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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeqgZe6pzA
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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."115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcqZPaWxuX
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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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqfPKDh32A
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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."115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfB9rvc54Ez
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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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjMMANO2Nq
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2iX4q8Btw
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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."115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmvUMWWJZQ
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXXEnXMHwE
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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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUPgbHxzdn
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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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhuGqs9G5j
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4egw5jiJIo
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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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTdTQIAGzT
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAhQixoF8e
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpNiqklpmf
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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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2sYVTrVjO
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUynNhDLKP4
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozAnRItOPf
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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."115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzruoVyOcc2
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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."115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvy8EjhRMf
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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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBVHYk9rhh
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUYs1muijE
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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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