Yuri

Ever since I joined the club I had always started to become more ane more aware of how everything wasn't how it seemed. Sayori had started to become more comfortable and honest with us, while Monika always seemed to have a smile on her face even when she clearly shouldn't have, it's uncanny to say the least. But ironically the thing that bothers me the most is how I still feel... Anxious around Natsuki. The times where we would constantly argue stopped a few weeks ago so I don't know why I feel this way. I guess she's still a little rude to me as to the others, so that would make sense but everytime I talk to her I get a pit in my stomach, almost like I crave something, something I don't even know that I want. But that's not important right now. It's the end of the school day and I have to head to the club!

As I enter the clubroom I see that, of all people, Natsuki is the first one here.

"Hello." I casually wave at the girl, not expecting a response.

"Hey Yuri." She grumbles.

That's better than nothing. I've never been good at small talk so a part of me is glad she isn't much of a talker either, that or she doesn't care enough. Either way, I pull out a book from my bag and take a seat in one of the many chairs. I decide not to sit too close to Natsuki because it would make me feel weird, but I also try not to sit too far as she might notice something off about me. I take a deep breathe to try and clear my mind and jump back into the world of books. Which is quickly ruined by a voice behind me.

"Uhm... I don't know if you wanted your book back, but here." Natsuki holds out her hand with a book I gave her.

I had forgotten I gave her that book and quite honestly I feel bad that I did.

"Did you... Did you like it?" I smile awkwardly and immediately hate myself for it.

"Yeah, it was pretty good. Not saying it's any better than manga though!" She laughs to herself.

"Yeah..."

"I see why you enjoy these types of books now."

I nod. Suddenly I feel my stomach ache again. I realize that I never finished the book she gave me and seeing how she's finished mine, it would really make me look like a bad friend. I tug on my hair hoping she doesn't ask.

"Well see ya." Natsuki skips over back to her desk as fast as she had come over here.

I frown a little. A part of me wanted that conversation to end, as I usually do. But another part of me... Somehow wanted to keep talking to her... That's new... My thoughts are immediately interrupted as Sayori and Monika come busting through the door.

"Hey guys!" Sayori waves at the two of us awkwardly sitting.

I wave back and Natsuki barely acknowledges their presence. Sayori takes a seat and Monika follows. Every day for about 20 minutes is basically free time, Monika lets us do what we want and it's usually spent reading in silence. The only time where the class is truly peaceful. My eyes are drawn to Natsuki, as I notice her walk into the closet again. I give myself a moment to think. Maybe I should read her book she gave me... It's the least I could do. I glance around to the other two, Monika seems to be going through some papers and Sayori is struggling to keep her attention on her book. I take a deep breath and draw my eyes to her manga and open the book. As I begin reading I'm actually quite surprised, I'm able to keep my attention on the book as if I'm reading my own. I almost feel as if this book is my own. Did I just say that?

"Whoa!"

I jump as Monika is standing over me. "Wha- What?" I start to feel my head burning with anxiety. Did I do something wrong? I then look at her eyes to see she's looking down at the manga.

"You're reading Natsuki's little books?" Monika chuckles to herself.

I frown a little, 'little books.' I try not to let it show but luckily Sayori takes this as an opportunity to get away from her book, as she comes bouncing over here.

"Oh yeah! I forgot about that!" Sayori squeaks.

I glance over to the closet hoping Natsuki doesn't come out.

"Wait, what?" Monika gives Sayori a puzzled look.

"I suggested that Yuri and Natsuki should swap books!" Sayori responds.

"How did I not hear about this?" Monika seems to be asking herself this question more than Sayori.

Sayori shrugs and then turns towards me. "Hopefully Natsuki didn't forget to read your book!"

I feel a slight feeling of guilt run through my mind.

"Who keeps saying my name?" Natsuki marches out of the closet and I sink into my chair. Her eyes shoot towards me and the manga. I get slight comfort with her eyes on me. Which is immediately shot down as her curious look turns into a frown.

"You guys should be a little easier on her ya know?" Natsuki looks at the other two girls.

"Huh?" She doesn't seem to notice that I haven't read her book as fast as she had read mine, or she just doesn't care...

"Alright we're sorry." Monika backs up a little, probably realizing how close she was to me. She then turns towards Sayori. "Shouldn't you be reading?"

Sayori quickly rushes back to her desk and Monika giggles following.

I look at Natsuki who seems to be smiling at herself.

"Th- Thanks... Natsuki..."

"Sh- Shut up." Natsuki quickly turns away and walks towards the closet.

That's the kind of response I'd expect from her but... It seemed a little different somehow. I shrug it off and hope it's just another one of those things. Whatever it is, it's kind of comforting, but also scary. No doubt I've always looked up to how bold and tough Natsuki is, especially for a small girl. I don't know how she does it. But I admire her for it. I wonder if she admires me... What am I saying? I should probably get back to this book, while I still have time...