Ayano sighed, her heart heavy with longing as she observed Aroan and Alec from a distance. The laughter of the two boys floated toward Ayano, a bittersweet melody that tugged at her heartstrings. She yearned to draw Aroan closer, but the adults and staff surrounding her created an invisible barrier, suffocating her impulse to reach out. Tightening her fists, she fought against the urge to act out of character, acutely aware that any misstep could attract unwelcome attention. It pained her to see Aroan and Alec enjoying each other's company, their joy radiating like warm sunlight, while she felt trapped in the shadows.
Memories flooded her mind—precious moments shared with Aroan that felt like hidden treasures. She recalled the way his smile had lit up her world, making her feel seen and valued when she helped him stay awake through the grueling school lessons. Those fleeting instances felt like rare gems, yet now they were tinged with envy, watching him bond so easily with Alec, a connection she desperately craved.
"Look at Santa soar!" Aroan exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he wiped crumbs from his lips with a napkin. "He's flying right over the North Pole!"
"Yeah! And those elves are hilarious!" Alec responded, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm as he took a sip of his juice, the sweetness dancing on his tongue. "I love how they're all working together to gather the presents we love! It's like a huge team effort!"
Ayano felt her heart ache as their laughter intertwined, a joyous sound that made her feel like an outsider in her own memories. She yearned to join them, to slip back into their world, but the fear of interrupting and drawing the adults' attention kept her anchored in place.
"Why can't I just go over there?" she thought, frustration tightening her chest like a vise. "What if the adults think I'm weird?"
As the movie played on, the air around her buzzed with a swirl of emotions—a cocktail of longing, envy, and a deep desire for connection. She remembered how Aroan used to make her laugh, how he understood her in ways no one else could. But seeing him with Alec, their bond so effortless and natural, left her feeling like a ghost haunting her own memories.
"Maybe I should just wait for the right moment," she whispered to herself, forcing a smile as she attempted to shake off the heaviness. She relaxed in her chair, pretending to help the nearby students with their gingerbread creations and Christmas cards. The scent of cinnamon and sugar filled the air, mingling with the cheerful laughter of children and the clapping of the assistant teacher, who encouraged their festive spirit.
Despite her efforts, Ayano felt like her laughter was a distant echo, a sound that belonged to someone else. With each tick of the clock, she wrestled with her emotions, her weak smile twisting into a dark smirk as she twirled a strand of her long, light brown hair around her fingers. "Ehehe, just the right moment, and you'll be mine, Aroan—no exceptions," she whispered, a shadowy promise lingering in the air.
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