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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRbY6VBFPl
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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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YolpnlJwV
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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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCjXkfB2aJ
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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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpreYAemRgE
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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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgNSYvvFEG
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWrKCVd5X7
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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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZYnxNu0Gs
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsxRlJW58X
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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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMT65ADt691
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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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cmo9k8ArF
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDHhooNcEK
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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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM44VZ4YBwq
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa520iS7KmX
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWpnTo8vZT
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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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD10aqZ5CFm
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3czUGQxrxE
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJoIxgMgMB
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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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdv5U8URyp
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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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAkc0viKz4
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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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQHYefbHBB
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuAejXMjlw
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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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