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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOwO0AwMKU
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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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLZ3wXfT8l
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5E6Fb593I
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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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRSSswfPco
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP9gXMK7Pk
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBU1jM1lqa
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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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSjX5pTnp2
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZieA22n4hs
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y1987QGSR
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17GvGNNTwH
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwboFbp0MZs
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyXG18OmxQ
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExmmYfEo5W
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkXRe9WDLS
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJwpSPlPwG
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y2DV2NgdG
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Xub6xf64Y
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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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLAPwCFWqs
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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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8Te7zMNqT
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7OuA3rPjb
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CgoaR1cp7
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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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