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.252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSodlKbdwL
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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."252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNYZQIsmFA
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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.252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7S0ZXC2am
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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."252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe3M0tYSxh
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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.252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXL66QG5yuO
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd8C2lPNA3
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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."252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Mmht6BCUn
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FCdwSgIzy
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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.252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMiL5MOvIY
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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.252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYIBXwxQ89
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlk7BFREAQ
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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.252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQrElZqZj5
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5yWQeajoq
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MEQG86SGb
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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.252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfjF0yjDYR
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsnGA3DlJq
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAVDmJofcq
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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."252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44Jy7ZiXIh
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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."252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW91io6hmh
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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.252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUorMGNwle
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIERPVZgM0f
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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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