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

Chapter 47: Unseen Connections

"Who even sends these messages?"

Aya muttered to herself, her frustration mounting as she blocked yet another number.

"It's none of their business anyway."

She stared at the photo of Mav and Loui, her heart aching with confusion she couldn't quite name. "Why does it even matter? We're just friends... diba?"

Aya shook her head, trying to dispel the thoughts clouding her mind.

She needed to focus on her art, but the hurt was like a thorn in her side, refusing to let her be. "Maybe a jog will help clear my head," she decided, grabbing her jacket and heading out.

-

As the day progressed, an old picture of Mav and Loui surfaced online, showing them together at a party from their high school days.

The picture quickly made the rounds, leading to even more speculation about their relationship. People started talking, and before long, the rumor mill was in full swing.

Back at the dorm, Mav is already home.

Mav was busy preparing dinner, her mind occupied with thoughts of Aya.

She had tried calling Aya earlier, but her friend hadn't picked up.

Mav hoped Aya was just busy or at the convenience store with Lola, and decided to give her some space.

She focused on cooking, hoping the familiar routine would help ease her worries.

When Aya finally returned, Mav was relieved, but her heart sank when she saw the state Aya was in.

Her eyes were puffy and red, a clear sign that she had been crying.

Mav moved towards her, concern etched on her face, but Aya brushed past her and went straight to her room, slamming the door behind her.

"Aya, are you okay?" Mav called out, her voice filled with worry. But there was no response.

Mav sighed, feeling a deep sense of helplessness. She wished she could do something to help.

She sat on the couch, waiting for Aya to come out, hoping they could talk and sort things out.

-

After what felt like an eternity, Aya finally emerged from her room.

Mav stood up, her heart pounding with concern. "Hey, are you ready to eat? I made your favorite," she said, trying to keep her tone light.

Aya glanced at the table, seeing the meal Mav had prepared. She forced a small smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I've already eaten," she lied, her voice flat.

Mav's face fell, but she tried to hide her disappointment. "Oh... I thought you might be hungry. I waited for you because I thought you'd like to eat together."

Aya sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. She knew she was being unfair to Mav, but the hurt and confusion were too much to ignore. "I'm sorry. I'm just not in the mood," she said, turning to go back to her room.

"Okay, then. Matutulog na lang din ako," Mav said quietly, starting to put the food away.

Aya stopped in her tracks, feeling a wave of guilt wash over her.

She knew she was being unreasonable, but she couldn't help it. "Oo na, sasabayan na kita. Kain na tayo," she said, her voice sounding more resigned than she intended.

Mav's face brightened a little, though she could sense the reluctance in Aya's tone. She decided to let it slide, hoping that sharing a meal might help bridge the gap between them.

They sat down to eat, but the usual warmth and laughter were absent.

The silence was heavy, and Mav felt a growing sense of unease.

She tried to make small talk, but Aya's responses were brief and distracted.

Mav couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong.

She had noticed Aya's distant behavior and wondered if it had anything to do with Aya's art practice.

She decided to bring it up, hoping to clear the air.

"You know, Aya, if there's anything bothering you, you can talk to me," Mav said gently, trying to catch Aya's eye.

Aya paused, her fork hovering over her plate. She gave a small nod but didn't say anything.

She continued eating in silence, her mind clearly elsewhere.

Mav watched Aya, feeling a pang of worry.

There was definitely something wrong, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

She decided to try a different approach. "Hey, will you come to my practice tomorrow? It's the last one before the big day," Mav asked, her voice tinged with hope.

Aya looked up, meeting Mav's eyes for the first time that evening.

She saw the earnestness in Mav's expression, and despite her own turmoil, she couldn't bear to disappoint her friend. "Yeah, I'll be there," she said softly.

Mav's face lit up, her heart doing a little flip of joy. "Really? That's great! It wouldn't be the same without you."

Aya managed a small smile, her heart warming at Mav's obvious excitement.

Despite the confusion and hurt she felt, she couldn't deny the bond they shared.

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