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.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh9CgRNXBX
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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."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGKBrhXbH8
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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.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcIEeiVjiS
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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."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbFhlZKCcC
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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.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1UlSTppH5
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLnMMLqPbW
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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."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEppWAe6Kby
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j1Yh86p0Y
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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.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmVV3iphAK
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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.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvJFGsjjGv
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jg6eW9NH9
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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.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxhm7s2r8S
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1PUyujJZR
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KP8bk8smx
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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.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUQu89HgxQ
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIjsfB9s6f
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB4dAsSt7Z
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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."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTtVZQnx8k
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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."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2xHqqt2fr
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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.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MQ5Nndghf
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UU7oHzM0e
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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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