The city lights of Dubai glazed everywhere, casting a golden glow over the bustling streets. A beautiful red-haired girl leaned her head against the cool glass of a car window, her emerald eyes fixed on the view outside. The city seemed more beautiful than usual tonight, but her expression showed no joy.

Achieving stardom at the age of 11 was no joke. Her life had become a whirlwind of photoshoots, concerts, studio recordings, movie shoots, red carpets, and award ceremonies. To many, it might have seemed glamorous, but for her, it had been a living hell.
Perhaps some other child would have loved this life, but not Luna. She hated every moment of it. Each day, she was forced to stand apart, to live a life so vastly different from others her age. And she didn’t like it—not one bit.
She sighed again, her breath leaving a faint fog on the glass. The car moved steadily through the glowing streets, but Luna remained lost in her thoughts, her gaze fixed on the dazzling city that felt so far removed from her reality.
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Luna's Pov
"Tomorrow we have a photoshoot, and after that, a fan meeting," my manager said, her gaze glued to her iPad.
But I wasn’t listening. My mind was elsewhere, lost in thoughts that had nothing to do with her words.
"Luna, are you even listening?" she snapped, her tone sharper now.
Snapped out of my daydream, I quickly nodded. "Yes, I know about tomorrow," I replied, forcing a reassuring smile.
Life was so much easier back then. Now it was just endless work and study. Tomorrow, I also had sports practice. Sports practice, photoshoot, fan meeting—great. I sighed internally. I wondered what Mom might be doing right now. It had been so long since I’d visited her. Blame my manager for that.
And the little joys? They were out of reach too. I couldn’t even grab those delicious ice creams from my favorite shop anymore. If I dared step out there, I’d be surrounded by a crowd before I even got through the door.
Frustrated, I closed my eyes and leaned back in my seat, trying to shut out the stress that clung to me like a shadow.
"By the way, Luna, I have some good news for you," my manager said suddenly, breaking the silence.
I opened my eyes and turned to her, curiosity sparking in me for the first time today. "What is it?" I asked.
"Your parents have decided that starting next week, you’ll spend the next two months in India," she said, smiling slightly. "You’ll get to revisit your memories and take a much-needed break. I’ve already adjusted your schedule to make it work. You’ll be free to go."
I froze for a moment, processing her words. Then a wave of happiness washed over me, so intense I couldn’t stop the smile spreading across my face. India!
I could finally meet my friends again, taste all the delicious food I’d been craving, and soak in the comfort of being home. Sure, I’d need to wear a wig, contacts, and a face mask to avoid being mobbed, but that was a small price to pay.
My manager smiled at me knowingly. I guess my face said it all.
Maybe I’ll even meet my childhood friends, I thought wistfully. It had been years since I’d last visited India. While I had flown to Norway a few times for shoots, India always seemed to slip through the cracks. There was never a reason to go—until now.
Two whole months away from this exhausting life. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this happy.
As the car moved smoothly through the city streets, the weight of sleepless nights began to press down on me. I hadn’t slept in three days thanks to work and study, and now, with excitement warming my chest, exhaustion finally caught up. My eyelids grew heavy, and before I knew it, I drifted into sleep, dreaming of home.
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I woke up a few hours later in my apartment. My body still felt heavy, but at least I was no longer on the verge of collapse. I glanced around the room and was relieved to see it was spotless. My manager must’ve brought me here—and, thankfully, kept the place clean. Being the cleanliness freak that I am, I wouldn’t have rested until I scrubbed every corner.
Deciding to kill time, I picked up my phone and scrolled through Instagram. A few funny reels made me chuckle, but then I stumbled across something that wiped the smile off my face: an edit of me and one of my co-stars. A ship edit.
Why do fans even do this? I groaned internally. At just 14—turning 15 in October—it felt ridiculous and uncomfortable to see people pairing me with random people I worked with. But, as always, I kept my thoughts to myself.
Suddenly, a knock at the door broke my train of thought. I set my phone down and hurried to answer it.
Standing there was my manager, tablet in hand.
“Good morning,” she greeted, stepping inside as I held the door open for her.
“Morning. What brings you here?” I asked as she settled on the couch.
She glanced up from her tablet. “I came to ask you a few questions about your past. It’s for some upcoming interviews, and I want to be prepared.”
Curious, I nodded and sat across from her. “Go ahead.”
She gave me a small smile. “What was your past like?”
The question made me pause. Memories I hadn’t allowed myself to revisit in a long time began to stir, soft and bittersweet. “It was…” I started, then trailed off, trying to find the words.
Lifting my gaze to her, I continued. “It was beautiful—serene in a way that feels impossible to describe. My childhood was like an amazing dream. I used to spend hours playing in the meadows of India, running through fields with the warm sun on my face and the soft breeze carrying the scent of fresh flowers. Everything was so alive and free back then.”
I leaned back, my voice tinged with nostalgia. “I miss those days more than anything. The simplicity, the laughter, the feeling of being surrounded by nature… I wish I could go back. But now it feels like those moments are just out of reach.”
As I spoke, the memories became clearer—golden afternoons spent under mango trees, the sound of water rushing in a nearby stream, and the endless blue skies of home.
Taking a deep breath, I looked back at my manager. “Would you like to hear more?” I asked, my voice quieter now.
She nodded, her expression soft.
I closed my eyes for a moment and let myself be carried back, the vivid images of my past unfurling like a story waiting to be told. And so, I began to narrate the chapters of my childhood, each memory pouring out like a forgotten melody finally remembered.
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Flashback
I was born on October 10th, 2009—a day my parents always described as serene. In their words, I was their greatest joy. For as long as I can remember, my childhood felt like a dream—filled with warmth, laughter, and love.
And then there was Luka.
Luka was my best friend, though we couldn’t have been more different. I was the outgoing kid, surrounded by friends and excelling in school. Luka, on the other hand, didn’t have many friends. He was quiet, mischievous, and often found himself in trouble. But that never mattered to me.
From the very beginning, Luka and I were inseparable. Our bond was something special—pure and unshakable. We loved each other dearly as friends, a connection that felt stronger than words could describe.
All the memories I made with Luka and my other friends were precious. Each one was like a vibrant painting etched into my mind: the laughter, the games, the shared secrets. They were my happiest moments, and I held them close to my heart.
Flashback Ends
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"That's all?" my manager asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Yes," I replied, offering a small smile.
"Hm, it was a nice story. I hope you and Luka get reunited when you visit India again," she said warmly.
"Yes," I nodded, the thought bringing a flicker of hope and excitement to my heart.
"Take care, Luna, and have a great day ahead," she said as she stood to leave.
"You too," I replied, watching her exit the apartment.
The day felt like a breeze, passing quicker than I’d expected. Deciding I needed a change of pace, I grabbed my coat and stepped out to enjoy Dubai at night.
The city was alive, sparkling under the glow of a thousand lights. I walked to a nearby ice cream parlor, indulging in a scoop of my favorite flavor. Even though I had a strict diet to maintain, moments like this—when I could enjoy the simple things I loved—were what kept me sane.
The Burj Khalifa loomed in the distance, majestic and mesmerizing against the dark sky. The entire city seemed like a living painting at night, every corner illuminated with vibrant energy. I wandered through a few other places, taking in the beauty and feeling a rare sense of peace as the cool evening breeze brushed against my face.
Eventually, I made my way back to my apartment. As I walked in, I felt a comforting sense of familiarity in the cozy space. After changing into my home clothes, I sat at my desk and opened my books. Despite everything, I still had responsibilities—an exam awaited me tomorrow, and I couldn’t afford to slack off.
I studied for a while, the quiet of the night wrapping around me like a blanket. My thoughts occasionally drifted to India, to the people and places I longed to see again. But soon, the weight of the day began to take over, and I decided it was time to rest.
As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, I couldn’t help but wonder what awaited me in India. The thought of reuniting with Luka brought a faint smile to my face, filling me with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep, but with no success.
The silence of the night felt too loud, my mind refusing to quiet down. Suddenly, a memory from my past struck me, vivid but clear.
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Flashback
"Hey Luna, you will never leave me alone, right?" Luka asked, his voice soft but tinged with uncertainty as we sat beneath the old mango tree.
"Never," I replied with a bright laugh, brushing off his worries. "We’ll always stay together and talk under the tree no matter what."
The warm breeze rustled the leaves above us, and we continued to joke around, our laughter blending with the sound of chirping birds. In that moment, I wanted nothing more than to stay there forever—with Luka, in our little corner of the world, surrounded by the beauty and peace of our small town.
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But time had other plans.
Flashback Ends
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I smiled softly, my heart warmed by the memory of those golden days. They were so simple, so pure—free from the chaos my life had become. As I let the nostalgia wash over me, another flashback struck, pulling me deeper into the past.
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Flashback
"Luna, we’re moving to Dubai tomorrow," my mother said suddenly, her voice calm yet firm, as if the decision had been made long ago.
"What? Why so suddenly, Mom?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly.
"Luna, you have so much talent," my father chimed in, his tone reassuring but unyielding. "This country won’t give you the opportunities you deserve. You’re intelligent, my daughter, aren’t you? You know that whatever we’re doing is for your own good, right? And I’ve also received an incredible job transfer in Dubai, one that will secure a bright future for all of us."
I nodded slowly, trying to mask the turmoil building inside me.
"Okay," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I’ll be ready."
"See, you’re such an intelligent girl, my daughter," my dad said with a proud smile.
"Tomorrow is your last day at school," he added. "I’ve already informed your teacher that you’ll be leaving. Go to your room and have a good night’s rest."
I forced a weak smile and retreated to my room. As I closed the door behind me, the weight of their words crashed down on me like a tidal wave.
The thought of leaving everything behind—my friends, my school, my town, and my small, peaceful world—felt unbearable. I was only nine. How could I say goodbye to the life I had known and loved?
I sat on my bed, staring blankly at the wall. Tears began to fall, warm and unrelenting, tracing silent paths down my cheeks. I didn’t wipe them away. Instead, I let them fall, my small shoulders shaking with the force of emotions I couldn’t contain.
But I knew my parents believed this was the right decision for me—and for our family. My father’s new job was a big opportunity, and I wanted to trust them. I wanted to believe that they were doing what was best.
Clutching my pillow tightly, I whispered to myself, "Maybe they’re right. Maybe this is for the best."
Even as I tried to convince myself, the ache in my chest didn’t subside. With a heavy heart, I lay down, my mind filled with memories of laughter, warmth, and the peaceful days I had taken for granted.
Eventually, exhaustion overtook me, and I drifted into a restless sleep, my dreams filled with fleeting glimpses of the world I would soon leave behind.
Flashback Ends
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A tear suddenly dropped from my eye as I remembered those times, the weight of the memories pressing heavily on my heart. Before I could gather myself, another flashback hit me.
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Flashback
It was my last day at school, and as I walked in, everyone showered me with affection and small presents. I could feel the love and warmth of my friends and teachers, but deep down, it only made the pain of leaving even heavier. I tried to cherish every moment, engaging in conversations and laughing at silly jokes, knowing these memories would soon become part of my past.
But Luka kept his distance.
I noticed him standing in the corner of the classroom, his gaze avoiding mine. I tried to approach him, but every time I got close, he turned away. It hurt—a deep, aching kind of hurt. I understood that my leaving was painful for him, but his silence was breaking my heart even more.
When the day was about to end, the teachers and my friends gathered around to wish me goodbye. They shared their heartfelt hopes for my future and asked me not to forget them. How could I? Their smiles, their voices, their kind words—they were etched into my heart.
But Luka didn’t say a word. He didn’t hand me a gift or join the group. Instead, as the crowd dispersed, he quietly slipped a small letter into my hand.
I looked at him with wide eyes, but before I could say anything, he turned and walked away.
I unfolded the letter with trembling hands. It read:
"Meet me at our usual spot."
My heart skipped a beat. I knew exactly where he meant.
As soon as school ended, I ran, my feet pounding against the familiar path that led to the mango tree. It was our place—our sanctuary. The golden sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, and the gentle rustling of the wind greeted me as I arrived.
Flashback Ends
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I sweated heavily, trying to remember what happened after that, the details of that day. It felt like a blur, but with every passing second, my mind began to piece it all together. The images came rushing back—vivid and clear.
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Flashback
Luka plucked a flower from the ground and handed it to me. I stood right beside the mango tree, feeling the weight of the moment.
"Sorry, Luka," I said, my voice trembling. "I had to go like that, and I couldn't keep my promise."
He looked at me, his gaze soft yet resigned. "Don’t be sorry. Promises are meant to be broken. I know your parents had their reasons, and you couldn’t disobey them. I’m happy for you." His words were kind, but there was a sadness beneath them.
I shook my head, feeling the lump in my throat. "Luka, don’t hide your emotions."
He tried to keep his composure, but the tears welled up in his eyes. It all poured out at once—his quiet sobs filled the air, breaking the silence between us.
I couldn’t hold back anymore either. I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him, both of us crying uncontrollably. Time seemed to stand still as we let out all our sorrow, our fear, our pain. The bond we had shared for so long was now slipping away, and all we could do was mourn it together.
After what felt like an eternity, our tears began to subside. We pulled apart, our faces red and swollen, but there was a sense of peace between us now.
"Luna, promise me a few things," Luka said, his voice quiet but serious.
"Hm?" I asked, wiping my eyes.
"Whatever happens, one day we’ll meet again. And never forget me."
I looked into his eyes, trying to hold back more tears. "I will never forget you. And we will surely meet again."
We sat there, side by side, for a while—just the two of us, letting the silence speak for everything we couldn’t say. We talked about anything and everything, memories from the past and hopes for the future. But time was running out, and soon it was time for me to leave.
We stood up and exchanged one last, lingering look. Our goodbyes were bittersweet, but I knew deep down that we would always be a part of each other’s lives, no matter how far apart we were.
Finally, I turned to leave, my heart heavy with the weight of our final moment. I gave him one last wave, and he waved back, his face a mix of sadness and hope.
Flashback Ends
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I sweated as tears streamed down my cheek, the emotions overwhelming me, but somehow, after all the flashbacks and the memories that had flooded my mind, I was finally able to close my eyes. The weight of the past slowly lifted as I breathed deeply, letting the exhaustion of the day settle into my body.
The comforting silence of the night wrapped around me like a blanket, and my mind, tired from the emotional rollercoaster, finally found peace. For the first time in what felt like ages, I was able to drift into a deep sleep.
Tomorrow, I knew, would bring more work—more photoshoots, more meetings, and another day to endure. But despite the heaviness of it all, I reminded myself that I had to keep pushing. I had to get through the next day to reach the moment I was waiting for—the day I’d finally get to go back to India.
As sleep overtook me, I allowed myself to briefly imagine the future. I needed all my strength to face what lay ahead. But for now, all I could do was rest and recharge.
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Timeskip To Next week
The next week had finally come. Today was the day I would board my plane to India. Nothing significant had happened in the previous days, except for me scoring 99.76% on my test overall—something I should’ve been proud of, but it barely registered in my mind with everything going on. Of course, there were the usual shoots, projects, and the voice acting work I had to complete. It seemed like every moment of my time had been taken up by something.
But today was different. Today was the day I was leaving Dubai for a while, and I had to say my goodbyes to my friends. It wasn’t just a trip—it was a step toward something bigger, something that had been waiting for me for years. The thought of it made my stomach flutter, but I couldn’t ignore the weight of leaving everything behind.
I walked around the apartment, packing my final things, feeling a mix of emotions. I had grown so accustomed to this place, to my life here. But it was time to go. As I looked around one last time, I sent a quick message to my friends. The final goodbyes were always the hardest.
The final goodbyes had been said, and now, all I had to do was get on the plane. My manager had arranged everything, from the first-class ticket to the special arrangements for my privacy. As I settled into the luxurious seat, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief mixed with anticipation. It was strange to leave Dubai behind, yet I couldn’t shake the excitement that bubbled up in me. India—my country, my roots—was calling me.
The flight was smooth, and I spent most of the time gazing out of the window, lost in my thoughts. I tried to sleep, but my mind was racing, thinking about everything that had led me to this point. The photoshoots, the projects, the tests. Now, everything felt secondary to what was coming. The memories of my childhood, of Luka, and of the country I had left behind were all waiting to be rediscovered.

Hours later, the announcement came that we were about to land. I straightened up in my seat, feeling a rush of excitement as the plane began its descent. The familiar sight of India spread out below me, and I couldn’t help but smile. It had been so long since I had seen this view. The land, the colors, the vibrant energy—it was all so different from the modernity of Dubai.
As the plane touched down, I felt my heart race. I was here. India. The airport was bustling with activity as I disembarked from the plane, and I could already feel the attention shifting toward me. The bodyguards who had been with me since Dubai were close behind, their watchful eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of trouble. As soon as I stepped onto the tarmac, the whispers started. I knew the drill—this was just part of the price of fame.
A small group of photographers snapped pictures, and I caught a glimpse of a few familiar faces in the crowd. I smiled briefly, trying to stay composed. It wasn’t just my privacy I was concerned about—it was the safety of everyone around me too. As my bodyguards flanked me on both sides, I felt a sense of security, even if it felt overwhelming at times.
Once I was inside the terminal, I breathed a sigh of relief. I wasn’t used to this much attention, but it was something I had to deal with. The bodyguards led me through the crowd, their presence creating a barrier between me and the excited fans who tried to approach. A few managed to shout my name, and I waved back politely, but I couldn’t let myself get caught up in the moment.
After a brief stop in the VIP lounge, where I was able to take a moment to relax, my driver arrived. The car was waiting to take me to my hometown, and the bodyguards ensured the area was clear before I made my way to the vehicle. As the doors closed behind me, I sank into the soft leather seat. The familiar sights of India greeted me through the windows, but this time, it was different. I wasn’t just a visitor; I was here to reclaim something I had lost—a connection to the past.
“Let’s head towards my town,” I told my driver, my voice soft but determined. The car pulled away from the airport, and I felt a sense of excitement fill the air. It had been so long since I had felt this way. The bustling streets outside were a stark contrast to the smooth roads of Dubai, but it was part of what made this place feel like home.
As we drove through the streets, my bodyguards remained close, but I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace settle over me. I was finally back. It felt like the beginning of something new, a chapter I was eager to embrace The beautiful meadows outside the car window captivated me as the green fields and rolling hills stretched out before me. It was like a painting, a tranquil sight that reminded me of everything I had left behind. It felt good to be back. I hadn’t seen the countryside in so long, and the fresh air and natural beauty were just what I needed after the chaos of Dubai.
Before long, the car pulled up in front of a familiar house—my home before we moved to Dubai. The same tall gate, the flowering plants lining the garden, the old oak tree in the front yard—it all looked the same, yet different. Time had passed, but somehow, this place felt untouched by it.
My parents had already registered me in a local school here, something I wasn’t expecting but was curious about. It would be interesting to experience school life here, after everything I had been through in Dubai. I wondered how different it would be, how I would adapt to this life again. But for now, I was just happy to be home.
I quickly unloaded my luggage, the weight of the bags somehow less burdensome in this peaceful place. As I walked inside, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. My room was just as I had left it—simple, comforting, and welcoming.
I changed my clothes into something more relaxed and comfortable, eager to shed the constant pressure of my public life. After a long and tiring journey, I took a shower, letting the warm water wash away the stress from the trip. As the water cascaded down, I could feel the tension in my muscles begin to ease, the weight of the past few days melting away.
Once I finished, I let out a deep sigh of relief. I could finally rest. I went to my bed, crawled under the soft covers, and allowed the peace of the room to settle over me. The sound of the night outside, the chirping of crickets, and the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze were all so soothing.
Before I knew it, sleep claimed me, and I drifted off into a deep, much-needed rest after this hard working day.
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The next day
The next morning was calm as I woke up early, the gentle light of dawn filtering through the curtains. I quickly followed my usual routine, one that I had come to cherish—meditation, shower, brushing my teeth, having a hearty breakfast, a bit of exercise to get the blood flowing, and then some singing practice. It was the perfect way to center myself before the day began. The stillness of the early morning allowed me to focus on myself, something I rarely got to do in the hustle and bustle of my celebrity life.
I liked waking up at 4 am, even if it meant fewer hours of sleep. It gave me peace before the world started demanding my attention. By the time 8 am rolled around, I had already completed my morning routine, feeling energized and ready to take on whatever the day had in store. I found comfort in the quietness of my country—the simple, slow pace of life that I had missed so much. It was a stark contrast to the chaos of Dubai, where everything moved fast, and every moment was scheduled down to the minute.
At 9 am, school would begin, but for now, I had this time to myself. And for once, I felt at peace.
Soon, I tried to doze off for a little while longer, hoping to catch a few more moments of peaceful sleep. However, it wasn’t long before I was woken up by the sound of a knock on my door. My driver’s voice called out, reminding me that it was time to go to school. Reluctantly, I pulled myself out of bed, grabbing my bag and heading toward the door.
I climbed into the car, the familiar scent of leather and air freshener greeting me. The car smoothly pulled away from the driveway, and as we made our way through the familiar streets, I couldn’t help but take in the view of the town once more. Everything felt different now, as though time had slowed down here, and I had only just started to realize the changes I had gone through.
Before long, the car came to a stop, and I was at school. I stepped out of the car, looking at the building in front of me. It felt like an eternity since I had attended a school like this—simple and filled with memories from my past.

As I stepped out of the car, I was greeted by the principal and a few teachers standing at the door, waiting for me. It was one of the perks of being famous—people tended to expect you, and everyone treated you a little differently. I tried to smile and exchange a few words with the principal, but I could already feel the intense stares of the students around me. The weight of their gaze made me uneasy, and the principal quickly noticed.
He gently guided me to his office, where we sat down for a quiet conversation. After a few minutes, he informed me that I had been assigned to Section A of Class 9. I couldn’t help but feel excited. It was a new beginning, and even though I had lived a different life for the past few years, I was eager to experience school again, the way most kids did.
The principal introduced me to my class teacher, Miss Rita, who greeted me warmly. We talked for a bit, and she seemed nice. Then, as the bell rang, signaling the start of the day, Miss Sharma led me to my new classroom. As we walked through the hallway, I glanced into various classrooms, feeling a sense of nostalgia for a life I had almost forgotten.
Finally, we reached the door of my classroom, Section A. It was a big, bright room, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness as I waited outside.
As I stepped into the classroom, I could feel every pair of eyes on me, but my attention was pulled in one direction. At the back of the room, standing amongst the other students, was a face I hadn’t expected to see—Luka.

Our eyes locked instantly, and it was as if the world around us vanished. The noise of the classroom faded into the background, and for a moment, all I could hear was the rapid beat of my own heart. His eyes, too, were fixed on mine, and I could see the shock, the recognition, the flood of memories in his gaze.
The room felt like it was spinning around us, and neither of us could break the stare. It was as if we were frozen in time, two old friends who had been torn apart but somehow found their way back to each other.
I felt a mix of emotions—surprise, excitement, nervousness—and the words I had been rehearsing for the whole day suddenly seemed meaningless in the face of this unexpected reunion. It was as though the years of separation melted away, and we were back to the way things used to be, as if nothing had changed.
But the reality of the situation hit me like a wave. We were no longer those innocent kids by the mango tree. Things had changed, and so had we.
To be continued…
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Author's Note:
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this long chapter! I truly appreciate your support. You can expect a few chapters of this length in the future as the story unfolds. I hope you enjoyed the first chapter and the unexpected reunion between Luna and Luka. The journey ahead is going to be full of surprises, emotions, and growth for both of them. Stay tuned for more chapters to come!
See you soon with the next part! 😊