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.316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpx2hzUGVhB
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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."316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMXeeA38JF
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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.316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM683VH9nVA
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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."316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPbmxAJWbu
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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.316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib7fbVoIQZ
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCMdZ9LdjQ
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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."316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlgpttLgLH
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxHiK9b4XV
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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.316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf1K2d7OjN
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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.316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxnWmjq5DT
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzItYmyQxe
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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.316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGijkCcHKHP
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYVHeLxbjx
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKllQz1D7OV
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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.316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBFxZrwV5O
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUCbdoLQht
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpnORxwjYe
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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."316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWO48QeOJ4D
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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."316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsWYF7oDKJ
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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.316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsGcY76kgg
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR07Cl14n3i
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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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