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

Chapter 40: Light-Hearted Banter

[Flashback]

One serene evening, Aya and Mav found themselves on the dormitory rooftop, a bottle of wine, and their goals spread out before them under the starlit sky.

The city below twinkled with lights, a backdrop to their intimate conversation.

Mav, ever the spirited one, leaned back against the ledge, her eyes shining. "I'm going to win that championship," she declared confidently, swirling the wine in her glass.

Aya chuckled softly, her gaze thoughtful as she took a sip of her own wine. "And what about you, Aya?" Mav asked, nudging her gently. "What's your biggest goal?"

Aya looked out at the city lights, her expression momentarily distant before she turned back to Mav, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "I want to open a museum someday. Just a small one, even. Somewhere people can come and see my art. Maybe even feel something."

Mav had smiled, feeling a surge of affection for her friend. "I believe in you, Aya," she had replied softly. "You have so much talent. One day, everyone will see it."

Aya had chuckled, her cheeks flushed with a mix of warmth and tipsiness. "You're just saying that because you're my Mavy," she teased lightly, her words laced with a touch of sarcasm.

"But sure, you have my permission. When I'm rich and famous, my artwork will be all over your museum."

Mav had laughed, the sound carrying into the night sky. She had made a mental note that evening, promising herself silently that she would make Aya's dream come true, win the championship or not.

[End of Flashback]

Parking near the downtown museum, Aya couldn't help but notice the buzz of excitement in the air. "Why are there so many people here?" she asked, glancing around at the crowd gathered outside the museum's entrance.

Mav smiled knowingly, leading Aya towards the entrance. "It's a special day, Aya," she replied cryptically, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.

As they approached, Mav recognized familiar faces among the crowd.

Ju and Savi, their freshman friends, were engaged in an argument near the entrance.

Mav waved at them, drawing their attention.

Ju grinned mischievously as they approached. "Bagal mo naman, Mavise Lim. Ingay nitong kasama ko oh.

"Ikaw kaya tong magulo. Ewan ko ba bakit ako nag agree na sumama sa'yo. Tsk." Savi rolled her eyes.

Ju sighed and asked Mav. "Oh, ano? Ready ka na ba?"

Mav nodded with a secretive smile. "Of course, Juliana. Magiging unforgettable toh."

Aya glanced between Mav and their friends, her curiosity reaching its peak. "Okay, what's going on?" she asked, unable to contain her excitement.

Savi chuckled softly, exchanging a knowing look with Ju. "You'll find out soon enough, Quinley. Just wait."

Aya's heart raced as they stood at the entrance, the ribbon still hanging across the doorway. "Why is there a ribbon?" she asked, her eyes scanning the scene with wonder.

"It's the grand opening today," Savi explained with a grin. "And trust me, you're in for a surprise."

Aya's eyes widened in realization. "Wait, does this have something to do with the museum we were talking about earlier?" she asked, turning to Mav for confirmation.

Mav simply nodded, a secretive smile playing on her lips. "You'll see, Aya."

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