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

Chapter 30: Bonds

Weeks had passed since the incident with Cream, and life at the dorm had slowly returned to its usual rhythm.

The fear and tension of that night seemed to be fading into the background, overshadowed by the hum of everyday routines and the upcoming events that occupied everyone's minds.

Yet, for Mav and Aya, things were far from normal.

The once unbreakable bond between them now seemed fragile, a tension lingering in the air whenever their paths crossed.

Mav had distanced herself from Aya, consumed by a gnawing sense of guilt and the whispers of doubt that seemed to echo in every corner of her mind.

She couldn't shake the feeling that she was a magnet for trouble, that being close to her would only bring danger to Aya.

The rumors that had always followed her of being reckless, of attracting chaos now seemed to hold a grain of truth, and she couldn't bear the thought of putting Aya in harm's way again.

Aya, on the other hand, was frustrated and hurt by Mav's avoiding her.

She missed her Mav, the late-night talks, and the comfort of knowing that someone always had her back. She didn't care about the rumors or the whispers of others, she just wanted Mav to take the first step.

-

The sun rose, casting a gentle glow over the dormitory, signaling the start of a new day.

Mav lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts a tangled mess of confusion and regret. The morning light filtered through the curtains, painting patterns on the walls, but she barely noticed.

Today was just another day to get through the classes, practice, and the ever-present shadow of her troubled thoughts.

In another part of the dorm, Aya was already up, her heart heavy with a mix of anticipation and sorrow.

After classes, she had planned a visit to her mother's tomb, a ritual that always brought a bittersweet sense of solace.

The thought of being close to her mother, even if only in memory, gave her the strength to face the day ahead.

The hours of classes dragged on, filled with lectures that neither girl fully absorbed.

Mav's mind was only half-present, her thoughts drifting to the basketball practice she had later.

The championship was just a week away, and she needed to lose herself in the game, to drown out the chaos in her mind with the familiar rhythm of dribbling and shooting.

Aya, too, went through her classes with a distracted air, her thoughts constantly straying to her mother's tomb.

She longed for the quiet moments there, where she could talk to her mother and feel a sense of peace amidst the storm of her emotions.

-

As soon as her last class ended, Aya made her way to the cemetery, her steps quickening.

The cemetery was a place of quiet reflection, its paths lined with tall, whispering trees and rows of tombstones standing in silent testimony to lives once lived.

Aya walked slowly, her heart heavy with memories and a longing for her mother's comforting presence.

As she stayed for minutes at her mother's tomb, she noticed a familiar figure nearby.

It was Mav's mother, standing by another tombstone, her face soft with quiet sorrow.

Aya hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and curiosity, before walking up to her.

"Ma," Aya said softly, her voice trembling slightly. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Mav's mother turned, her eyes lighting up with recognition and warmth. "Aya! Nakakagulat ka naman," she said, her voice filled with genuine affection. She embraced Aya gently, her touch a comforting balm to Aya's frayed nerves. "It's good to see you, nak. What brings you here today?"

"I was visiting my mom's tomb," Aya explained, her voice soft. 

"I'm here visiting my husband's tomb," Mav's mother said, her voice tinged with quiet sadness. "Mav's father passed away a few years ago."

Aya's eyes widened with surprise and empathy. She hadn't known that Mav's father was gone, and the realization filled her with a deep, unspoken understanding. "I'm so sorry to hear that," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mav's mother smiled gently, her eyes reflecting a deep sorrow and resilience. "Life has its way of testing us," she said, her voice steady despite the grief that lingered in her eyes. "But we find the strength to carry on, di ba?"

"Tama.."

-