The air in the classroom crackled with anticipation. The annual school festival was just a week away, and everyone was buzzing with excitement. Jun, however, was feeling anything but thrilled. He was still reeling from the confrontation with Aiko, and he was worried about how she might react to the festival.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcPCTL7Kdi
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Yuki, sensing his unease, squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Jun," she said, her voice soft. "We'll be together the whole time."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOplVHQGKB
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Jun nodded, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He had been feeling a little insecure lately, especially after witnessing Aiko's relentless pursuit. He couldn't help but wonder if Yuki was truly happy with him, or if she was just being nice.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxaaXNhEwq
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As if reading his mind, Yuki leaned closer and whispered, "I can't wait to spend the festival with you, Jun. It's going to be amazing."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNEGXGBjua
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Jun felt a wave of warmth wash over him. He knew he was being ridiculous, but he couldn't help but feel a little jealous when he saw Hana, his childhood friend, chatting with Yuki during their lunch break. Hana had always been a little too friendly with Yuki for his liking, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of insecurity.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8DCCzv6lh
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXKIv2KQXF
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Hana, oblivious to his unease, grinned. "Oh, we were just discussing the festival," she said. "Yuki has some great ideas for the class booth."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeipheMZYn
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88DUcabLsz
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He couldn't help but feel a little left out. He wanted to be the one talking to Yuki, the one sharing ideas with her. But he was too shy, too afraid to speak up.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa5MXxynmK
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Later that day, as Jun was walking home from school, he bumped into Aiko. She was standing by the school gate, her eyes fixed on him with an intensity that made him uncomfortable.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocBbvzYkS8
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx55uEkZG4B
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Jun felt a shiver run down his spine. He knew he shouldn't take anything from her, but he didn't want to be rude.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJT1HU7cgI
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcst9VnD6P
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtx6jcd74O
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She reached into her bag and pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden box. It was beautiful, but something about it made Jun uneasy.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cZp9Lh44c
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QkPdbDTIY
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8G2ly1vzn
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"I... I don't want to make things awkward," Jun said, trying to find the right words. "I'm happy with Yuki."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SxCHCVSVJ
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Aiko's eyes narrowed. "You're happy with her?" she asked, her voice laced with bitterness. "But she doesn't love you the way I do."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxPwROyLR0
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Jun felt a pang of guilt. He knew Aiko was obsessed with him, but he couldn't help but feel a little flattered by her attention.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhmLNEjjoh
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptU2sJGH34
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Aiko turned and walked away, her shoulders slumped with defeat. Jun watched her go, his heart heavy with guilt. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, but he knew he had to be honest with himself. He was in love with Yuki, and he couldn't imagine being with anyone else.
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