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.250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQknHl49jx
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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."250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzaOYmdinO
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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.250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60jIJo3U1o
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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."250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGyQhKLNCu
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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.250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlx7QWHnLh
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZyOVmxRqo
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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."250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gWg4OYDvn
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDUMMqyL9V
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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.250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqUWH9TCLa
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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.250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E9mi65bh9
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQd1LG1W7Hx
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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.250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOVBWBjls4
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuFDQwTDjc
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaMluUDuKb
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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.250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxncgCwkcY
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2v4BCwwQ9
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPIz9xqHnF
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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."250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW95kNCxk7R
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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."250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdsL38r8sh
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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.250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0j788g7cpJ
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."250Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7ZvnN8XAj
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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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