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

Chapter 34: Cooking Together

The kitchen soon filled with the savory aroma of simmering adobo, the sound of sizzling meat, and the tangy scent of vinegar mingling in the air.

Aya and Mav worked side by side, their movements synchronized as they chopped garlic, measured soy sauce, and added just the right amount of vinegar.

"So, how did you learn to cook adobo?" Mav asked curiously, glancing over at Aya as she stirred the pot.

Aya shrugged casually. "I picked it up from my mom," she replied, a nostalgic smile touching her lips. "She used to make it all the time back home."

Mav nodded, her gaze softening. "My mom taught me too," she admitted, her voice quiet. "It's one of those dishes that always reminds me of home."

As they cooked, their conversation flowed effortlessly, touching on shared memories, favorite foods, and lighthearted anecdotes from their time together.

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Finally, the adobo was ready, its rich aroma filling the kitchen with warmth and comfort.

Mav and Aya plated the dish together, garnishing it with fresh slices of chopped green onions.

"Looks good," Mav said with a satisfied smile, admiring their handiwork. "I think we nailed it."

Aya nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Definitely," she said, her voice tinged with excitement. "Now, the best part.. tasting it."

They sat down at the kitchen table together, their plates filled with steaming adobo.

As they took the first bite, a shared expression of delight crossed their faces. The flavors were perfect, savory, tangy, and just the right amount of garlic.

"Yum Yum," Mav said between bites, her eyes bright with satisfaction.

Aya grinned, savoring the taste. "Thanks," she replied warmly. "Cooking with you was fun."

Mav nodded, her smile genuine. "Yeah, it was," she agreed, her voice soft. She hesitated for a moment, then looked at Aya with a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "Aya, about earlier..."

Aya looked up, her curiosity piqued. "Yeah?"

Mav took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "Thank you for staying today," she said sincerely, her voice filled with gratitude. "I know things have been... complicated between us. But I appreciate you being here."

Aya smiled gently, reaching across the table to squeeze Mav's hand. "I'm here for you, Mav," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth.

Mav's eyes softened, a wave of emotion passing over her features. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

-

As they finished their meal, the dorm kitchen seemed to glow with a warmth that had nothing to do with the stove.

Aya and Mav cleaned up together, their movements easy and companionable.

The air was filled with a quiet contentment, a sense of peace settling over them as they dried the dishes and put them away.

Aya and Mav walked back to their respective rooms, the atmosphere between them lighter and more comfortable than it had been in weeks.

As they approached Aya's door, Mav hesitated for a moment, a question on her lips. "Hey, Aya," she began tentatively, "would you maybe want to hang out again sometime? Not just cooking, but maybe watching a movie or something?"

Aya turned to Mav with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling. "Sure, I'd love that," she replied warmly. "How about this weekend?"

Mav nodded eagerly, a small grin tugging at her lips. "Sounds perfect. I'll text you the deets," she said, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

Aya nodded in agreement, her smile widening. "Looking forward to it," she said sincerely.

With a final wave, they parted ways, each retreating into their rooms.

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