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

Chapter 17: Trust?

Back at the dormitory, Shi trudged up the stairs, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

The weight of her emotions made each step feel like a marathon.

As she opened the door, Mina, her roommate, looked up from the couch, concern etched on her face.

The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the small lamp by the couch.

"Shi, anong nangyari sa'yo? Parang galing ka sa gera ah," Mina frowned, her voice filled with concern.

Shi closed the door behind her, leaning against it for support. Her hands trembled as she tried to compose herself, but the tears threatened to spill over again.

She took a deep breath, struggling to find the words to explain the turmoil inside her.

"It's... it's Gab. Nag away kami, ate," Shi's voice was shaky, her eyes filled with pain.

Before Shi could elaborate, there was a soft but urgent knock on the door.

Mina moved to get up, but Shi quickly intervened, her eyes wide with anxiety.

"Ate, teka. 'Wag mong buksan," Shi's voice was low, almost pleading.

"Bakit? Sino ba 'yan?" Mina looked confused, her brow furrowed.

"It's Gab... she... she wants to talk," Shi hesitated, her eyes darting towards the door.

The knocking persisted, accompanied by Gab's pleading voice, muffled by the door.

"Shi, please, let me in. We need to talk," Gab's voice was desperate.

Mina sensed the seriousness of the situation and stepped towards the door, her expression was serious.

Shi grabbed her arm, trying to hold her back, but Mina couldn't be stopped.

"Ako na bahala, magpahinga ka na jan, okay?" Mina's voice was firm, her eyes narrowing.

Mina opened the door slightly, enough to confront Gab but not let her in.

The hallway light cast a shadow on Gab's face, highlighting her tear-streaked cheeks and puffy eyes.

"Gab, go home. Shi is unwell. You can talk sa susunod pag okay na kayong dalawa," Mina's tone was authoritative, her stance blocking the doorway.

"Please, Ate Mina. I really need to talk to Shi," Gab looked desperate, trying to peer past Mina.

Mina's patience was wearing thin, her voice sharp. "Not tonight, Gab. Shi needs rest."

Gab's shoulders slumped in defeat, but she blurted out, "I'm sorry about Aya."

"What do you mean, Gab? What happened to Aya?" Mina's eyebrows shot up in surprise, her voice a mix of confusion and anger.

"Gab, no! Don't say anything," Shi, realizing what was about to unfold, rushed to the door, her face a mask of panic.

"Gab, explain. Now," Mina silenced Shi with a stern look, her voice cold.

Gab hesitated but spilled the beans anyway, her voice trembling.

"Mav... she used Aya for a bet."

Mina's face darkened with anger, her hands clenching into fists. "Nasaan si Lim?"

Gab, taken aback by the fury in Mina's voice, stammered. "She's at her dorm. Pero Mina, teka—"

But Mina was already out the door, her pace quickening as she ran towards Aya and Mav's dorm.

Her mind raced with thoughts of Aya, the betrayal she must have felt, and the pain inflicted by someone she trusted.

The cool night air did little to calm her fury.

"I won't let anyone use Aya. Not again," Mina muttered to herself.

Her footsteps echoed in the empty hallways, each step bringing her closer to Mav.

She thought about all the times Aya had been there for her, a steady presence in her life, always supportive and kind.

The idea that someone would exploit that kindness for a cruel joke flamed up a rage within her.

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