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.309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdzCqJ1ZFZ
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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."309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9duW6XZvoy
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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.309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9brT4lGYK
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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."309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9XKWWplkK
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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.309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XxDhDtvRJ
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH10XrdXGcr
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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."309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuN84bzIXq
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Lx62eubCl
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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.309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqWQRt03nm
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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.309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Fu2Jmd9N3
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n0oBpHKww
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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.309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXUILKb7cG
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jPsY2wDHx
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoi9XqQkk0
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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.309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cuCZ1IkXr
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Bsnu9V7n3
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFi03YEAYAG
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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."309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmmt5Xypj8
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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."309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNPsSmWuNd
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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.309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgggc0TiNY4
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."309Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33fVQS5uWb
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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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