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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpkdZf3JnE
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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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcSYSaH3c0
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7KaGrfsPB
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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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQq0bgXlmp
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTqnznTuoi
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCqWDvSS3E
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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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkF363qg96G
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MuoZ8WGZ0
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WEkdBwhQT
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNSZBqKssR
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1cxqiK0S0
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VL9jCjtEw
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIb9EpuPsP
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdDPqCOAsV
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgIDrdkkdk
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizfK4cLFXy
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA10Z1o1k1h
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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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWadWogQxd
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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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVzlE19ybp
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6Be7DupL9
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8faQePp3j
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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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