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The next morning, school felt like it had been hit by a sports-day hangover.
I dragged myself into class, half-asleep, with a band-aid on my knee and zero motivation. The classroom buzzed with chatter, and I was just about to slide into my seat—
YANK.
Someone tugged my backpack, pulling me off balance.
I stumbled back, bumping right into someone's chest.
"Whoa, sorry chaos," Kai grinned, holding the strap like it was his. "You are obsessed with me aren't you?."
I blinked "no it's not".
He was close. Too close. Like, cheekbones-and-eyelashes close. His eyes locked with mine, and for a second, everything got weirdly quiet.
My brain short-circuited.
"C-Can you not?" I mumbled, trying to back up. But the desk behind me said no.
He smirked. "Can't help it. Gravity pulls you toward me."
Before I could throw my notebook at him, the classroom speaker crackled to life.
"Attention students! Our Annual School Festival is tomorrow night! Games, food stalls, music, and more! Get ready!"
The class exploded in excitement.
"Ohh a night festival!" I clapped. "We never get to stay out that late!"
"Guess who's gonna be guarding you from creepy guys all night," Kai said casually, sliding into the seat beside mine.
"I think it's good to stay alone there" I muttered.
From across the room, I saw Theo glance up from his book. His eyes lingered on me for a moment longer than usual.
This festival might not be as peaceful as I thought.
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End of Chapter 5
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