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

Chapter 5: Kitchen Catastrophe

Aya awoke to a strong smell that filled her room like a heavy fog. Still sleepy, she opened her eyes to find the air thick with smoke.

The alarm instantly snapped her awake, and she sprung out of bed, heart pounding in her chest. Following her instincts, she hurried towards the kitchen, where the smell seemed strongest.

As she entered, Aya's eyes widened at the sight, there was a small flame flickered on a pan sitting atop the stove, ignored by its distracted cook. Mav stood in front of the stove, futilely waving a dish towel to clear the smoke.

Reacting swiftly, Aya dashed to the corner where the fire extinguisher was kept. Aya aimed and sprayed a cloud of white foam onto the pan, smothering the flames.

The kitchen fell into a tense silence, broken only by the sound of their heavy breathing and the hiss of the extinguisher.

After ensuring the fire was completely out, Aya let go of the extinguisher, her chest rising and falling with each deep breath.

Aya turned to face Mav, who stood before her with hands raised in surrender. Mav's face showed a mixture of embarrassment and relief.

Instead of scolding her, Aya calmly took the spatula from Mav's hand, gesturing towards the door with a slight nod of her head. Mav retreated to her room, shoulders slumped in defeat.

Alone in the aftermath, Aya ran a trembling hand through her tousled hair, trying to steady her nerves. "It's going to be okay," she reassured herself softly. "Bata pa 'yan, Aya. Matututo rin siya."

-

Aya sighed heavily, her nerves still jittery from the close call with the kitchen fire. She picked up her phone and dialed Mina's number, hoping to distract herself from the lingering tension.

"Mina," Aya said as soon as her friend answered, "the stove is toast. I'll have to get a new one."

Mina's voice came through in a whisper, tinged with disbelief. "Ay, Aya, your roommate is already out sa standards ko."

Aya chuckled softly. "She's just a kid, Mina. Relax."

Mina finally arrived at Aya's dorm.

"Both of you almost turned the dorm into an oven!" Mina exclaimed, her concern evident even through the phone.

Just then, Mav finally out of her room, holding a stack of bills. She placed them on the table next to the two, assuming they were meant for payment.

This sight instantly raised Mina's blood.

"Sinusulsulan mo ba kami?" Mina shot at Mav, her tone is accusatory and ready for a fight. But Mav simply ignored Mina's question and turned to face Aya.

"That's not for the stove," Mav clarified what was the money for.

"I've already ordered a replacement. Sorry for the mess." With that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the dorm, leaving Mina with visible frustration.

Mina was about to follow Mav, but Aya quickly gripped her wrist, stopping her friend in her tracks. "No, Mina," Aya said firmly, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "Pabayaan mo na."

Mina let out a slow breath, her anger simmering down as she turned to face Aya.

"Kumain ka na ba?" Mina asked gently, noticing that Aya was still in her pajamas.

Aya shook her head slightly, feeling a pang of embarrassment. "No, I haven't."

"Come on," Mina said warmly, her irritation melting into concern. "Let's go to my dorm. My roommate is out of town, so it's just us."

Aya hesitated for a moment, torn between gratitude and reluctance to impose. "Are you sure it's okay?"

"Absolutely," Mina reassured her with a smile. "Let's go before I change my mind."

Aya chuckled softly, grateful for Mina's understanding and support. "Thank you, Mina."

-