appreciate your concern, but everyone deserves a chance uy. Maybe she's dealing with something we don't know about."

Mina shook her head slightly. "You always see the good in people, Aya. It's one of the things I love about you, but sometimes I worry you're too trusting. Mav's got this reputation for being... well, difficult. I just don't want you to get hurt."

Aya nodded, appreciating Mina's concern but Aya was determined to give Mav a fair chance. "I get it, Mina. But she's my roommate, and I want to try and make this work. Besides, people aren't always what they seem at first."

Mina bit her lip. "I know you're right. It's just... I've heard some pretty harsh things about her. Like how she's always so serious and doesn't get along with anyone. Kapag ikaw talaga naapektuhan nan."

Aya squeezed Mina's hand gently, a reassuring smile on her face. "Mina, I promise I'll be careful. If things get really bad, I'll let you know naman eh. But for now, I want to give her a chance. Who knows, maybe we'll end up being friends, di ba?"

As they reached the dorm entrance, Aya glanced up at the building, her heart heavy with questions about the mysterious Mav. Could they really find common ground?

-

Over the next few days, classes finally started.

On the other hand, Aya tried to observe Mav's behavior without being too obvious.

Aya noticed the little things, just like Mav's intense focus during her workouts, and the determined look in her eyes when she left for her early morning runs.

Mav seemed to live a life of rigid discipline, and Aya couldn't help but be intrigued by what drove her so intensely.

One evening, while Aya was sketching by the window, she heard Mav's voice rising from behind her closed bedroom door. The words were muffled. Aya set her pencil down, curiosity piqued. She moved closer, careful not to intrude, and heard a bit of Mav's conversation.

"...we need to push harder if we want to win the championship. I'll focus on my endurance training tomorrow," Mav's voice was firm and filled with determination.

Aya's eyes widened. This was a side of Mav she hadn't seen before. "Wow, she's really serious about sports," Aya thought. "Maybe there's more to her than I thought."

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