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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXjq0dXc3Z
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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."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBRmrHouk5
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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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyezQIunGl
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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."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHb6rAFrq1
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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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9aikcxZ3I
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9duIEkHkY
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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."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVjfFo1LX3
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbXWzGvHlO
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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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4Izos7O5b
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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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEeDDvICrv
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk6ImZ2KOP
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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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRdn3z6G4P
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPn555PGyCN
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxo5EhbFl5
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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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihSKIMT9r9
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04aMTCSsOj
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8BFIc3WAw
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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."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyknbV6BAOG
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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."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSLl0BHlrq
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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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPrr4KMAhF
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc4fRq82lz
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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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