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

Chapter 51: The Confession

During Mav's last practice, Aya finally showed up at the court with her art materials.

She set up in a corner, her mind completely absorbed in her work.

Mav couldn't help but glance at her frequently, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort knowing that Aya was there, even if her attention was elsewhere.

The practice session was intense, and Mav was in the zone, but she noticed Aya's furrowed brow and tense posture.

Concerned that the noisy environment might be stressing her friend, Mav approached her during a break.

"Aya, do you want to practice in our dorm instead? It might be more peaceful for you there."

Aya looked up, her expression unreadable. "I'm fine here, Mav."

Mav bit her lip, sensing the underlying tension. She tried again a bit later, "Are you sure? It seems really loud and crowded today."

Aya's annoyance flickered in her eyes. "I said I'm fine, Mav. Just focus on your practice."

Feeling a mix of frustration and confusion, Mav returned to the court but couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

The last straw came when she suggested for the third time that Aya might be more comfortable back at the dorm.

Aya stood abruptly, packing up her materials with sharp, angry movements.

Without a word, she stormed out of the court, leaving Mav standing there, stunned and hurt.

Mav signaled to her coach, "I need a time out," she said, and the coach, understanding the situation, gave her a nod of approval.

Mav ran after Aya, catching up to her outside the gym. "Aya, teka!" she called out, but Aya kept walking, her pace quickening.

Desperate, Mav reached out and grabbed Aya's arm, causing her to drop her materials. "Aya, what's wrong? Galit ka ba?" Mav asked, her voice tinged with frustration and concern.

Aya ignored her, bending down to pick up her scattered supplies.

Mav knelt beside her, trying to help, but Aya continued to act as if she wasn't there.

Finally, Mav couldn't take it anymore.

"Oh, ano ba? Nagseselos ka ba?"

Mav asked, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Aya's head snapped up, her eyes flamed up.

"Yes, may magagawa ka ba, Lim?"

Aya yelled, her voice breaking.

Mav was taken aback, her hand dropping the brush she was holding. "Aya, I didn't mean—"

Aya cut her off, her voice trembling with emotion. "Ano ba talaga tayo? Kasi yung mga ginagawa natin parang hindi naman pang-magkaibigan lang eh."

Mav struggled to find the right words. "Aya, I'm sorry. I didn't realize—"

"Am I pressuring you ba? Pero kasi ang confusing na ng actions mo towards me. I know, don't assume unless stated, pero kasi naman... Mavise, hindi naman ako manghuhula," Aya continued, her voice cracking with the weight of her feelings.

Mav was unable to speak, as Aya finished gathering her materials.

As Aya turned to leave, Mav called out desperately,

"Miraya Quinley Arceta."

Aya stopped in her tracks, turning to face Mav.

Mav's expression was unreadable as she stood up, holding one of Aya's brushes.

Aya walked back, her hand outstretched. "Akin na," she demanded.

"No, ayoko," Mav replied, her grip tightening on the brush.

"Bakit? Gusto mo pa bang marinig yung iba?" Aya's frustration was palpable.

"Gusto kita, Miraya."

Mav finally confessed, her voice soft but steady.

Their faces were now only inches apart.

Aya froze, her heart pounding.

She stepped back, trying to process Mav's words.

"Ayoko lang sabihin sa'yo in this way."

"Ayokong nakikipagbiruan sa'yo, Mavise Jian Lim. Alam mo 'yan," Aya replied, her voice shaky.

Mav, feeling the tension and desperation, shouted, "I like you nga, Arceta. Ano ba kasi ang hindi mo maintindihan?"

Aya, feeling overwhelmed, asked quietly, "Why?"

Mav took a deep breath, her eyes searching Aya's. "Because you're strong, independent, and you care so deeply about everything you do. You make me want to be better, and you... you make me feel things I've never felt before."

Aya's expression softened, but confusion still clouded her eyes. "But why now? Why tell me ngayon? Bakit ngayon lang?"

Mav's voice dropped to a whisper. "Because I couldn't stand the thought of losing you or pushing you away. I didn't know how to tell you, and I messed up. I'm sorry."

Aya took a deep breath, looking into Mav's eyes. "I need time, Mav. This... this is a lot."

Mav nodded, understanding. "Take all the time you need. I'll be here, waiting. Sa'yo."

Aya turned to leave, but Mav, feeling a surge of desperation, called out again. "Miraya."

Aya stopped, her back to Mav. "Ano?"

"I know it seemed like pinapaasa kita, but I need you to know that my feelings for you are real. I'm not just saying this because I don't want to lose you as a friend. I'm saying this because you're the most important person in my life, and I can't imagine my life without you in it."

Aya turned around, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Mav, Natatakot ako."

"I'm scared of what this means for us."

Mav took a step closer, her own eyes shining with unshed tears. "I'm scared too, but I know that we can figure this out together. Please, just give me a chance."

"Give us a chance."

Aya cupped Mav's face with one of her hands, her thumb gently brushing Mav's cheek. "I'll win the art contest, hahabol ako sa laro niyo mamaya, okay?"

Mav's eyes softened, and she moved, holding Aya's hand that was cupping her face, savoring the warmth and tenderness.

"I'll wait for you, Aya. Even if patapos na laro naman, I'll still wait."

Aya smiled, an affection in her eyes. "Let's talk later, pupunta na ako sa auditorium namin."

Mav nodded. "Okay. See you later."

Aya let go and began to walk away, but not before glancing back with a smile.

Mav stood there, watching her go, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time.

Mav returned to practice with a renewed sense of energy, knowing that her and Aya will be alright.

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