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

Chapter 50: Emotions and Commitments

The next morning, Mav awoke to the soft light of dawn filtering through her window.

She stretched and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, recalling the events of the previous night.

A sense of urgency prompted her to check on Aya.

She quickly dressed and made her way to the kitchen, following the comforting aroma of cooking.

As she entered the kitchen, she saw Aya at the stove, preparing breakfast.

The sight of Aya, focused and serene, brought a smile to Mav's face.

She quietly approached, her footsteps almost silent on the tiled floor, but Aya, lost in thought, was startled slightly when Mav drew near.

Mav chuckled softly. "Good morning, Aya."

Aya turned her head. "Oh, good morning, Mav. Nakakagulat ka naman."

Mav grinned, moving to hug Aya from behind. "Sorry about that."

She let go and reached for an apple sitting on the counter, feeling a bit of mischief in the way Aya had reacted.

Aya felt the warmth of Mav's embrace linger, but her thoughts were interrupted when Mav, now munching on the apple, seemed to be in a rush.

"Are you not going to have a proper breakfast?" Aya asked, concern etching her voice.

Mav was already slipping into her practice attire for basketball, her mind on the day's game. "This apple is fine for now. I'll grab something more later," she replied, her voice distracted.

Aya frowned, louder this time. "Mavise Jian Lim, are you seriously going to skip breakfast?" Her tone was firm, with a hint of annoyance.

Mav glanced up, finally catching the seriousness in Aya's eyes. "I'll be okay, promise. An apple is enough to keep me going for now."

Aya sighed, turning back to her cooking. "Okay, sabi mo eh. Just don't come complaining to me later when you're starving."

Mav laughed lightly. "Got it. I'll make sure to grab something more substantial before the game."

She was about to step closer to Aya, perhaps to offer another reassuring touch, when her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw Loui's name on the screen.

Mav's expression faltered for a moment, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

"Sagutin mo na, Mavise. Baka importante," Aya said, her tone betraying a mixture of indifference and subtle unease.

Mav nodded, reluctantly answering the call. "Hey, Loui."

Loui's voice came through the line, explaining that she couldn't make it to Mav's practice today, but promised to be there for the game. Mav's expression softened. "It's okay, Loui. Take care, and I'll see you at the game."

She hung up and turned to find Aya still focused on her cooking, her movements precise and almost mechanical. Mav approached cautiously. "Aya, are you coming to the game today? It's a big game."

Aya turned off the stove, facing Mav with a measured look. "You do know may contest din ako, diba?"

Mav's face fell, realizing she had forgotten. "Oh... right. I forgot. Sorry."

Aya's eyes softened slightly, though her mood was still guarded. "Of course, I can't make it to the game itself, but I can come to your practice. I'll bring my art materials and work on my stuff there."

Mav's face lit up, relief washing over her. "Talaga ba?"

Aya nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. Mav, unable to contain her excitement, moved closer and kissed Aya's cheek. "Okay, see you mamaya."

She turned and hurried out of the dorm, leaving Aya standing there, her hand instinctively moving to where Mav's lips had touched.

Aya stood still, her heart racing, the warmth from Mav's kiss spreading through her like a gentle flame.

"Grabe na talaga 'yang si MJ Lim."

Aya muttered, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth as she resumed cooking, her thoughts lingering on the girl who had just made her morning a little brighter.

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