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

Chapter 36: Silence

After finishing breakfast, they cleaned up the kitchen together, their movements easy and synchronized.

The atmosphere was filled with a comfortable silence, the only sounds were the clinking of dishes and the gentle hum of the faucet.

Once everything was tidied up, Aya and Mav headed out of the dorm, each going their separate ways to attend their classes.

The campus was alive with the hustle and bustle of students, the air filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation.

Aya's classes passed in a blur of lectures and assignments, her mind constantly drifting back to the upcoming celebration with Mav and her mother.

The thought brought a smile to her face, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. She was looking forward to spending time with Mav's family, the sense of belonging and warmth a comforting presence in her life.

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As the afternoon sun began to dip towards the horizon, Aya finished her final class and made her way back to the dorm.

She quickly freshened up, changed into a casual but presentable outfit, and texted Mav to let her know she was ready.

Within minutes, Mav replied: "Okay, Meet us outside the dormitory."

Aya hurried to the designated spot, her heart racing with excitement.

She spotted Mav and her mother standing by the entrance, both of them looking happy and relaxed.

Mav waved enthusiastically when she saw Aya, and her mother greeted her with a warm hug.

"Happy birthday po, Ma!" Aya said cheerfully, handing over a small gift she had picked up earlier

A beautifully wrapped box containing a delicate bracelet.

Mav's mother beamed, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Thank you, nak! You didn't have to, but this is lovely," she said. "It's so thoughtful of you."

Aya smiled, feeling a warm glow of satisfaction. "I'm glad you liked it po. I wanted to do something special for you," she said warmly.

They spent the afternoon together, visiting a quaint café for a light lunch and strolling through the nearby park.

The weather was perfect, the sky a brilliant blue with a few fluffy clouds drifting lazily by.

The park was filled with the sounds of laughter and the scent of blooming flowers, creating a picturesque backdrop for their celebration.

Mav's mother shared stories from Mav's childhood, much to Mav's embarrassment. "Did you know, Aya, that Mav used to be terrified of chickens?" she said with a chuckle, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Aya raised an eyebrow, a look of disbelief crossing her face. "Really, Mav? Chickens?" she asked, her voice filled with playful incredulity.

Mav groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Ma naman, please! Not the chicken story," she pleaded, her voice muffled by her hands.

Her mother laughed, patting Mav on the back. "It's true! She wouldn't go near them. We had to coax her with candy just to get her to feed them," she said, her voice filled with affectionate laughter.

Aya laughed, the sound bright and joyful. "Well, that's adorable," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I wish I could have seen that."

Mav peeked out from behind her hands, a sheepish smile on her face. "Yeah, yeah, tawanan mo lang ako," she said.

They continued their walk, the conversation flowing easily between them, filled with laughter and shared stories.

The bond between them grew stronger with each passing moment, the sense of family and belonging a comforting presence in their lives.

As the day turned to evening, they returned to the dorm, where Mav and Aya bade farewell to Mav's mother. "Take care, my dear junakis," she said, waving as she drove away. "And don't stay up too late, ha?!"

Aya and Mav watched the car disappear into the distance, a sense of contentment settling over them. They walked back to the dorm, their steps in sync.

Later that night, as Aya lay in bed, she couldn't help but reflect on the events of the day. 

As she drifted off to sleep, a small, contented smile played on her lips.

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