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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfdDKw7AAy
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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."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0v6K2g0fM
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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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM5yl5uVfn
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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."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYrSl6K9U3
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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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYRGNcOObE
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhVgxCY71K
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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."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dUkUWnr3n
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOLfMTPGAJ
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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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkskJeCd1oa
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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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36CBBQUmOP
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8jP1jgQor
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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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNReGW8sKZ
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYCIqWvzcY
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4CynVeowH
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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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicoPMhO3vw
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSLNpbgrZl
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UgRoRubMT
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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."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpC4eIws3Y
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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."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU72VqdFNH
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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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9Q6NFncv6
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZKk4HFcMI
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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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