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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFaMJDuZ2q
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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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiOqHgrnA0
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2qqliHbPg
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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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpk0ps2W7M
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eupXk8WdN
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JZR03VFdZ
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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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxBAgdg5YX
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfP7utWarmf
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYimfEqBt5J
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8bxcvFhi7
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRLbkh82l2
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQVjUl7Q7F
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSCUSwD1o0
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxQaDxVnND
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywhHbi7loh
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPyi4lUz1f
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrEoCNrA8B
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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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY6Hi99rFw
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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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmUotpZs3Z
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAtiToO1p1
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxs18UukRLb
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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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