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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru8nB2qtUI
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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."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiDxYX1DQe
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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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT5amMTSSr
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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."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cSzfFzx10
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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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbwUTO5S7R
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2QHxJdcnX
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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."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBe9f9J8vZ
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8ptvc5OhM
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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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsx9jHb1Z9
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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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXET1qCNnh
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha4Legplto
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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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwlqxVUvDZ
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEahTFQV4Lk
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueRfvN3NlE
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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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUe19UI23a
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwP9avLxqnV
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPfX3aQDnO
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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."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8gm6GBMdk
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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."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdZeCXuyqN
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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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPiHaZdYDU
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4sXLPxsII
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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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