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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wNHFK27D5
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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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6TAiKbXFT
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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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlB2YLRkA8
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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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO5yrF6uJv
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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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLNyxYzpYn
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LTexZDFId
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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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y6GJNniV7
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QtHoDRo1K
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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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrOt26adFr
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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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zqRQsJcDo
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3pxWm90AE
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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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3f3CKHCLR
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pd4YcMH9K
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIVPl92fu7
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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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5adxj97XCw
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZfnlkzHRM
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUyrdn9FQ1
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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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPQdFhBTsZ
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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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHozNm0220g
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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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUbr0QJWqt
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNrES3gXWu
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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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