A/N: Thanks for the continual support!
Wednesday Morning; School
Akito and Sayori get to school and are greeted by Yuri and Tamiko. "Did you guys finish your club stuff?" Yuri asks calmly.
"Natsuki and I did baking yesterday." Akito nods.
"Monika and I have been done for two days now" Sayori smiles proudly. "Are you doing anything for the Festival, Tamiko?"
"Well, I helped Yuri with decorations, so I might stick around to see everyone's reaction." Tamiko happily informs before Yuri smiles at her.
"Did you do a poem for tonight?" Akito asks Yuri. Suddenly, Sayori's eyes go wide.
"Yeah. It was pretty easy." Yuri shrugs before noticing Sayori digging through her bag, sitting on her legs. "Uh...you okay, Sayori?"
"I FORGOT MY POEM!" Sayori screams.
"Sayori." Akito sighs.
"I can't believe I forgot! It is so important and-"
"Sayori. The Festival is tonight. You aren't stuck here until it begins. You can easily go home." Akito shakes his head.
"...oh." Sayori sits there for a second before giggling and pushing her index fingers together, "oops. My bad, guys." Sayori giggles before...
"Sayori, what are ya doin' on the ground?" Leo asks as he looks down at her. He just got to school and this is the welcome sight he sees.
"I thought I needed my poem before the festival." Sayori informs with a giggle before holding out her hands. Leo sighs before pulling her up.
"I'm guessin' that was the scream I 'eard?" Leo raises an eyebrow. She nods sheepishly as Akito and Leo shake their heads.
"Leo, will you listen to our poems tonight?" Sayori asks, hopeful.
"Of course, cupcake" Leo nods before Sayori squeals.
"That's so cute!" Sayori smiles brightly at cupcake.
"Alright calm down" Akito rubs his ears.
Lunch
Akito grabs his tray and walks over to Natsuki and Rei's table. He hands his tray to Natsuki and sits next to her.
"So my book club is doing a live reading or whatever for the Festival" Rei tells Natsuki.
"What book?" Natsuki asks, cocking her head to the side.
"I have no idea. Our president wants it to be a surprise." Rei shrugs. "Aren't you guys reading poetry or something?"
"Yeah, I'm kinda nervous if I'm being honest" Natsuki looks down at her food.
"The Great Natsuki is nervous, holy crap." Akito sarcastically says as he raises his eyebrows. He gets a glare from Natsuki.
"Shut up dummy. I worked really hard on this poem and..." Natsuki takes a deep breath, "I'm just nervous about how people will react."
"It's gonna be cute" Akito leans back.
"I will end you." Natsuki threatens Akito.
After School
Akito gets to the club, where Monika and Yuri are talking with a few people about decorations. Sayori is talking with Leo and Ikki about food, which Leo has promised to get her some before the Festival. Akito finds Natsuki reading manga and sitting under the windowsill like usual. Akito walks over and sits by her.
"Hi there" Akito smiles at the pink-haired girl.
"Why do we even have a club meeting today? Shouldn't we be preparing?" Natsuki shakes her head in mild annoyance. "It doesn't make sense."
"I'm sure it's just Monika making sure everyone- Sayori -is prepared." Akito replies, getting a light laugh out of Natsuki.
"I heard her scream from the other side of school" Natsuki giggles.
"She freaked out so bad" Akito chuckles.
"STOP TALKING ABOUT ME!" Sayori throws a pillow at them.
"WHERE DID YOU GET A PILLOW?!" Akito yells back.
"...i found it..." Sayori mumbles as she hides her bag behind her back.
"D-did ya sleep in one of ya classes?" Leo raises an eyebrow.
"...it was math." Sayori replies in a surprisingly sarcastic tone.
"You've been a bad influence, Cleopatra Price" Ikki nudges Leo.
"Ya ya, shut up Izzy." Leo smirks.
"Ooooookay everyone!" Monika gets everyone's attention. "Tonight is the first night of the Fall Festival, which means we are sharing our poems tonight. Students, parents, possibly some random people will all be hearing what the Literature Club can offer. If we can even get one person interested in our club, I call it a win and we get ice cream."
"ICE CREAM!" Sayori perks up.
"Pipe down. I'll get ya ice cream" Leo whispers.
"Thanks Papa Leo" Monika laughs, "Hear that everyone? We do good and Dad is getting us ice cream!"
"Yeah, thanks Dad!" Akito exclaims as him and Ikki hug a now glaring Leo.
"Call me Da one more time and I'm throwin' fists." Leo warns.
"Anyways, I expect all of you to come and look nice, prim, and proper!" Monika smiles brightly.
"Oh it's a good thing that Leo isn't a member then..." Natsuki looks over at Leo.
"Lazy sod" Leo replies with a smirk.
"Mutt." Natsuki smirks back.
"ANYWAYS!" Monika gets everyone's attention again. "I believe that we will do well. Everyone here is great at writing poems, now we just need to put them into words like last week. Any questions?" Monika asks, getting no response. "Fantastic. See you all tonight. We will meet here and will walk to the stage together. Be sure to get something to eat before you get here!"
That Night
Akito and Sayori get to the Clubroom, both carrying boxes of Cupcakes. Akito is wearing a standard tuxedo, while Sayori is wearing a light red wrap dress. Akito's long hair is in a ponytail. Sayori is staring intensely at the boxes, trying not to eat all the cupcakes. They set the boxes on the table. Monika walks up to them, wearing a strapless maroon dress.
"Alright, you two are here!" Monika smiles brightly. "Leave them there, Ikki and Leo are going to hand them out before we go up." Monika informs. "Did you see Yuri or Natsuki?"
"Yuri is on her way in, but we haven't seen Natsuki." Sayori replies.
"I can text her if you want" Akito suggests and Monika nods frantically.
"We can't be any short!" Monika exclaims, panicked. Yuri comes in, wearing a gothic black dress with see-through sleeves.
"Oh Yuri! You look so beautiful!" Sayori rushes over and compliments her.
"O-oh...th-thanks Sayori" Yuri blushes and smiles back softly. Akito smiles at the two girls talking before pulling up his phone.
You coming? Everyone is here but you.
-Akito
Yeah. Just had something come up. I'm about to enter the school now.
-Natsuki
"She'll be here in a moment" Akito relays to Monika.
"Stupendous!" Monika exhales and smiles widely. "Where the hell are Ikki and Leo?!"
"Don't get ya knickers in a twist, we're right here." Leo sighs as him and Ikki walk into the room, wearing black jeans and shirts so they don't stand out too much.
"AAAAAHHHH!" Monika yells before kissing Ikki real quick. "I'm good."
"If I scream, can I get a second one?" Ikki flashes a goofy grin. Monika smiles and pecks him on the cheek.
"Wait, what if I scream?" Leo raises an eyebrow. Sayori sneaks up and kisses him on the cheek, causing him to go red and everyone to break out laughing. "Oh yeah...laugh it up." Leo rolls his eyes and smirks.
"What's everyone laughing about?" Natsuki asks as she enters the room. Natsuki is wearing a pink and black sun dress. Her hair is in a dutch crown braid. Akito slowly stops laughing as everyone is still giggling. "You okay, dummy?"
"Uh..yeah..." Akito blinks a couple times. "You...look nice." Akito smiles. Natsuki's face goes red before she looks away.
"I know." She proudly states, "...but thanks." Natsuki smiles back at Akito.
"OKAY EVERYONE!" Monika yells, eyes wide and smile wider. "This is what we've been preparing for for a while now! It will go me, then Sayori-"
"I'm a ray of sunshine!" Sayori smiles brightly.
"Yes you are dear." Monika nods before continuing, "After her it's Yuri."
"I am not a ray of sunshine" Yuri calmly states.
"I know, but I love all my children equally." Monika nods again, "then it's Akito, and finally Natsuki. Is this okay with everyone?" Monika asks to unanimous approval. "Fantastic! No matter what, I'm proud of all of you for being able to read in front of mostly strangers."
"Also, Leo is taking us to get ice cream!" Sayori exclaims happily, getting applause from everyone but Leo, who glares.
"Like 'ell I am!" Leo shakes his head dramatically.
"Ah calm down, Cleo. Ikki and I will help." Akito smiles as he places his hand on Leo's shoulder.
"I've been duped!" Ikki exclaims in shock.
"Well thank you boys!" Monika smiles happily.
"Uh...could Tamiko come..?" Yuri asks nervously and everyone stares at her in confusion.
"Well of course!" Monika cocks her head to the side and smiles. "She is, more or less, one of us! Plus, didn't she help you with decorations?"
"I guess you are right." Yuri smiles softly and nods.
"Alright, I'll go see when we are to be on. Everyone has their poems, right?" Monika asks, her eyes now going wide. Everyone nods and she exhales. "Awesome. I'll go check with the stagehands."
Monika leaves, Ikki and Leo following suit. Akito, Natsuki, Sayori, and Yuri sit down in some chairs.
"I'm so excited! I really hope we can get some new members!" Sayori smiles brightly.
"Meh...I don't want to meet new people." Natsuki mutters.
"I agree." Yuri nods.
"Buuuuut it could be fuuuun!" Sayori claps her hands together. "We could make new friends!"
"Great." Natsuki rolls her eyes.
"Sayori, it's not that we don't want to see the club grow, it's that we are...well..." Yuri twiddles her thumbs.
"Antisocial, introverted, and overall reclusive." Natsuki calmly states.
"Yes that." Yuri nods, "We care about the club, but not about meeting new people."
"You guys didn't have a problem with Akito." Sayori cocks her head to the side.
"That's because he is one person." Natsuki sits back and sighs.
"I'm sure if we had one, maybe two new members, it'd be easier than, say, five." Yuri shrugs and sits back as well. They all look at him.
"I...am all for...maybe a few new members..." Akito tries to disarm this metaphorical bomb, "...but not too many...just a few..." Akito scrunches his face up as they all react to his statement.
"Thank you Akito." Yuri sighs.
"You just restated our opinion, proud of you dum-dum." Natsuki nods.
"Well, if we even get one new friend, I'm happy!" Sayori giggles.
"We are up next, after the book club." Monika informs as she comes back in the room, Leo and Ikki not far behind. The two guys grab the cupcakes and leave the room. "Everyone be ready! We can do this!" Monika nods happily before leading the club through the halls and into the backstage area of the stage. Once the book club has finished reading and the audience applauds, the book club walks past the Literature Club. Natsuki sneakily hands something to Rei as she walks by, but Akito doesn't see what it is.
When the audience stops applauding, Monika walks onto the stage. "Hello everyone. My name is Monika Schmidt and I am the President of the Literature Club. We review anything ranging from poetry to theater to television. Today, every member has written a poem that represents something about them." Monika informs calmly. "I will go first." Monika takes a deep breath before reciting her poem,
"An old tale tells of a lady who wanders Earth.
The Lady who Knows Everything.
A beautiful lady who has found every answer,
All meaning,
All purpose,
And all that was ever sought.
And here I am,
a feather
Lost adrift the sky, victim of the currents of the wind.
Day after day, I search.
I search with little hope, knowing legends don't exist.
But when all else has failed me,
When all others have turned away,
The legend is all that remains – the last dim star glimmering in the twilit sky.
Until one day, the wind ceases to blow.
I fall.
And I fall and fall, and fall even more.
Gentle as a feather.
A dry quill, expressionless.
But a hand catches me between the thumb and forefinger.
The hand of a beautiful lady.
I look at her eyes and find no end to her gaze.
The Lady who Knows Everything knows what I am thinking.
Before I can speak, she responds in a hollow voice.
"I have found every answer, all of which amount to nothing.
There is no meaning.
There is no purpose.
None...except friendship." Monika finishes as the audience applauds. Monika bows before walking back behind the curtain. Sayori walks out now.
"Hiya everybody! My name is Sayori Mori and I have a poem for you!" Sayori clears her throat before reciting, a huge smile on her face,
"The way you glow through my blinds in the morning
It makes me feel like you missed me.
Kissing my forehead to help me out of bed.
Making me rub the sleepy from my eyes.
Are you asking me to come out and play?
Are you trusting me to wish away a rainy day?
I look above. The sky is blue.
It's a secret, but I trust you too.
If it wasn't for you, I could sleep forever.
But I'm not mad.
I'm just happy you gave me your time of day." Sayori finishes and the audience applauds again. Sayori giggles and bows before walking behind the curtain. Yuri slowly walks out now and-
"GO YURI! YOU CAN DO IT!" Tamiko yells from the crowd, sitting beside Yuri's parents. Yuri blushes heavily before she walks up to the mic.
"M-m-my n-name is Y-Yuri Akiyama...and I have written a p-poem that I hope you enjoy." Yuri takes a deep breath before reciting her poem, her voice suddenly becoming clear and powerful,
"A marvel millions of years in the making.
Where the womb of Earth chaotically meets the surface.
Under a clear blue sky, an expanse of bliss–
But beneath gray rolling clouds, an endless enigma.
The easiest world to get lost in
Is one where everything can be found.
One can only build a sand castle where the sand is wet.
But where the sand is wet, the tide comes.
Will it gently lick at your foundations until you give in?
Or will a sudden wave send you crashing down in the blink of an eye?
Either way, the outcome is the same.
Yet we still build sand castles.
I stand where the foam wraps around my ankles.
Where my toes squish into the sand.
The salty air is therapeutic.
The breeze is gentle, yet powerful.
I sink my toes into the ultimate boundary line, tempted by the foamy tendrils.
Turn back, and I abandon my peace to erode at the shore.
Drift forward, and I return to Earth forevermore." Yuri is shocked by the loudness of the audience, all quite impressed. Yuri blushes again before bowing and walking back behind the curtain.
"Akito, you ready?" Monika asks. Akito takes a deep breath before stealing a glance at Natsuki, who is going over her poem one more time.
"Yeah..." Akito nods before walking out. He can't explain why, but all he can hear is his shoes hitting the floor. The increasing echo unnerves him. Does no one ca- "Hello everyone. My name is Akito Sato and I have a poem that means a lot to me." Akito takes a deep breath before he begins to recite his poem,
"I swim deep in the sea
I dive deep and count to three
I try to see if I can stay low
I was ready to see the sun go
I found my heart racing
My mind was spacing
I couldn't think
My will had begun to shrink
Without control I rush to the air
Why have I been spared
At first I get angry
This end made me hungry
Splashing harder
I get madder
Until the sun's gaze looks upon me
And I begin to feel free
I know not to refuse this gift
My thoughts begin to shift
Without a doubt in my head
I will not try again." Akito finishes and the audience applauds. He looks up from the floor and notices Leo, Sean, and Olivia standing up and cheering loudly. Akito smiles brightly before bowing. He walks back behind the curtain and is immediately greeted by Natsuki.
"Well...that one had a better ending." Natsuki notes.
"You think so?" Akito raises his eyebrows.
"The other endings seemed too..." Natsuki smiles for a second, "easy." Natsuki shrugs before walking past Akito to the stage. She takes a deep breath before she gets to the mic.
"'Ey Da, Ma, that's the little minx I told ya about." Leo nudges his parents. "That's Kitty's unofficial."
"Ah, she's a cutie" Olivia smiles softly.
"Hello everyone..." Natsuki takes one more deep breath. "My name is Natsuki Izumi and I have a very special poem to share with you." Natsuki informs before stealing a quick glance at Akito, but he doesn't notice. "I call it...Because of You." Natsuki begins to recite as she looks around the audience,
"Because Of You
Tomorrow will be brighter with me around
But when today is dim, I can only look down.
My looking is a little more forward
Because you look at me.
When I want to say something, I say it with a shout!
But my truest feelings can never come out.
My words are a little less empty
Because you listen to me.
When something is above me, I reach for the stars.
But when I feel small, I don't get very far.
My standing is a little bit taller
Because you sit with me.
I believe in myself with all of my heart.
But what do I do when it's torn all apart?
My faith is a little bit stronger
Because you trusted me.
My pen always puts my feelings to the test.
I'm not a good writer, but my best is my best.
My poems are a little bit dearer
Because you think of me.
Because you, because you, because you." Natsuki stands there for a moment as the audience cheers, soaking in their love. She finally smiles and bows before walking back behind the curtain.
Akito is in shock...was that poem about him? No. No it couldn't of been. Who would ever love h- "Great poem, Natsuki!" Akito smiles as she approaches.
"Thanks. I worked really hard on it." Natsuki nods happily.
"So..." Monika leans close to her, "who was the target of this little love letter?" Monika smirks as Yuri giggles quietly and Sayori almost lunges at Natsuki.
"WAS IT KIT? OH PLEASE TELL ME IT IS!" Sayori practically begs.
"N-n-no!" Natsuki glares and turns away, blushing. "It was just a poem!"
"Didn't you say that it was special to you?" Yuri raises an eyebrow.
"Thanks Yuri!" Monika smiles brightly.
"Oh no problem." Yuri shrugs.
"I-" Natsuki suddenly realizes that she's trapped between a rock and a hard place. "Aren't we going to find Ikki, Tamiko, and the Crumpet Dude?" Natsuki folds her arms in front of her, trying to change the subject.
"First, let's see if anyone signed up." Monika says before leading the club towards their clipboard on the wall...it's still blank. Monika's heart breaks, as does Sayori's. They don't cry, but they do hug in sadness.
"What the 'ell are ya cryin' about?" Leo asks as him, Ikki, and Tamiko walk up.
"No one signed up..." Monika whispers.
"Oh really?" Tamiko cocks her head to the side before looking at the clipboard. "There's one name." Tamiko gets Monika and Sayori's attention. They look up and on the clipboard is- Tamiko Himura.
"Did you join because you feel bad?" Sayori asks, sad face and all.
"Of course not! I really liked your poems!" Tamiko smiles widely.
"Thank you Tamiko." Monika smiles as tears begin to roll down her face. She hugs Tamiko before seeing Ikki sign his name on the clipboard. "Are you joining?" Monika's face perks up.
"Well of course. I am really impressed, darling." Ikki nods and Monika hugs her boyfriend now. Suddenly, everyone looks at Leo. Leo's eyes go wide.
"Oh no! I am not being drawn into your poetry cult!" Leo shakes his head. Sayori begins to do puppy dog eyes, but Leo doesn't budge. "I'm more of a cat person, Sayori." Leo raises an eyebrow.
"Oh Leo, it looks like you already signed it." Akito says in a poor acting voice. Leo lunges at the clipboard and...lo and behold- Leonardo Price.
Leo glares at Akito. "You. Are. A. Dick." Leo deadpans.
"I think we owe the girls some ice cream." Akito ignores Leo's insult. All the girls smile as Leo nods.
"I'll get my truck" Leo groans before leading them all out.
The Park; One Hour Later
The group are sitting around the park, eating ice cream. Akito got a chocolate milkshake, Natsuki got a strawberry milkshake, Sayori got a TRIPLE SCOOP CHOCOLATE CONE, Leo got a chocolate shake, Monika got a chocolate cone, Ikki got a vanilla cone with sprinkles, and Yuri and Tamiko are sharing a Hot Fudge Sunday.
"My favorite poem was Monika's" Ikki shrugs.
"You would say that, ya knob head." Leo rolls his eyes and smirks.
"Which was your favorite then?" Ikki asks, confident.
"You got me there" Leo points a finger towards Ikki. "Kitty, which was your favorite?"
"I liked Natsuki's, to be honest." Akito shrugs.
"Ah, so we are all soft for our girlfriends" Leo smirks.
"I'm not his girlfriend though?" Natsuki raises an eyebrow.
"Uh huh." Leo ignores her.
"Don't make me roast you, you-" Natsuki is cut off by her phone ringing. She looks at the caller ID and her face goes pale. She hands Akito her milkshake before walking a few feet away and answering. Everyone, like the respectable people they are, goes quiet and totally don't listen in.
"Yes sir? Uh no...it's almost done though." Natsuki whispers. "Yes sir, I promise...no sir. No sir. I know sir. Yes sir. See you soon sir." Natsuki hangs up the phone and sighs, rubbing her eyes. She starts walking away as the club looks at Akito. He nods and runs after her. He follows her to a bench away from the others, where they can't even see Akito and Natsuki.
Natsuki sits down and doesn't notice Akito sit down beside her. "Is everything okay, Natsuki?" Akito asks and Natsuki looks over at him.
"Y-yeah...fine." Natsuki nods before Akito hands her back her milkshake.
"Do you wanna rant or anything?" Akito sits back and looks over at her.
"...no, I'm fine." Natsuki sighs. "Hey Akito...do you maybe wanna hang out at the Festival...together...tomorrow?"
"Sure" Akito smiles softly.
"Great" Natsuki smiles back, "a-as friends obviously."
"Of course." Akito chuckles and nods. They both stand up and face towards each other. Both their eyes are beautiful with the reflection of the moonlight. They look longingly into one another's eyes. They both begin to forget everything...everything except each other.
"'Ey! Ya two comin' back or what?" Leo yells, knocking them out of their trance.
"Of course we are, you British Disaster!" Natsuki yells back proudly.
"Oh you cheeky monkey..." Leo shakes his head and walks back to the group. Akito and Natsuki look at each other again before Natsuki presses her fist against his chest. They smile before walking back towards the group.