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.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOVLSsdS32
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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."248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreFwswx4sb
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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.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpHfnSX19C
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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."248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYTWKjuJPd
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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.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRB0hlLIn1
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwcBSqol6V
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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."248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2bMZPci1y
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlH4q0uRxY
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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.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCUkHDvxyE
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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.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZOyqp0Vs5
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7qNzfxDh6
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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.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQI6ntkCSj
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTqjLGSCPB
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OHrwaV3q2
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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.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMybAfc8UNM
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQqxFMCEnN
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLs7g9q4Yn
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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."248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzowNiv7LD8
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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."248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTMY52gfxu
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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.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyJIeNRfxe
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCo47SxrXl
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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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