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In the day of the school festival it looked like a dream.
Fairy lights hung from trees, laughter echoed in the air, and every stall smelled like cotton candy, popcorn, and teenage freedom.
I twirled in my hoodie, clutching a soda. "This is amazing."
"You look like a lost marshmallow," Kai said, walking beside me.
"Correction," Theo added from my other side, "a cute marshmallow."
I choked on my drink.
Before I could recover from that, we passed the school gym — turned into a Game Zone.
A bold sign flashed: "1v1 Challenge — Winner Gets a Prize"
Kai's eyes sparkled. "Let's go."
Theo raised an eyebrow. "You sure you're ready to lose in front of her?"
Kai smirked. "Oh, I'm not losing."
Theo smiles playfully. "Let's see who win."
They both marched into the arena.
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The crowd gathered. The game? Target Toss — simple. Three tries each. Hit the bullseye.
Kai went first. Thud. Close. Thud. Closer.
Final throw—BULLSEYE.
The crowd clapped. He turned to me with a wink. "That one was for you."
Theo stepped up, quiet and focused. First shot—bullseye.
Second—bullseye.
Everyone held their breath. He aimed the third one…
MISS.
Kai whooped dramatically. "Oooh, and the genius missed it"
Theo shrugged. "I didn't miss and I don't care if I lose."
He looked at me. "I'm not playing games to impress her."
Kai snorted. "Then maybe I will."
And then both turned to me.
Me. Holding a soda. Regretting my life.
"I—I'm just here for the popcorn, guys," I said, backing up.
But in that moment, something had shifted. Something big.
The festival continued around us, but I could feel their eyes still on me.
And suddenly… it wasn't just a game anymore.
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End of Chapter 6
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