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

Chapter 21: Consequences

Mav finally arrived in her lecture room, but the atmosphere shifted subtly as students noticed her entrance.

Whispers trailed in her wake, conversations faltering as she found an empty seat and settled into it, her expression guarded.

She could feel the weight of their stares, mixed with curiosity, judgment, and perhaps a hint of sympathy.

Ignoring the uneasy silence, Mav focused on preparing for the class ahead.

Mav took out her notebook and tried to immerse herself in the lecture materials, though her mind kept drifting back to the morning's events and the impending disciplinary action.

Just as the professor began the lesson, Mav's phone buzzed with a notification.

Mav glanced down to see a message summoning her to the university's disciplinary office. Closing her notebook with a sigh, she stood and made her way out, aware of the eyes tracking her every move.

Entering the administrative building, Mav navigated through familiar corridors, the weight of anticipation heavy on her shoulders.

Finally reaching the office, she pushed open the door marked "Disciplinary Affairs."

The administrator, Ms. Ramirez, greeted her with a stern look that softened marginally upon seeing Mav's somber demeanor. "Ms. Lim, please have a seat," she said, gesturing towards a chair opposite her desk.

Mav nodded silently, her nerves tightening as Ms. Ramirez outlined the incident report. Her fists clenched involuntarily as she heard the words "temporary suspension" and "physical altercation."

The severity of her actions was crystal clear, and Mav accepted the consequences with a tight-lipped resolve.

Ms. Ramirez's voice was firm but not unkind as she emphasized the university's zero-tolerance policy towards violence. Mav listened intently, her mind racing with a mix of regret and a steely determination to make amends.

Once the formalities were concluded, Mav signed the necessary paperwork, her signature a stark acknowledgment of her accountability. She thanked Ms. Ramirez quietly and left the office with a heavy heart.

Exiting the office, Mav's steps faltered as she spotted Cream lounging nearby. Cream's eyes glittered with malicious amusement as she noticed Mav's approach.

Without hesitation, she feigned discomfort, drawing attention to her cheek where Mav's punch had landed earlier.

A professor approached, concerned, and asked if Cream needed medical attention. Cream's response was a studied mix of pain and vindictiveness, her gaze never leaving Mav's face.

When the professor finally moved away, Cream's expression hardened into a smirk, and she muttered under her breath loud enough for Mav to hear.

"I'll make Aya's life a living hell."

Mav's hands clenched at her sides, the urge to punch Cream again was there, but there was a voice of reason echoing in her mind.

It was Aya's voice.

"Violence won't solve anything."

Taking a deep breath, Mav forced herself to turn away. She couldn't afford to let Cream provoke her further.

The consequences were already severe enough, and she couldn't risk making things worse.

Cream's scoff followed her as she walked away, the sound like a taunt ringing in her ears.

Mav retreated to her dormitory, her thoughts swirling with regret, anger, and a deep-seated determination to make things right with Aya.

-

Back in her room, Mav sank onto her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. The day had taken its toll on her, both physically and emotionally.

She replayed the events in her mind, acknowledging her mistakes and the repercussions they had brought.

The temporary suspension hung over her like a shadow, a constant reminder of her impulsive actions. But amidst the turmoil, a flicker of determination sparked within her.

She knew she needed to prove something to Aya, to make amends and prove that she was worthy of their friendship.

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