Chapter 24

Gion district… the district itself unfolded as a living canvas, capturing the very essence of Japan's cultural legacy. Steeped in tradition and celebrated for its iconic Geisha culture, Gion was a mesmerizing blend of historic charm and modern allure. As tourists traversed its narrow cobblestone streets, they might chance upon Geishas and Maikos in traditional attire, gracefully navigating between appointments. The district's landscape was adorned with classic wooden buildings, their lantern-lit façades casting a warm glow upon the secrets concealed within. Some streets, paved with cobblestone, further enhanced the traditional atmosphere, creating a sense of timelessness.

Located in the Higashiyama ward, Gion was not only steeped in cultural richness but also thrived as a vibrant entertainment hub. High-end restaurants, cafés, clubs, and teahouses contributed to its dynamic nightlife, blending history seamlessly with contemporary vibrancy. High-end establishments, including restaurants, cafés, clubs, and teahouses, contributed to the district's dynamic nightlife. With its harmonious blend of history and modernity, the district stood as a living testament to the enduring beauty of Japan's cultural heritage.

Under the silvery moonlight, Kyoto's nocturnal breeze whispered through Gion, rustling leaves and echoing softly in the distance. The air was cool and inviting, making the nocturnal stroll a delightful experience. The ambient glow from passing cars, the warm lights of buildings adorned with lanterns, and the soft illumination of streetlamps transformed Gion into a captivating spectacle. The entire district sparkled in the night, embracing a lively ambiance that harmonized with its reputation as an entertainment hub. Despite the late hour, Gion remained animated, with a steady flow of people moving in and out of established ventures or leisurely exploring the enchanting streets.

Right now, Fuutaro and Ichika found themselves strolling along a sidewalk in the heart of Gion, having arrived there via taxi after a total of ten-minute ride. Though Fuutaro had initially considered walking, Ichika persuaded him to take a taxi, citing the considerable distance and the time saved, especially given the late hour. Her practical reasoning convinced him, and he agreed, especially considering their situation and disregard for their teachers' warnings.

As they took in Gion's vibrant yet serene nighttime ambiance, Ichika wore a small expression of awe, while Fuutaro occasionally nodded, both appreciating the surroundings.

"Wow, the atmosphere here at night is surprisingly lively," Ichika remarked, her gaze sweeping over the softly lit wooden buildings adorned with lanterns and business signs. She noted the bustling crowd, reminiscent of daytime tourist spots. "If it's this crowded at night, I can't imagine how busy it must be during the day."

"Well, Gion is one of the most famous entertainment districts in town, so it's always crowded no matter the hours," Fuutaro replied, pulling out his phone to check for nearby souvenir shops. "There's another district nearby, across the Kamogawa River, called Pontocho. It's even livelier, filled with bars and restaurants."

"That sounds interesting! What if we check out that area after finding your souvenirs?" she suggested eagerly.

"Hey, look at the time," he chuckled, amused by Ichika's enthusiasm. "If we head to Pontocho, we might end up getting back to the hotel as the sun rises. Staying up all night sounds exhausting, don't you think?"

"Oh, come on, it's our last day of the trip," Ichika said with her trademark cheerful, teasing smile. "A little exhaustion won't hurt. Besides, you always told us that you've pulled countless all-nighters for exams before, so one night should be a breeze. As long as we don't get caught, we can do whatever we want, right?"

Fuutaro smirked at her remark. "Pretty bold words coming from you. Remember last year when our P.E. teacher nearly caught us for being late to midterms? I got an earful and almost missed half the exam." He glanced at his phone to check the time. "But if we have a little time, I guess we can swing by Pontocho, even if it's just for a while."

"Hehe... There's always time if you believe there is," she said, playfully raising her index finger and giving a quick wink. "So, where's this souvenir shop you want to check out, Fuutaro-kun?"

Opening his map application, Fuutaro located the nearby souvenir shop. "Let's see... It should be close by. Take the left alleyway, walk straight for about twenty meters, and you'll find the souvenir shop on the right, next to a snack bar." He gestured towards the left alleyway.

Still beaming, Ichika took the lead. "Okay! Let's go, then!"

Following the app's directions, Fuutaro and Ichika ventured into the alleyway, heading towards the designated souvenir shop. The atmosphere in the narrow passage contrasted sharply with the bustling main street of Gion. Although lively, the alley exuded tranquility, lined with bars, cafes, and teahouses. The blend of traditional and modern architecture added to its charm, with classic wooden buildings standing alongside more contemporary structures. Unlike the crowded main street, this alley offered ample space to move around, creating a more open and inviting feel.

It did not take them long to reach their destination as they stood before the building marked on the map.

"Is this the place, Fuutaro-kun?"

"Yeah, this should be it."

The building before them stood modestly at two stories tall, a contrast to the larger, more spacious structures nearby. Its exterior showcased a classic, traditional design, mainly constructed from wood, featuring an entrance door that slid open, reminiscent of many other timeless Kyoto buildings. Amidst the surrounding modern or fusion-style architecture, this particular establishment stood out.

A signboard reading "souvenir shop" hung above the sliding door. Despite the late hour, the interior lights were still on, suggesting the store might still be open. Fuutaro double-checked the opening hours on his phone, confirming the shop would remain open until midnight.

As they stepped inside, they were greeted by a wide array of neatly arranged souvenir items. There were no other customers present, thus making them the only one. Contrary to Fuutaro's expectations, the interior was brightly lit with warm ceiling downlights, casting a cozy ambiance. The narrow layout of the shop, however, made it feel cramped compared to other souvenir stores he had visited. Shelves and display tables were tightly packed side by side, leaving little room to maneuver. The cramped space made it challenging to move around without risking collisions with the shelves or tables, potentially knocking over items in the process.

Fuutaro's gaze eventually fell upon the counter and behind, an elderly man reclined in a lazy chair, apparently fast asleep. Still standing near the entrance, he called out to the man, whom he presumed to be the shop's owner, "Uhh, excuse me."

The old man remained unresponsive, still sleeping, undisturbed by Fuutaro's initial call. "Excuse me!" he tried again, raising his voice, but to no avail.

Turning to Ichika, he shrugged, uncertain how to proceed. Waking a sleeping person, especially an elderly one, felt ethically questionable. Ichika noticed his hesitation and offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Fuutaro-kun. I'll handle this," she said, nodding confidently.

Stepping further into the store, Ichika approached the counter. "Excuse me," she began with a friendly tone, "we're looking for some souvenirs. Could you help us find something nice?" Her voice, playful yet polite, was slightly louder than usual to ensure she was heard over the sleeping man's slumber.

Still, the old man remained asleep.

Ichika made a few more attempts to rouse the old man, but like Fuutaro, she was met with no response. Turning back to Fuutaro, she chuckled softly at the awkward situation. "Looks like he's really out cold."

"I think he might be dead, Ichika," Fuutaro deadpanned, his expression remaining unchanged. "Your voice was even louder than mine, and he's still not budging."

"Language, Fuutaro-kun! It's rude to say such thing about an elderly person."

Fuutaro shook his head. "*sigh* Anyway, let's just find another sh—"

Just as Fuutaro was about to finish his sentence, an elderly woman emerged from the back door of the store. "Oh, a customer," she remarked before heading towards the counter. Her eyes widened as she noticed the old man, presumably her husband, napping in his chair. Placing her hands on her hips, she directed her attention to him. "Wake up, dear! There's a customer here, and why are you asleep?" With a light slap on the old man's shoulder, she tried to rouse him. "I just stepped away for a moment to brew some tea, and I can't believe you nodded off!"

The old man slowly opened his eyes, emitting a deep yawn as he rubbed them. Glancing at his wife, he mumbled, "Y-Yeah... Sorry about that." Rising from his chair, he moved to the counter. "I apologize for my rude manners. Father Time seems to have caught up with me, and staying awake at this hour has become quite a challenge," he explained with a calm and kind expression. "How may I assist you both today?"

Fuutaro and Ichika stood frozen, their awkward expressions lingering as they watched the scene unfold.

"Finally…" Fuutaro murmured to himself as he moved further into the store, joining Ichika's side. "Excuse me," he addressed the old man behind the counter, "I'm looking for konpeito candy and Hojicha tea leaves. Do you happen to have those items?"

"Konpeito... Let me check," the old man said, moving to a nearby desk where he retrieved a book. Flipping through its pages swiftly, he then headed to a display shelf of traditional snacks, carefully examining each item.

After a moment, he turned back to Fuutaro. "I'm sorry, young man, but we're currently out of stock of konpeito candies," he explained. "There's been a surge in demand lately, and our entire month's supply sold out in just a week. Many souvenir shops in Kyoto are facing the same issue. However, we're expecting a shipment next week if you're willing to wait."

It was the same disappointing answer Fuutaro had heard in every shop. No wonder konpeito candy was nowhere to be found in Kyoto—all stores were sold out due to the sudden surge in demand. Each shop had given him the same explanation, just as the old man had.

"*sigh* What a luck..." Fuutaro muttered, feeling his energy and determination wane at the familiar tale. He could already picture Raiha's disappointed expression when he returned home empty-handed, save for the Yatsuhashi. Shaking his head, he continued, "I can't afford to wait a whole week; I need it now... Anyway, never mind that. What about the Hojicha tea leaves?"

"Hmm... I believe we still have a few bags in the back," the old man remarked, consulting his book again, presumably a stock record. "Ahh, yes, we have two bags left. How many would you like to purchase, young man?"

"I'll take all of it," Fuutaro stated firmly. A small sense of relief washed over him knowing the shop had the tea leaves at very least. The thought of spending the entire night searching every souvenir shop in Gion for just these two items, combined with the disappointment he imagined on his dad's face, was unbearable. "So, how much for the two bags?"

"It'll be 5,500 Yen," the old man informed him. "You can pay once I bring the tea. Feel free to look around in the meantime. You might find something else that catches your eye." With that, he headed to the back of the shop, leaving his wife to oversee the store.

As they waited, Fuutaro and Ichika browsed through the store's collection. The merchandise mainly comprised antiques: small statues, traditional figurines, and charms. Among them were statues of gods, geisha figurines, Darumas, lucky cat charms, and Omamori charms. Additionally, the shop offered more common souvenirs such as clothing, traditional snacks, and trinkets.

While Ichika perused the items, her attention was drawn to something small on a display table. She picked it up, revealing a charm upon closer inspection. "Excuse me, how much is this charm?" She held it up to the elderly woman behind the counter.

The old woman stepped closer, studying the charm in Ichika's hand. It was a typical Omamori charm with a yellow hue, adorned with the kanji for "Wake-up". "Ah, it's the early wake-up charm," she remarked with a gentle smile. "It's priced at 750 Yen. Do you find yourself struggling to wake up in the morning?"

Ichika chuckled lightly, her expression sheepish. "Y-Yes, something like that," she admitted, retrieving her wallet from her pocket and handing exactly 750 Yen to the old woman. "I'll take one, please. Here's the money."

"Thank you, dear," the old woman said warmly, accepting the payment. "To ensure the charm takes effect, keep it close to you while you sleep. I recommend placing it beside your pillow or hanging it on the wall near your bed or futon for better results." With a nod, she returned to the counter to store the money.

Fuutaro joined Ichika, eyeing the charm she had just purchased. "Wake-up charm, huh? So, now you're turning to charms after alarm clocks and your sisters' shouting didn't work?" he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

Ichika chuckled in response. "Hehe... Why not? I'll try anything to wake up early, even if it means calling in divine help," she quipped, proudly showing the charm to Fuutaro.

Taking the charm from her, Fuutaro examined it. "I still can't believe how you manage to sleep through blaring alarms and your sisters doing every imaginable way to wake you up," he remarked, shaking his head in disbelief. Handing the charm back to her, he continued, "Nino once threatened to splash you with a bucket of water, but Yotsuba stopped her, worried it might flood your entire room. She thought one bucket wouldn't be enough to wake you." He chuckled at the memory.

"Ahaha... Is that so?" Ichika tucked the charm into her wallet. "I don't know why, but every time I set an alarm before bed, it mysteriously turns off on its own, and I always end up oversleeping. As for them, like you said, they pretty much gave up after the second try and left me behind for school," she explained with a playful expression. "So, why not give this charm a try? Who knows, maybe I'll wake up earlier than any of them."

"Heh! I doubt that," Fuutaro smirked, seeing it more of an excuse to defend her heavy sleeping habit. "With the way you sleep, I wouldn't be surprised if you could snooze through an earthquake and wake up unaware that half your bedroom went missing," he chuckled, imagining her comically sleeping through a disaster. "You could be the second coming of Sleeping Beauty."

"Hmm... Now that you mention it, I might just sleep through a natural disaster…" Ichika mused, finding humor in his remark. "But as long as I'm safe, does it really matter?" She replied with a playful wink.

A faint smile appeared on Fuutaro's lips at her playful response. "Heh, whatever you say, Ichika." He continued, "As long as you're not always late for school and wake up immediately when I call for tutoring, it's fine by me."

"Hehe... For the sake of our tutor, I'd even wake up at four in the morning for a tutoring session if you asked!" she declared. "So, don't worry about how I sleep, okay?"

The two continued to browse the store's merchandise. This time, Ichika's attention was drawn to a display of Darumas neatly arranged on a table. She picked one up, a smile spreading across her lips as she chuckled. "Hey, Fuutaro-kun, come take a look at this Daruma!"

Fuutaro, who had been examining statues of Gods, turned his attention to her. "What's wrong, Ichika?"

"What do you think of this Daruma?" she asked, presenting it to him. "Notice anything special about it?"

"Hmm... Looks pretty normal to me. It seems like any other Daruma," Fuutaro remarked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. His eyes studied the Daruma Ichika held, comparing it to the others on the display table. "Are you thinking of buying it?"

"Maybe... But are you sure? This Daruma is quite unique compared to the others," Ichika said, her demeanor playful and bright now. "Take a closer look, and you might see why!"

"Nah, I'm good. Just tell me why you think this Daruma stands out from the others."

"Okay then!" Ichika began to chuckle, finding it a bit challenging to explain her reason. "It's the expression, Fuutaro-kun! This Daruma reminds me of your face during our tutoring sessions or when you get mad at us for bombing quizzes." She examined the Daruma's expression, which conveyed a mix of seriousness and a frown. Then, she glanced back at Fuutaro, recalling his stern and annoyed look that she knew so well, prompting her to laugh as she humorously compared the two expressions.

Fuutaro smirked and rolled his eyes at Ichika's amusing comparison. He rarely paid attention to his own expressions during tutoring or when reprimanding them for their poor quiz scores. However, he could not deny that many, including Raiha and even his dad, often commented on his consistently stoic and scowling face. Despite this, he had never truly observed his own demeanor when irritated or serious. "Oi, do I really look like that?" he asked, exhaling softly as he lightly shook his head.

"Yep, that's spot on!" Ichika nodded eagerly. "You should see your own face in the mirror during our next tutoring session or after we bomb another quiz. Maybe I should buy this Daruma as a living room decor so you can compare it to your 'mad at us' face!" She playfully held the Daruma up to Fuutaro's face, her laughter growing louder.

Fuutaro, somewhat amused by Ichika's playful demeanor, turned back to search for a ceramic figurine that had caught his eye earlier. After a brief search, he found it and held it out to Ichika. "Recognize anything familiar with this figurine?" he asked. "This is the look you give when you doze off during our tutoring sessions or when I wake you from your beauty sleep." The figurine depicted a half-asleep man with a goofy expression, a hint of drool escaping from the corner of its mouth, and its head tilted to the side. With a playful smirk, he added, "Maybe I should buy this as a reminder to stay focused on my studies and avoid becoming like a certain someone I know who loves sleeping instead of studying!"

Ichika's expression soured, clearly unimpressed by his teasing. "Ughh, I'm sure my face doesn't look anything like that," she scoffed, eyeing at the figurine briefly before letting out a small huff. She narrowed her eyes at Fuutaro, her pout deepening. "Dozing off can be refreshing, you know? After a quick nap, I feel more motivated to do things. Besides, I've always done well on your tests after waking up, so it's not as bad as you make it seem."

"True, but I've had to do a fair bit of correcting afterward," Fuutaro countered, still smirking, and ready for more banter. "And speaking of your sleeping habits, sometimes I've witnessed that 'unique' habit while you're asleep... and they're quite something, aren't they?"

A deep blush painted Ichika's embarrassed face as she quickly grasped the reference to her peculiar sleeping habits. "Ughh! Not that one!" she exclaimed, her glare turning as sharp as a katana. Putting down the Daruma, she raised her hand and delivered a strong slap to Fuutaro's shoulder, nearly causing him to lose his grip on the figurine.

"Ouch! Okay, okay," Fuutaro chuckled, rubbing his stinging shoulder and carefully returning the figurine to its original spot.

The old woman, quietly observing their lively exchange from behind the counter, chuckled softly. "Hehe… You two certainly have a lively energy," she remarked, stepping closer to them. "If you don't mind me asking, are you a couple? Or perhaps newlyweds?"

"Ehh?!" Fuutaro and Ichika gasped in unison, their cheeks flushing with surprise from the old lady's question. They stood frozen, exchanging bewildered glances.

"N-No, we're not a couple. We're just friends!" they hurriedly clarified, their voices tinged with panic and a hint of embarrassment. "Close friends, to be exact…" Fuutaro added, with a confirming nod from Ichika.

The old woman shook her head lightly, a gentle smile on her lips. "Ahaha… I was just teasing, so don't take my words too seriously," she reassured them, her tone warm and understanding. Her expression calm as she regarded the two teenagers. "It's always refreshing to see young people so full of energy and having fun... It brings back memories of my own youthful days, enjoying moments with my husband."

Though a bit embarrassed, Fuutaro and Ichika could not help but feel a small spark of happiness when the old lady teased them about being a couple. However, her additional question caught them off guard, causing a sudden jolt of surprise in their hearts.

"Seeing how you two banter without any arguments, it's clear that you share a close friendship, perhaps even stronger than some of the young couples I've seen," she remarked, settling into a chair in front of the counter. "May I ask again? Are you both university students?"

"No, we're actually still in high school," Ichika replied, a hint of nervousness in her voice, her cheeks remained flushed. "We'll be graduating this year."

"I see," the old woman nodded, glancing at the portable clock on the counter. "I thought you two were university students, given that not many high schoolers would be out at this hour, especially in this district. You should be careful and head home soon."

"Yes, we're just out late searching for those two items I mentioned earlier. It's the last day of our school trip, and we'll be heading home tomorrow," Fuutaro explained, clearing his throat to regain composure.

"Ahh, a school trip, you say? Which city are you two from?"

"We're from Tokai."

"Oh, Tokai! My husband and I visited Tokai many times in the past," the old woman shared with a nostalgic smile. "Smaller than Nagoya, but it's a lovely city to live in compared to it…"

The old woman began to recount her life story, sharing how she and her husband attended the same university in Nagoya and often visited Tokai due to its close proximity. She expressed her fondness for Tokai's atmosphere, contrasting it with the industrial bustle of Nagoya.

Fuutaro and Ichika listened with awkward smiles, nodding occasionally when the old lady glanced at them. The uncomfortable encounter about their relationship status still hung in the air, creating tension. Occasionally, they exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of how to steer the conversation.

"After spending 45 years living and working in Nagoya, we decided to move to Kyoto and open this souvenir shop with our savings. I do miss Nagoya sometimes, as it holds memories from my early years," the old woman reminisced. "High school was such a fun and lively time. It's when many people find love. My husband and I first met in high school, but we didn't start dating until university. After graduating, we got married, and it's been 50 years since then."

Both Fuutaro and Ichika nodded awkwardly in response.

"To be honest, I thought you two were in a relationship based on your interactions. Despite the teasing and occasional annoyance, there's a certain warmth in your banter. It's clear you're comfortable with each other, just enjoying the moment," she remarked. "Throughout my life, I've seen many couples, and those who share a similar dynamic often find lasting happiness. Being able to joke and tease without taking offense is a sign of a strong and long-lasting relationship."

Fuutaro felt uneasy, his gaze flickering around as he nervously bit his lip. Meanwhile, Ichika blushed deeply, her expression betraying her flustered state as she cast her eyes downward, focusing intently on the floor.

"Ahaha… I apologize for getting lost in my memories. Chatting with young folks like you tends to make me nostalgic," the old woman said, acknowledging their silence. "But who knows? Maybe in the future, you two will find yourselves together in a romantic entanglement. Anyway, feel free to browse around the shop. I'll be here at the counter if you need anything." With a smile, she stood up and resumed her position behind the counter.

Fuutaro and Ichika exchanged another glance, letting out quiet sighs, relieved that the conversation had come to an end. It took them a moment to regain composure, and the blush that had tinted their faces gradually faded away.

A short while later, the old man returned with two bags of Hojicha tea leaves in both hands. Placing the bags on the counter, he looked toward Fuutaro as he approached.

"Here are the Hojicha tea leaves you requested, young man," the old man said, sliding the tea bags into a plastic bag. "That will be 5,500 Yen."

"Right, here's the money," Fuutaro handed over a few bills totaling 6000 Yen and received a 500 yen coin in return. A subtle smile appeared on his lips as he secured one of the souvenirs for his family. One down, one more to go, as he remained determined in his quest to find the konpeito candy before fatigue and sleepiness could dampen his resolve. Taking hold of the plastic bag, Fuutaro conveyed his gratitude, "Thank you very much. I've been searching for these tea leaves for the past two days without any success. Are Hojicha tea leaves considered rare as souvenirs in Kyoto?"

"It's not that rare. Nowadays, you won't find Hojicha tea leaves in many souvenir shops. They've opted for more popular and profitable items," the old man clarified. "Although there's a demand for Hojicha tea leaves, it's not as big as the typical souvenirs you come across. Nonetheless, I stock them because they're considered one of a signature product of this city."

"I see…"

"Since you're eager to find the konpeito candy, there's a sweet shop nearby in Pontocho. They sell a variety of sweets and candies, including konpeito. I've heard from some people that they've had luck finding some there, so you might have a chance," the old man offered. "The shop stays open until midnight, and its name... I forgot it. You can search online or ask around, as it's the only sweet shop in Pontocho."

Fuutaro's eyes lit up at this information, and a glimmer of hope appeared on his face. "Really? Thank you so much for the information, old man!"

"Don't worry about it. I can tell you really need it. I understand the frustration of searching for something you really want but can't really find it," the old man said, his tone both stern and understanding. "Good luck to you, young man."

Fuutaro could see a glint of empathy in the old man's eyes, realizing that he, too, possessed a determined spirit—similar to what his wife had described earlier about their hardworking days in their younger days. "Then, please excuse us," Fuutaro and Ichika expressed their gratitude with a slight bow, and the elderly couple responded with a nod.

As Fuutaro and Ichika exited the store, he slid the door closed behind him. But before he could move away, a faint exchange from inside caught his attention. Intrigued, he paused and eavesdropped, while Ichika continued walking ahead.

"Hey dear, why didn't you grab our tea while you were in the back? I swear, your memory seems to be slipping with age," the old woman's voice carried a hint of frustration.

"Well, there's not much I can do about it. We're not getting any younger, you know? And speaking of which, you even dozed off during the day while I was checking our stock and keeping the shelves clean," the old man replied with an indifferent tone.

"About that… It's just like you said, it's the toll of old age. I gave up coffee years ago, and that daytime nap is my way of staying alert during these late hours."

"Yeah, I suppose you have a point. Heh, you don't even have the energy to tease me like you did back in the good old days. Anyway, once I bring us the tea, let's work on that crossword puzzle together."

With that, the conversation faded into the background, replaced by the ambient sounds of the surroundings. Fuutaro could not help but chuckle softly, finding amusement in their exchange, before catching up to Ichika and continuing their journey.

A/N:

Chapter 24 is finished, and here it is!

Alright, Fuutaro has finally got one of the souvenir checklists, and now he and Ichika are off to find that konpeito candy. I hope you enjoy their interactions in this chapter, and what better way to kick off their outing than with some teasing and embarrassment? Damn, there's so much potential in Fuutaro and Ichika's dynamic, and I wish it could be expanded even further in the main series.

On a side note, I updated "I Still Remember You" on July 14th to fix grammar mistakes, improve the writing structure, and enhance the story's flow. Although I previously mentioned that I wouldn't post any more updates, this fix was significant enough to get an announcement since it related to improving the reading experience.

Also, I don't know if you noticed, the email notifications for FanFiction . net are currently broken and down once again. To receive notifications, you can download the official app, where in-app notifications are working fine and unaffected with the issue. Alternatively, if you don't have an account and just want to follow updates for this story, you can just keep an eye on my release schedule, which I always post in the author notes.

As for the next chapter, it will be released in the first week of August (5th – 11th). Keep an eye during that week for release.

As always, thank you for reading this story, and I'll see you in the next chapter!

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