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.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPRMIC9NnT
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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."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhcTJF14lD
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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.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRoLgfP4wP
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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."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5Pit01BAh
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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.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBRnqGm7a9
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKjNwFjuLl
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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."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNgUHzRBnA
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWq625W2zCN
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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.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtLLpaJtTc
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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.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurNxdo3miG
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJL7JDoRxtL
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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.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdfJ1dmWSY
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgrPVBjjXZ
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu21Uw6Ioz
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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.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbJV03qwgk
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9assmQG42V
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GpMq4CwCu
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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."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdXXIj8vLV
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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."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzfgWs59WM
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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.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cvROpFfHQ
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDHRkAfR2G
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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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