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.306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvlU7i9cWI
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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."306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGo7gG8pvCU
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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.306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hDWTNp0so
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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."306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS6KGI1mwr
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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.306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kDnQQwit0
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYgzT59wCa
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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."306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZXWf77Qv9
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45PoTSgmYp
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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.306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrBUhjaCbs
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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.306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AzjZN0f9n
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTk7PkMClu
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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.306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSiLq6OA6n
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfc4O993xq5
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMnESUpwdv
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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.306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w6c6S44AG
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcaJn6V9VL
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqfcptjw0l
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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."306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrEmFRbpvm
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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."306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7r8arefG1
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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.306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk47nsDr12
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgQ6vkfSQl
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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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