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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnXq2IxZP0
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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."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwIOM44sal
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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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRNgJ8NyYF
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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."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwbfDLH9hA
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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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdz0OedOrKt
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlUwdKxufh
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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."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHWF43HLy3
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC15pE7ZlZ1
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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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISplxGqjan
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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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRIBJdX0mg
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUqtQ8jf1y
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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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaC4w7uzbC
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgqUeMMQp5
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGuxGCTnup
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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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTbHi2y3At
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj7kUeqFhS
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopdj8P2Fq1
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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."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8Cyjphk6k
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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."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgfz0ormHp
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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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEoE2xq8jt
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFlnbCYJYH
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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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