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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JnSxXmp8j
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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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0F55ax1BX
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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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtWYhsYd27
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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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXBE6ddJER
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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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pGWfB8Hys
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b5i5peZhO
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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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5tsuHYb72
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdauojQFNO3
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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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTA4M7Q3KD2
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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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujCkGFmnV0
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0ZsIe7Cxo
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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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqyaR0XjOX
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6HMj3HaT6
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr0PTpjpzw
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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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA1HPJGUZM
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO6cfQOlZZ
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvK34Q14ri
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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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcT61OFyS5
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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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufq5VFentN
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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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXHC7tyHbl
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgizDpiPxKh
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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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