Kanojo ni Uwaki Volume 1 Chapter 6: The Exam

 

Volume 1 Chapter 6:

 

The next day, I was spending my free period with Ayaka in the university’s designated smoking area.

 

Being a second-year in the fall semester, my schedule had started to include these so-called “free periods” – gaps between classes where no lectures were scheduled. One of the perks of college life is being able to customize your timetable with that kind of freedom.

 

Normally, I’d be enjoying this little pocket of peace to the fullest, but today something about Ayaka felt off.

 

She was leaning against the wall with her arms tightly crossed, exuding an air of aloofness that made her seem hard to approach.

 

Given how beautiful she was, it made sense – but even I, someone who knew her well, found it hard to strike up conversation. If I hadn’t already been friends with her, I probably would’ve taken the hint and slipped away.

 

“Hey… You’re in kind of a bad mood today, huh?”

 

“Hm? I’m fine.”

 

“That’s definitely not fine. At least, not from where I’m sitting. You know how long we’ve known each other? I’m basically a human mood detector calibrated just for you-”

 

“Annoying.”

 

“Sorry.”

 

My attempt to lighten the mood with a joke got cut short and immediately converted into an apology.

 

“Well, just try to shake off that vibe before the next class, okay? You’re supposed to be the friendly type who gets along with everyone, remember?”

 

“…It’s not like I’m selling that image on purpose. But yeah, I get it. I’ll be careful. Thanks.”

 

Ayaka actually thanked me sincerely, then started fiddling with her phone.

 

Judging by her finger movements, she was playing some kind of mini-game, but her touches were sluggish and devoid of any real focus.

 

She immediately got a game over, and after several retries, I couldn’t help but ask again.

 

“What happened?”

 

Ayaka flicked her eyes toward me but quickly looked away again.

 

This time, she wasn’t denying that something had happened.

 

Clearly, something had thrown her off – something had put her in this mood.

 

I couldn’t tell whether it had to do with last night or something else entirely.

 

Normally, a friend would drop it at this point, but this was Ayaka.

 

I decided to press a little more.

 

“Come on, just tell me.”

 

“Do you have no sense delicacy?”

 

“Left it in my mom’s womb.”

 

“Then go back and start over from the fertilized egg.”

 

Ayaka snapped at me and walked out of the smoking area.

 

I had no choice but to stub out my half-smoked cigarette and follow her.

 

“My bad.”

 

“I’m not mad. Either way, class starts in twenty minutes.”

 

“You’re not the kind of person who shows up to class that early and saves seats.”

 

“I am before a test. This is serious.”

 

Ayaka kept walking as she entered the school building and pressed the elevator button.

 

Once inside, it was just two of us in the elevator.

 

The campus elevators were relatively spacious and moved quickly between floors.

 

Still, for several seconds, we were stuck together in a confined space, and the faint scent of cigarette smoke still lingered in the air.

 

“You should quit smoking already.”

 

Ayaka said it in a sharp tone, like she’d been waiting for the perfect chance to bring it up.

 

“Why? What’s the problem? It’s my choice,” I shot back, unable to hide my irritation at the sudden attack.

 

“It’s not doing you any favors.”

 

“It does, actually. Smoking gives me a chance to have deeper conversations with upperclassmen sometimes.”

 

Sure, cigarettes drained my already thin wallet, and if I cared more about saving money, I probably should quit.

 

But when I broke up with Reina Aisaka, they calmed me down a little. And like I just said, they helped with bonding in certain situations.

 

There were benefits – plenty of them.

 

The elevator doors opened, and we arrived at the fourth floor, where our lecture room was located.

 

As we both stood there watching the elevator display drop back down to the first floor, Ayaka suddenly spoke again.

 

“Well, I’ll say this much – you don’t look good doing it.”

 

“…Seriously?”

 

“Smoking doesn’t suit you, Yuta Hasegawa.”

 

“Don’t say it twice!”

 

If she had just said it was bad for my health, I would’ve brushed it off.

 

But saying it didn’t suit me? That hit different.

 

I wasn’t obsessed with fashion or anything – I wasn’t the kind to splurge on brand names – but I cared enough to want to look decent for a college student.

 

Being told I didn’t look good doing something was the biggest blow I could take.

 

…Maybe it really is time to think seriously about quitting.

 

“Shinohara probably doesn’t like it either – smoking, I mean. A lot of girls can’t stand it.”

 

“I don’t smoke at home. I don’t think I’ve ever lit one in front of her.”

 

“You make it sound like she’s always at your place.”

 

Ayaka’s voice carried a note of exasperation. Internally, I muttered, She pretty much is these days.

 

“So, what’s up with you? Why the bad mood?”

 

I asked again, and Ayaka frowned like she was annoyed.

 

“You’re really persistent, aren’t you? Most people are too scared of me getting annoyed to push like that.”

 

“You’re the one saying it. I’m asking because I care. Besides, it’s me and you we’re talking about.”

 

We’d been close for what, four or five years now?

 

Not lovers or anything close to it, but something special all the same.

 

Ayaka didn’t argue with that. Instead, she let out a resigned sigh.

 

“It’s the exams. I’m just on edge.”

 

“Oh, so you’re freaking out this time?”

 

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m the same as always. Don’t lump me in with you.”

 

“Jeez, every word out of your mouth’s got bite today.”

 

When I snapped back, Ayaka finally let a smile tug at her cheek.

 

“I’ll tell you what’s up… but I could really go for a café au lait from that vending machine.”

 

“Okay, and?”

 

Ayaka didn’t answer. She just stared at the vending machine.

 

“…Fine, I get it.”

 

Grumbling, I took out my wallet and bought her a warm café au lait.

 

It fell with a clunk, and when I tossed it her way, she fumbled to catch it in a hurry.

 

“Jeez, don’t throw it at me like that.”

 

“You caught it, didn’t you?”

 

“Hmph. Thanks.”

 

Ayaka gave a little snort as she cracked open the can and started gulping it down.

 

Watching a college girl chug hot café au lait was… honestly kind of funny.

 

“There’s way too many people who never show up to class but still ask to borrow my notes. And they don’t even offer anything in return.”

 

She tossed the now-empty can into the trash and finally revealed the reason for her bad mood.

 

“What about money?” I asked, already guessing what her answer would be.

 

As expected, she shot me a sharp glare.

 

“Don’t need it. A few people have tried offering something equal in return. Like, at the very least, take notes for me when I’m out. No wonder those losers keep getting ignored.”

 

From the way she said it, it was clear the ones asking were all guys.

 

Even if she wanted to turn them down, it was probably tough since she played the friendly-with-everyone card.

 

Back in high school, I didn’t remember her putting on this “people pleaser” act, so this had to be one of those lovely new college stresses.

 

But there was one little issue with her complaint…

 

“I put in the same class time they do. So why the hell should I be giving them my notes for nothing?”

 

…Yeah. I was one of the people constantly borrowing Ayaka’s notes too.

 

Saying I’m “not a morning person” might sound cute, but the truth is I just lived a lazy lifestyle and skipped class a lot.

 

Whenever that happened, I’d borrow Ayaka’s notes. I’d borrow Ayaka’s notes. And even when I did go to class, I’d still ask to borrow her notes because they were easier to understand.

 

I couldn’t remember ever doing anything like a fair trade in return, like she’d said earlier. A wave of guilt hit me all at once.

 

“…Yeah. I mean, I knew it in my head, but actually hearing you say it really hits. I’m sorry. Like, seriously – my bad.”

 

I apologized with genuine hesitation, and Ayaka blinked in surprise.

 

“It’s fine. You’re an exception.”

 

“Why’s that?”

 

“Beats me. Maybe it’s because giving them to you feels like a reward for me.”

 

I coughed, trying to figure out what the hell that meant.

 

“Wha— what’s that supposed to mean!?”

 

“It means I’m racking up favors so I can work you like a mule.”

 

With a mischievous grin, Ayaka turned and walked into the lecture hall.

 

I silently swore never to buy her coffee again after that awful joke.

 

 

 


At the university I attend, getting course credits isn’t too difficult – at least not for us liberal arts majors, unless you’re in law school.

 

There are no classes with 80% fail rates or anything. In fact, more than half the students pass most classes.

 

As long as you show up and study a little, you’re good to go – or so I figured.

 

And today’s test?

 

It’s the last one of the semester.

 

I copied Ayaka’s neatly organized notes and stayed up all night reviewing the material.

 

It wasn’t a class that allowed students to bring notes into the exam, but thanks to the all-nighter, I wasn’t too worried about failing.

 

There were still twenty minutes left before the test began, but at this rate, I figured I didn’t need to cram anymore.

 

I cleared off my desk, leaving only my writing utensils out.

 

That’s when I felt someone’s gaze on me and looked up.

 

“Is this seat taken?”

 

A male student – probably around my age – spoke to me.

 

“Go ahead,” I replied.

 

He gave a slight nod and began setting up for the exam.

 

Back in high school, even if someone was the same age, we wouldn’t bother with polite speech. That’s something that changed after coming to college.

 

With nothing left to do, I glanced around the room. Ayaka was seated across the aisle, quizzing back and forth with one of her friends.

 

I couldn’t see her face from this angle, but her gestures were enough to tell it was her. That’s just how long we’ve known each other.

 

College lecture halls come in various sizes, but the one we were in now was on the larger side.

 

About fifteen rows front to back, twenty columns side to side, each long table was built to seat three students.

 

During exams, only two students sat per table to prevent cheating, but that setup never caused any shortage of seats.

 

When the professor entered, the buzzing chatter in the room gradually quieted, and the test papers were handed out.

 

Trying to peek through the back of the paper to see if there were multiple-choice questions, I squinted – but I couldn’t make any out.

 

That probably meant this wasn’t a multiple-choice test. The visible lines of text on the reverse seemed to split only into two main sections.

 

“Ugh…” The muttered complaint from the student beside me earned my silent, wholehearted agreement.

 

With only two questions on the test, it was obvious that each one required a detailed written response. Anyone who had studied broadly but shallowly was done for.

 

The bell rang, and I picked up my pen.

 

The test had begun.

 

 

 


“It’s over…”

 

I somehow managed to write a complete answer for the first question. But the second one? It just happened to cover a topic that had completely slipped my mind – and I could only manage four lines before hitting a wall.

 

For a written response that probably required at least twenty lines, I had written only four.

 

It was like being asked: “What did you do over winter break? Please write in detail about the most fun experience and the tastiest thing you ate.” And responding with: “I’m planning to go to a café today.”

 

That’s about the level of disaster we’re talking.

 

I didn’t even understand the intent of the question – utterly hopeless.

 

Despite being released from the test, a gloomy cloud hung over me, and seeing that, Ayaka sighed in exasperation.

 

“What, you couldn’t answer that one? I marked a few sections in the notes that might be used for essay questions, didn’t I?”

 

“Ahaha…”

 

“…A-Are you okay?” Ayaka asked, her voice laced with a hint of concern as she recoiled slightly at my defeated aura.

 

After thinking for a moment, Ayaka clapped her hands.

 

“Oh right, we’re having a post-exam get-together tomorrow. Want to come? It’s been a while since you went to a big drinking party, hasn’t it?”

 

“A drinking party, huh? …Yeah, I guess I haven’t been to a big one since I stopped going to club meetings.”

 

The moment I responded, Ayaka pulled out her phone and started tapping away.

 

“Okay, I sent in your RSVP. It’s a pretty chill club, and once you’ve had a few drinks, I think you’ll have a good time.”

 

I hadn’t even said I’d go yet, but Ayaka was way too fast.

 

Still, I found myself kind of in the mood for it this time, so I just thanked her.

 

“Thanks.”

 

“Mm.”

 

Ayaka gave a short reply and then stretched her arms high above her head.

 

“Anyway, now we’ve finally got some freedom. Time to enjoy our long, long sprink break.”

 

“Yeah, it’s like two months, right?”

 

“Exactly. One of my clubs is going on a trip, and I’m pretty excited.”

 

“You’re in a few clubs, aren’t you? Which one?”

 

“The outdoor club.”

 

“Oh? So you’re going hiking or something?”

 

“Nope. Hot springs and crab.”

 

“Of course you are!”

 

When people hear “outdoor club,” they probably picture hiking or camping, but reality is usually far from that.

 

Most of those clubs just organize big drinking parties or regular sightseeing trips.

 

Maybe it’s different at other universities, but at mine, nearly all the outdoor clubs are like that.

 

Some clubs even required entry sheets and selection processes to join, which totally shocked me back in my freshman year.

 

“You still going to your club lately?”

 

“Nah, not at all.”

 

Truth is, I’m technically part of the basketball club.

 

In college, joining a club is the quickest way to expand your social circle. On the flip side, if you don’t join one, it’s really tough to meet people.

 

“You should probably start going again, right? You used to really like that club.”

 

“Yeah, I did.”

 

Usually we’d just play games, and sometimes we’d actually practice seriously.

 

That balance was comfortable for me. It was a good outlet for stress, and I really did like it.

 

The reason I stopped going was because of my breakup with Reina Aisaka. So it’s been about two months now.

 

The issue was that Reina knew some of the people in the club.

 

I couldn’t stand the idea of them grilling me about why we broke up right after I got cheated on.

 

But I’m not in that same mental place anymore.

 

It’s about time I got back to my normal life.

 

“…Yeah. I should probably start showing up again.”

 

“Yeah, it’d be good for you. Help clear your head.”

 

Ayaka gave a little smirk.

 

“Well, I’m off. Gonna grab dinner with some friends from my department.”

 

“Cool. Got it.”

 

Ayaka waved her hand as she walked back into the lecture hall.

 

Her friends from her department were probably waiting for her.

 

“Guess I’ll head out too.”

 

If I missed this timing after finishing exams, I had a feeling it would take me even longer to make it back to club.

 

I messaged my friends: “Heading to club for the first time in a while!”

 

That said, while I’d met Ayaka’s department friends before, I’d never actually gone out to eat with them.

 

We’d talk a bit if we ran into each other, so I could probably join them anytime if I wanted – but there just hadn’t been a real opportunity.

 

And honestly, I didn’t think Ayaka was all that eager to mix me into that group.

 

If she were, she would’ve invited me by now. I mean, she always asks me to join mixers or club drinking parties without hesitation.

 

I wonder if her friends know a side of Ayaka I’ve never seen.

 

Not that I even know if there is such a side.

 

Come to think of it, I’ve never really heard anything about Ayaka before we met in high school.

 

I’m curious, but it’s not something I’d find out without some kind of trigger.

 

Even when I try to ask her casually, she usually dodges the question.

 

Just as I was lost in those thoughts, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

 

A message from Shinohara.

 

[Good job on the test! Where are you right now?]

 

Bad timing.

 

I’d already decided to go to club today for the first time in ages – if she was inviting me to hang out, I’d have to turn her down.

 

Just then, her name popped up on the screen – she was calling.

 

I hesitated for a moment, then picked up.

 

“Hey Shinohara. Thanks for the message.”

 

[“Hi, senpai! Hope the test went okay!”]

 

“Yeah, thanks. But sorry – I can’t see you today.”

 

[“Huh? Why not?”]

 

“I’m heading to club today – for the first time in a while. So give me a break, okay?”

 

[“Ehh, then just lunch is fine, okay? I actually turned down another lunch invite just now, so I’m free until evening.”]

 

She must’ve turned it down because she was planning to eat with me.

 

For a moment, I felt a twinge of guilt. But I held my ground.

 

“That’s your own problem.”

 

[“Yup, it’s my problem. But you’re kind, senpai, so I know you’ll go along with me in times like this.”]

 

“What kind of logic is that?”

 

[“Did you know? When someone tells a person they’re kind, it actually makes them act more kindly.”]

 

“Then I guess I’m not human. See ya.”

 

[“W-Wait! I’ll treat you!”]

 

Her sudden, desperate offer made me waver.

 

I’ll say it again: for a student living alone, there’s no such thing as a hot meal waiting at home.

 

It’s either cook for yourself, eat out, or grab some kind of pre-made meal.

 

And since I don’t cook, that leaves only the more expensive options.

 

So saving on food costs is actually a pretty big deal.

 

Even if it means letting a younger girl pay.

 

“…Fine, I’ll go. Let’s meet in front of the cafeteria.”

 

[“Hehe, you’re so easy.”]

 

With that, the call cut off.

 

For a moment, I genuinely considered ditching the plan and heading home out of spite.

 

 

 


“Senpai! Over here!”

 

Scanning the area, I spotted Shinohara waving her arm high above her head.

 

Looking at the male students passing by and glancing in her direction, it was obvious she stood out.

 

As soon as a group of guys noticed her, they started whispering excitedly amongst themselves. I let out a quiet sigh.

 

Just having a cute face made her attract attention, so I really wished she wouldn’t shout like that in a crowd of strangers.

 

She could at least think about how awkward that made it for me to approach her.

 

“Yo.”

 

When I called out to Shinohara, the group of guys groaned in disappointment and walked off, muttering things like, “Figures she already had someone…”

 

Just as I suspected – they must’ve been talking about asking her to lunch.

 

Whether Shinohara hadn’t noticed or had and just ignored it, I couldn’t tell.

 

“Good work on the test!”

 

“You’re way too hyped.”

 

“Why are you so low-energy, senpai? The test’s over!”

 

Oblivious to my inner turmoil, Shinohara was her usual self, making me want to at least throw a jab her way.

 

“I’m tired because the test is over.”

 

When she heard that, Shinohara puffer her cheeks in a pout.

 

“Senpai – being invited to lunch by a girl and acting like it’s such a chore? That’s just spoiled behavior.”

 

She added a smug, “And by me, no less,” as she peered up at me, clearly waiting for a reaction.

 

Her teasing expression – like she was saying, “You should be grateful just to be around me” – remind me a lot of Ayaka’s.

 

Not that I’d ever say that out loud, since those two didn’t seem to get along.

 

“Even if you’re a guy, you can’t just instantly boost your energy when you’re sleepy.”

 

“Is that really how it works?”

 

Still looking dissatisfied, Shinohara walked a little ahead of me, pouting.

 

I’d noticed it before, but every little expression she made had a way of tugging at a guy’s heartstrings.

 

Whether she was aware of it or not, I wasn’t sure. But I wouldn’t be surprised if that was exactly how she lured in Motosaka with all her calculated charm.

 

Back around Christmas, she mentioned that even before her “trial run” with Motosaka, she’d had no shortage of guys confessing her.

 

One guy after another had danced to her tune, only to be shot down in flames. When I thought about all the guys who’d sunk like that, I couldn’t help but instinctively want to keep a bit of distance from Shinohara.

 

That said, her assertiveness usually didn’t allow for any emotional distance to show on the surface.

 

At the moment, Shinohara was fiddling with her phone, seemingly searching for a nearby place to eat.

 

There were cafeterias and cafes on campus, but they were always crowded. If you wanted a quiet, comfortable meal, going to a regular off-campus restaurant was the better option – or so she’d once before.

 

But before we could even think about food, there was one hurdle I had to clear.

 

“Shinohara, I’m actually not hungry yet.”

 

Because I barely slept last night studying for the test, I had plenty of time this morning – and ended up eating a much bigger breakfast than usual.

 

“Then what should we do? Wanna pick a restaurant now and walk around the area until you’re hungry?”

 

“Actually, maybe you could just let me head to my club now!”

 

“Nope. What am I supposed to do with my free time then?”

 

The second she said that, her face lit up like a lightbulb.

 

This was bad. I could feel it.

 

“I’ll just come with you to your club!”

 

“Hey, don’t be stupid!”

 

The nice thing about a club, unlike a formal sports team, is the lack of obligation. Sure, the longer you stay away, the harder it is to come back, but if you’ve built up decent relationships, it’s not much of a problem.

 

Which means, even if I showed up to practice with Shinohara in tow, the members wouldn’t be annoyed – in fact, they’d probably be happy about it.

 

But the basketball club I’m heading to now, Start, is a place I haven’t set foot in since breaking up with Reina Aisaka.

 

If my first time back is showing up with a girl, it’s going to be more than a little awkward.

 

Not just for me – my friends would probably feel uncomfortable, too.

 

But it seemed my thoughts weren’t getting through to Shinohara at all.

 

“I can’t wait to see you play basketball, senpai. What kind of moves are you gonna show me?”

 

“Stop expecting anything. I’m not pulling off any super plays.”

 

After saying that, I resigned myself to my fate.

 

It’d probably be less of a hassle to just let her watch than to keep trying to turn her down.

 

Please don’t let this cause any weird misunderstandings, I prayed silently.

 


 

 

“Sorry for borrowing your practice clothes like this.”

 

Surrounded by an unfamiliar smell, I glanced at the friend beside me tying the laces of his basketball shoes.

 

Todo Masato, with his ash-gray dyed hair, simply replied, “Don’t worry about it.”

 

We met at another club’s welcome party.

 

He was one of the first friends I made when I entered university, and it was thanks to Todo’s influence that I started smoking in the first place.

 

A calm guy, the kind of person that’s easy to relax around.

 

“Haven’t been to the gym in a while, huh? Not since your breakup, right?”

 

“I didn’t get dumped, for the record.”

 

I shot back, a bit defensive. Todo let out a soft laugh.

 

“What kinda pride is that? Not that I don’t get it.”

 

“She cheated on me, remember? That’s humiliating enough – just let me have the win of saying I dumped her.”

 

It’s not like getting dumped is inherently lame. But if a guy gets cheated on and then dumped, that’s a whole different kind of pathetic.

 

I guess it depends on the person, but for me, yeah – it hits the pride pretty hard.

 

Todo stretched his back and said,

 

“Cheating’s what’s pathetic. You’re lucky you cut ties with someone like that early on.”

 

“Well, yeah. Would’ve been way worse if I’d kept dating her without knowing.”

 

“Exactly.”

 

Todo gave a big grin and grabbed a basketball.

 

He’s good-looking, obviously popular with girls, but from what I can tell, he’s totally faithful to the girlfriend he’s been with for two years. He doesn’t mess around at all.

 

Hanging out with Todo has always been one of the few things that actually makes me feel at ease.

 

“Shoes fit okay?”

 

Todo glanced at the basketball shoes I was wearing.

 

They were a little big – loaners from the club.

 

Still, If I tied them tight enough, they’d work fine for casual practice.

 

“They’re fine. Kinda ugly, but whatever.”

 

“Dude, you haven’t even paid your club dues. Be grateful they’re letting you use those.”

 

“Oh, right… these came from the club’s budget, didn’t they?”

 

“Yup. Blood money they squeezed out of the rest of us. Treat ‘em with some respect.”

 

“Yeah, yeah. I got it”

 

Todo chuckled and spun the basketball effortlessly on one finger.

 

“By the way, who’s that girl standing at the entrance? She’s staring hard over here.”

 

I followed his gaze and spotted Shinohara peeking into the gym.

 

She was definitely drawing attention – some of the other club members were sneaking glances at her, clearly curious.

 

As soon as we made eye contact, she started bouncing excitedly on her feet and waved at me with both hands.

 

Naturally, everyone tracked where she was waving… and realized it was me.

 

A chorus of surprised expressions spread across the court.

 

“Crap, I totally forgot I brought her.”

 

“New girlfriend?”

 

“No way in hell.”

 

“Didn’t think so. It doesn’t seem like you’re in any rush to get a new one.”

 

Todo narrowed his eyes, like he could see right through me.

 

I didn’t have a snappy comeback for that and ended up mumbling.

 

It’s not like I’ve sworn off dating or anything.

 

But I also couldn’t deny that I was skittish when it came to romance.

 

What if it happens again? What if I get cheated on again?

 

That feeling of everything you built together getting flushed down the drain – yeah, I’ve had enough of that.

 

In that sense, Todo wasn’t wrong.

 

“How about Ayaka-san?”

 

“Nah. She’s different. Whole separate category.”

 

When I said that, Todo casually stopped spinning the ball and rolled it toward the edge of the gym.

 

“You always say that, but I still don’t get it. You’re close with a gorgeous girl like that, and you don’t fall for her? You’re a mystery, man.”

 

“You say that, but I bet even you wouldn’t fall for a cute friend.”

 

“Well yeah, but I’ve got a girlfriend. You’re the one who’s single, remember?”

 

Todo clapped a hand on my shoulder and turned his gaze back toward Shinohara.

 

“Still, she really is cute. You never had a junior that cute even at your part-time job. Where’d you two meet – group date?

 

I paused for a second, trying to remember how to even explain it.

 

“…I ran into Santa.”

 

“Huh?”

 

Todo blinked, completely baffled.

 

Leaving him behind, I jogged toward the ex-Santa in question.

 

Despite pulling an all-nighter, my body felt surprisingly light.



Translator's note: Once again I apologize for that taking so long. No excuse, just laziness. I do plan on continuing this series. Thanks to everyone who sticks with this series.




Join the discord dedicated to this series at:

https://discord.gg/7tD8mg9NJq


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