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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFuCYCYr3j
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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."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsHeBHsqQD
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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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YU25jIkn8
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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."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRaR0WYlnk
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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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaYmZnzjSh
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxUB2bdgof
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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."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOhkdAUH7y
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGrdxMKGeb
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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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5kMEcR1dd
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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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtJ94pfm0P
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxhN8rpHqo
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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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGrUZBt7Qh
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZowaW6Zi4
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzSa2uWrmQ
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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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheZuw94W34
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAuLghAMvo
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT9EbvBCCC
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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."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bptXSwpF3
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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."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydbmuuMGbe
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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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6nzc76xOP
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5QMQc8coC
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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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