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

Chapter 52: Winning Hearts

When the time for the game finally arrived, Mav felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. She was determined to play her best, knowing that Aya might be watching.

As the game began, she scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. But a smile left her lips when she remembered Aya's agenda. Feeling proud of the older latter.

Meanwhile, at the auditorium, Aya was equally focused on her art contest.

The competition started at 5 PM, the same time as Mav's basketball game.

Aya's concentration was absolute, her brushstrokes deliberate and precise.

She glanced at the clock, noting that it was almost 6 PM.

She hoped she could finish soon and make it to Mav's game in time.

During a break in the game, Mav glanced at her phone, checking for any messages from Aya.

Aya: Good luck, MJ. I'll be there soon. 💖

She saw the text that made her heart skip a beat.

Mav smiled, feeling a surge of adrenaline.

She knew she had to give her all, not just for the team, but for Aya.

As the game progressed, Mav's performance was outstanding, her teammates cheering her on.

But as the clock ticked closer to 6 PM, Mav couldn't help but look at the time, worrying about Aya.

On the other side, Aya was doing her best to finish her artwork. Her focus was intense, but she couldn't shake the thought of Mav and the game.

Mav kept glancing at the clock, the minutes slipping away faster than she wanted.

Back at the game, Mav's team was losing.

The coach noticed Mav spacing out and called her out. "Mavise, focus! We need you out there!"

Mav snapped back to reality. "Sorry, Coach. I'm on it."

The game continued, and Mav pushed herself harder, trying to keep her mind off Aya's absence. She knew she had to stay focused for her team.

Aya, meanwhile, was putting the final touches on her artwork.

With the last stroke, she breathed a sigh of relief, knowing she had done her best.

She rushed to her instructor, asking if she could leave to catch Mav's game.

The instructor shook his head. "The artists can't leave until results and ranks are announced."

Aya, determined to leave, replied, "Fuck the rank, aalis na po ako."

She ran towards the exit, shouting back, "Sorry for the bad word po, bye!"

Her heart pounded as she sprinted towards the gym where Mav's game was being held.

Finally, Aya arrived, breathless and anxious.

She scanned the court, spotting Mav just as she fell from a push by another player.

Aya's heart clenched with worry.

Gab was ready to throw a fist when Ju stopped her, both of them helping Mav up.

Mav hadn't noticed Aya yet, so Aya sat on the bench where Mav could easily see her.

Suddenly, Loui ran up to Mav, offering her a towel and a bottle of water.

Mav glanced at Loui but didn't take them. As she looked around, her eyes landed on Aya, who smiled brightly at her.

Mav's heart soared, and she smiled back. She was about to go to Aya, but the game resumed. 

Mav also told Loui to go back to her seat, Mav's focus is now sharpened by Aya's presence.

During a crucial moment in the game, Mav caught sight of Aya's beaming face.

Aya's presence was like a shot of pure energy, and Mav felt an overwhelming sense of joy and relief. She played with even more intensity, her eyes meeting Aya's across the court.

Each time Mav took a shot, she glanced at Aya, a smile tugging at her lips. She felt invincible, her movements fluid and confident.

The crowd roared with each point she scored, but all Mav could focus on was Aya's proud smile.

As the clock ticked down, the game grew even more intense.

Mav's team was still behind, but she was determined to turn the tide.

With each successful shot, she glanced at Aya, her heart swelling with pride and determination.

Aya watched from the sidelines, her heart pounding with every move Mav made.

Aya could see the focus and determination in Mav's eyes, and it filled her with admiration.

She cheered loudly, her voice blending with the crowd's roar.

Mav's coach called for a timeout with only a few minutes left on the clock. "Alright, team, we're down, but not out. We need to pull together and give it everything we've got. Mav, I need you to lead us."

Mav nodded. "We've got this, Coach."

As the game resumed, Mav felt a surge of energy. She knew this was their last chance.

She played with everything she had, her eyes constantly seeking Aya's for encouragement.

With each point, the gap between the scores narrowed.

Aya could see the exhaustion in Mav's movements, but she also saw the fire in her eyes.

She knew Mav was giving it her all, and it made her heart swell.

She continued to cheer, hoping her presence would give Mav the strength she needed.

With only seconds left on the clock, Mav's team was down by one point.

The ball was in Mav's hands, and the crowd held its breath. She dribbled past her opponents, her focus laser-sharp.

As she approached the basket, she took one last look at Aya.

Aya's eyes were filled with encouragement, and she mouthed, "You can do it."

Mav felt a rush of adrenaline.

She took the shot, the ball sailing through the air.

Time seemed to slow as everyone watched its arc.

The ball swished through the net, and the buzzer sounded, signaling their victory.

The crowd erupted in cheers, and Mav's teammates rushed to her, lifting her in celebration.

Mav's first thought was to find Aya.

She scanned the crowd, her eyes locking onto Aya's as she made her way towards her.

Aya stood there, her face lit up with happiness.

Mav rushed over, not caring about the crowd around them. She pulled Aya into a tight embrace, feeling the warmth and comfort of her presence.

"You did it!" Aya exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

"We did it," Mav corrected, pulling back to look into Aya's eyes. "Thank you for being here."

Aya smiled, her eyes shining. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Mav leaned in, their foreheads touching. "Let's talk later, okay? I want to hear all about your contest."

Aya nodded, her heart pounding with happiness. "I'll tell you everything. But first, let's celebrate your victory."

Mav grinned, feeling an overwhelming sense of contentment and joy. "Deal."

-