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

Chapter 44: Unknown Text Messages

A few weeks later.

Aya sat in the second row of her literature class, her pen poised over her notebook as she scribbled down key points from the professor's lecture.

Her phone buzzed discreetly in her pocket, pulling her attention away from the lecture.

She glanced down to see a message from an unknown number.

Unknown Number: You shouldn't trust Mav.

This wasn't the first time she had received such messages.

Over the past few weeks, there had been sporadic texts, each one hinting at some undisclosed reason why she should doubt Mav.

Aya sighed softly, feeling a mix of irritation and concern.

She knew Mav well.

Her kindness to Aya and to the people around Aya, making these messages seemed baseless and malicious for Aya.

Her classmates around her were focused in their notes. She quickly blocked the number, dismissing the message with a shake of her head.

"Just ignore it," she muttered to herself, determined not to let anonymous texts disrupt her focus.

As she turned her attention back to the lecture, her thoughts lingered on Mav.

They had become inseparable over the past semester, bonding over late-night study sessions, shared meals, and sudden gala around campus.

Aya couldn't imagine anyone sending these messages genuinely knowing Mav.

-

Across campus, Mav sat in the back row of her class, her gaze shifting between the professor's lecture slides and her phone screen.

The room was filled with the hum of discussion and the occasional click of a keyboard as students took notes.

Her phone vibrated, and she glanced down to see a message notification from an unfamiliar number.

Unknown Sender: You should find a new roommate. Aya deserves better.

Mav's brow furrowed in annoyance.

She recognized the number instantly—it was her ex-boyfriend's latest attempt to stir up trouble. They had broken up months ago, but he hadn't stopped trying to create rifts between her and Aya.

With a roll of her eyes, Mav swiftly typed a reply.

Mav: And you think Aya deserves you? Moron.

She hit send before thinking twice, her frustration evident in the terse response. Just as she pocketed her phone, her professor's voice cut through the room.

"Ms. Lim, phones away please," the professor reminded her sternly.

Mav nodded sheepishly, slipping her phone back into her bag and refocusing on the lecture. But her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Aya and the troubling messages they had both been receiving.

She knew Aya had brushed them off in the past, but Mav couldn't shake the feeling of unease. It wasn't just about defending their friendship—it was about protecting Aya from unnecessary worry.

-

After class, Mav hurried across campus to the library where she knew Aya would be studying. She spotted Aya at their usual table, surrounded by textbooks and notes.

A small smile tugged at Mav's lips as she approached.

"Hi," Mav greeted softly, sliding into the chair opposite her. "How's the lecture?"

Aya looked up, relief washing over her features at the sight of Mav. "Mavise," she replied with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "It was alright. Ikaw?"

Mav hesitated, debating how to broach the topic of the messages without alarming Aya. "I... got a text," she started carefully, choosing her words. "From my ex. He's still at it."

Aya's expression softened with understanding. "Yeah, me too," she admitted, her voice quiet. "Some unknown number, telling me not to trust you."

Mav's jaw tightened, her protective instincts kicking in. "Aya, you know I'd never do anything, right? I changed for the better," she said earnestly, reaching across the table to gently squeeze Aya's hand.

Aya nodded, squeezing Mav's hand in return. "I know," she replied, her voice filled with conviction. "It's just annoying. Like someone's trying to mess with us."

Mav nodded. "Don't worry, ako bahala sa mga 'yan," she muttered, her gaze fixed on Aya's. "But hey, don't let them get to us."

Aya smiled faintly, a flicker of determination in her eyes. "Yeah, you're right," she agreed, her tone more assured. "Let's just focus on what's real."

Mav nodded. "Exactly," she said firmly.

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken concern easing between them.

Despite the unsettling messages, Mav felt a renewed sense of closeness with Aya.

"So, any plans for later?" Mav asked, shifting the conversation to lighter topics.

Aya grinned, the tension from earlier dissipating. "Maybe dinner at that new café you mentioned?"

Mav smiled back, grateful for the opportunity to focus on happier things. "Sounds perfect," she replied warmly. "Let's get out of here."

Together, they gathered their belongings and headed out of the library, leaving the messages behind as they walked side by side.

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