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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlODa2ZG4zw
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRCyenxud9
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LfwiMwn1G
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFAcYhCnaM
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqsjUBnmh4
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDTWlHgrRx
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1QX9y4vwV
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcF8iMBx65
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsUwMK4L96
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQFQhHmny9
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0cINpqDsB
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwncfsuX5I
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLE7iW8Qkn
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOhEPWBDhk
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJt3YbeP7m
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4JT7dyKM5
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1saTsfm70
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxIsrbrqu4
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd0LWumDIJ
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMhezFpHPJ
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitj9RII2H8
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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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