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.317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaC4en0Tdi
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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."317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr6vu23KRx
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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.317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsq3aFjUCx7
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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."317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGrTEsIyVS
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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.317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHMEKAmLk5
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLSZVvGvQA
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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."317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvmW9ifTaZ
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cwAym6loy
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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.317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡai9WqGx27f
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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.317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV36x4Olu0q
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph0Qa75OV1
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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.317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgZDcLGHg1
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSp3WbrfQ4Y
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoOAd57DGD
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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.317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklJxbt0S7Y
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xnF58AqlE
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJAZ8sj3ml
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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."317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtX6LY1SmZ8
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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."317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUx6tg10zP
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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.317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcx2eM8m4e
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."317Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgeQFXQmOz
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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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