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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxMriLkg0i
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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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkVm9OXIhu
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCCUVcKt6i
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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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxonlm3Qo5i
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9ZS974d3E
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L3kRdA0CX
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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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I7OhOYNkU
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURjq44wxcZ
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3v3E3MriSL
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBsdcpnHZb
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeLrfMs3E9
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0lhydrIXN
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhyNe9IdIA
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTF7YWNU5FQ
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3E5dCU9XV
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSGam4JID6
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ46ipmBzB4
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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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7LL5RmjyM
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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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvXqMD3e2K
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbySYGRXNnU
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wFJJGxG8o
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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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