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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SER4lOS71
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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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pcu1lb1w5
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnJoey95uU
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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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZo28EqqXG
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRJ9jG25qR
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23mGHzV6xO
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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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg06LvxsqxM
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyl1tHVy6pl
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU935L6ZVaa
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKIAg2Y6IR
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZLwhEOxUY
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5taT87ZHg
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9ZtolEp8Z
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU57ZZybFy2
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2Ra9X3ukt
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcVY6KV8bA
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHVmTNKf2G
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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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPDKHN5Adj
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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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh47dj4GRzE
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdQNSHSmg3
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyAXtnjwlu
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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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