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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5mIOf21pD
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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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIt4bzSrS9
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcimuiqBomX
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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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHzS62dFMs
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqZfMJGgfj
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORUPHjG19n
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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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCGLNFNFOb
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFsPP3vkw2
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jD4i4UpSN
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeraZgpV2rj
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaa83OmColR
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK2mYZbSlk
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEwUwOfMnQ
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhjJCtdlMx
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZoOBQVUfi
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtD403dYpk8
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8M7L2Egvmr
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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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Qv8E4FAWp
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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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyQTvlqU6A
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88Jd8jtePm
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIGi9gYelx
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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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