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

Chapter 39: Glow

The game continued with fierce competition, but Mav's team played with a fire and determination that couldn't be matched.

They secured the championship, the final buzzer ringing out in a victory that sent the crowd into a frenzy of cheers.

Amidst the celebrations, Mav found her way back to Aya, her eyes searching for the one person who mattered the most.

When their eyes met, Aya felt her heart skip a beat, a warmth spreading through her chest.

Mav approached her, a broad smile on her face. "We did it," she said, her voice filled with joy and relief.

"You were amazing," Aya replied, her eyes shining with pride. "I'm so proud of you."

Mav's smile softened, and for a moment, she looked at Aya with an intensity that made Aya's breath catch.

"Thank you," she said quietly, her voice filled with a depth of emotion that went beyond words.

-

The dormitory woke up slowly to the gentle rays of the morning sun, filtering through curtains and casting a warm glow across the rooms.

It's finally Saturday.

Aya stirred from her sleep, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her after the excitement of Mav's championship victory the night before.

She glanced at her phone and found a new message waiting from Mav.

Mav: Morning, Aya! Still buzzing from last night's win. Hope you slept well. Want to grab breakfast together?

Aya's heart skipped a beat at the sight of Mav's message, her lips curving into a soft smile. She quickly replied.

Aya: Morning, champ! I'm starving. Let's meet in the common cafe in 15?

-

Mav was already waiting in the common cafe when Aya arrived, a radiant smile lighting up her face as she saw Aya approach.

The room was quiet, save for the soft murmur of voices from a few early risers scattered around.

"Good morning," Aya greeted warmly, settling into a chair across from Mav.

"Good morning," Mav replied, her smile widening. "How'd you sleep?"

"Like a baby," Aya chuckled. "Still can't believe you won. Galing mo ah."

Mav's cheeks colored slightly, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Nanonood ka kasi."

They ordered breakfast from the small kitchenette adjoining the common room, the aroma of fresh coffee mingling with the scent of pastries and eggs.

As they waited for their food, the conversation flowed effortlessly between them. They reminisced about the game, laughing over the unexpected moments and the thrill of victory.

-

As they ate, Mav found herself continually drawn back to the moment on the court when she had saved Aya from the ball. She stole glances at Aya, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions she struggled to articulate.

"Aya, about last night," Mav began tentatively, her gaze searching Aya's eyes.

Aya looked up, curiosity mingled with warmth in her expression. "Yeah?"

Mav took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I just wanted to say," she started, her voice softening with sincerity, "thank you for being there. It really meant a lot to have you cheering for me."

Aya smiled warmly, sensing the depth of Mav's gratitude. "I'll always be there to support you, Mav," she replied gently, her hand reaching across the table to briefly touch Mav's.

Mav's eyes softened, a shy smile playing on her lips. "I know," she murmured, a sense of warmth spreading through her at Aya's reassurance.

-

The morning sun filtered through the windows of their dormitory, casting a golden glow over everything it touched. A sense of peace settled over the room as Aya and Mav finished their breakfast, their conversation turning to lighter topics.

"So, any plans for today?" Aya asked, sipping her coffee and glancing over at Mav.

Mav shrugged playfully, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Hmm, I was thinking of exploring that new museum that opened downtown," she replied, her voice tinged with excitement.

Aya grinned. "Sounds like a plan."

They laughed together, the easy banter between them filling the air with warmth and camaraderie.

After breakfast, they cleaned up the dishes together, their movements synchronized as they put away the plates and wiped down the table.

-