For some odd reason, the flow or the way how the exchanging of the poems occurred seem to have played out almost similarly to the game, save from a few different dialogues and words that aren't really that important, or in the girls' case; alarming. Which is actually good, for me at least, that there aren't much to worry about.
The girls' reactions to my poem were, well, the usual ones. Sayori praises my poem like it's the greatest thing, Yuri being constructive and critical, Natsuki being in the middle of being harsh, and polite though she did said my poem sounded kind of cheesy. Monika is well, being herself when it comes to poems.
Though, after Yuri talked with Sir Draven, the club advisor, she didn't seem troubled or anything wrong with her at all, at least from what Monika and I have seen so far. Even Monika didn't ask Yuri about what the conversation she had with Sir Draven all about, for the fear of abruptly making Yuri grow weary of our intentions on prying on her personal matters. Which I hope stays that way until I come up with something on how to approach Yuri without increasing her negative traits.
Speaking of Yuri, Sir Draven quickly left after he finished conversing with Yuri without saying much. He probably was in a complete hurry and I suppose he didn't write a poem for today. Well, I didn't really think much of him anyway, what bugged me most is the situation Yuri, and her guardian who is also the librarian of the school, Helena.
I need to know more about Yuri's past and her relationship with Helena. Honestly, I feel like Yuri's past is going to be so complicated, and I am having the urge to blame the script or the god for making Yuri's life more complicated than it was originally intended.
My thoughts were interrupted when I see Monika stand up in front of the clubroom with a bright smile on her lips.
"Alright, everyone, I am sure all of you are done sharing your poems together, right?" Monika pipes up. "I have something extra planned today, so can everyone take your seats in front row desks?"
All of us sit in the desks as Monika tells so as I sit between Sayori and Yuri, with Natsuki beside the purple-haired girl. Both Natsuki and Yuri have curious expressions written on their faces, wondering what Monika has planned for today. Sayori on the other hand looks like she is excited, probably because she knows this is about the reciting of poems in front.
"Is this about the festival?" Natsuki asks, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Hmm, sort of~" Monika muses.
"Do we really have to do something for the festival?" Natsuki grumbles with an arch of her brow. "I mean, I don't think we can put up something very interesting now that the festival is on Monday. We might just end up embarrassing ourselves."
"I have the same concern as well." Yuri speaks, although quietly. "I do not do well in last-minute preparations, probably because the pressure may make me rush things, and rushed projects or works don't come off appealing or satisfactory."
"You guys don't have to worry too much, I'm sure what Monika has planned is probably something simple and easy." I cut in with a reassuring smile to the two. Yuri slightly blushes yet smiles at what I said while Natsuki merely rolls her pink eyes.
"Katsuro is right!" Monika exclaims with a proud smile at me. "Besides, we won't need much more than a few decorations. Sayori has been working on the posters and I've been designing the pamphlets we will give to people during the event."
Before Natsuki can even say her line, I quickly speak up.
"That's great! Although, is there anything like, well, doing something else like a short performance or something to make other people interested in our club?" I ask with a curious tone. Natsuki and Yuri somehow pales at the word 'Performance' and I try my best contain my chuckle, Monika seem to notice it and smirks.
"Actually, yeah, we are going to perform in front of other people!" Monika exclaims brightly.
Both Yuri and Natsuki's face were drained of any colour. I swear they stopped breathing all of the sudden, and I cannot help but feel genuine concern for them because of their shock.
Natsuki is the first to recover from the shock but fear is evident on her eyes. "Performing?"
Yuri is nervously shaking and opens her mouth to utter something. "P-P-..." The purple haired girl stutters. "Um...Monika..."
"Oh, a poetry performance?" I continue to keep up the act. For somehow, I suddenly feel like messing around for a bit to liven up the day.
"Yup! Each of us is going to choose a poem to recite during the event." Monika explains. "But the cool part is that we are also going to let anyone come up and recite their own poems! And Sayori is putting all on the posters in case anyone wants to prepare ahead of time."
"Ehehehe~" Sayori giggles sheepishly as she scratches the back of her hair before showing a poster she was colouring.
I never saw it in the game but seeing it in person, I didn't realize how good Sayori was at colouring, hell even her shading is quite amazing, even Monika cannot suppress her astonishment for Sayori's colouring skills.
"Are you kidding me Monika?" Natsuki groans with her brows furrowed. "Y-You didn't already start putting up those posters did you?"
"Well, I already did, Natsuki." Monika lets out a small chuckle and smiles at the pinkette.
"And I doubt it's that bad of an idea." I chime in. "Besides, if we wish to be more known, acknowledged and respected, it's best we offer something to the event so that more people, even if only a few, may enjoy the sigh of our club doing something what may be called entertaining for people who likes sharing what they feel and what they think through their poems."
Natsuki shrinks back into her seat, feeling somewhat defeated and dropping her protests, all the while Sayori and Yuri staring at me with awe at the words I just said, except the latter still looks nervous and hesitant to agree with what Monika has planned.
"Katsuro is right guys! If we want to make our club become better, we need to make a performance to allure the people." Sayori exclaims optimistically, attempting to encourage not-so-enthusiastic two. Though, I never thought I'll hear the word "allure" from Sayori.
As expected, both Natsuki and Yuri were silent. Their refusal to comply or agree with the plan is evident on their faces.
I release a sigh, adjusting my glasses up, glancing at Monika who stares back at me and I can tell she feels rather tired doing this kind of stuff. I mean, she has been like repeating the same lines for so many times already thanks to the previous runs, I'd be tired too if I am in her shoes.
"Natsuki, Yuri..." I softly call out, mildly catching both of their attention. "I know it is difficult for the both of you, considering you both don't seem to have experience sharing what you have to a lot of people especially people you do not know and are complete strangers. But we wouldn't be improving if we don't try it."
The two are still silent. I rub the bridge of my nose, closing my eyes momentarily before looking pitifully back at them.
"Alright, if the two of you don't like it, go ahead...We won't force the two of you-"
"N-No, it's alright...I-I don't like it...B-But...Uhhh..." Yuri timidly darts her eyes away and twirls a strand of her long purple hair.
"Alright, fine...I'll join in the performance...Just so you can stop lecturing me or feeling so solemn for me not joining." Natsuki's voice is low for the most part, probably because she feels guilty for not being enthusiastic nor agreeing with the performance, I am not sure per se.
Thankfully, Sayori brightens up and a joyous smile plasters across her face.
"Yay~ Yuri and Natsuki will join the performance!" The coral-pink haired girl chirps, her usual positive demeanour lighting up the atmosphere that was somewhat heavy moments ago.
Monika glances at me with a sigh of relief and gives me a thankful which I return with a nod at her.
"Well, that is good to hear. I understand that it's difficult for the two of you, but Katsuro has a point." Monika clasps her hands together and smiles at all of us. "Alright, everyone, let us start!"
And so, everyone pick their poem.
Somehow, it ended up similarly to the game. Nothing is too different, which is good, at least for the most part for it makes it easier for me track the girls' movements or patterns, although may be wrong.
Monika is the first one to recite the poem. However, the experience is different compared to the game. Hearing Monika's voice is rather heart-warming, I feel like I am caught up in a trance and my eyes are fixated at her. Her soothing voice resonates through the classroom as all of us are quiet and listen to the President of the Club. As she finishes reciting her poem, we all clap our hands.
Monika shoots me a loving smile, making my heart skip a beat and I my cheeks redden, she seems to clearly notice it as she chuckles merrily at my reaction. She walks back to her desk and takes her seat.
The next person is suppose to be Sayori, but Monika and I already know Yuri will suddenly muster the courage the recite her poem. Sayori stands up from her seat and she looks enthusiastic to recite until Yuri abruptly stands up and quickly walks up in front of us with the poem in her hands, much to Sayori's surprise.
Yuri starts reciting her poem, her shyness and lack of confidence dissipated almost immediately as a new aura revolves around as she continues reciting her poem. She is now brimming with elegance and confidence, her tender voice echoing through the club, like she is a completely different person. All of us were caught off guard by her sudden change in person, though I did expect it, but I wasn't prepared.
As soon she finishes her poem, I quickly start clapping and giving the purple-haired girl a smile, followed by the others. Yuri's face turns red, somewhat in embarrassment as she starts shaking like a leaf. Before she can pass out, because she looks she's about to, she runs back to her desk and shrinks into her seat.
Sayori excitingly takes the turn, though as soon she stands up in front she somehow looks nervous and a sweat rolls down the side of her forehead. I smile reassuringly at her, Monika does the same. Sayori seem to notice it, especially my smile and her nervous slowly dissipates.
Sayori's recitation of her poem was quick, but nonetheless feels rather heart-warming hearing her voice recite her poem which fits her all too well.
We waited for Natsuki's turn, of course I already expect her to have me go first.
"Natsuki, it's your turn." Monika calls.
"I'd rather be the last one. I want to see Katsuro do it first before me, so maybe I can feel better of myself after he does it. I doubt he is that good anyway." Natsuki scoffs.
I heave out a sigh and shake my head.
Nothing is going to change that much isn't it? At least that makes it easier for me heh...
"Well, it's alright for me to go first." I calmly say, standing up and slowly ambling at the front. "I kind of want to see how much I've improved for the better."
Monika gives me a proud smile, which only make me feel more embarrassed when I am already standing in front of all of them. All of them are currently staring at me with curiosity, waiting to see how well or in Natsuki's case, how bad I do. But Monika seem to hold some high hopes for me, and I could myself not wanting to disappoint her, because I feel like I owe her something she will like or enjoy.
To be honest, it's been a while since I did this, reciting in front of the class with all eyes on me. Now, I am in that situation, in front of girls only no less. But I didn't feel that nervous at all, at least not much as I used to be. Maybe because I know this girls a lot, even though I've been only with them for like 3 days. Even so, I want to show them that I am not some weak man or some idiot being a coward in front of girls.
"This poem...Is about knowing oneself."
I take a deep breath as I adjust my glasses up and closing my eyes momentarily. Then without hesitation, I start reciting my poem. Each line, I made sure they carry my emotions and feelings, I continue so like there isn't anyone watching my but myself.
I finish reciting my poem, I refocus back to the girls to see all of them have their eyes widen in shock and were loss for words. Their bright orbs gleaming with astonishment especially Monika, whose eyes locks into mine.
I can feel my cheeks warm up, perhaps turning red even from the feeling of embarrassment catching up to my senses.
Then I hear clapping, it is coming from Monika and Sayori, followed by Yuri and even Natsuki.
"That's so great Katsuro!" Sayori cheers with a beaming smile.
Chuckling with flushing face of embarrassment, I scratch the back of my head as I quickly walk back into my seat.
Natsuki lets out a "hmph" as she stands up and takes her turn to recite. I let out a sigh of relief knowing I am finished reciting, relief always wash over me whenever I am finished presenting in front of the class or a lot of people, even if there were only like 4 girls listening and watching me, I still feel some pressure.
As Natsuki starts reciting, I can already say the way how she recites sounds sharp or soft in some stanzas, but nonetheless she sounds cute and adorable. As expected from her, she contains some intensity from her voice and she is devoid of any nervousness.
I guess everyone has the skills or capabilities to present something great in front, even if they are or were reluctant to agree with the poetry performance.
It didn't long for Natsuki to finish her performance, we start clapping and the pinkette blushes, her blush worsens when Sayori comments on how cute her poem is.
Monika stands up in the front once again and clasps her hands together.
"Looks like everyone is done reciting, and it is quite fun right?"
"Yeah~ It was!" Sayori exclaims while nodding her head vigorously.
"It seems everything went well, I knew you all could recite quite well in front if you all focused enough." Monika chuckles. "Then it's decided we will do poetry performance during the festival. So starting tonight it will be best you all practice reciting your poems, fix your voices and tone for specific lines, okay?"
We all nod our heads in acknowledgement.
"Alright, that's it for today, let us all try our best! Oh, and tomorrow we'll assign ourselves on who will take care of specific preparations." Monika reminds with a raise of an index finger. "That's all for today!"
With that, all of us start packing up, checking our bags to see if we are missing or forgetting something.
Sayori walk up towards me and she is bouncing.
"Your poem was so good, Katsuro! The aura and feeling you get is so handsome, it fits you!" She exclaims, bouncing erratically too much which I stop her for by placing my hands firmly on her shoulders.
"Woah! Calm down, Sayori, you don't have to be so bouncy from my presentation." I chuckle with pink cheeks. "And really, handsome, I find it difficult to believe that because that is a praise that I shouldn't receive."
"Hey, come on, you are actually handsome~" Sayori giggles. My cheeks only got warmer at what she said.
"H-Hey, stop it Sayori." I sling my bag at my back, preparing to leave the classroom.
"Ehehehe~ Who knew you became sudden ever since you joined the Literature Club." She continues to tease me.
I can hear Monika chuckling in amusement, savouring the moment of me being teased by Sayori of all people. I didn't notice Natsuki and Yuri have already left the clubroom without saying any word further.
The Club President walks towards the two us with her usual smile with a calm and collected demeanour, her long brown ponytail swaying at her back as she ambles.
"You two get along so well, as expected from childhood friends." Monika softly remarks.
"Yup~ Katsuro and I get along so well!" Sayori beams up. "Oh, and Monika, have already thought of who will be taking of the decorations? I mean, we already planned that it will be Natsuki to take care of the foods."
"Hmm...I feel like appointing Yuri at that, since we don't have anyone else to do it." Monika wonders.
"Oh, what about Katsuro?" Sayori asks, pointing a finger at me. "We don't know what he'll do."
I smile at the smaller girl. "Well, I intend on just assisting you girls make the preparations."
Sayori's eyes widen a bit. "Really? You'll help us?"
"If we want to finish the preparations much faster, then it's best I help you guys...I mean, the more workforce the faster we finish things." I wonder while scratching the back of my head.
"I see, that's understandable, well, let us get going since club hour is over." Monika says, turning her heels around and picking her bag up.
Sayori tug my shoulder and I look down at her.
"C'mon! Let's go home!" Sayori says in a cheery manner as she starts walking or rather bouncing off out of the club room with me following suite.
I close the door of the club room as we walk out and the both of us saunter down the quiet hallway of the school building. Sayori is being her usual self, humming as she walks with me, almost if not completely oblivious of her surroundings.
Taking a deep breath and heaving out a sigh, we continue to walk down the hallway in silence. The both of us didn't talk to each other and somehow I do not feel the urge to initiate a conversation with her, though I do want to know how well is her mental health doing but I doubt that will help a lot, at least for now.
We both take the stairs to go to the ground floor where there are more students, but there are still few of them to be honest. I actually expect the ground floor to be bustling with students and some teachers, but I guess most of the people in the school are still busy with their club activities.
Speaking of clubs, I did hear some shouting from the Debate Club's room. I guess their situation has gotten worse in short span of time.
Just as we walk past by the corridor of a hallway, I take notice of a glimpse of purple hair in the distance, causing my eyes to dart at that direction.
My eyes widen to see Yuri backing away from someone who is clearly taller than her, and it is a guy no less. I halt my steps, causing Sayori to also stop and wonder why I stop walking. I narrow my eyes at the guy dangerously walking closer to Yuri, and a click rings in my head, realizing who it was; Lexer, the guy Sir Draven was tutoring back in the Study Building, the guy who Sir Draven describes as a trouble child.
What the hell is he doing with Yuri?!
Judging from his expression, he looks furious...
This is not good...I need to step in...
Gears start running in my mind as I find myself taking steps towards Yuri and Lexer, I visibly see Yuri trembling in fear and I can already feel my anger boiling up as my mind races on the thoughts of what Lexer might have done to Yuri. I quicken my pace and glare at the guy who doesn't seem to have taken notice of me yet.
But before I can call out the both of them...
Lexer raises his hand and slaps Yuri across the face which echoes through the hallway, and he slapped her with such force which throws her into the cold, hard floor of the school. I can audibly hear Sayori let out a loud gasp of horror.
My eyes widen in horror and shock, I can hear a loud thud as Yuri makes contact with the floor, which is followed by a whimper from the purple-haired girl.
How...How dare he fucking slap her!
I didn't think of anything. I can feel my anger rise up, or to be more precise, explode like a C-4 bomb. My hands clench into balls of fists as my teeth grits together.
No one! NO ONE DARES SLAP YURI!
Without even caring or thinking twice about my surroundings or my actions, I dash towards Lexer and tackle him into the ground, catching him off guard.
Not even giving him the chance to react, much less retaliate, I quickly raise a fist and throw a hard punch right at his face, my vision reddening as I throw another punch.
"You! You fucking have the audacity to fucking slap a girl?! DO YOU FUCKING KNOW WHO SHE IS?!" I roared as my fist connects with his lower jaw. "Who the fuck gave you the permission to slap my friend?!"
Lexer attempts to escape my grasp and fight back but I grab his collar then punch him in the nose, I can hear his nose make a sickening crack but do I fucking care?
Then I remember that Sir Draven said that Lexer also pick on Natsuki, which only make me more furious.
"K-Katsuro! Stop!" I can hear Sayori cry out for me, but I did not listen.
"DON'T YOU EVER DARE HURT YURI OR NATSUKI!" I throw another punch, much fiercer than the last ones and smash the side of his face and blood splatter out from the side of his lips.
I raise my fist again only to feel a hand grab my wrist. I jerk my head around to see who stopped me only to see that it was Yuri who is grabbing my wrist.
Her purple eyes locking into mine and they were telling me to stop. I see Sayori watching almost next to Yuri and I can see fear on her blue eyes. Anger quickly dissipates and guilt immediately washes over me seeing their terrified expressions.
I slowly put my fist down and unclench my hands. I quickly turn away, not wanting to see the ugly face of the asshole that slapped Yuri, though I can feel he is trembling in fear, not that I care about him anyway.
Slowly standing up and adjusting my clothes which were wrinkled a bit, I adjust and fix my glasses' position, I see some students from the corner watching us. They were probably watching the whole thing. But somehow I lost the capacity to even care about others at this point.
"Yuri, come with and let's tend that mark on your face." I softly say. I try to control my temper again when I saw how evident the slap mark on her cheeks was. I clench and unclench my hands at the sight. "Sayori you go home first, I do not want you to get in trouble further."
Surprisingly, yet thankfully, Sayori nods her head and quickly head off without saying another word. Though I guess she will message me to ask how Yuri and I are doing.
The purple-haired girl next to me nods her head and smiles lightly, I quickly grab her hand much to her surprise and we walk out of the area.
I merely walk past the students watching us, not paying any heed to their whispers, probably talking about me and Yuri.
"Do you know where the clinic is?" I ask Yuri now that we are out of the people's hearing range.
She nods her head. "Yes, I'll point you the direction to the clinic."
I let her take the lead. I walk with her through the hallways of the building, mainly on the path leading to the clinic.
When we reach the clinic, I didn't hesitate to swing the door open for the both us to be greeted by brightly-lit room. The school's clinic is, for the most part, quite abundant in equipment and medicines as evident by the number of medicine cabinet and hospital beds.
We see a middle-aged man wearing a blue vest over a white shirt and grey tie, his lower attire contains black slacks and black formal shoes, sitting on a chair in front of an office-like desk. I assume this man is the nurse or doctor of the school.
"Yes, what can I help?" Asks the doctor who stands up from his seat and walk towards us. I can see his name on his I.D., it only reveals his first name though, which is Hektor.
"Yeah, can you uhhh...Tend the slap mark on her face?" I ask, gesturing at Yuri who shyly drifts her eyes away to the floor.
Hektor looks at Yuri and his eyes widen slightly in horror to see the evident slap mark on the shy girl's face.
"Oh dear, who did this to you?" Hektor wonders in a concerned tone, grabbing Yuri's face with one hand softly, not wanting to press the pain further on the purple-haired girl's slapped cheek.
"Some asshole named Lexer did it." I snarl.
The doctor looks at me for a moment before letting out a sigh. He holds a face telling 'not again' while rubbing his temple.
"Not that troublesome child." He groans, shutting his eyes tightly before opening them back again. "That child has been bullying and attacking other students physically for too long, always picking on the shy and timid looking ones."
Hektor looks sympathetically at Yuri who is still looking on the ground.
"Come on, child, let's get that mark of yours inspected, we need to know how hard Lexer slapped you and get it tended before it goes swollen."
Yuri nods in acknowledgement of what the doctor said and follows him to his desk while he goes into the cabinet to pick up the necessary things.
I merely put my bag near the door, stand back and wait patiently for the doctor to inspect Yuri's slap mark then I find myself ambling around the clinic. To be honest, this clinic is almost hospital level, I just wonder how ridiculously rich this school is. Speaking of this school being rich, don't they have security cameras on the hallways and some rooms such as the faculty and library?
And it is a pity this school has a lot of scummy students.
I look out through the window of the clinic to see the skies devoid of any clouds, students were flocking outside, chatting to each other while going home and cars drive right past the school grounds. I don't feel it, but I can see how strong the wind judging from how much the leaves of the trees are rustling and clothes of the people flapping.
Then I turn around to walk back towards Yuri and the doctor, it would seem the doctor is finished inspecting Yuri's slap mark. I can see the Yuri's cheek red from the slap even though I am not beside her yet, I bite the tip of my tongue at the ugly sight and an image of Lexer flashes in my mind where he is being burned alive.
"Katsuro..." Yuri calls out, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Yeah, what is it Yuri, are you alright? Did Dr. Hektor say anything bad about your cheek?" My voice is riddled with concern for her as I sit on a chair next to her.
"Oh, Dr. Hektor said nothing is really wrong, though I can still feel some pain running through my nerves whenever I move my cheek too much." She explains softly and gives me a small smile.
"That's a relief." I give out a long sigh and smile back. "I'm just glad you are alright, you didn't receive anything too alarming."
"T-Thank you, Katsuro...But..." Yuri twiddles her fingers together. "You...You didn't have to burst out ago, you didn't actually have to mercilessly punch Lexer."
I raise a brow at that. "Why not? He deserved it Yuri, the jackass' been picking on students and physically harming them as he pleases. People like him should receive some serious karma."
Yuri is quiet for a moment before looking up at me. "I-I know people like him deserves some punishment, but what you did I think is a bit extreme, and you will get yourself in trouble!"
She puts a hand on the side of her head, panic written all over her face. "Oh no, no, no...I-I got you in t-trouble did I?" She questions, her body trembling and looking away, not wanting to see my eyes.
I place my hands on her shoulders to stop her from trembling any further. "Yuri, look at me, look at me!"
She slowly looks back at me, her purple eyes filled with guilt and self-blame which only make my heart clench at the sight of it.
"Yuri, it is not your fault and will never be, if anyone is to blame then that is Lexer, he's the one the start the commotion by being an asshole and an idiot. He is the one who slapped you, meaning you are the victim here and I say again, it is not your fault." I give her a genuine smile. "Stop blaming yourself, Yuri, it doesn't fit you. You can be better than this."
Yuri's eyes widen at my words, then her eyes start to form some tears on the side of them. Without a warning or notice, she wraps her slender arms around me, catching me off my surprise.
Before I can say anything, I can already feel some make my vest and shirt wet then I hear audible whimper from her and feeling her trembling body make contact with me. I didn't ask or say anything, however, I gently wrap my arms around her and pulling her into a warm embrace.
I stroke the strand of her long purple hair and I can smell her scent, while at the same time I gently rub her back to calm her down. She continued to cry although she isn't wailing, just mild whimpers but I can feel her tears streaming down from her eyes.
A minute or two has passed, the both us are silent and didn't utter a single word, though there are instances where Yuri will adjust her position.
Now she slowly pulls away, her eyes slightly red from the crying but thankfully tears are no longer evident on her eyes and cheeks.
"I-I'm sorry I stained your clothes with my tears." Yuri meekly apologizes with a bow of her head.
I wave my hand dismissively. "No, it's alright. At least you manage to let out your sorrow to me, I feel honoured."
Yuri blushes but smiles lightly at me, making her twirl a strand of her hair and lock her orbs into my own.
"Y-You're so kind, Katsuro." She comments with a soft voice.
"Ahaha~ It's nothing that needs praising, really." I chuckle wholeheartedly.
"A-Anyways, pardon me for taking your time, you should already be walking back home along with Sayori." Yuri points out, gradually standing up from her chair.
"Yeah I should be, but I feel responsible and I do not want to leave you all by yourself especially when someone slapped you." I heave out a sigh, also standing up from my seat and adjusting my glasses up.
"You don't have to worry too much about it, Katsuro. Anyways, I'll be off now, take care Katsuro!" Yuri says, heading for the door and swinging it open.
"Take care of yourself too, Yuri!" I call back with a bright smile on my face.
Yuri gives me one last smile before swinging the door close. Left here in the clinic, I take a long, deep breath and releasing an exhausted sigh before rubbing the bridge of my nose. I feel fatigue taking over my mind for a bit, and seeing the beds of the clinic makes me want to collapse into one of them and quickly throw myself into a deep and peaceful slumber.
Man...I truly hoped I wasn't going to be too close to Yuri...
But fuck that plan...If she is going to get picked on like that I might as well be close to her so I can protect from such assholes and pricks...
I run a hand through my jet-black hair and look at the time. Not much time has passed actually, so I don't have to worry rushing back home.
"I find it quite sweet and heart-warming, frankly." The voice causes me to jerk my head around to see Dr. Hektor sitting calmly in his chair with his legs and has an amused look on his face.
Holy shit I forgot about him...
My face flushes in embarrassment.
"My apologies, doctor, we didn't mean to make such scene!" I raise my hands in defense.
The doctor chuckles merrily and rests his chin on one of his palms. "Don't worry about it boy, it's rather heart-warming to see her be so close to someone once in a while."
"Well, if anything she deserves someone that will take care of her." I firmly say.
"That is true." He remarks while pulling out a folder and flipping it open to reveal some papers, probably medical records of someone. "Still...I cannot believe Lexer would slap Yuri like that."
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"Lexer is violent, yes, but only towards other boys. He never had gone too far to physically harm a girl, he only mocks and scoffs at them. I guess Lexer had dug himself a much deeper grave I suppose, at this point I am wondering how he will redeem himself." The doctor clicks his tongue.
I blink several times at him, wondering if he dropped the topic quickly or just waiting for my reply, but looking at his face he doesn't seem to wait a response from me.
So I take my bag and turn around towards the door to take my leave.
"You know, aside from being picked on by other people, that girl, Yuri, has some serious problems of her own." Dr. Hektor speaks with a chillingly serious tone.
My footstep halts into an abrupt stop and turn my head to face him, shock is probably written all over my face at what I just heard from him.
"It may be visible, and I'll give her credit for hiding it; her sliced wounds. And she does it on her arms, like how most people do that has self-harm tendencies." Dr. Hektor puts the folder into a drawer of a cabinet near him as he continues speaking. "Most people wouldn't notice when touching her. But there were times when I grabbed her wrist or forearm I'll notice she'll wince in pain. She actually went here in the clinic numerous times in the past so I manage to notice it, at first I thought I may be wrong but as time passes..."
He lets out a long sigh and looks directly at me. "It would seem she hasn't stopped her self-harm habits."
I narrow my eyes at him. "Wait, if you know about it why didn't you stopped her sooner from causing herself even more harm?" I question him.
"I am just a normal doctor, but sure, that is not an excuse to why I should ignore her. Though, I did gave numerous advice regarding on how to take care of herself without outright mentioning her self-harm tendencies, as to be honest, I cannot track her mind and she is unpredictable. However, there is one person that tells me not to treat her illness." Dr. Hektor points out. My curiosity is captured at who this person is.
"Who is it?" I ask. The doctor darts his eyes at different directions, making sure no one is in the room to hear our conversation.
"It's her guardian, Helena, who is also one of the staff at the school's library."
My inner guess is right...It's Yuri's guardian...
"Why...Are you telling me this?" I question.
Dr. Hektor lets out a small chuckle. "Probably because you are the only person so far that has stood up for her, and by the looks of it you are the only she trusts most, judging from her interaction with you moments ago."
Yeah...By the looks of she does...
"Though, you best be careful on approaching her. People with serious problems like her are unpredictable and one false move may cause much more harm than good." He reminds seriously.
To be fair, Monika and I have reminded ourselves multiple times that Yuri will not be easy to deal with.
"Well, thanks for letting me know." I say with a nervous chuckle.
"You're welcome kid." The Doctor smiles at me before gesturing me that I'm allowed to leave.
I didn't hesitate to quickly walk out of the clinic, swinging the door close behind me.
Heaving out a sigh, I proceed to walk down the hallway of the school. Honestly, some of the students are already giving me looks.
Just how bloody fast the rumours spread?
Man, Monika is surely going to reprimand me for what I did later in the night or tomorrow.
I slowly shake my head, brushing the thoughts off to relax or at least ease my mind for a moment after the quick incident that happened moments ago, which I am still quite surprised of myself that I even had the gall to run up to Lexer and punch him mercilessly.
Nonetheless, the guy deserves a good beating anyway.
I reach the exit or main entrance door of the school building, the sun that is about to set in an hour or less greets me. The soft breeze makes my hair ruffle mildly, but it was enough to send relaxation over my body. The adrenaline I had moments ago have been drained by my fierce punches.
When I walk past the school gates, someone run up to me and abruptly wrap their arms around me tightly.
"Wha-?!" I look down to see it was the coral-pink haired cinnamon bun, Sayori.
"Katsuro! I was so worried for you!" She exclaims, looking up to face me, showing me her clearly obvious worried face. "I thought something very bad happened to you."
I chuckle softly and put a hand on top of her hair. "It's nothing bad, Sayori, I didn't receive anything bad. Look! I'm fine!" I point a thumb to myself with a bright smile.
Sayori slowly withdraws her arms from me and smile lightly. "I see, I'm glad you are okay...But what about Yuri, she got slapped right? She didn't bleed or anything?"
"No, a slap isn't enough to make someone slap, unless someone got slapped so hard numerous times without stop then I'm sure they'll bleed somehow. But no, Yuri didn't bleed or anything too serious." I reassure her. She lets out a sigh of relief.
"That's a relief to hear." She brightly smiles again. "Though, after all that worrying, it made me feel so hungry. Can we go to Kiran's food booth?" She points at the food stand just beside the gate of the school.
"Yeah, sure."
The both of us walk together to the food booth and I already take out my wallet to prepare the money I will use to pay for the food Sayori will eat, and probably also the food I will eat too. Kiran, the food vendor, sees us coming a bright smile comes to his face.
"Hey! I take it the two of you want to buy something?" He speaks up, leaning into the counter with a beaming attitude towards us.
"Hell yeah!" I exclaim, putting the cash on top of the counter. "As usual, give us your best sale for the day."
Kiran smiles gladly, he quickly walks over to the small kitchen of his food booth, though I don't know if I should kitchen but it does look like a kitchen, although a small one, small enough to fit into his fairly large food booth. As usual, it didn't take long for the vendor to give us the best food he has for today, if anything it barely took like 2 or 3 minutes now for him to cook the food. I can see Sayori drooling slightly from the smell of the food Kiran is presenting us from the corners of my eyes.
I cannot help but chuckle at Sayori's expression, I bring out a spare tissue and use it to wipe of a drool that dares to trickle down to Sayori's chin. She snaps out of her trance, casting me a confused expression that is wondering what I just did before she quickly realizes that she was drooling. She blushes furiously in embarrassment.
"S-Sorry, I didn't mean to drool, but the food just smells so delicious!" She exclaims, attempting to remove the embarrassment.
"Ahaha~ Don't be sorry, it's just look adorable and cute of you." I chuckle merrily.
Kiran puts the food boxes into the counter and he takes our or technically, my money and put it into the cash register. Sayori and I take our food boxes and open it to reveal fried rice, egg and some fresh tocino, with plastic fork and spoon already prepared.
"Wow! It looks so tasty! What is it?" Sayori asks, although she didn't seem to wait for an answer as she already starts eating her food.
"It's called Tosilog, it's actually a Filipino-style Breakfast." The white-haired vendor explains.
"Wow, your selection of food is quite diverse." I coo quietly, taking the spoon and fork to start eating.
Thankfully although weirdly enough, there aren't much students going to the food booth, most of them just go straight home and don't even bother on buying something to eat in Kiran's food stall or booth. Not to mention the school sounds quieter than yesterday. It's a good change of atmosphere as I am never a fan of rowdy places anyway.
"Hey Katsuro!" A familiar voice calls out, making me glance my head towards where the voice came from.
"Oh, Reo, it's you." I speak up after swallowing the food in my mouth. I notice that his hair is slightly wet.
Oh yeah...I remember, he is on the Swimming Club.
"I heard a fight erupted from the hallway." He spoke up rather quietly, but it was still loud enough for me, Sayori and Kiran to hear.
"Oh yeah, I hear some students that there were like two people fighting each other except one of them is like getting mauled to death." Kiran speaks up worriedly. "I take it you are the one who made the first punch?"
I gently place my fork and spoon back into the now empty food box, my expression turns serious as I let out a sigh.
"The asshole I punched outright slapped a girl named Yuri, who is completely defenceless and did nothing." I defend myself and my actions.
"The guy who got punched severely was Lexer." Reo adds up, he places a hand on my shoulder and pats it. "Man, I gotta give you credit, not many are willing to stand up to Lexer and punch him to the point he'll fear you, slightly at least."
"But I'm still worried, Katsuro, you might have other mean bullies coming for you." Sayori exclaims with concern filling her voice.
"Let them come, I won't hesitate to protect myself or you girls." I said softly, not wanting Sayori to be more worried about me, I ruffle her hair gently.
"You know Katsuro, while what you did is rather justifiable in the eyes of many, the fact that you severely injured a person was a bit too much. If you'll resort too much to violence, then they will repay that violence ten times much worse." Kiran warns, eyeing me with sharp eyes. "Don't give in too much to your negative desires. It is bad enough you'll act out of negative emotions."
I blankly stare at him for a moment after hearing him talk. I scratch the back of my head and drift my eyes away from him. I heave out a sigh, feeling guilt well up slightly in my chest.
Kiran isn't wrong though, that is one few times I acted so violently, but this time it was more extreme. I never usually resorted to punching someone so brutally. Thinking back at it, I really did lost my control over there. But I'm confident it's justified, who would simply stand back when their friend got physically harmed by someone else who doesn't has the right and reason to do it?
Nonetheless, Kiran is still right. I might even get in trouble and be summoned by the guidance counsellor, disciplinary officer or worse, by the principal himself.
"Yeah, I did go overboard a bit there. Sorry if my actions troubled you all." I meekly apologize to all of them.
"Don't worry Katsuro, you're still a good guy in my eyes, and you protected Yuri with all your heart so I guess that's that." Sayori brightly chirps.
Ahhh...Sayori, always brightening up the atmosphere every time she says something positive...
"It's alright, Katsuro! Besides, you're still my friend and I'm going to support you!" Reo gives me a thumbs-up with a bright smirk.
"Well, as long you do not repeat the same mistake and attempt to fix the errors you currently made, you're good." Kiran says rather kindly.
We all chuckle at the same time, the grim thoughts in my head withering away for the entire afternoon and evening.
Nothing to worry too much about for now, I suppose...
Yuri gradually saunters through the silent, foggy street leading to her house, or rather, her family's house which is on the side of the mountains. The sole of her shoes scraping against the pavement, echoing audibly in the sheer silence of the street. The dim-lights from the lamp posts illuminating only small parts of the street. From this viewpoint however, a person can see the cityscape, including the barely-visible lights from the residential area sitting beside the city. On the horizon, part of the sky is illuminated with orange, signifying the sun just recently set, to simply put dusk has taken over.
Yuri can finally see the sight of her house, or more precisely, a manor, with the first thing to go through after the gate is a lush greenery and well-trimmed shrubs and flowers. However, the garden can barely be seen as there are hardly any light, there isn't even a single light coming from the manor itself. The manor is surrounded or protected by a long wall made out of limestone and the top surfaces of the wall are equipped with spikes which all look quite rusty and stained.
Yuri continues to amble towards her family's manor while carrying her satchel bag with her hands, though she casts her head down making her bangs obscure her purple eyes entirely, making it difficult to see her overall expression, the red slap mark on her cheeks is less evident but evident nonetheless. Her walking pace is slow yet elegant at most, her long purple hair swaying every time she takes a step forward.
Just as she reaches the gate of her family's manor she hears footstep coming towards her and she slowly turns around to be surprised at the person who she is currently seeing.
"S-Sir Draven?!" Yuri exclaims, taken aback by the sudden presence of the Literature Club's Advisor who stops just below a lamp post near the manor's gate.
"My apologies, Yuri, but I heard that you got slapped by someone, namely Lexer. Dr. Hektor informed me about it and I cannot help but have the intention on visiting your home, turns out you just recently arrived." Draven wonders out worriedly. "I also heard that Katsuro punched Lexer brutally?"
"N-No, sir, it is not Katsuro's fault. He was only trying to defend me, that's all." Yuri stutters out, slightly panicking. As if she is afraid of the Club Advisor blaming Katsuro for the incident.
"No, no, I am not blaming Katsuro, if anything I feel grateful to him that he decides to stand up for you." Draven waves his hand dismissively. "Honestly, Yuri, you should really spend more time with him, you deserve a guy like him."
"Ahaha...N-No thanks, sir." Yuri replies with her face slightly heating up from what the Club Advisor has said.
"Well, I am still glad you didn't receive anything severe, otherwise I would have asked the Principal to have Lexer kicked off completely and sanction him from attending any schools." Draven heaves out a sigh as he adjusts his glasses up.
Before Yuri can even say anything further though, a chill runs up to her spine, making her body shiver visibly.
She turns around to look through the gate of her family's manor. A silhouette of a person can be seen, but its face is obscured by the shadow thanks to the lack of light.
Then a howling wind comes through the area, whispering like a ghost, the trees rustle rather eerily as the unknown person behind the gate walks forward revealing himself to be a rather hunched old man with white hair, although his eyes looks empty and devoid of any life.
Yuri abruptly glances back at the Advisor of the Literature Club.
"I-I'm sorry, sir, I have to go inside now." She bows her head apologetically at Draven before quickly turning back around and walking towards the gate which she opens, creating a spine-chilling creak.
"It's alright, Yuri, take care now." Draven waves his hand with a smile before walking off, disappearing into the foggy street.
Yuri then shuts the gate close behind her, she then has eye contact with the hunched old man who stare right back at her, as if he is piercing right through her very soul.
The shy bookworm tightens her grip on the handle of her satchel bag as she darts her eyes away from the old man and lays her face down, hiding her eyes with her bangs once more, the lack of light in the garden and that night has taken over it only makes it difficult to see her overall face. But the same can be said to the elderly man.
Without even uttering or murmuring a word, much less a phrase, Yuri takes a step forward and ambles past the eerie hunched old man who continues to stare at the purple-haired girl.
"Your teacher..." The elderly man speaks up in a rather gruff voice. "He speaks of a boy who protected you."
Yuri halts her step, she grips her bag tighter.
"Y-Yes." She answers quietly.
"Helena told me that you were slapped by a mongrel...Why didn't you fight back?" The elderly man asks once more, turning around to face the purple-haired girl's back.
Yuri doesn't answer.
The old man rubs his chin roughly while letting a raspy hum. "Hmmm...You still have much to learn." He saunters towards Yuri then past her.
Yuri bites her lip momentarily before following the elderly man from behind.
"At midnight, we shall continue your lesson, for the others are going to visit and they coming with grandeur expectations. Your body still needs to be treated and lacks the necessity, but they will not accept it as an excuse. Do not disappoint them like last, Elyssa."
"Yes, grandfather."
A/N: Whew! I'm still alive and back! Exams were pretty hard, I had to make a script for a movie and I had to take care of our thesis yikes, that all pressured me from doing this chapter. Man.
But anyways, I am still glad that people are liking and reviewing on this story.
Ahahaha~ Now, it will seem this arc is Yuri's arc? Maybe? Hehehe~ Who knows, maybe I'll follow most pattern of other fanfics out there, or not ;)