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.95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tbRf18shO
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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."95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxvA3f2j6D
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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.95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oWu63j20Y
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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."95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4FRPvKpil
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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.95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJkz0X7rVR
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56ykLUKSol
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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."95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8WC1mm9GL
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sCeMqV2M4
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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.95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6K3MhTMtv
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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.95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHzXpltUaY
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwwqJMxfa2
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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.95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwinyhdJS5f
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAGbvfzBD6
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO7EaVMQXj
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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.95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoMCTwu1gF
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCulzdx1NP
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoJqnRDgpT
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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."95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKKqie43Xi
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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."95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86ZifKXk0l
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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.95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmMb5QvE4y
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."95Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldXrWNDbUh
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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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