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The hallway buzzed with the usual pre-class chaos. Keerthi, in her usual rush, closed her locker with a soft clang when a familiar voice spoke up.
> Peter Fox: “Finally caught you without your gang, Keerthi.”
She turned, surprised.
It was Peter Fox, her grade 6 first crush, who had been around all year — just in different classes and circles.
> Keerthi (grinning): “Peter! I haven’t seen you since… the blind date.”
> Peter (chuckling): “Yeah. You ditched me halfway through dessert and told me it was all for some guy named Angad.”
> Keerthi (laughing, a bit embarrassed): “I did say sorry for that!”
> Peter (playfully dramatic): “Only like three times.”
They both laughed, standing there with a familiar ease.
Not far away, Angad, walking with Caroline and Stefan, slowed when he saw them.
> Angad: “Oh come on. Him again?”
> Caroline: “Wait… Peter Fox? Your competition and her crush since sixth grade?”
> Stefan (grinning): “Didn’t she go on a fake date with him to make you jealous?”
> Angad (gritting his teeth): “It wasn’t fake to him.”
Across the hallway, Peter leaned closer to Keerthi.
> Peter: “So, we’re friends now? Or should I be more worried about the way someone over there is watching us like he’s ready to throw a football at my head?”
Keerthi glanced sideways to see Angad’s clenched jaw and narrowed eyes.
> Keerthi (smirking): “That someone still hasn’t learned I don’t like being shared.”
> Peter (laughs): “Brutal. But fair.”
__________
Angad: “If he touches her again, I’m gonna—”
> Caroline (teasing): “Gonna what? Publicly mark your territory?”
> Angad (muttering): “Maybe.”
___________
Angad is leaning on the ledge, sipping his juice box and glaring at nothing in particular. Keerthi walks up behind him silently and taps his shoulder. He jumps slightly.
> Keerthi (teasing): “Relax, I’m not Peter. You don’t need to fight me.”
Angad rolls his eyes and looks away.
> Keerthi (grinning): “You were jealous.”
> Angad (defensive): “I wasn’t.”
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INSEPARABLE HEARTS 2
SpiritualLove and Hate Friends and Enemies Cousins and Rivals Drama , Lies and Tears Cheer to The Teenage Years ????????
