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.285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5A9PwQQhE
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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."285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmr2iA6Hgg
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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.285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3UyyxdpPE
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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."285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS6c4R3nvS
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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.285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWg5dcxzw9
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfqcRq6TC5
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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."285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FvJzoDRAJ
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRfGClbKyH
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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.285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtN04Bl85q
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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.285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMctGVxNkqP
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDn85L9EXC
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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.285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmZbP6r4Jf
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLMngT93vz
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAN2s3V97W
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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.285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPuSghVdaO
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLB4F9jW33
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ46AlCcYcn
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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."285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG71HnV2jr
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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."285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6t0uTahKKT
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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.285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZL93OCDw7n
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vVWEaPulR
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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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