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.284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDYoXsBPxo
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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."284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvm3aj5XqY8
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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.284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg10ZXoqOb
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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."284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqrvJ1FUfX
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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.284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NRfk8gasx
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdyuloCoyK
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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."284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFKuAP9Eie
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16gVxpuar1
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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.284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3FaCLrnz6
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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.284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0INvoR39j
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmBPGE0PD0
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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.284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1m0JWhaIB
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88sYBpIKNd
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wSb8tAMJ9
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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.284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbCZQI4jTi
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC9lnDwE6i
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAgnLbWAiv
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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."284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9SCVHKzg4
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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."284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcP7mEkjjh
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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.284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDzJ2hIZKS
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."284Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IUFJwy6UG
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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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