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

Chapter 10: Thank You

Wanting to show her appreciation, Aya decides to express her appreciation in a meaningful way.

Aya sat at her desk, sketchbook open in front of her, though her thoughts were miles away. The memory of Mav's quick action to help her find the lost sketchbook replayed in her mind, bringing a soft smile to her lips.

"I owe her," Aya whispered, her voice barely audible above the ambient noise of the dormitory.

She twirled a pencil between her fingers, her eyes darting to a small cookbook she had borrowed from the library. An idea started to form in her mind.

Aya thought back to her childhood, remembering how her family always showed gratitude through food. A home-cooked meal was a way to express care and appreciation. The comforting thought made her heart swell with warmth.

"Maybe I can luto something for her," Aya mused, flipping through the pages of the cookbook. Her eyes scanned the recipes, searching for one that would convey her gratitude and hopefully, be to Mav's liking.

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Aya grabbed the cookbook and began making a list of ingredients she would need. She had decided on Kare-Kare, a rich Filipino dish made with oxtail, vegetables, and a savory peanut sauce.

"Sana magustuhan niya," Aya said to herself as she scribbled down the list.

She headed to the grocery store, her list in hand. The aisles were busy with locals alike, but Aya moved with determination, picking out the freshest vegetables and the best cut of oxtail she could find.

She even bought a small jar of bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste that added an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

By the time she returned to the dorm, her arms were laden with bags. She felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.

She had never cooked Kare-Kare on her own before, but she was determined to make it special.

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The kitchen was quiet, the perfect setting for Aya to focus on her cooking.

She set out the ingredients on the counter, taking a deep breath as she prepared to start. The smell of fresh vegetables and raw meat filled the room, mingling with the familiar scent of the dorm.

"Okay, simulan ko na bago pa siya makauwi," Aya said, rolling up her sleeves.

Aya chopped the vegetables with care, her hands steady despite the complexity of the dish. She wanted every piece to be perfect, every flavor to blend harmoniously.

As the oxtail simmered in the pot, filling the kitchen with a rich aroma, Aya couldn't help but smile. She stirred the pot gently, watching as the meat softened and the flavors melded together. She added the peanut butter, giving the sauce its signature creamy texture.

"Hmm.. masarap naman siya," she whispered to herself, tasting a spoonful of the sauce. It was just as she remembered, a comforting blend of savory and sweet. She added a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper, making sure the flavors were just right.

The vegetables were added next, their bright colors adding a vibrant touch to the dish. Aya stirred them in, careful not to overcook them. She wanted them to retain their crunch, adding a satisfying texture to the Kare-Kare.

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Aya set the table with care, placing the pot of Kare-Kare in the center. The golden-brown sauce gleamed under the kitchen lights, a testament to her hard work.

Aya couldn't wait to see Mav.

The door creaked open, and Aya's heart skipped a beat. Mav walked in, her clothes damp with sweat and her hair tousled from practice. She looked exhausted, but there was a spark of curiosity in her eyes as she spotted the table.

"Hi, Mavise!" Aya called out, her voice tinged with excitement. "I've got a surprise for you."

Mav wiped her forehead with a towel, her eyebrows raised in confusion. "A surprise? Ay hindi ko birthday ha." she said, glancing at the table.

Aya gestured towards the pot with a smile. "I made this as my thank you for helping me."

Mav's eyes softened, and she walked over to the table, her curiosity piqued. "You made this? For me?"

Aya nodded, her heart pounding with anticipation. "Yes! I hope you like it."

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