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Morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in Jun's room. The boy, now seven years old, sat on a chair, lost in thought. His young face bore a contemplative expression, his eyes reflecting a maturity beyond his years. In the quiet of his room, he pondered the journey of his life so far.

His mind danced back through the years, recalling the peaceful routine that had become his life. School to home, homework at the kitchen table, and the comforting presence of his mother—these were the constants in his life. As he grew, he began to grasp the depth of his mother's sacrifices and the challenges she had overcome for his sake.

His thoughts drifted toward his father, a hero who had perished in a shootout just a month before Jun's birth, had left an indelible mark on their lives.

Jun's mother, a formidable woman who had weathered life's storms with grace and resilience, was the embodiment of his strength. She had transformed herself from a grieving widow into a successful restaurant owner. A resilient woman with eyes that mirrored his own, had become a restaurant owner, a profession that demanded long hours, hard work, and unwavering dedication. Her sacrifices were not lost on him. He had seen the weariness in her eyes, the long nights she spent ensuring that their ends met, and the countless obstacles she overcame to provide him with a better life. Her love was a beacon, guiding him through the maze of his young existence.

As he delved into his musings, the tranquility of the moment shattered with his mother's voice. "Jun, come down and eat your breakfast," she called from downstairs, her voice carrying a blend of warmth and authority.

Jun's reverie was broken, and he sprang into action with youthful energy. The realization of his immediate responsibilities hit him, and he abruptly stood up, the chair scraping against the floor. His school uniform lay neatly folded on the bed, waiting for him. With a sense of purpose, he swiftly started to get dressed, his movements quick and efficient.

With lightning speed, he grabbed his uniform, the familiar fabric a comforting reminder of the day ahead. He dressed hurriedly, his movements fueled by a sense of purpose. Each button was fastened with determination, each shoelace tied with precision. As he smoothed down his shirt, he glanced at himself in the mirror, meeting his own eyes with a newfound resolve.

In the span of a few moments, Jun transformed from a contemplative boy into a young student, ready to face the challenges of the day. His backpack, slung over his shoulder.

Jun bounded down the stairs, his footsteps echoing through the house. The aroma of breakfast wafted from the kitchen, enticing his senses. 

Jun's hurried steps came to an abrupt halt as he entered the dining room, his eyes lighting up at the sight of his mother. "Good morning, Mama," he chimed, his voice filled with warmth and affection.

His mother, a picture of maternal tenderness, approached him with a smile that reached her eyes. She leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on Jun's cheek before expertly lifting him up and settling him on her lap. Her arms encircled him protectively, making him feel safe and loved.

"Good morning, Mama's boy," she replied, her tone playful and loving. With a tender smile, she began to feed him, a spoonful of breakfast poised in her hand.

Jun, however, hesitated for a moment, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Mom, I can eat," he protested, his voice soft but firm. He was growing, becoming more independent with each passing day, and he wanted to prove that he could handle things on his own.

His mother's gaze softened, her eyes reflecting both pride and a hint of mischief. "I know, but I like to feed you," she said, her voice carrying a mix of affection and possessiveness. To her, Jun would always be her little boy, no matter how much he grew.

Jun shook his head, his expression determined. "I can do it, Mom," he insisted, wanting to assert his newfound independence. He was at that age where he wanted to prove himself, to show his abilities and capabilities to the world.

However, his mother's tone took on a slightly firmer edge, her words carrying a sense of authority. "I will feed you," she said, her voice leaving no room for argument. It was a declaration, a reminder of her role as a mother, and Jun, like a cute puppy, nodded in reluctant agreement.

With a small sigh and a playful roll of his eyes, Jun surrendered to his mother's insistence. He opened his mouth obediently as she guided the spoon, accepting each bite with a mix of fond exasperation and genuine love.

"Jun, want Mama to drop you at school?" she inquired, her eyes holding a desire to spend more time with him.

Jun, with a newfound sense of independence, declined her offer politely. "No, Mom, I will go on my bicycle," he said, his voice firm but respectful. He wanted to prove his capabilities, to show that he could handle things on his own, even if it was just riding his bicycle to school.

His mother's expression faltered slightly, a hint of disappointment crossing her features. "Okay," she replied, masking her feelings with a forced smile. Inside, however, she couldn't help but regret the day she had bought him the bicycle. In her heart, she cursed herself for giving him that freedom, for allowing him to venture out on his own. The fear of separation, of him growing too distant, gnawed at her.

As Jun finished his meal, he pushed the plate away gently, his stomach satisfied. "Enough, I am full," he declared, his voice content.

His mother, despite her disappointment, tried to persuade him to eat a little more. "Just a little more," she urged, hoping to keep him at the table for a few moments longer.

"Nah, Mom, I'm full," Jun insisted, his tone gentle but firm. He knew his limits, and he didn't want to force himself to eat more than he needed.

Reluctantly, his mother nodded, accepting his decision. With a heavy heart, she watched as Jun got up from the table and made his way to the door, ready to leave for school on his bicycle.

As he rode away, his mother couldn't shake off the pang of possessiveness that gripped her heart. She had always been fiercely protective of him, wanting to keep him close, shielded from the world's uncertainties. But she knew deep down that she needed to let him go, to allow him the space to grow and learn on his own.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed aside her worries, reminding herself that this was a natural part of his development. With a determined spirit, she got ready to head to her restaurant, channeling her love and concerns into her work.

Jun pedaled his bicycle toward the familiar gathering spot, where his friends awaited him on their bikes. As he approached, their jovial voices reached his ears. "And we thought we were gonna get late today," one of them teased, their laughter filling the air.

Jun, although not overly expressive, couldn't hide the warmth in his eyes as he dismounted his bike and greeted his friends with shoulder-tap hugs. His friends—Shino, Eugene, Draken, Mikey, and Ryosuke—were a diverse group, each with their unique style and personality.

Mikey, with his striking blonde hair and deep black eyes, stood at the same height as Jun. He had an easygoing demeanor that made him approachable, a quality that endeared him to everyone in the group.

Draken, a tall figure with light orange hair and piercing grey eyes, towered over Jun by an inch. His quiet confidence and sharp wit added a certain charm to his presence, making him a respected member of the group.

Shino, similar in height to Draken, had dark brown hair that framed his face, matching the depth of his dark brown eyes. He possessed an air of mystery, his quiet nature hiding a sharp intellect and a keen sense of observation.

Eugene, slightly shorter than Shino but a bit taller than Jun, sported unconventional green hair that seemed to glow under the sunlight. His eyes, a mesmerizing shade of gold, held a spark of mischief, reflecting his fierce and adventurous spirit.

Ryosuke, shorter than Jun by a fraction, had a rebellious aura about him, accentuated by his dark blue hair and piercing red eyes. Despite his stature, he was playful and determined, a quality that made him a force to be reckoned with.

Ryosuke, sitting behind Shino, was the most impatient among them. With a quick glance at his watch, he hurried the group, his voice carrying a sense of urgency. "Come on, guys! We're gonna be late if we don't hurry," he exclaimed, his red eyes focused on the path ahead.

The friends exchanged small talk as they started their journey to school. Jun, though not one to initiate conversations, listened intently, his quiet nature masking a caring heart. He might not express himself with grand gestures or words, but his actions spoke volumes. He would subtly offer a piece of his snack to Mikey, pat Draken on the back in a moment of camaraderie, share a knowing glance with Shino, playfully tousle Eugene's hair, and exchange a silent nod with Ryosuke.

Their conversations were casual, filled with laughter, jokes, and the usual banter that friends shared. Mikey teased Eugene about his latest prank, while Draken and Shino discussed the upcoming exams, exchanging study tips. Ryosuke, in his typical straightforward manner, urged everyone to focus on their driving.

Amidst their chatter, Jun observed his friends, his eyes attentive to their emotions and reactions. He might not express it openly, but he cherished each of them, understanding the unique qualities they brought to the group.

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