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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC0UZIH1dq
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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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGTCbZoera
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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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfP5rXC0LUv
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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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvVRPEHd4E
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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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN38zq24mYi
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoP3l3uRpt
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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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbxqhdcOxS
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFurJMCDrf2
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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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ksb2hOSfz
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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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH4EDyhMmJ
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoTfeKACk5
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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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOaPhpaj62
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFPKOpcgPU
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LY9BH3HXL
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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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSSwTtvhed
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MtBJJVGVq
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TChVKyhcf
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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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAImSC0ruSS
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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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV7ckZ5rCQ
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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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtFb5z1hzD
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWWP1ZPjay
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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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