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

Chapter 38: Defining Moment

The sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the city as the anticipation for the championship game grew.

Aya is still in their dorm glancing at the clock, noting that it was almost time for Mav to pick her up. Her phone buzzed with a new message from Mav.

Mav: Hey, okay ka na ba? I'm on my way to pick you up. Be there in 10 minutes.

Aya smiled, her heart fluttering with excitement.

She quickly got ready, choosing a casual yet supportive outfit that showed off her team spirit. She grabbed her bag and headed downstairs, waiting by the dorm entrance for Mav to arrive.

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A few minutes later, Aya spotted Mav's car pulling up. Mav got out, her expression lighting up as she saw Aya waiting. She walked over, her eyes filled with warmth.

"Hey there, ready for the big game?" Mav greeted, her voice tinged with excitement.

"Syempre!" Aya replied with a bright smile. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Mav's eyes softened as she looked at Aya. "Thank you, Aya. It means a lot to have you there," she said sincerely.

They got into the car, and as Mav drove towards the game venue, their conversation flowed easily, filled with lighthearted banter, and shared excitement for the upcoming game.

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When they arrived at the gym, Aya's eyes widened at the sight of the crowd.

The gym was packed with fans, their energy palpable as they chanted and cheered for their teams.

Aya felt a knot of nerves tightening in her stomach, the sheer number of people, and the loud chants for Mav made her heart race.

Mav noticed Aya's nervousness and reached over, gently taking her hand. "Hey, it's okay," she said softly, giving Aya's hand a reassuring squeeze. "You'll be just fine."

Aya felt a wave of warmth and reassurance wash over her at Mav's touch and words. She looked up at Mav, her nerves settling slightly. "Thanks, Mav. It's just a bit overwhelming, andaming tao," she admitted, her voice tinged with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

Mav smiled, her eyes filled with a comforting warmth. "I understand. How about you sit on the player's bench? That way, I can keep an eye on you during the game, good view rin ganun," she suggested.

Aya chuckled, lightly hitting Mav's shoulder in a playful manner. "Bumabanat ka pa talaga," she teased.

Mav grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Anything to keep you close and safe," she replied, her voice low and sincere.

Aya's heart fluttered at Mav's words, a smile tugging at her lips. "Sige, sabi mo eh," she said warmly.

-

The game began with a surge of energy, the players darting across the court with swift, determined movements.

Aya found a spot on the player's bench, her eyes glued to Mav as she moved with grace and precision, her every move eliciting cheers from the crowd.

Despite her initial nervousness, Aya found herself getting caught up in the excitement of the game. She cheered loudly for Mav, her voice blending with the crowd's enthusiastic shouts.

But then, an unexpected moment occurred.

The opposing team made a sudden, aggressive play, and the ball was sent hurtling towards the bench where Aya sat.

Time seemed to slow as the ball soared through the air, heading straight for her.

Aya's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, she froze, her heart pounding.

Instinctively, she closed her eyes, bracing for the impact.

Her mind raced, accepting her fate.

But then, she heard a swift movement and a familiar voice that cut through the noise.

"Look out!" Mav's voice rang out, sharp and filled with urgency.

The next thing Aya knew, she felt a gust of wind and a presence shielding her.

When she finally opened her eyes, she saw Mav standing there, having deftly intercepted the ball.

Mav's expression was a mix of concern and relief as she looked at Aya.

"Are you okay?" Mav asked, her voice softening as she gazed at Aya.

Aya, her heart racing, nodded slowly. "Siguro...?" she replied, her voice trembling slightly.

Mav's face broke into a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, you're safe with me," she said gently, her eyes locking onto Aya's with a warmth that made Aya's heart flutter.

Before Aya could respond, Mav gave her a quick, reassuring nod and turned back to the game, sprinting towards the court with renewed determination.

Aya sat back, her heart pounding not from fear, but from the intensity of the moment.

She watched Mav continue to play, her movements graceful and focused, and a realization began to settle over her, a clarity that she hadn't fully acknowledged before.

Mav was not just her roommate, not just her friend or late-night buddy.

She wasn't just the person who shared coffee runs or made her laugh with silly jokes.

Mav is something more, something deeper.

She is Aya's person, the one who makes her feel safe and cherished.

Aya's gaze softened as she watched Mav, a small, tender smile playing on her lips. She knew then, in that unexpected moment, that her feelings for Mav ran much deeper than she had ever admitted to herself.

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