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

Chapter 22: Oh My Gulay

After sending a message to her mom about her suspension, Mav drifted off into an uneasy sleep.

It wasn't long before she was stirred awake by a gentle touch on her forehead. Blinking groggily, Mav saw Aya hovering over her, a look of concern etched on her face.

Mav shifted, confusion evident in her expression. "Aya? Anong ginagawa mo?"

Aya took a step back, her voice soft but firm. "I heard from the others that you didn't come back to our lecture room. I was worried."

Mav chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "Wala akong sakit, Aya."

Aya glanced down at the medicine and water bottle in her hand, realizing Mav's condition wasn't physical. "Eh bakit hindi ka na bumalik?"

Mav's gaze drifted away momentarily before meeting Aya's again. "I was called to the office. I got suspended for punching Cream."

Aya's shock was palpable. "Mav, you... punched someone?"

Mav's eyes flickered down to Aya's hand, which still held the medicine. She sighed, admitting, "Nakakainis kasi siya."

A tense silence settled between them for a moment, each grappling with the weight of the situation.

Aya finally cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "I have to go."

As Aya turned to leave, Mav's hand shot out, gripping Aya's wrist. "No, Aya. Please."

Aya paused, turning back to face Mav, who looked almost pleading.

Aya gently removed Mav's hand from her wrist. "I have to go, Mav."

But Mav wasn't ready to let her go just yet. "I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you, I promise. Just... let me."

Aya met Mav's gaze, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. She managed a small smile in response.

Slowly, Mav released her grip on Aya's shirt, and Aya left the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Aya stood outside for a moment, taking a deep breath.

Inside the room, Mav smiled to herself. She knew she had a lot of work to do to earn Aya's forgiveness, but she was determined to make things right.

-

Mav came out of her room, glancing at the wall clock that read 8 PM.

Dinner was the last thing on her mind, but as she headed toward the kitchen to cook, she spotted Aya, Mina, and Shi gathered together in the living area.

The air felt charged with unspoken tension, but Shi's awkward pause mid-bite and Mina's forced nonchalance told her they were aware of her presence.

Aya who was standing at the stove, noticed Mav and called out warmly, "Mav, don't let dinner wait."

Mav hesitated, her mind already forming excuses to retreat to her room and order takeout instead. But Aya's insistence and the empty chair beside Mav, clearly meant for her, spoke louder than her reservations.

Reluctantly, Mav took the seat, sitting across from Mina and Shi. She felt their eyes on her, assessing, perhaps judging. Aya continued cooking, seemingly absorbed in the task, her back turned to them.

As Mav tried to settle in, her phone vibrated discreetly. It was a message from Aya:

Aya: Hey, Mav. Mina and Shi don't know you're not really sick. Let's play along, okay? They're being nice kasi ang alam nila may sakit ka. I'll cover for you. 😊

Mav read the message, feeling conflicted. Aya had always been understanding, even in the midst of conflict. She coughed lightly, playing up her supposed illness, and glanced over at Aya, who appeared focused on seasoning the dish.

Minutes passed in awkward silence until Aya finished cooking. She served everyone, including Mav, who hesitated when Aya offered her a portion of vegetables.

Aya gave Mav a meaningful look that silently conveyed, "You should eat." Mav reluctantly accepted, knowing Aya's insistence wasn't without reason.

Inside, Aya couldn't help but chuckle softly to herself. She knew Mav doesn't like vegetables, Mav's mother texted Aya earlier after finding out about the suspension. It was a subtle punishment, wrapped in concern and care.

"Mav, your mom texted me earlier," Aya said casually, as she placed the vegetables on Mav's plate. "She wanted me to make sure you eat your vegetables tonight. Said it's good for you."

Mav sighed inwardly, caught off guard but not entirely surprised. She glanced at her plate, where the vegetables now seemed less like a punishment and more like a reminder of home.

The dinner continued in subdued tones, punctuated by the occasional polite remark or a forced smile. Mav focused on her plate, occasionally glancing at Aya, who seemed to navigate the situation with practiced ease.

Mina's guarded demeanor softened slightly, though the tension between her and Mav remained palpable.

As the meal drew to a close, Aya's phone buzzed again with a message from Mav:

Mav: Thanks for the gulay, Aya.

Aya smiled warmly in response, acknowledging Mav's gratitude. She knew there was more to be said and done between them, but for now, this small gesture of understanding and support was a step in the right direction.

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