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.310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdS8hn2xQ6
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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."310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAdS5XO5sM
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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.310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn7tdX1ox1
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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."310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ0WoNaJa0
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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.310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPCx5gg4aJ
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqJEftZd0Y
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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."310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah7hlAqx2w
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fQ0Oc46DT
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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.310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfhN9Hrel8
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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.310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy3c9AriIr
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡathyC2Ez9J
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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.310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZQ0hhnXN5
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbcFYjCyHg
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQ3lwelONv
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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.310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMAlxPd4fY
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJdXkRzBje
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKxK41lyHq
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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."310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dQdNgAeSs
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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."310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ldfMXapdI
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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.310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ5qFsHfRW
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6K57IvePw
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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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