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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LDPkf6iAZ
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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."312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQP1nZR6Cov
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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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1smO0kvaQ
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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."312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJq1aAnMFt
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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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwwyiVyqRR
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0en5rBdJy
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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."312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfbwp4Bqie
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKrcBpwBZg
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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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3qghx0JDC
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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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjiMIDMvyA
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYHdStiDSI
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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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiMwSUIGl4
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvYiegHZWI
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx7WOQvwjv
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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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE38Rl4CLY
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cl9OfIqg0
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqcnt9PKb1
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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."312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcHB5G2y8H
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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."312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnldNr35PW
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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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpjp403qm5
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSkWIjz14Z
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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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