Araon's head whipped around, his expression shifting to one of happy shock as he spotted Alec, the kindergartner, sauntering over in his vibrant "Alien vs. Ghost Hunters" shirt, the gooey lettering shimmering under the classroom lights. The shirt's colors seemed to dance, drawing attention as Alec approached, his small figure bouncing with excitement.
"Really? A snowman, bro?" Araon exclaimed, his eyes wide with genuine curiosity, sparkling like the glitter surrounding Alec.
"Yeah! Look!" Alec shouted, brandishing his decorated paper bag like a trophy, his small hands waving animatedly. The bag was adorned with colorful stickers and glitter, reflecting the bright classroom lights. "It has sparkly eyes and a fluffy scarf! Isn't it cool?"
Ayano watched as Araon stood up, his face lighting up with excitement. He took his time, glancing around to fully take in the festive scene. The air was thick with the scent of glue and construction paper, and cheerful chatter surrounded him. As he approached, the glitter around the bag sparkled like magic. Araon's fingers felt fuzzy and slightly sticky as he reached out to touch the messy creation. "That's awesome! I can't believe you made that!" he replied, his voice full of enthusiasm, echoing the joy in the room.
As Araon moved closer to join the kindergartner at the table, he caught sight of a boy in a green shirt spinning around excitedly across the ABC carpet, his laughter ringing like bells in the air. Ayano felt a pang of jealousy twist in her stomach. **Why does he get so excited over that?** She forced herself to focus on the other students at her table, guiding them through their crafts, but her eyes kept darting back to Araon, who was bent over Alec's creation, clearly impressed.
With each smile and laugh shared between them, Ayano noticed the teachers exchanging high-fives, their voices buzzing with excitement about the students' holiday creations. The scent of fresh paper and the sound of giggles filled the space, amplifying the festive atmosphere. A kid in a bright t-shirt winked and chuckled at a teacher behind them, his energy infectious as he bounced from one table to another, leaving a trail of laughter.
Ayano felt a mix of pride and irritation swell within her. **I should be the one making him smile.** Memories of their past craft sessions, filled with laughter and shared ideas, flashed in her mind, deepening her resolve.
Shaking off her feelings, she turned her attention back to her own table, where a few students needed her guidance. The colorful supplies scattered across the table glimmered under the overhead lights, pulling her focus back. Yet, every now and then, she couldn't help but glance over, watching Araon's joyful interaction with Alec. A bittersweet smile tugged at her lips as she worked to concentrate on the task at hand, The gentle heat of the moment hung in the air like a soft embrace.