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

Chapter 7: Passion

Later that night, Aya found herself sitting at the kitchen table, idly sketching while Mav prepared a protein shake. Trying to break the silence, Aya cleared her throat. "So, um, you're really into sports, huh? I overheard you talking about some kind of training earlier."

Mav glanced up, her expression guarded. "Yeah, I'm training for the university's track team. We have a big competition coming up, and I need to be at my best."

"That's impressive," Aya said, genuinely admiring Mav's dedication. "I've always admired athletes. The discipline, the commitment... it's a lot like art in some ways. You have to put in so much effort to get it just right."

Mav seemed to soften a little, her eyes reflecting a hint of curiosity. "I never thought about it that way. I guess we both have our passions. Yours is art, right?"

Aya nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I love capturing the world around me. There's something magical about seeing things from a different perspective and putting it on a piece of paper."

Mav poured her shake into a glass, taking a sip. "That's pretty cool. I guess I never really understood art, but hearing you talk about it makes me see it differently. It's like how I feel when I'm running, like nothing else matters and it's just me and the track."

Aya smiled, feeling a connection forming between them. "Exactly! Sa tuwing nag d-draw ako, it's like I'm in my own world. It's just me and the lines on the paper, creating something new."

For a moment, the two girls shared a comfortable silence, each lost in thoughts about their respective passions. Aya felt a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, they could understand each other after all.

Mav glanced at Aya's sketchbook. "Do you mind if I take a look?"

Aya handed it over, a bit nervous but excited to share her work. Mav flipped through the pages, her eyes examining every detail. "These are really good. You've got some serious talent, Miraya."

"Thanks," Aya said, feeling a warm glow from the compliment. "I've been drawing for as long as I can remember. It's my way of expressing myself."

"Ay tsaka, you can call me Aya for short."

Mav handed the sketchbook back with a small smile. "Okay, Ate Aya."

Mav was about to get inside her room when she paused and looked back at Aya, who was also looking at her. "Maybe... maybe you can teach me how to draw sometime."

Aya's heart swelled. "I'd love that! And maybe you can show me some of your training techniques. I could use a bit more discipline in my life."

Mav chuckled softly. "Okay, Deal."

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