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

Chapter 49: Uncertainty

Mav arrived back at the dorm after a long evening out, feeling a sense of relief to finally be home.

As she walked through the quiet halls, she noticed the usual sounds of laughter and chatter were conspicuously absent.

It was unusually silent, almost eerie, which heightened Mav's senses as she called out for Aya.

"Aya?" Mav's voice echoed softly down the hallway.

There was no response.

She approached Aya's door and knocked gently, but there was still no answer.

Concern pricked at Mav's heart as she slowly turned the doorknob, hoping Aya was okay.

Pushing the door open, Mav's worry deepened when she saw Aya slumped over her desk, fast asleep.

Her face looked tired, lines of exhaustion etched into her features, yet there was a peacefulness in her rest that softened Mav's concern.

Carefully stepping inside, Mav set her bag down quietly, not wanting to disturb Aya.

She approached her friend slowly, observing how deeply Aya seemed to be sleeping.

She noticed the pen still held in Aya's hand, evidence of the thoughts and emotions that had likely kept her awake.

Gently, Mav lifted Aya from the chair, cradling her with care as she carried her to the bed.

Aya stirred slightly but didn't wake, instinctively settling into a more comfortable position as Mav laid her down gently.

As Mav tucked a stray strand of hair behind Aya's ear, she couldn't help but whisper softly, "Ang ganda mo talaga."

The words slipped out unconsciously, a testament to the admiration and affection she held for her friend.

Aya stirred again, a faint smile briefly crossing her face in response to Mav's touch, but she remained peacefully asleep.

With a heavy sigh, Mav quietly bid Aya goodnight, brushing her fingertips lightly over Aya's cheek before turning to leave.

She closed the door softly behind her, the click of the latch sealing Aya in a cocoon of solitude.

Mav stood outside for a moment, her thoughts filled with concern and the growing feelings for the older latter.

Turning away, Mav flicked off the hallway light, enveloping the dorm in darkness.

She whispered one last wish into the quiet, "Nandito lang ako, Miraya," before retreating to her own room, hoping that sleep would bring solace and clarity to both of them.

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As Mav closed the door gently behind her, she stood in the dimly lit hallway for a moment, replaying the tender scene in Aya's room.

The sight of Aya sleeping so peacefully, despite the turmoil she must be feeling, affected Mav deeply.

She sighed softly, feeling a mix of concern and affection for her friend.

Aya had always been resilient, strong-willed, and fiercely independent.

Seeing her like this, vulnerable and exhausted, reminded Mav of how much Aya had been through recently.

Quietly retracing her steps to her own room, Mav couldn't shake the worry gnawing at her.

She knew Aya well enough to sense when something was deeply troubling her, yet she felt powerless to help at this moment.

Entering her room, Mav sat on her bed, staring at the floor as she processed the events of the evening.

She wondered if she had missed any signs that Aya was struggling.

Guilt crept into her thoughts, wondering if her presence had inadvertently caused Aya pain.

Taking a deep breath, Mav knew she needed to give Aya the space to work through her emotions.

She hoped that by morning, Aya would awaken feeling more at ease, ready to confide in her if she chose to.

Turning off the bedside lamp, Mav lay back on her bed, staring up at the ceiling once more.

The image of Aya's peaceful face lingered in her mind, along with the whispered words of admiration she had murmured earlier.

"Mahal na ata kita, Arceta."

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