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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3QK5UGa3v
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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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1gn7Mm2ht
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHISiUgjka
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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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBk6gnGgKXT
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eJcUHQgOQ
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlKrQg8hD3
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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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdRDkkbf8h
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NuST9e2Tb
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo3aGc1DGx
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCu2Xu6Bhn
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3vqyDT1R3
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9ukDK6aTK
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLAW5gC12D
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctJodSbi4p
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIGxCCtDyJ
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6KRx5lMBx
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY9VwMYm9T
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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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLak5COArp
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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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyGsEXagRY
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6OT8AaneU
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHmNgSrAo1
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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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