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.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdWWdsyfH6
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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."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgNfI8v9v3
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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.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnABAU50Ufd
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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."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGNAIdRv6h
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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.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgj3N11cte
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr8hB0Ic4i
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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."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0khiJOPyoZ
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28SC8F9Q0x
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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.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaywnPuy3cH
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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.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsyD8uZdkf
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUphSzXX0a0
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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.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fhpfRZr9m
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CBdXM0Nww
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnyq66j7N4
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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.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwLoIUzNMl
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELK5XKRWVY
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpMlmkjNUw
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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."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRa4Iqq1TK
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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."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tDZqhnneP
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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.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwszrmj0O1S
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr9FSSyKfz
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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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