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

Chapter 23: Unseen

Aya and Mav moved through washing and drying dishes, the clinking of plates and the rush of water filling the silence that hung heavy between them.

It was a task they had done together many times before, but tonight, each movement seemed laden with unspoken tension.

"Aya, sorry," Mav said quietly, breaking the silence tentatively.

"Not now, Mavise," Aya replied, her voice carrying a hint of reluctance.

Mav paused in drying the plate, her eyes meeting Aya's with concern. "Be careful with Cream. Seems like she's up to something."

Aya's brows furrowed slightly in surprise. She glanced at Mav, a flicker of worry crossing her features. "Mav, don't overthink it. Let's just finish this."

Mav nodded, focusing back on the dishes, but her mind raced with thoughts of Cream and the implications of her warning.

-

Across the dorm room, Mina and Shi sat together on the couch, watching Aya and Mav work in the kitchen. Mina's expression was troubled, her thoughts evidently elsewhere.

"I still feel off about Lim," Mina admitted quietly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Shi nodded sympathetically, reaching out to squeeze Mina's hand in reassurance. "It's okay to feel that. Gab and I are on a cool-off right now after what happened."

Mina sighed, grateful for Shi's support but still troubled by her own thoughts. "She's been texting me, looking for you," Mina added, a note of concern in her voice. "I've been telling her you're busy."

Shi's gaze flickered briefly to where Aya and Mav were finishing up in the kitchen. "Thanks, Mina. I appreciate it."

-

As Mav and Aya finished their task in the kitchen, they made their way over to where Shi and Mina were seated on the couch. Aya couldn't help but notice the tense atmosphere.

"What were you two talking about?" Aya asked casually, her curiosity piqued.

Mina exchanged a quick glance with Shi, a hint of hesitation in her eyes. "Oh, it's nothing," she replied with a forced smile.

Mav stood a little apart from the group, watching them closely. Suddenly, her phone buzzed in her pocket, startling her. She quickly retrieved it and glanced at the screen, her expression turning serious.

Without a word, Mav's eyes widened in shock. She swiftly turned and ran out of the dorm, leaving Aya, Mina, and Shi bewildered by her sudden departure.

Aya exchanged a worried look with Mina and Shi. "Anyare dun?" Shi asked, her concern growing palpable.

Before anyone could respond, a sudden, sharp sound cut through the air.

A loud sound.

Aya instinctively moved towards the direction of the noise, but Mina grabbed her arm firmly, holding her back.

"Wait, Aya," Mina urged, her voice tense with caution.

Another loud thud followed, sounding ominously close as if it came from just outside the dorm.

The three of them exchanged alarmed glances, realizing the danger was nearby.

Mina, always protective of her friends, stepped forward decisively. "I'll check," she said, her voice steady despite the nerves.

Aya and Shi watched anxiously as Mina cautiously made her way towards the exit.

Every second felt like an eternity as they waited in tense silence.

When Mina finally emerged outside, her heart sank when Mav ran towards her.

Mav lay on the ground, unconscious and bleeding.

Without hesitation, Mina rushed to Mav's side, checking her pulse and assessing her injuries.

Aya and Shi joined Mina, their hands shaking as they tried to help.

"What happened?" Aya asked urgently, her voice trembling with worry.

Mina's expression was grim as she looked up at Aya. "Si Mavise..." she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We need to get help."

-