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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe23snFAyzZ
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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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Uj2ylx9ah
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0oJseP0bQ
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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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGlRcaYuaC
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQexjxKdEN
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqbFS9eXZ6
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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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTQYYxs1PD
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjliTNFEXby
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsZ9PG8xZZ
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5143zywOK
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92JgAvTuz2
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JnpKh9tXU
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWJGOZo2GJ
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh32m1i5U7
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75QMolWU1y
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSkhJdvOuM
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWIOVuEzuk
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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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGCmEyukiT
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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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bhJNDrKPf
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OuufZLVnA
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoKmCbJaHn
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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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