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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKJa0kQUcp
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8uWLLEpVJ
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5Mjq1t8Nf
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhYcwWOEUh
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQX3fE9Tnm
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pU4nOIRJg
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWs7aaF4xg
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qYADCaMtR
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfrTXSMEqf
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3wo8zyr5Q
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyIm1b4z1C
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVGbfTC50Q
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguruKYsiQX
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcMFLsuINk
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWSDEJW7dV
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEjxtXFcpu
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9iker6x8Z
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpGipHp0SK
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk4Xv1b7XZ
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpweduSRfC4
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWMO96NSJs
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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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