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

Chapter 35: Invitation

The next morning dawned bright and clear, casting a warm glow over the room.

Aya's alarm buzzed insistently, pulling her from the depths of sleep.

Groaning, she reached out with a sluggish arm to silence the persistent noise.

Blinking against the morning light, she sat up, rubbing her eyes and stretching her arms above her head.

Aya shuffled to the bathroom, her mind still clouded with sleep, and splashed some cold water on her face to wake herself up.

After quickly brushing her teeth, still wearing a pair of pajama pants and an oversized T-shirt, she headed out of her room, her hair tousled and her eyes still heavy with sleep.

As she stepped into the hallway, the delicious aroma of breakfast hit her nose.

She followed the scent to the kitchen, where she found Mav bustling around, setting up the table with a spread of food that looked like it came straight from a five-star restaurant.

Mav was humming softly to herself, completely absorbed in arranging the dishes.

Occasionally, she would pause, holding her hands up as if framing a shot with an invisible camera, a look of intense concentration on her face.

The sight made Aya smile, there was something irresistibly endearing about Mav's focused expression.

Aya leaned against the doorframe, her voice still rough from sleep.

"Hello, Mavy."

Mav jumped slightly at the sound, turning quickly to face Aya. Her eyes widened, but she quickly broke into a warm smile.

"Good morning, Miraya!" she said cheerfully, her voice filled with a contagious energy.

Aya pushed herself off the doorframe, rubbing her eyes as she walked over to the table. She glanced around at the assortment of dishes, impressed by the sheer variety and presentation. "Wow, you didn't burn down the dorm this time, huh?" she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Mav laughed. "Well, Yeah," she said with a grin, gesturing for Aya to take a seat. "I thought we could have breakfast together."

Aya plopped down in a chair, the enticing smell of food making her stomach growl. "Ay wow hindi rin sunog, Mav," she said, reaching for a piece of toast.

Mav took a seat across from her, a look of pride on her face. "Thank you. I wanted to do something special. I've been experimenting with some new recipes," she said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

They dug into the breakfast, the kitchen filling with the sounds of clinking cutlery and contented sighs. Aya savored each bite, the flavors bursting in her mouth. "Masarap man siya, Mavise Jian Lim," she said between bites, her words muffled by the food.

Mav's cheeks flushed. "I'm glad you liked it. I was a bit worried it might not turn out well," she admitted, her voice soft with modesty.

Aya shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "You worry too much, Mav. You're actually a great cook," she said warmly. "I'm just lucky to have you as my roommate."

They continued eating in silence, the atmosphere relaxed and filled with quiet contentment.

Mav occasionally glanced up at Aya, a thoughtful look in her eyes as if she were contemplating something important.

Finally, as they were finishing their meal, Mav cleared her throat, looking a bit hesitant. "So, what's your agenda today?" she asked, trying to sound casual but unable to hide the curiosity in her voice.

Aya took a sip of her juice, leaning back in her chair. "I have a plate to submit this afternoon," she replied, a hint of weariness in her voice. "It's a big one for my art class, and I've been working on it for days."

"Did you manage to finish it?" Mav asked.

Aya nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, I stayed up a bit late last night to get it done after last night," she admitted, a hint of fatigue creeping into her voice.

Mav frowned slightly, her brow furrowing. "You shouldn't push yourself too hard, Aya. I don't want you losing sleep because of me," she said softly. "You need to take care of yourself."

Aya's expression softened, her eyes filled with warmth. "I'll always have time for you, Mav," she said gently. "You're important to me."

Mav felt a warm flush spreading through her chest, her heart skipping a beat. She cleared her throat, trying to hide the sudden rush of emotion. "After your classes today... I was thinking..." she began, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the right words.

Aya looked at her curiously, her head tilted slightly to the side. "Thinking about what?" she prompted.

Mav looked down at her plate, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the tablecloth. "Mama wants to see you. It's her birthday today," she said quietly, her voice tinged with shyness. "She asked if you could join us for a little celebration."

Aya's eyes widened, a look of excitement crossing her face. "Why didn't you tell me last night?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and mild reproach. "I would have loved to help plan something special."

Mav shrugged, still avoiding eye contact. "I didn't want to bother you. I thought you might be busy with your project," she said softly, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Aya reached across the table, placing a gentle hand on Mav's arm. "I'm never too busy sa into ni Mama," she said warmly. "Plus, you know I'd love to join you. Mama is like a second mother to me na kaya."

Mav couldn't hide the pleased smile that spread across her face. "Well, I'm glad to hear that," she said.

They continued eating, the conversation flowing easily between them.

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