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.52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Rb826TRT6
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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."52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgFlyFsZkq
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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.52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvaRsQvFse
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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."52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2nMmCuIDb
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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.52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfNp0FRGar
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibxUHyOksA
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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."52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3z662PMu0
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05DvolRMqX
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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.52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArXivgZqkm
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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.52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cIlazVCZC
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrXLaswLam
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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.52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmGDuiYZXH
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Oc2pHUQ4j
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGEnnj9GFi
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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.52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL9y2C1c1A
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2o2jJTrCQ
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfZ80ExoUr
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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."52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTghmSNBvvD
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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."52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PHuLagKMD
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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.52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88dstzqbgm
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiICcLtETn
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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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