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

Chapter 8: Contrasting Colors

Later that day, Aya and Mina decided to hang out at the campus café. They sat by the window, sipping iced coffee and sharing their rants in life.

The café buzzed with the chatter of students, the clinking of cups, and the soft strains of indie music playing in the background.

"You know, I once had a roommate who never cleaned up. She left a slice of pizza under her bed for a month! Napaka bantot tuloy ng dorm namin," Mina said, shaking her head in disbelief.

Aya laughed. "Kadiri naman uy! Kaya pala gusto mong maki-dorm sa akin noong mga nakaraang araw."

"Ewan ko. I think I've blocked most of it out of my memory," Mina replied, grinning. "But seriously, living with "Red" is challenging, ano?"

Aya's laughter faded into a thoughtful expression. "It is, but I think there's more to her than meets the eye. Actually kakausap lang namin kanina."

Mina raised an eyebrow. "Really? So anong nangyari?"

As Aya looked around the café, she spotted Mav at a nearby table, surrounded by a group of athletes. Mav was laughing and talking animatedly, a contrast to her usual behavior in the dorm. Her eyes sparkled with a warmth Aya had never seen before.

"Ayon oh. She seems so different with her friends," Aya pointed out.

Mina glanced over. "Wow, parang 'di nanunuhol, noh?"

Aya chuckled. "Grabe naman 'toh, pinang-date nga natin yung binigay niya."

Mina took a sip of her coffee. "As we should."

Aya smiled. "You know, you'll actually like how she speaks."

"Oh? Eh unang beses na bumuka bibig nun, ang gaslaw na."

"Oa ka, nagseselos ka lang eh."

"Hoy, kilabutan ka nga, Miraya."

They continued their conversation, discussing classes, upcoming events, and their plans for the weekend. But Aya couldn't shake the image of Mav laughing with her friends. It made her wonder what other sides of Mav she hadn't yet seen.

-

One evening, Aya noticed Mav watching a K-drama in the common room.

Seizing the opportunity, Aya joined her on the couch and started a conversation.

The glow from the TV cast a warm light on their faces, and the room was filled with a cozy silence, broken only by the occasional sound of dialogue from the drama.

Aya settled comfortably on the couch next to Mav,. She had never initiated a conversation like this before, but she was determined to break through the walls Mav seemed to have built around herself.

"Is that Reply 1988? I love that show! The storyline is amazing," Aya said, trying to sound casual.

Mav glanced at Aya. "Yeah, it's pretty good. I like the character development."

Aya smiled. "Have you watched Haikyu?"

Mav's expression softened. "Yeah, it's one of my favorites."

They continued to talk, sharing their favorite scenes and characters from various shows. For the first time, Aya felt like she was breaking through Mav's defenses.

The atmosphere between them shifted from cautious curiosity to a more relaxed camaraderie.

"It's nice to have someone to talk to about these shows. Most of my friends aren't really into K-dramas or anime," Aya said, feeling a sense of connection forming.

Mav smiled. "Yeah, it's cool to have someone who likes the same stuff as you."

Aya smiled as well and stood up to head back to her room to continue her plates, but Mav stopped her, gripping Aya's wrist.

Aya looked down at Mav, waiting for a response, but Mav appeared unreadable.

Slowly, Mav let go of Aya's wrist and muttered, "Sorry," thinking her grip had been too tight.

Aya was about to reassure her, but Mav interrupted her.

"Thanks for watching with me."

Feeling a warm connection, Aya couldn't help but notice how relaxed Mav seemed now.

"You'll always have me," Aya said softly, turning to walk towards her room.

Looking back, she saw Mav fully focused on watching.

-