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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQUWzcy95F
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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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeJJxolhx5
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJl1EEn1jq
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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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcefCtqPQL
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXKE0OVdfm
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7n1XOewrb
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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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DAx8uhDvx
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzxahgV9u7
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb5asKORXm
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZTirMqN3T
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXpLH4TKP9
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSHS2HnDr6
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkI4oRDvsf
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEr8fBeA3i
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6pwb1Y6OW
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AWmff0nzB
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0pZesMjnf
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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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vXXF2uRQR
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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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu82vDFB2gK
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0PDUoo4lh
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX24XYzFpvz
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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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