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𝐊𝐘𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐘

     𝐊𝐘𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐃 into the bustling fair, the scents of fried food and sweet treats wafting through the air. The bright lights of the rides flickered against the darkening sky, casting colorful reflections on the faces of the crowd.

He licked over his lips, his eyes scanning the lively scene with a calm intensity. Holding Kiari close in his arms, he walked forward, Kam, Darius, and Kyrae trailing behind him in a loose formation.

His gaze landed on a familiar group approaching from the opposite direction—Nari, Ja, Jaz, and Jhream. His body tensed slightly, but he kept his composure.

As they neared, Kyree adjusted his hold on Kiari, using his free hand to lift his pants, his dreads swinging slightly with the movement.

He moved with a quiet confidence, the weight of the fair's energy bouncing off him like it couldn't penetrate his cool demeanor.

Jaz's face lit up the moment her eyes locked onto Kyrae. "Bestie!" she squealed, breaking into a run and enveloping Kyrae in a tight hug.

Kyrae's laughter bubbled up as she hugged Jaz back. "Hey, Jaz!"

The group exchanged greetings, their voices warm and familiar as they stood in the middle of the fair, blending with the background noise of laughter and carnival games.

Kyree, however, stayed quiet, his only acknowledgment a subtle nod of his head, his presence unspoken but undeniably felt.

Jhream's gaze shifted, settling first on Kyree before softening as it dropped to the little girl in his arms. Kiari's bright eyes locked onto Jhream, and without hesitation, she lifted her small hand and waved enthusiastically.

"Hi, hi," Kiari chirped, her voice small but full of excitement.

A smile tugged at Jhream's lips, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "Hi, bestie," she responded, her tone light and affectionate as she returned Kiari's wave.

Kyree's eyes subtly drifted down to the camera in Jhream's hands, noting the way she held it with ease.

His gaze continued downward, taking in her outfit— a navy and white striped cropped shirt that hugged her frame just right, paired with ripped blue jeans that showed off just a hint of skin.

On her feet, she sported a pair of Jordan 6 Olympic shoes, and a navy purse hung over her shoulder, perfectly matching her ensemble.

Tucking his bottom lip into his mouth, he squinted at her, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement. "You tryna' be like me?" he asked, tilting his head slightly, his tone teasing but light.

Jhream looked up from adjusting her camera, laughter spilling from her lips. "You tryna' be like me," she shot back, her gaze dropping to his outfit. Her eyes trailed over his matching Jordan 6 Olympic shoes and the blue jeans that mirrored her own.