Doki Doki Literature Club!: Normal Mode (Part 1)

by bizzyjoan

Ever wondered what Doki Doki Literature Club! would have been like if Monika wasn't self aware she is in a game and everything played out normally? In this story, you embark on an accurate depiction of what the game would have been like if it was a regular visual novel. A drama filled journey through your sophomore year and your time at the literature club awaits you. Part 1

Prologue:

I open my computer and my friend sends me this game to download on Steam called "Doki Doki Literature Club". I never heard of this game, but I am a fan of visual novel games. I am bored and looking for something to do. I download and open the game;

Game: "This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed."

Game: "Individuals suffering from anxiety or depression may not have a safe experience playing this game. For content warnings, please visit: "

Game: "By playing Doki Doki Literature Club, you agree that you are at least 13 years of age, and you consent to your exposure of highly disturbing content."

I select "I agree.", "This game, disturbing, no!"

Game: "Team Salvato"

Game: This game is not suitable for children or those easily disturbed"

Sayori (presumably): "Doki! Doki!"

I select, "New Game"

Game: "Please enter your name"

I type in my name, "John"

I select "Ok"

The screen turns dark and the game is about to begin! "What could go wrong?" I ask myself as I am being "transported" to the world of the game.

Chapter 1:

?: "Heeeeeeeyyy!"

I see an annoying girl running toward me from the distance, waving her arms in the air like she's totally oblivious to any attention she might draw to herself. That girl is Sayori, my neighbor and good friend since we were children. You know, the kind of friend you'd never see yourself making today, but it just kind of works out because you've known each other for so long? We used to walk to school together on days like this, but starting around high school she would oversleep more and more frequently, and I would get tired of waiting up. But if she's going to chase after me like this, I almost feel better off running away. However, I just sigh and idle in front of the crosswalk and let Sayori catch up to me.

Sayori: "Haaahhh...haaahhh..."

"I overslept again!"

"But I caught you this time!"

John: "Maybe, but only because I decided to stop and wait for you."

Sayori: "Eeehhhhh, you say that like you were thinking about ignoring me!"

"That's mean, John!"

John: "Well, if people stare at you for acting weird then I don't want them to think we're a couple or something."

Sayori: "Fine, fine."

"But you did wait for me, after all."

"I guess you don't have it in you to be mean even if you want to~"

John: "Whatever you say, Sayori..."

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

We cross the street together and make our way to school. As we draw near, the streets become increasingly speckled with other students making their daily commute.

Sayori: "By the way, John..."

"Have you decided on a club to join yet?"

John: "A club?"

"I told you already, I'm really not interested in joining any clubs."

"I haven't been looking, either."

Sayori: "Eh? That's not true!"

"You told me you would join a club this year!"

John: "Did I...?"

I'm sure it's possible that I did, in one of our many conversations where I dismissively go along with whatever she's going on about. Sayori likes to worry a little too much about me, when I'm perfectly content just getting by on the average while spending my free time on games and anime.

Sayori: "Uh-huh!"

"I was talking about how I'm worried that you won't learn how to socialize or have any skills before college."

"Your happiness is really important to me, you know!"

"And I know you're happy now, but I'd die at the thought of you becoming a NEET in a few years because you're not used to the real world!"

"You trust me, right?"

"Don't make me keep worrying about you..."

John: "Alright, alright..."

"I'll look at a few clubs if it makes you happy."

"No promises, though."

Sayori: "Will you at least promise me you'll try a little?"

John: "Yeah, I guess I'll promise you that."

Sayori: "Yaay~!"

Why do I let myself get lectured by such a carefree girl? More than that, I'm surprised I even let myself relent to her. I guess seeing her worry so much about me makes me want to ease her mind at least a little bit - even if she does exaggerate everything inside of her head.

The school day is as ordinary as ever, and it's over before I know it.

After I pack up my things, I stare blankly at the wall, looking for an ounce of motivation.

John: "Clubs..."

Sayori wants me to check out some clubs. I guess I have no choice but to start with the anime club...

Sayori: "Hellooo?"

John: "Sayori...?"

Sayori must have come into the classroom while I was spacing out. I look around and realize that I'm the only one left in the classroom.

Sayori: "I thought I'd catch you coming out of the classroom, but I saw you just sitting here and spacing out, so I came in."

"Honestly, you're even worse than me sometimes... I'm impressed!"

John: "You don't need to wait up for me if it's going to make you late to your own club."

Sayori: "Well, I thought you might need some encouragement, so I thought, you know..."

John: "Know what?"

Sayori: "Well, that you could come to my club!"

John: "Sayori..."

Sayori: "Yeah?"

John: "...There is no way I'm going to your club."

Sayori: "Eeeehhhhh?! Meanie!"

Sayori is vice president of the Literature Club. Not that I was ever aware that she had any interest in literature. In fact, I'm 99% sure she only did it because she thought it would be fun to help start a new club. Since she was the first one to show interest after the one who proposed the club, she inherited the title "Vice President". That said, my interest in literature is guaranteed to be even less.

John: "Yeah. I'm going to the anime club."

Sayori: "C'mon, please?"

John: "Why do you care so much, anyway?"

Sayori: "Well..."

"I kind of told the club yesterday I would bring in a new member..."

"And Natsuki made cupcakes and everything..."

"Ehehe..."

John: "Don't make promises you can't keep!"

I can't tell if Sayori is really that much of an airhead, or if she's so cunning as to have planned all of this out. I let out a long sigh.

John: "Fine... I'll stop by for a cupcake, okay?"

Sayori: "Yes! Let's go~!"

And thus, today marks the day I sold my soul for a cupcake. I dejectedly follow Sayori across the school and upstairs - a section of the school I rarely visit, being generally used for third-year classes and activities. Sayori, full of energy, swings open the classroom door.

Sayori: "Everyone! The new member is here~!"

John: "I told you, don't call me a 'new member-'"

Eh? I glance around the room.

Girl 1: "Welcome to the Literature Club. It's a pleasure meeting you."

"Sayori always says nice things about you."

Girl 2: "Seriously? You brought a boy?"

"Way to kill the atmosphere."

Monika: "Ah, John! What a nice surprise!"

"Welcome to the club!"

John: "..."

All words escape me in this situation.

This club...

...is full of incredibly cute girls!

Girl 2: "What are you looking at?"

"If you want to say something, say it."

John: "S-Sorry..."

Girl 1: "Natsuki..."

Girl 2: "Hmph."

The girl with the sour attitude, whose name is apparently Natsuki, is one I don't recognize. Her small figure makes me think she's probably a first-year. She is also the one who made cupcakes, according to Sayori.

Sayori: "You can just ignore her when she gets moody~"

Sayori says that quietly into my ear, then turns back toward the other girls.

Sayori: "Anyway! This is Natsuki, always full of energy."

"And this is Yuri, the smartest in the club!"

Yuri: "D-Don't say things like that..."

Yuri, who appears comparably more mature and timid, seems to have a hard time keeping up with people like Sayori and Natsuki.

John: "Ah... Well, it's nice to meet both of you."

Sayori: "And it sounds like you already know Monika, is that right?"

Monika: "That's right."

"It's great to see you again, John."

Monika smiles sweetly. We do know each other - well, we rarely talked, but we were in the same class last year. Monika was probably the most popular girl in class - smart, beautiful, athletic. Basically, completely out of my league. So, having her smile at me so genuinely feels a little...nice.

John: "Y-You too, Monika."

Sayori: "Come sit down, John! We made room for you at the table, so you can sit next to me or Monika."

"I'll get the cupcakes~"

Natsuki: "Hey! I made them, I'll get them!"

Sayori: "Sorry, I got a little too excited~"

Yuri: "Then, how about I make some tea as well?"

The girls have a few desks arranged to form a table. As Sayori mentioned, it's been widened so that there is one space next to Monika and one space next to Sayori. Natsuki and Yuri walk over to the corner of the room, where Natsuki grabs a wrapped tray and Yuri opens the feeling awkward, I take a seat next to Sayori. Natsuki proudly marches back to the table, tray in hand.

Natsuki: "Okaaay, are you ready?"

"...Ta-daa!"

Sayori: "Uwooooah!"

Natsuki lifts the foil off the tray to reveal a dozen white, fluffy cupcakes decorated to look like little cats. The whiskers are drawn with icing, and little pieces of chocolate were used to make ears.

Sayori: "So cuuuute~!"

Monika: "I had no idea you were so good at baking, Natsuki!"

Natsuki: "Ehehe. Well, you know."

"Just hurry and take one!"

Sayori grabs one first, then Monika. I follow.

Sayori: "It's delicious!"

Sayori talks with her mouth full and has already managed to get icing on her face. I turn the cupcake around in my fingers, looking for the best angle to take a bite. Natsuki is quiet. I can't help but notice her sneaking glances in my direction. Is she waiting for me to take a bite? I finally bite down. The icing is sweet and full of flavor - I wonder if she made it herself.

John: "This is really good."

"Thank you, Natsuki."

Natsuki: "W-Why are you thanking me? It's not like I...!"

(Haven't I heard this somewhere before...?)

Natsuki: "...Made them for you or anything."

John: "Eh? I thought you technically did. Sayori said-"

Natsuki: "Well, maybe!"

"But not for, y-you know, you! Dummy..."

John: "Alright, alright..."

I give up on Natsuki's weird logic and dismiss the conversation. Yuri returns to the table, carrying a tea set. She carefully places a teacup in front of each of us before setting down the teapot next to the cupcake tray.

John: "You keep a whole tea set in this classroom?"

Yuri: "Don't worry, the teachers gave us permission."

"After all, doesn't a hot cup of tea help you enjoy a good book?"

John: "Ah... I-I guess..."

Monika: "Ehehe, don't let yourself get intimidated, Yuri's just trying to impress you."

Yuri: "Eh?! T-That's not..."

Insulted, Yuri looks away.

Yuri: "I meant that, you know..."

John: "I believe you."

"Well, tea and reading might not be a pastime for me, but I at least enjoy tea."

Yuri: "I'm glad..."

Yuri faintly smiles to herself in relief. Monika raises an eyebrow, then smiles at me.

Monika: "So, what made you consider the Literature Club?"

John: "Um..."

I was afraid of this question. Something tells me I shouldn't tell Monika that I was practically dragged here by Sayori.

John: "Well, I haven't joined any clubs yet, and Sayori seemed really happy here, so..."

Monika: "That's okay! Don't be embarrassed!"

"We'll make sure you feel right at home, okay?"

"As president of the Literature Club, it's my duty to make the club fun and exciting for everyone!"

John: "Monika, I'm surprised."

"How come you decided to start your own club?"

"You could probably be a board member for any of the major clubs."

"Weren't you a leader of the debate club last year?"

Monika: "Ahaha, well, you know..."

"To be honest, I can't stand all of the politics around the major clubs."

"It feels like nothing but arguing about the budget and publicity and how to prepare for events..."

"I'd much rather take something I personally enjoy and make something special out of it."

"And if it encourages others to get into literature, then I'm fulfilling that dream!"

Sayori: "Monika really is a great leader!"

Yuri also nods in agreement.

John: "Then I'm surprised there aren't more people in the club yet."

"It must be hard to start a new club."

Monika: "You could put it that way."

"Not many people are very interested in putting out all the effort to start something brand new..."

"Especially when it's something that doesn't grab your attention, like literature."

"You have to work hard to convince people that you're both fun and worthwhile."

"But it makes school events, like the festival, that much more important."

"I'm confident that we can all really grow this club before we graduate!"

"Right, everyone?"

Sayori: "Yeah!"

Yuri: "We'll do our best."

Natsuki: "You know it!"

Everyone enthusiastically agrees. Such different girls, all interested in the same goal… Monika must have worked really hard just to find these three.

Maybe that's why they were all so delighted by the idea of a new member joining. Though I still don't really know if I can keep up with their level of enthusiasm about literature…

Yuri: "So, John, what kinds of things do you like to read?"

John: "Well... Ah..."

Considering how little I've read these past few years, I don't really have a good way of answering that.

John: "...Manga..."

I mutter quietly to myself, half-joking. Natsuki's head suddenly perks up.

It looks like she wants to say something, but she keeps quiet.

Yuri: "N-Not much of a reader, I guess..."

John: "...Well, that can change..."

What am I saying? I spoke without thinking after seeing Yuri's sad smile.

John: "Anyway, what about you, Yuri?"

Yuri: "Well, let's see..."

Yuri traces the rim of her teacup with her finger.

Yuri: "My favorites are usually novels that build deep and complex fantasy worlds."

"The level of creativity and craftsmanship behind them is amazing to me."

"And telling a good story in such a foreign world is equally impressive."

Yuri goes on, clearly passionate about her reading. She seemed so reserved and timid since the moment I walked in, but it's obvious by the way her eyes light up that she finds her comfort in the world of books, not people.

Yuri: "But you know, I like a lot of things."

"Stories with deep psychological elements usually immerse me as well."

"Isn't it amazing how a writer can so deliberately take advantage of your own lack of imagination to completely throw you for a loop?"

"Anyway, I've been reading a lot of horror lately..."

John: "Ah, I read a horror book once..."

I desperately grasp something I can relate to at the minimal level. At this rate, Yuri might as well be having a conversation with a rock.

Monika: "Really? I wouldn't have expected that, Yuri."

"For someone as gentle as you..."

Yuri: "I guess you could say that."

"But if a story makes me think, or takes me to another world, then I really can't put it down."

"Surreal horror is often very successful at changing the way you look at the world, if only for a brief moment."

Natsuki: "Ugh, I hate horror..."

Yuri: "Oh? Why's that?"

Natsuki: "Well, I just..."

Natsuki's eyes dart over to me for a split second.

Natsuki: "Never mind."

Monika: "That's right, you usually like to write about cute things, don't you, Natsuki?"

Natsuki: "W-What?"

"What gives you that idea?"

Monika: "You left a piece of scrap paper behind last club meeting."

"It looked like you were working on a poem called-"

Natsuki: "Don't say it out loud!"

"And give that back!"

Monika: "Fine, fine~"

Sayori: "Ehehe, your cupcakes, your poems..."

"Everything you do is just as cute as you are~"

Sayori sidles up behind Natsuki and puts her hands on her shoulders.

Natsuki: "I'm not cute!"

John: "Natsuki, you write your own poems?"

Natsuki: "Eh? Well, I guess sometimes."

"Why do you care?"

John: "I think that's impressive."

"Why don't you share them sometime?"

Natsuki: "N-No!"

Natsuki averts her eyes.

Natsuki: "You wouldn't...like them..."

John: "Ah...not a very confident writer yet?"

Yuri: "I understand how Natsuki feels."

"Sharing that level of writing takes more than just confidence."

"The truest form of writing is writing to oneself."

"You must be willing to open up to your readers, exposing your vulnerabilities and showing even the deepest reaches of your heart."

Monika: "Do you have writing experience too, Yuri?"

"Maybe if you share some of your work, you can set an example and help Natsuki feel comfortable enough to share hers."

Yuri remained silent.

John: "I guess it's the same for Yuri..."

Sayori: "Aww... I wanted to read everyone's poems..."

We all sit in silence for a moment.

Monika: "Okay!"

"I have an idea, everyone~"

Natsuki and Yuri look quizzically at Monika.

Monika: "Let's all go home and write a poem of our own!"

"Then, next time we meet, we'll all share them with each other."

"That way, everyone is even!"

Natsuki: "U-Um..."

Yuri: "..."

Sayori: "Yeaaah! Let's do it!"

Monika: "Plus, now that we have a new member, I think it will help us all get a little more comfortable with each other, and strengthen the bond of the club."

"Isn't that right, John?"

Monika smiles warmly at me once again.

John: "Hold on...there's still one problem."

Monika: "Eh? What's that?"

Now that we're back to the original topic of me joining the club, I bluntly come forth with what's been on my mind the entire time.

John: "I never said I would join this club!"

"Sayori may have convinced me to stop by, but I never made any decision."

"I still have other clubs to look at, and...um..."

I lose my train of thought. All four girls stare back at me with dejected eyes.

Monika: "B-But..."

Yuri: "I'm sorry, I thought..."

Natsuki: "Hmph."

Sayori: "John..."

John: "Y-You all..."

I...I'm defenseless against these girls. How am I supposed to make a clear-headed decision when it's like this? That is, if writing poems is the price I need to pay in order to spend every day with these beautiful girls…

John: "...Right."

"Okay, I've decided, then."

"I'll join the Literature Club."

One by one, the girls' eyes light up.

Sayori: "Yesss! I'm so happyyy~"

Sayori wraps her arms around me, jumping up and down.

John: "H-Hey-"

Yuri: "You really did scare me for a moment..."

Natsuki: "If you really just came for the cupcakes, I would be super pissed."

Monika: "Then that makes it official!"

"Welcome to the Literature Club!"

John: "Ah...thanks, I guess."

Monika: "Okay, everyone!"

"I think with that, we can officially end today's meeting on a good note."

"Everyone remember tonight's assignment:"

"Write a poem to bring to the next meeting, so we can all share!"

Monika looks over at me once more.

Monika: "John, I look forward to seeing how you express yourself."

"Ehehe~"

John: "Y-Yeah..."

Can I really impress the class star Monika with my mediocre writing skills?

I already feel the anxiety welling up inside me. Meanwhile, the girls continue to chit-chat as Yuri and Natsuki clean up their food.

Sayori: "Hey, John, since we're already here, do you want to walk home together?"

That's right - Sayori and I never walk home together anymore because she always stayed after school for clubs.

John: "Sure, might as well."

Sayori: "Yaay~"

With that, the two of us depart the clubroom and make our way whole way, my mind wanders back and forth between the four girls:

Sayori,

Natsuki,

Yuri,

and, of course, Monika.

Will I really be happy spending every day after school in a literature club? Perhaps I'll have the chance to grow closer to one of these girls…

John: "Alright!"

Sayori: What's up?

I just realized what I said out loud.

John: "N-Nothing!"

We both reach our homes and it's time to depart.

Sayori: "See you tomorrow! And thanks for agreeing to join!"

John: "See you tomorrow Sayori."

I close the door behind me and walk to my room. I continue to think about my chances with each girl. I'll just need to make the most of my circumstances, and I'm sure good fortune will find me.

And I guess that starts with writing a poem tonight...

After writing my poem, I realized it wasn't great, but good enough for tomorrow.

John: "I hope Yuri finds this poem at least a little interesting…"

"I guess I have to wait for tomorrow to find out…"

Chapter 2:

Well, it's the next day. Sayori overslept again, but this time I didn't wait because I would have been late if I decided to. I made the daily commute by myself. School ended before I knew it and it is time for the literature club to start. I entered the club room and was met with a greeting from Monika.

Monika: "Hi again, John!"

"Glad to see you didn't run away on us. Hahaha!"

John: "Nah, don't worry."

"This might be a little strange for me, but at least I keep my word."

Well, I'm back at the Literature Club. I was the last to come in, so everyone else is already hanging out. Yuri looks like a light went on in her when she sees I have returned.

Yuri: "Thanks for keeping your promise, John."

"I hope this isn't too overwhelming of a commitment for you."

"Making you dive headfirst into literature when you're not accustomed to it…"

Natsuki: "Oh come on! Like he deserves any slack!" "Sayori told me you didn't even want to join any clubs this year."

"And last year too!"

"I don't know if you just come here to hang out, or what…"

"But if you don't take us seriously,then you won't see the end of it."

Monika: "Natsuki, you certainly have a big mouth for someone who keeps her manga collection in the clubroom."

Natsuki: "M-M-M…!"

Natsuki finds herself stuck between saying "Monika" and Manga".

Natsuki: "Manga is literature!"

Swiftly defeated, Natsuki plops back into her seat.

Sayori: "Don't worry guys~"

"John always gives his best as long as he's having fun."

"He helps me with busywork without me even asking."

"Like cooking, cleaning my room…"

Yuri: "How dependable…"

John: "Sayori, that's because your room is so messy it's distracting."

"And you almost set your house on fire once."

Sayori: "Is that so... Ehehe…"

Yuri: "You two are really good friends, aren't you?"

"I might be a little jealous..."

Sayori: "How come? You and John can become good friends too!"

Yuri: "U-Um..."

John: "S-Sayori-"

Sayori: "Hmm?"

John: "..."

As usual, Sayori seems oblivious to the weird situation she just put me into.

Sayori: "Oh, oh! Yuri even brought you something today, you know~"

Yuri: "W-Wait! Sayori..."

John: "Eh? Me?"

Yuri: "Um... Not really..."

Sayori: "Don't be shy~"

Yuri: "It's really nothing..."

John: "What is it?"

Yuri: "N-Never mind!"

"Sayori made it sound like a big deal when it's really not..."

"Uuuuh, what do I do..."

Sayori: "Eh? I'm sorry, Yuri, I wasn't thinking..."

I guess that means it's up to me to rescue this situation…

John: "Hey, don't worry about it."

"First of all, I wasn't expecting anything in the first place."

"So any nice gesture from you is a pleasant surprise."

"It'll make me happy no matter what."

Yuri: "I-Is that so..."

John: "Yeah. I won't make it a big deal if you don't want it to be."

Yuri: "Alright..."

"Well, here."

Yuri reaches into her bag and pulls out a book.

Yuri: "I didn't want you to feel left out..."

"So I picked out a book that I thought you might enjoy."

"It's a short read, so it should keep your attention, even if you don't usually read."

"And we could, you know..."

"Discuss it...if you wanted..."

Th-This is… How is this girl accidentally being so cute?" She even picked out a book she thinks I'll like, despite me not reading much…

John: "Yuri, thank you! I'll definitely read this!"

I enthusiastically take the book.

Yuri: "Phew..."

"Well, you can read it at your own pace."

"I look forward to hearing what you think."

I nod in agreement and walk to a desk and take a seat. Now that everyone's settled in, I expected Monika to kick off some scheduled activities for the club. But that doesn't seem to be the case. Sayori and Monika are having a cheery conversation in the corner. Yuri's face is already buried in a book. I can't help but notice her intense expression, like she was waiting for this chance. Meanwhile, Natsuki is rummaging around in the closet.

I let a few minutes pass by. I'm really curious to talk to Yuri a little bit more… But at the same time, I would feel bad for distracting her from reading. I catch a glimpse of the cover of her book. It looks like the same book that she lent to me… More than that, she seems to be on the first few pages.

Yuri: "Ah..."

Crap- I think she noticed me looking at her… She sneaks another glance at me, and our eyes meet for a split second.

Yuri: "...!"

But that only makes her hide her face deeper in her book.

John: Sorry...

I was just spacing out…

I mutter this, sensing I made her uncomfortable.

Yuri: "Oh..."

"It's fine..."

"If I was focused, then I probably wouldn't have noticed in the first place."

"But I'm just re-reading a bit of this, so..."

John: "That's the book that you gave me, right?"

Yuri: "Mhm."

"I wanted to re-read some of it."

"Not for any particular reason...!"

John: "Just curious, how come you have two copies of the same book?"

Yuri: "Ah..."

"Well, when I stopped at the bookstore yesterday-"

"Ah, that's not what I meant..."

"I mean-"

"I...just happened to buy two of them."

John: "Ah, I see."

There's something fairly obvious here that Yuri isn't telling me, but I decide to let it go.

John: "I'll definitely start reading it soon!"

Yuri: "I'm glad to hear..."

"Once it starts to pick up, you might have a hard time putting it down."

"It's a very engaging and relatable story."

John: "Is that so...?"

"What's it about, anyway?"

Yuri: "Well..."

"Mmm..."

Yuri closes the book and scans her eyes over the back. The book is titled "Portrait of Markov". There's an ominous-looking eye symbol on the front cover.

Yuri: "Alright..."

"I just wanted to make sure I don't accidentally give anything away."

"Basically, it's about this girl in high school who moves in with her long-lost younger sister..."

"But as soon as she does so, her life gets really strange."

"She gets targeted by these people who escaped from a human experiment prison..."

"And while her life is in danger, she needs to desperately choose who to trust."

"No matter what she does, she ends up destroying most of her relationships and her life starts to fall apart..."

John: "That's kind of-!"

That's kind of dark, isn't it? Yuri made it sound like it was going to be a nice story, so that dark turn came from nowhere.

Yuri: "Ahaha."

Yuri gently giggles, all of a sudden.

Yuri: "Are you not a fan of that sort of thing, John?"

John: "No, it's not that..."

"I mean, I can definitely enjoy those kinds of stories, so don't worry."

Yuri: "I hope so..."

Yeah... I totally forgot that Yuri is into those things. She's so shy and reclusive on the outside, but her mind seems to be completely different.

Yuri: "It's just that those kinds of stories..."

"They challenge you to look at life from a strange new perspective."

"When horrible things happen not just because someone wants to be evil..."

"But because they have their own goals, or their own philosophy that they believe in."

"Then suddenly, when you thought you related to the protagonist..."

"They're made out to be the naive one for letting their one-sided morals interfere with the villain's plans."

Yuri suddenly stops.

Yuri: "I'm...I'm rambling, aren't I...?"

"Not again..."

"I'm sorry..."

John: "Hey, don't apologize...!"

"I haven't lost interest or anything."

Yuri: "Well..."

Yuri seems to feel slight relief.

Yuri: "I guess it's alright, then..."

"But I feel like I should let you know that I have this problem..."

"When I let things like books and writing fill my thoughts..."

"I kind of forget to pay attention to other people..."

"So I'm sorry if I end up saying something strange!"

"And please stop me if I start talking too much!"

John: "That's-"

"I really don't think you need to worry..."

"That just means you're passionate about reading."

"The least I can do is listen."

"It's a literature club, after all..."

Yuri: "Ah-"

"That's..."

"Well, that's true..."

John: "In fact..."

"I might as well get started reading it, right?"

Yuri: "Y-You don't have to!"

John: "Ahaha, what are you saying?"

"Just a moment ago, you said you were looking forward to it."

Yuri: "..."

John: "Let me just get the book..."

I quickly retrieve the book that I had put into my bag.

John: "Alright...it's fine if I sit here, right?"

I slip into the seat next to Yuri's.

Yuri: "Ah...!"

"Yeah..."

John: "Are you sure?"

"You seem a little apprehensive..."

Yuri: "That's..."

"I'm sorry..."

"It's not that I don't want you to!"

"It's just something I'm not very used to..."

"That is, reading in company with someone."

John: "I see..."

"Well, just tell me if I end up distracting you or anything."

Yuri: "A-Alright..."

I open the book and start the prologue. I soon understand what Yuri means about reading in company. It's as if I can feel her presence over my shoulder as I read. It's not a particularly bad thing. Maybe a little distracting, but the feeling is somewhat comforting. Yuri is in the corner of my eye. I realize that she's not actually looking at her own book. I glance over. It looks like she's reading from my book instead-

Yuri: "S-Sorry!"

"I was just-!"

John: "Yuri, you really apologize a lot, don't you?"

Yuri: "I...I do?"

"I don't really mean to..."

"Sorry..."

"I mean-!"

John: "Ahaha."

"Here, this should work, right?"

I slide my desk until it's up against Yuri's, then hold my book more between the two of them.

Yuri: "Ah..."

"I suppose so..."

Yuri timidly closes her own copy. Once we each lean in a little bit, our shoulders are almost touching. It feels like my left arm is in the way, so instead I use my right hand to hold the book open.

John: "Ah, I guess that makes it kind of difficult to turn the page..."

Yuri: "Here..."

Yuri takes her left arm and holds the left side of the book between her thumb and forefinger.

John: "Ah..."

I do the same with my right arm, on the right side of the book. That way, I turn a page, and Yuri slides it under her thumb after it flips to her side. But in holding it like this… We're huddled even closer together than before. It's actually kind of distracting me...! It's as if I can feel the warmth of Yuri's face, and she's in the corner of my vision...

Yuri: "...Are you ready?"

John: "Eh?"

Yuri: "To turn the page..."

John: "Ah...sorry!"

"I think I got a bit distracted for a second..."

I glance over at Yuri's face again, and our eyes meet. I don't know how I'll be able to keep up with her…

Yuri: "Ah..."

"That's okay."

"You're not as used to reading, right?"

"I don't mind being patient if it takes you a bit longer..."

"It's probably the least I can do..."

"Since you've been so patient with me..."

John: "Y-Yeah… Thanks."

We continue reading. Yuri no longer asks me if I'm ready to turn the page. Instead, I just assume that she finishes the page before me, so I turn it by my own volition. We continue the first chapter in silence. Even so, turning each page almost feels like an intimate exchange… My thumb gently letting go of the page, letting it flutter over to her side as she catches it under her own thumb.

John: "Hey, Yuri..."

"This might be a silly thought, but..."

"The main character kind of reminds me of you a little bit."

Yuri gave me a slightly scared and confused look.

Yuri: "You...think so?"

"How does she?"

John: "Well, I guess she's more blunt in a lot of ways..."

"But she also second-guesses all of the things that she says and does."

"Like she's afraid she'll do something wrong."

"It's not like I can see into your head or anything..."

"But they're kind of reminiscent of some of your mannerisms."

Yuri: "I-I see..."

Yuri remains silent for a moment.

Yuri: "But John..."

"That's probably..."

"...a terrible thing to have in common with her!"

"Uuuh, that's so embarrassing that you think that..."

John: "W-Wait!"

"I didn't mean it in a bad way or anything!"

"Sorry, I really didn't know you were self-conscious about that sort of thing..."

Yuri: "..."

John: "I guess I more meant that it's kind of cute..."

Yuri: "A-Ah-"

"What are you saying all of a sudden...?"

"I...!"

It looks like Monika is about to say something.

Monika: "Okay, everyone!"

Yuri: "...!"

Monika: "I think it's about time we share today's poems with each other."

"We might not have enough time if we wait too long."

Yuri: "Ah..."

Yuri exhales, spared from finishing her thought.

Monika: "Is that alright, Yuri?"

"You look kind of down..."

"I'm sorry if you haven't been looking forward to this..."

Yuri: "Ah, it's not..."

"...It's fine."

Yuri releases her hand from the book, causing it to close on top of my thumb.

John: "Alright..."

"I guess I'll do some more reading tonight."

"Or would you prefer I only read it with you?"

Yuri: "Um...!"

"I...guess I don't have too much of a preference either way..."

John: "Hmm..."

"In that case, I'll read a little more tonight."

"It'll be more fun to read with you after it picks up a bit, you know?"

Yuri: "That's good reasoning."

"In that case, feel free to finish the first two chapters in your own time."

John: "Alright!"

I stand up. I make a mental note of where I left off in the book, then slip it back into my bag. Monika seems to be walking over to me now.

Monika: "By the way, did you remember to write a poem last night?"

John: "Y-Yeah..."

My relaxation ends. I can't believe I agreed to do something so embarrassing. I couldn't really find much inspiration, since I've never really done this before.

Monika: "Well, now that everyone's ready, why don't you find someone to share with?"

Sayori: "I can't wait~!"

Sayori and Monika enthusiastically pull out their poems. Sayori's is on a wrinkled sheet of loose leaf torn from a spiral notebook. On the other hand, Monika wrote hers in a composition notebook. I can already see Monika's pristine handwriting from where I sit. Natsuki and Yuri reluctantly comply as well, reaching into their bags. I do the same, myself. I decide to show Yuri my poem first. I wrote this thinking it was her style. Plus, she seems to be the most experienced. I can trust her to be fair. I walk over to Yuri and hand her my poem. As Yuri reads the poem, her eyes lighten.

Yuri: "...Exceptional."

John: "Eh? What was that?"

Yuri: "…?"

""D-Did I say that out loud..?"

Yuri first covers her mouth, but then ends up covering her whole face.

Yuri: "I…!"

"Uu…"

"(He's going to hate me…)"

John: "Um…"

"You really didn't do anything wrong Yuri…"

Yuri: "Eh...?"

"That's..."

"I-I guess you're right..."

"What am I getting so nervous for?"

"A-Ahaha..."

Yuri takes a breath.

Yuri: "So..."

"What kind of writing experience do you have?"

"Your use of imagery and metaphors indicates you've written a lot of poetry before."

John: "Really...?"

"Wow, that's a huge compliment coming from you."

"This is actually my first time, really."

Yuri: "Huh...?"

Yuri stares at me blankly, then looks at my poem again.

Yuri: "..."

"...Well, I know that!"

"I just meant...u-um..."

Yuri trails off, unable to find an excuse. She traces her finger along the words in the poem, as if breaking it down more thoroughly.

Yuri: "...Yeah."

"Okay."

"This is the reason I was able to tell."

"It's just that there are specific writing habits that are usually typical of new writers."

"And having been through that myself, I kind of learned to pick up on them."

"I think the most noticeable thing I recognize in new writers is that they try to make their style very deliberate."

"In other words, they tend to pick a writing style separate from the topic matter, and they form-fit the two together."

"The end result is that both the style and the expressiveness are weakened."

Once Yuri finds her train of thought, it's as if her demeanor totally changes. Her stammering is completely gone, and she sounds like an expert.

Yuri: "Of course, that's not something you can be blamed for."

"There are so many different skills and techniques that go into writing even a simple poem."

"Not just finding them and building them, but getting them to work together is probably the most challenging part."

"It might take you some time, but it all comes with practice, and learning by example, and trying new things."

"I also hope that everyone else in the club gives you valuable feedback."

"Natsuki can be a little bit biased, though..."

John: "Biased? How?"

Yuri: "U-Um..."

"Well..."

"Never mind..."

"I shouldn't be talking about people like that..."

"Sorry..."

John: "It's fine."

I'm not sure if Yuri is apologizing to herself, to me, or to Natsuki.

John: "Do you mind if I read your poem now?"

Yuri: "Please do!"

"I'd love to share my thought process behind it..."

Yuri smiles dreamily, as if that's a rare opportunity for her. Which itself is kind of funny… After all, isn't this supposed to be a literature club? I begin reading the poem, I give a quizzical look as I continue reading. Yuri begins to look anxious.

Yuri: "..."

"I...I'm sorry I have such terrible handwriting!"

John: "What?"

"I wasn't thinking that at all..."

Yuri: "But it took you a long time to read..."

John: "Ah-"

"Well, I just don't read script very often..."

"I actually think your handwriting is pretty."

Yuri: "Eh?"

"That's...a relief..."

John: "Also, I liked the poem."

"Even though it's short, it was really descriptive."

Yuri: "It wasn't too short?"

"I usually write longer poems..."

John: "Not at all."

Yuri: "I'm...really glad you like it."

"I'll be honest..."

"Since it's our first time sharing, I wanted to write something a little more mild."

"Something easy to digest, I suppose."

John: "Are you into ghosts, Yuri?"

Yuri: "Huhu."

"Actually, the story isn't about a ghost at all, John."

John: "Really?"

"I must have totally missed the point..."

Yuri: "Well, I suppose you did only glance over it, after all..."

"But remember that poets often express their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences in their work."

"They usually do more than tell a simple story, or paint a picture."

"In this case, perhaps the subject of the poem is only being symbolically compared to a ghost."

l "Lingering in her last remaining place of comfort, unable to let go of the past."

"And soon to be left with nothing..."

John: "...That's a lot more solemn, putting it that way."

"I hadn't even thought of that..."

"That's impressive."

Yuri: "Eh?"

"I-It's nothing, really!"

"Yours was impressive too, so..."

John: "Nah..."

"If anything, I could probably learn a thing or two from you."

Yuri: "...You think so?"

John: "Yeah, of course."

Yuri: "Ah..."

"You know..."

"I was really nervous about doing all this."

"But in the end, I enjoyed it."

"I'm going to keep doing my best for you, John."

John: "Ah..."

"Me too."

I smile and wave to Yuri and walk away. I am over joyed inside that Yuri was impressed by my poem! I decide to show Sayori next. She's an old friend, so I bet she will want to read my mediocre poem. I signal Sayori to come over to me and I hand her my poem. She takes a moment to read my poem.

Sayori: "..."

"This is a good poem, John!"

"Are you sure it's your first time?"

John: "Of course..."

"It's not that good."

"Am I the kind of guy who would be writing poems in his spare time?"

Sayori: "Ehehe, I guess you're right~"

"But that's why it impressed me!"

"Well, to be honest..."

"I was afraid that you wouldn't do it seriously..."

"Or that you wouldn't write one at all."

"I'm really happy just that you wrote one."

"It just reminds me of how you're really a part of the club now~"

(Not to mention the fact that I'm standing in front of you in the clubroom...?)

John: "Er...well, of course."

"I'm not really into it yet, but that doesn't mean I'll break my promise."

Sayori: "See?"

"It's like I said before, John..."

"Deep down, you're not selfish at all, you know?"

"Trying new things like this for other people..."

"That's something that only really good people do!"

John: "Thanks...Sayori."

...I'm not sure if Sayori sees the full picture of my motive here. Then again… I can't deny that she's part of the reason I joined. Knowing how much this means to her and all…

Sayori: "Yeah."

"And I'm gonna make sure you have lots of fun here, okay?"

"That will be my way of thanking you~"

John: "Alright, I'm going to hold you to that, then."

Sayori: 4r "Yay~!"

"Now, you'll read my poem too, right?"

"Don't worry, I'm really bad at this."

"Ehehe..."

John: "We'll see about that."

Sayori hands me her poem. I take it and begin to read it. As I am reading it, all I can think of is "typical Sayori" and that she probably forgot to write the poem last night.

John: "Sayori..."

John: "This is just a guess, but..."

"Did you wait until this morning to write this?"

Sayori: "No!"

"J-Just a little bit!"

John: "You can't answer 'just a little bit' to a yes or no question..."

Sayori: "I forgot to do it last night..."

Called it!

John: "Well, at least that makes me feel a little better about myself..."

Sayori: "Don't be mean!"

"I still tried my best..."

John: "Ah, yeah..."

"I didn't mean to say that it was a bad poem."

"It came out nice...or, how should I put it..."

"It sounds just like you."

Sayori: "Really?"

John: "Yeah."

"Especially that last line..."

The last line read "I Want Breakfast."

Sayori: "I made eggs and toast!"

John: "Even though you were late to school...?"

Sayori: "It's bad to skip breakfast!"

"I get all cranky..."

John: "Well, I guess there's no point in arguing..."

"Anyway, thanks for showing me."

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"This was so much fun."

"Monika's the best!"

John: "Ah...yeah."

Sayori: "But next time, I won't forget."

"And I'm gonna write the best poem ever!"

John: "Well, I guess I look forward to it."

I smile at Sayori as I walk away from her. I have not talked to Natsuki nearly as much as I had wanted to yet. I decide I'll share my poem with her next. I walk up and greet Natsuki and hand her my poem. After 10 seconds pass by, she stops reading and gives me a nasty look.

Natsuki: "John, if you're not going to take this club seriously then go home."

John: "W-What?"

"Harsh..."

Natsuki: "What, you expect me to believe that you actually put effort into this?"

"Do you think I'm stupid?"

John: "I'm not a writer!"

"Maybe it's not very good, but yeah, I did put in effort."

"We all start somewhere, right?"

"If you're still proud of the first poem you ever wrote, then I'd like to read it."

Natsuki: "!"

John: "Painful to think about?"

Natsuki: "..."

"Fine."

"Well, sorry."

"You'll get better, anyway."

"I'd tell you what to improve, but you're better off just trying again."

John: "Fair enough..."

"Well, to each their own, I guess."

Natsuki: "Anyway, I guess I gotta share mine now..."

"Knowing you, you'll probably think it's stupid."

Natsuki hands me her poem. I quickly read it. I actually enjoyed the poem. It's simply written, but it does convey an interesting message. I look back at Natsuki.

Natsuki: "Yeah..."

"I told you that you weren't gonna like it."

John: "I like it."

Natsuki: "What?"

"Just be honest!"

John: "I am."

"Why are you so convinced that I wouldn't like it?"

Natsuki: "Well-"

"Because!"

"Everyone in high school thinks that writing has to be all sophisticated and stuff..."

"So people don't even take my writing seriously."

John: "But isn't the point of poems for people to express themselves?"

"Your writing style wouldn't make your message any less valid."

Natsuki: "Yes! Exactly!"

"I like when it's easy to read, but it hits you hard."

"Like in this poem."

"Seeing everyone around you do great things can be really disheartening..."

"So I decided to write about it."

John: "Yeah, I understand."

Natsuki: "But the other nice thing about simple writing is that it puts more weight on the wordplay."

"Like I set up for a rhyme at the end, but then made it fall flat on purpose."

"It helps bring out the feeling in the last line."

John: "So you did..."

"I guess more went into it than I realized."

Natsuki: "That's what it means to be a pro!"

"I'm glad you learned something."

"Didn't expect that from the youngest one here, did you?"

John: "Yeah...guess not."

I decide to humor her with that last comment. I don't really care how old everyone is, but if Natsuki is feeling proud then I won't take that away from her.

Seeming satisfied, Natsuki smiles as she walks away from me. I'm glad I got to talk to her and I would like to more in the future. Monika walks up to me. Now's the time to show her what I wrote.

Monika: "Hi, John!"

"Having a good time so far?"

John: "Ah...yeah."

Monika: "Good! Glad to hear it!"

"By the way, since you're new and everything..."

"If you ever have any suggestions for the club, like new activities, or things we can do better..."

"I'm always listening!"

"Don't be afraid to bring things up, okay?"

John: "Alright...I'll keep that in mind."

Of course I'll be afraid to bring things up. I'm much better off just going with the flow until I'm more settled in.

Monika: "Anyway..."

"Want to share your poem with me?"

John: "It's kind of embarrassing, but I guess I have to."

Monika: "Ahahaha!"

"Don't worry, John!"

"We're all a little embarrassed today, you know?"

"But it's that sort of barrier that we'll all learn to get past soon."

John: "Yeah, that's true."

I hand Monika my poem.

Monika: "...Mhm!"

"It's pretty good, John!"

"I see you are trying out a style that is similar to Yuri's!"

Monika is laughing. Time to save my own skin.

John: "I'm sure I'll end up trying different things a lot."

"It could take a while before I feel comfortable doing this."

Monika: "That's okay!"

"I'd love to see you try new things."

"That's the best way to find the kind of style that suits you."

"Everyone else might be a little bit biased toward their own kinds of styles..."

"But I'll always help you find what suits you the most!"

"So don't force yourself to write the way everyone else wants you to write."

"It's not like you have to worry about impressing them or anything."

"Ahaha!"

John: "Ahaha..."

Monika: "Anyway, do you want to read my poem now?"

"Don't worry, I'm not very good..."

John: "You sound pretty confident for someone who claims to not be very good."

Monika:"Well...that's 'cause I have to sound confident."

"That doesn't mean I always feel that way, you know?"

John: "I see..."

"Well, let's read it, then."

I take the poem from Monika's hand. I read the poem slightly confused with the meaning, but otherwise enjoying it.

Monika: "So...what do you think?"

John: "Hmm...it's very...freeform, if that's what you call it."

"Sorry, I'm not really the right person to ask for feedback..."

Monika: "Ahaha. It's okay."

"Yeah, that kind of style has gotten pretty popular nowadays."

"That is, a lot of poems have been putting emphasis on the timing between words and lines."

"When performed out loud, it can be really powerful."

John: "What was the inspiration behind this one?"

Monika: "Ah..."

"Well, I'm not sure if I know how to put it..."

"I guess you could say that I had some kind of epiphany recently."

"It's been influencing my poems a bit."

John: "An epiphany?"

Monika: "Yeah...something like that."

Monika: "I have always wondered is there something that is watching over us and guiding us through life… And if there is, what it is ... "

"Sorry! I like to have deep philosophical conversations. Maybe we can have one on one of these days..."

"Anyways..."

"Here's Monika's Writing Tip of the Day!"

"Sometimes when you're writing a poem - or a story - your brain gets too fixated on a specific point..."

"If you try so hard to make it perfect, then you'll never make any progress."

"Just force yourself to get something down on the paper, and tidy it up later!"

"Another way to think about it is this:"

"If you keep your pen in the same spot for too long, you'll just get a big dark puddle of ink."

"So just move your hand, and go with the flow!"

"...That's my advice for today!"

"Thanks for listening~"

John: "Phew..."

I guess that's everyone. I glance around the room. That was a little more stressful than I anticipated. It's as if everyone is judging me for my mediocre writing abilities... Even if they're just being nice, there's no way my poems can stand up to theirs. This is a literature club, after all. I sigh. I guess that's what I ended up getting myself into. Across the room, Sayori and Monika are happily chatting. My eyes land on Yuri and Natsuki. They gingerly exchange sheets of paper, sharing their respective poems. As they read in tandem, I watch each of their expressions change. Natsuki's eyebrows furrow in frustration. Meanwhile, Yuri smiles sadly.

Natsuki: "(What's with this language...?)"

Yuri: "Eh?"

"Um...did you say something?"

Natsuki: "Oh, it's nothing."

Natsuki dismissively returns the poem to the desk with one hand.

Natsuki: "I guess you could say it's fancy."

Yuri: "Ah- Thanks..."

"Yours is...cute..."

Natsuki: "Cute?"

"Did you completely miss the symbolism or something?"

"It's clearly about the feeling of giving up."

"How can that be cute?"

Yuri: "I-I know that!"

"I just meant..."

"The language, I guess..."

"I was trying to say something nice..."

Natsuki: "Eh?"

"You mean you have to try that hard to come up with something nice to say?"

"Thanks, but it really didn't come out nice at all!"

Yuri: "Um..."

"Well, I do have a couple suggestions..."

Natsuki: "Hmph."

"If I was looking for suggestions, I would have asked someone who actually liked it."

"Which people did, by the way."

"Sayori liked it."

"And John did, too!"

"So based on that, I'll gladly give you some suggestions of my own."

"First of all-"

Yuri: "Excuse me..."

"I appreciate the offer, but I've spent a long time establishing my writing style."

"I don't expect it to change anytime soon, unless of course I come across something particularly inspiring."

"Which I haven't yet."

Natsuki: "Nn...!"

Yuri: "And John liked my poem too, you know."

"He even told me he was impressed by it."

Natsuki suddenly stands up.

Natsuki: "Oh?"

"I didn't realize you were so invested in trying to impress our new member, Yuri."

Yuri: "E-Eh?!"

"That's not what I...!"

"Uu..."

"You...You're just..."

Yuri stands up as well.

Yuri: "Maybe you're just jealous that John appreciates my advice more than he appreciated yours!"

Natsuki: "Huh! And how do you know he didn't appreciate my advice more?"

"Are you that full of yourself?"

Yuri: "I...!"

"No..."

"If I was full of myself..."

"...I would deliberately go out of my way to make everything I do overly cutesy!"

Natsuki: "Uuuuuu...!"

Sayori: "U-Um!"

"Is everyone okay...?"

Both ignore Sayori's concern.

Natsuki: "Well, you know what?!"

"I wasn't the one whose boobs magically grew a size bigger as soon as John started showing up!"

Yuri: "N-Natsuki!"

Monika: "Um, Natsuki, that's a little-"

Yuri and Natsuki: "This doesn't involve you!"

Sayori: "I-I don't like fighting, guys...!"

Suddenly, both girls turn towards me, as if they just noticed I was standing there.

Yuri: "John...!"

"She- She's just trying to make me look bad...!"

Natsuki: "That's not true!"

"She started it!"

"If she could get over herself and learn to appreciate that simple writing is more effective..."

"Then this wouldn't have happened in the first place!"

"What's the point in making your poems all convoluted for no reason?"

"The meaning should jump out at the reader, not force them to have to figure it out."

"Help me explain that to her, John!"

Yuri: "W-Wait!"

"There's a reason we have so many deep and expressive words in our language!"

"It's the only way to convey complex feelings and meaning the most effectively."

"Avoiding them is not only unnecessarily limiting yourself...it's also a waste!"

"You understand that, right, John?"

John: "Um...!"

Natsuki: "Well?"

John: "..."

How did I get dragged into this in the first place?! It's not like I know anything about writing… But whomever I agree with, they'll probably think more highly of me! I don't think I can side with either of them...

John: "N-Natsuki..."

Natsuki glares at me, drying up any words I had in my mouth. So instead, I turn to Yuri.

John: "Yuri..."

Yuri: "..."

But Yuri's expression is so defenseless that I can't bring myself to say anything to her.

John: "..."

"...Sayori!"

Sayori: "Eh?!"

John: "...Yeah!"

"Everyone's fighting is making Sayori uncomfortable."

"How can the two of you keep fighting when you know you're making your friend feel like this?"

Sayori: "John..."

Natsuki: "Well... That's her problem! This isn't about her."

Yuri: "I-I agree..."

"It's unfair for others to interject their own feelings into our conflict."

Natsuki: "Yeah, unless Sayori wants to tell Yuri what a stuck-up jerk she's being."

Yuri: "She would never...!"

"It's your immaturity that's made her upset in the first place!"

Natsuki: "Excuse me?"

"Are you listening to yourself?"

"This is exactly why..."

"Exactly why nobody likes-"

Sayori: "Stop!"

A few seconds of silence ensue.

Sayori: "Natsuki! Yuri!"

"You guys are my friends!"

1v "I-I just want everyone to get along and be happy!"

"My friends are wonderful people..."

"And I love them because of their differences!"

"Natsuki's poems..."

"They're amazing because they give you so many feelings with just a few words!"

"And Yuri's poems are amazing because they paint beautiful pictures in your head!"

"Everyone's so talented..."

"...So why are we fighting...?"

Natsuki: "Be-Because..."

Yuri: "Well..."

Sayori: "Also!"

"Natsuki's cute and there's nothing wrong with that!"

"And Yuri's boobs are the same as they always were!"

"Big and beautiful!"

Sayori is unaware of the awkwardness she created with that last statement.

John: "Sayori..."

Sayori stands triumphantly. Monika stands behind her with a bewildered expression. Yuri's face is tomato red.

Yuri: "I'll...make some tea..."

Yuri rushes off. Natsuki sits down with a blank expression on her face, staring at nothing.

John: "So, this is why Sayori is Vice President..."

I whisper to Monika. She nods in return.

Monika: "To be honest..."

"I might come off as a good leader, and I can organize things..."

"But I'm not very good with people..."

"I couldn't even bring myself to interject."

"As President, that's kind of embarrassing of me."

1l "Ahaha..."

John: "Nah..."

"It's not like I can blame you."

"I wasn't able to say anything, either."

Monika: "Well..."

"I guess that just means Sayori is amazing in her own ways, isn't she?"

John: "You could say that."

"She might be an airhead, but sometimes it's weirdly suspicious that she knows exactly what she's doing."

Monika: "I see~"

"Take good care of her, okay?"

"I would hate to see her get herself hurt."

John: "That makes two of us..."

"You can count on me."

Monika smiles sweetly at me, causing my stomach to knot. Such a genuine person really does make a good President, regardless of what she says. If only I could get the chance to talk to her a little more…

Monika: "Okay, everyone!"

"It's just about time for us to leave."

"How did you all feel about sharing poems?"

Sayori: "It was a lot of fun!"

Yuri: "Well, I'd say it was worth it."

Natsuki: "It was alright. Well, mostly."

Monika: "John, how about you?"

John: "...Yeah, I'd say the same."

"It was a neat thing to talk about with everyone."

Monika: "Awesome!"

"In that case, we'll do the same thing tomorrow."

"And maybe you learned something from your friends, too."

"So your poems will turn out even better!"

I think to myself. I did learn a little more about the kinds of poems everyone likes. With any luck, that means I can at least do a better job impressing those I want to impress. I nod to myself with newfound determination.

Sayori: "John!"

"Ready to walk home?"

John: "Sure, let's go."

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

Sayori beams at me. It truly has been a while since Sayori and I have spent this much time together. I can't really say I'm not enjoying it, either."

John: "Sayori..."

"About what happened earlier..."

Sayori: "Eh? What do you mean?"

John: "You know, between Yuri and Natsuki."

"Does that kind of thing happen often?"

Sayori: "No, no, no!"

"That's really the first time I've seen them fight like that..."

"I promise they're both wonderful people."

"You don't... You don't hate them, do you?"

John: "No, I don't hate them!"

"I just wanted your opinion, that's all."

"I can see why they'd make good friends with you."

Sayori: "Phew..."

"You know, John..."

"It's nice that I get to spend time with you in the club."

"But I think seeing you get along with everyone is what makes me the happiest."

"And I think everyone really likes you, too!"

John: "That's-!"

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"Every day is going to be so much fun~"

I sigh. It looks like Sayori still hasn't caught onto the kind of situation I'm in. Sure, being friends with everyone is nice, but...Does it really need to stop there?

John: "We'll just have to see what the future holds, Sayori."

I pat Sayori on the shoulder. I said that more to myself than to her, but it's easy to use Sayori as an internal monologue sometimes.

Sayori: "Okay~!"

Yeah...It continues with another poem tonight. Let's do this!

Chapter 3:

Another day passes, and it's time for the club meeting already. I've gotten a little more comfortable here over the past couple days. Entering the clubroom, the usual scene greets me.

Sayori: "Hi John~"

John: "Yo, Sayori."

"Looks like you're in a good mood today."

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"I'm just still not used to you being in the club, that's all."

John: "I see..."

"...That's a pretty simple thing to get you in a good mood."

"But I guess it's always the simple things with you, anyway."

Sayori: "Speaking of which..."

"I'm kinda hungry..."

"Will you come with me to buy a snack?"

John: "No thanks."

Sayori: "Eh?"

"T-That's not like you at all!"

John: "I have my reasons."

"Why don't we take a look at your purse, Sayori?"

Sayori: "E-Eh?"

"Why that...all of a sudden?"

John: "No reason, really."

"I just wanted to look at it."

Sayori: "A-Ah..."

Sayori nervously retrieves her coin purse. She fumbles with the latch and gets it open. Then, she turns it upside-down and lets its contents spill onto the desk. Only two dimes fall out.

Sayori: "A-Ahaha..."

John: "I knew it..."

"I can see right through you, Sayori."

Sayori: "That's not fair!"

"How did you even know?"

John: "It's simple."

"If you had enough money in the first place, you would have bought a snack before coming to the clubroom."

John: "So, either you're not hungry and wanted an excuse to take a walk..."

"Or, you planned to conveniently forget that you spent all your money, so that I would lend you some!"

"But there's one more thing..."

"...You're always hungry!"

"And so, that only leaves the one option!"

Sayori: "Uwaaa~!"

"I give up!"

"Don't make me feel guiltyyy!"

John: "If you feel guilty, that means you deserve to feel guilty..."

Yuri: "Ahaha."

Yuri suddenly giggles.

John: "Eh?"

I didn't notice that she was listening in. Her face is in her book, as always.

Yuri: "A-Ah!"

"I wasn't listening or anything-!"

"It was just...something in my book..."

Sayori: "Yuriiii..."

"Tell John to let me borrow some money..."

Yuri: "That's-!"

"Don't get me involved like that, Sayori..."

"Besides..."

"You should only buy what you can responsibly afford..."

"And frankly, after pulling a mischievous little stunt like that, your suffering is fair enough retribution."

John: "..."

Yuri: "Ah-!"

"Did I just..."

"I-I didn't mean that!"

"I got too absorbed into my book..."

"Uu..."

Sayori: "Ahaha!"

"I really like when you speak your mind, Yuri..."

"It doesn't happen much, but it's a fun side of you!"

Yuri: "That's..."

"There's no way you could think that..."

Sayori: "You were right, though..."

"I did something bad and now I have to accept the revolution."

Yuri: "Retribution..."

Sayori: "That!"

Yuri: "Still, coming from you, Sayori..."

"I guess there's a little devil inside all of us, isn't there?"

Sayori: "Ehehe..."

John: "Don't let her fool you."

"Sayori knows exactly what she's doing."

"After all, she told you guys she was bringing me to the club before she even told me..."

Sayori: "B-But...!"

"You wouldn't have come if it weren't for the cupcakes..."

"So I had to trick Natsuki into making them!"

John: "Come on, give me more credit than that, Sayori."

Sayori: "Ehehe..."

Pwap!

Sayori: "Kyaa-!"

Out of nowhere, something smacks Sayori in the face and tumbles onto the desk.

Sayori: "Ow..."

"What was-"

"Eh?"

"A-A cookie!"

Sure enough, it's a giant cookie wrapped in plastic. Sayori glances around.

Sayori: "I-Is this a miracle?"

"It's because I paid my restitution!"

John: "Retribution..."

Yuri: "Actually, that one almost worked..."

Natsuki: "Ahahaha!"

"I was just gonna give it to you."

"But then I heard you blab about the cupcakes."

"It was totally worth seeing your reaction, though. Ahaha!"

Sayori: "N-Natsuki!"

"That's so nice of you!"

"I'm so happy..."

Sayori hugs the cookie.

John: "Jeez, just eat it..."

Sayori rapidly tears open the wrapper and takes a big bite.

Sayori: "Sho good..."

"Mmf-!"

Sayori suddenly clasps her hands over her mouth.

Sayori: "I bit my tongue..."

Natsuki: "Ehehe."

"You're going through a lot over just one cookie."

Natsuki takes a bite of her own cookie.

Sayori: "Ah, yours looks really good too, Natsuki!"

"Can I try it?"

Natsuki: "Jeez..."

"Beggars can't be choosers!"

Sayori: "But yours is chocolate..."

Natsuki: "Yeah, why do you think I gave you that one?"

Sayori: "Fine..."

"Still, I'm really happy that you shared this one with me."

"Ehehe~"

Sayori gets out of her seat and goes behind Natsuki, then wraps her arms around her.

Natsuki: "Ah- Jeez..."

"I get it, I get it."

Cookie still in hand, Natsuki reaches up to nudge Sayori off of her.

Sayori: "...Om."

Sayori suddenly leans down and takes a bite out of Natsuki's cookie.

Natsuki: "H-Hey!"

"Did you seriously just do that?!"

Sayori: "Uhuhuhu!"

"Mouth full, Sayori trots away to safety. Yuri and I laugh as well.

Natsuki: "Jeez! You're such a kid sometimes!"

"Monika! Can you tell Sayori-"

"-Eh?"

Natsuki glances around. Monika isn't in the clubroom.

Natsuki: "Ugh..."

"Where's Monika, anyway?"

Yuri: "Good question..."

"Have any of you heard anything about her being late today?"

Sayori: "Not me..."

John: "Yeah, I haven't either."

Yuri: "Hm..."

"That's a bit unusual."

Sayori: "I hope she's okay..."

Natsuki: "Of course she's okay."

"She probably just had something to do today."

"She's pretty popular, after all..."

Sayori: "Eh?"

"You don't think she..."

"She has a...!"

Yuri: "Ahaha. I wouldn't be surprised."

"She's probably more desirable than all of us combined."

Sayori: "Ehehe, that's true..."

Natsuki: "Excuse me?!"

Suddenly, the door swings open.

Monika: "Sorry! I'm super sorry!"

John: "Ah, there you are..."

Monika: "I didn't mean to be late..."

"I hope you guys weren't worried or anything!"

Sayori: "Eh?"

"Monika chose the club over her boyfriend after all!"

"You're so strong-willed!"

Monika: "B-Boyfriend...?"

"What on Earth are you talking about?"

Monika quizzically glances at me.

John: "Ah, never mind that..."

"What held you up, anyway?"

Monika: "Ah..."

"Well, my last period today was study hall."

"To be honest, I kind of just lost track of time..."

"Ahaha..."

Natsuki: "That makes no sense, though."

"You would have heard the bell ring, at least."

Monika: "I must not have heard it, since I was practicing piano..."

Yuri: "Piano...?"

"I wasn't aware you played music as well, Monika."

Monika: "Ah, I don't, really...!"

"I kind of just started recently."

"I've always wanted to learn piano."

Sayori: "That's so cool!"

"You should play something for us, Monika!"

Monika: "That's..."

Monika looks at me.

Monika: "Maybe once I get a little bit better, I will."

Sayori: "Yay~!"

John: "That sounds cool."

"I'd also look forward to it."

Monika: "Is that so?"

"In that case..."

"I won't let you down, John."

Monika smiles sweetly.

John: "Ah..."

"I didn't mean any pressure or anything like that!"

Monika: "Ahaha, don't worry."

"I've been practicing a whole lot recently."

"And I'd really love the chance to share once I'm ready."

John: "I see..."

"In that case, best of luck."

Monika: "Thanks~!"

"So, I didn't miss anything, did I?"

John: "Not...not really."

I choose to leave out Sayori's mischievous escapade. I'm sure Natsuki will end up complaining to her, anyway. It looks like everyone has already settled down. Sayori somehow already finished her entire cookie. Yuri is back to her book, and Natsuki disappeared into the closet. I decide to start a chat with Yuri again.

John: "Hey, Yuri."

Yuri: "Eh?"

John: "Ah..."

I suddenly notice that Yuri is reading a different book from the one we've been reading together.

John: "Sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt..."

Yuri: "Ah, no..."

Yuri: "I was kind of just waiting for you..."

John: "Ah, if that's the case..."

John: "Why don't we go ahead and get started?"

Yuri: "Yes, let's!"

"Actually, I have a request..."

"...Do you mind if I make some tea first?"

John: "Not at all."

Yuri: "Thanks very much."

"If there's one thing that can make my reading time here any better, it's a nice cup of tea."

"Not to mention for yourself, as well."

Yuri stands up and makes her way to the closet. I follow and watch as she retrieves a small water pitcher from the shelf - the kind with a filter inside.

Yuri: "Can you hold this for a second?"

John: "Sure..."

Yuri hands me the water pitcher and also fetches an electric kettle.

Yuri: "I'm going to plug this in at the teacher's desk, and then we'll go get some water."

She walks past me and sets the kettle down on the teacher's desk. I simply watch her movements. To my surprise, the way she moves really contrasts her speaking mannerisms. Especially because of her long legs, Yuri appears elegant and methodical.

Yuri: "Okay, may I have the water pitcher?"

"Thanks. I'll be right back."

John: "Ah, I might as well walk with you..."

Yuri: "Yeah...why not?"

"Shall we go, then?"

John: "Yeah..."

Monika: "Hm? Where are you two off to?"

John: "Eh?"

"We're just...Yuri was going to make some tea, so..."

I suddenly realize how weird it sounds to explain this to Monika.

John: "We're just filling the water pitcher..."

Monika: "Ah, okay!"

"Sorry, I was just a bit curious..."

"That's kind of a one-person job, isn't it?"

John: "That's-"

Yuri: "Monika, please mind your own business for once."

"Or do you want to tell me there's something wrong with helping involve John in club activities?"

Monika: "E-Eh...?"

John: "-!"

My mouth gapes.

Monika: "I..."

"I suppose there's nothing wrong with that..."

Yuri: "Hmph..."

"Then let's go, John."

John: "Ah..."

Yuri quickly exits the room, and I follow. Once in the hallway, she suddenly puts her forehead against the wall.

Yuri: "I spoke without thinking..."

"How could I say something like that...?"

John: "Yuri..."

Yuri: "I just..."

"Something about the way she said that..."

"It made me feel so...irritated."

"What's wrong with me...?"

John: "No, Yuri."

"I think...you did the right thing!"

"I wasn't expecting it, but..."

"It's also not right for Monika to judge people like that."

Yuri: "John..."

"How come even when I do something bad..."

"You're being nice to me?"

John: "Because."

"Nothing that you do is as bad as you make it seem in your head."

"Nobody's perfect."

"We have emotions, and we can't always hide them away."

"But you always amplify things in your head..."

"Your mind turns a light rain shower into a hurricane."

Yuri: "Ah..."

"N-No..."

"Wouldn't you hate me for something as terrible as that...?"

John: "Why would I hate you?"

"I can't hate someone for having emotions..."

"What kind of friend would do that?"

Yuri: "Friend...you say?"

"Ah...um..."

Yuri lifts her head.

Yuri: "John..."

"I really like...being friends with you!"

John: "Ahaha..."

"Thanks, Yuri."

"I like being friends with you too..."

I feel kind of awkward saying something like that… But I'm doing my best to help Yuri feel better.

John: "Anyway...!"

Yuri: "Ah- Yeah..."

"Shall we go?"

John: "Yeah."

Yuri and I walk to the nearest water fountain. Once we fill up the water pitcher, we return to the classroom.

Yuri: "John, do you like oolong tea?"

John: "Ah, yeah."

"Anything is fine."

Yuri: "Very well."

Yuri sets the temperature on the kettle to 200 degrees.

Yuri: "Now it's time to get the teapot."

John: "You really do this properly, don't you?"

Yuri: "Of course..."

"I shouldn't do any less when I'm making tea for others."

John: "Even if I'm not an expert on tea or anything...?"

Yuri: "Huhu."

"In that case, you'll only be even more impressed."

John: "Ah...perhaps I will!"

Yuri fetches the teapot and begins measuring the tea leaves. To my surprise, she even starts humming a little to herself.

John: "You must be in a good mood now..."

Yuri: "Is that so?"

"I was letting it show..."

"And you noticed."

"I was doing a bit of thinking..."

"And I decided that I would try expressing myself a little bit more."

"It turns out it's not very hard for me to do..."

"When it's you who's around, anyway."

John: "Ah..."

"That's great, Yuri!"

"Just don't push yourself too much."

Yuri: "You're always worrying about me, John..."

"It's very endearing."

John: "That's..."

Yuri wasn't kidding… I don't even know if I can keep up with this...! I watch Yuri pour a cup of tea for each of us.

Yuri: "John, I have another request."

"Do you mind if we sit on the floor today?"

John: "Eh? Why's that?"

Yuri: "It's a little bit easier on my back..."

"I can read with my back against the wall rather than bending over at my desk."

John: "Ah, sorry, I didn't realize."

Yuri: "No worries."

"I just have back pain fairly regularly, so I do my best to manage it."

John: "Is that so?"

"I wonder why that is..."

Yuri: "It's most likely because my-"

"Ah-"

"M-My..."

John: "Your posture, right?"

"Always hunched over like that while reading..."

Yuri: "Yes!"

"I have terrible reading posture!"

"So that's why we should sit on the floor."

John: "Fair enough."

"I'll go ahead and get the book."

I retrieve the book from my bag.

John: "Ah, I have some chocolate as well..."

It's a bag of small chocolate candies that I kept hidden from Sayori's candy radar. I take it, since it'll go well with the tea. Yuri and I then sit against the wall, teacups at our sides. As if in sync, we assume the same reading position as last time, each holding one half of the book. Except this time…Our bodies are even closer to each other.

Yuri: "I can't see too well..."

John: "-!"

Yuri slides closer until our shoulders are touching. How am I supposed to focus on reading like this...?! Yuri was always kind of cute, but… When she's being less apprehensive, it's almost more than I can handle!

Yuri: "Your teacup..."

Yuri hands me my teacup. Holding it with my hand that's not holding the book, I end up in a position that makes it even harder to focus. Because now I need to worry about making sure I don't accidentally touch her chest...! Meanwhile, Yuri hasn't noticed a single thing. She wears her intense reading expression, and I can only presume the world around her has faded away. I use all of my willpower to focus on reading.

...

After a few minutes, I finally manage to relax a little. I put the teacup between my legs and fumble with the chocolate wrapper.

John: "Ah, sorry..."

I briefly let go of the book to finish opening the wrapper.

John: "You can have as much as you want."

Yuri: "Ah, that's..."

"That's okay, I won't take any..."

John: "Eh? Are you sure?"

Yuri: "Well..."

"If I touch it, then it might get smudges on the pages..."

John: "Ah, you're right..."

"I didn't even think about that."

"My bad..."

Yuri: "No need to apologize."

"I'll hold the book, okay?"

John: "Are you sure...?"

Yuri: "Of course."

Yuri opens the book with both hands. She holds it so that I don't have any harder of a time reading from it. But as a result, her left arm is practically resting on top of my leg.

John: "Well, in that case..."

Yuri is already totally focused on reading again. I take a chocolate candy and pop it into my mouth. Then, I take another chocolate…And I hold it up to Yuri. She doesn't even look away from the book. She simply parts her lips, as if this situation was completely natural. But that means I can't stop here! I apprehensively place the chocolate in her mouth. Just like that, Yuri closes her lips over it.

Yuri: "Eh...?"

Yuri's expression suddenly breaks.

"Did..."

"Did I just..."

Yuri looks at me like she needs to confirm what just happened.

Yuri: "U-Um..."

"John..."

John: "S-Sorry!"

"I guess I shouldn't have done that..."

Yuri: "Ah, that's..."

"Well..."

"Y-You were just helping..."

"That's something that...friends do..."

"...Right?"

John: "I mean..."

Not really in this kind of context, but…

John: "Yeah..."

"...That's all it was."

Yuri: "Yeah..."

"Then..."

"You don't need to stop or anything..."

John: "I-I see..."

The situation has gotten really tense…Yuri tries to return to the book. But I can tell just by her expression that even she can't focus now. My heart is pounding…I nervously take another chocolate between my fingers. But this time, Yuri's eyes meet mine.

Yuri: "..."

How did it even come to this...? Yuri doesn't avert her gaze. I notice her chest rising and falling to the rhythm of her breaths. I raise my arm…

Yuri: "Ah..."

Like before, Yuri parts her lips. But...it's different this time. I take the chocolate and place it in her mouth. I feel her hot breath on my fingers.

Monika: "Okay, everyone!"

John: "Uwa-"

Yuri: "A-Ah!"

Yuri jolts back.

Monika: "It's time to share poems!"

"John, you can help Yuri put away the tea stuff, right?"

John: "Y-Yeah...of course."

Monika: "Okay, thanks!"

The spell is abruptly broken.

Yuri: "I'll..."

y "I'll take care of the cups..."

John: "Yeah..."

Yuri picks up the teacups from the floor. I pick up the bag of chocolates. In the end, we hastily clean up without so much as a word between us. I get the feeling this is something neither of us will have the courage to bring up…

I finish helping Yuri clean up and grab my poem out of my bag. I decide to start off with Natsuki since I haven't spoken to her much today… I walk up to Natsuki, greet her, and show her my poem...

Natsuki: "...Hm."

"Well, I can admit that it's better than the last one."

"It's nice to see that you're putting in some effort."

John: "That's good..."

Natsuki: "But I still don't like this at all."

"It's trying too hard to be serious."

John: "Eh? What do you mean by that?"

Natsuki: "Poems don't need to be all deep-sounding to express something."

"It's going to just sound like you're forcing it unless you really don't suck at it."

"Honestly... Don't bother trying to write poems like this until you're on Yuri's level-"

Natsuki stops short all of a sudden.

Natsuki: "D-Don't...tell me..."

John: "Eh?"

Natsuki: "You're not...you're not just trying to impress Yuri, are you?!"

John: "W-What are you talking about? And keep your voice down...!"

Natsuki: "You know Yuri would love this kind of...this angsty...!"

John: "Just because she's a talented writer doesn't mean...I-I mean..."

Natsuki: "Uu...!"

Looks like I'm in trouble. I somehow struck a nerve, though what I did is beyond me.

Natsuki: "I am so done with you."

Natsuki shoves the poem I handed her back over to me.

Natsuki: "Take your stupid poem. If you wrote it for someone else, just don't show it to me!"

John: "Ouch..."

This is what I get for letting a younger girl step into my business. Unless I was a mind reader, I was destined to be in a world of pain from the start. At least Natsuki wasn't really the girl I was trying to impress in the first place…

Disappointed, I walked away and decided to show Monika my poem next…

Monika: "Hi again, John!"

"How's the writing going?"

John: "Alright, I guess..."

Monika: "I'll take that."

"As long as it's not going bad!"

"I'm happy that you're applying yourself."

"Maybe soon you'll come up with a masterpiece!"

John: "Ahaha, I wouldn't count on that..."

Monika: "You never know!"

"Want to share what you wrote for today?"

John: "Sure... Here you go."

I give my poem to Monika. Monika takes a moment to read my poem.

Monika: "..."

"...Alright!"

"This one's good!"

"It feels like you're not only getting more comfortable with your style..."

"But the imagery is better than the last one I read!"

"Just wondering, but have you been finding inspiration in Yuri's writing style?"

John: "Hmm..."

"I guess so."

"You can't deny that she's talented."

Monika: "Yeah, totally!"

"I think her poems are the most..."

"...Romantic."

"That's the best way to describe it."

"She's like a totally different person when she picks up a pen..."

John: "I noticed that, too."

"Or when she's talking about literature, it's like a light turns on inside her."

Monika: "Mhm!"

"Sadly, it's hard to get much personal conversation out of her..."

"Trust me, I've tried..."

"Who knows what goes on in that head of hers?"

John: "I hope you don't mean that in a bad way."

Monika: "No, of course not!"

"I just meant that I wish she didn't keep so much to herself..."

"But still, defending her like that..."

"You must be pretty into her..."

John: "Eh?!"

"You...completely misunderstood!"

Monika: "Ahaha! Calm down, I'm kidding!"

"Besides, I'm pretty sure she's already got a boyfriend..."

John: "Wait, really?"

Monika: "Yeah. A fictional one, anyway."

Monika kind of whispers that last part to me.

Monika: "It's just a hunch, but..."

John: "...Well, there's not really anything wrong with that!"

Monika: "Oh, well I know...!"

Monika: "I was just saying~"

"But anyway..."

"You want to read my poem now?"

"I like the way this one turned out, so I hope you do too~"

John: "Alright, let's take a look."

I take a moment to read Monika's new poem. I finish and look back up at her.

John: "Hm..."

"It's even more abstract than your last one, huh?"

Monika: "Ahaha..."

"I guess it's just the way I write..."

"I'm sorry if you don't like it."

John: "No, I never said that."

"It's just a kind of thing I've never really seen before, I guess."

Monika: "I kind of like playing with my space on the paper..."

"Choosing where and how to space your words can totally change the mood of the poem."

"It's almost like magic."

"The way I wrote the lines really short makes it feel like they're trying to speak over the noise."

John: "I see..."

"It's still hard for me to tell what it's about, though."

Monika: "Ahaha."

"Sometimes asking what a poem is about isn't the right question."

"A poem can be as abstract as a physical expression of a feeling."

"Or a conversation with the reader."

"So putting it that way, not every poem is {i}about{/i} something."

"Anyway..."

"Here's Monika's Writing Tip of the Day!"

"Sometimes you'll find yourself facing a difficult decision in your writing..."

"When that happens, don't forget to save your work!"

"You never know when you might change your mind..."

"...or when something unexpected may happen!"

"...That's my advice for today!"

"Thanks for listening~"

I decide to share my poem with Yuri next. I greet her as I walk up to her and hand her my poem. She looks really eager to read what I wrote...

Yuri: "Let's see what you've written for today."

"..."

"..."

Yuri stares at the poem with a surprised expression on her face.

John: "Do you...like it?"

Yuri: "John..."

"...How did you pick up on this so quickly?"

"Just yesterday, I was telling you the kind of techniques worth practicing..."

John: "Maybe that's why..."

"You did a good job explaining."

"I really wanted to try giving it more imagery."

Yuri visibly swallows. Even her hands appear sweaty.

Yuri: "I'm not...used to this..."

John: "Used to what?"

Yuri: "I don't know...!"

John: "It's fine, take your time..."

Yuri breathes and collects her thoughts. I know that Yuri likes to think before she speaks, so I offer that patience to her.

Yuri: "Yeah..."

"Just...being appreciated like this...I guess."

"It probably sounds really stupid..."

"But seeing someone motivated by my writing..."

"It just makes me..."

"Really happy..."

John: "Are you saying you've never shared your writing before?"

Yuri nods.

John: "Really? I don't believe it."

Yuri: "I really only write for myself..."

"And besides..."

"...People would just laugh at me!"

John: "Do you really think that...?"

Again, Yuri nods.

John: "Huh..."

"Even your close friends?"

Yuri: "..."

Yuri doesn't respond to that. I wonder why...

John: "Anyway..."

"Do you want to share the poem you wrote today?"

Yuri: "...Yeah."

"I do!"

"If it's with you..."

Yuri hands me her poem. I read the poem, and then look up when I finish.

Yuri: "Um..."

"I was a little more daring with this one than yesterday's..."

John: "I can see that."

"It's a lot more metaphorical..."

I don't know if it's my fault, but I can't begin to imagine what this poem is about.

Yuri: "That's right."

"It's a bit closer to my preferred writing style..."

"Using the poem as a canvas to express vivid imagery, and conveying emotions through them."

John: "Yeah, if I take it at face value, then I can't even figure out what it's supposed to mean..."

Yuri: "Well..."

"I think it's something that different people can relate to in their own way."

"I wanted to express the way it feels for me to indulge in my more unusual hobbies..."

"It's those sorts of things I'm usually forced to keep to myself."

John: "What kind of hobbies..?"

Yuri remained silent.

John: "S-Sorry. Was that being too nosy?"

Yuri: "I-It's okay… I plan on telling you at some point anyways."

John: "I look forward to it. And I look forward to your next poem."

Yuri: "Okay… and same here!"

"Well, thank you for sharing with me."

Last but not least, I walk up to Sayori and hand her my poem…

Sayori: "..."

"Ooh!"

"I like this one, John!"

"It has some nice feelings in it~"

John: "Ah, I'm glad."

"So it's at least better than yesterday's."

Sayori: "Uh-huh!"

John: "Maybe I'm getting better at this, then."

Sayori: "Well, I'm not very good at figuring out if poems are good or bad..."

"But that's why I just go by my heart~"

"If it makes me feel things, then it must be a good poem!"

I'm not sure that's exactly how it works...Then again, I guess conveying feelings is a pretty important part of this whole thing.

John: "Yeah, maybe..."

"Honestly, I don't even know what kind of writing you like in the first place."

Sayori: "Yeah!"

"Me neither!"

John: "Ugh..."

"Why don't you at least try giving it some thought?"

Sayori: "Aww, you want to write something for me?"

"That's so sweet~"

John: "Yeah, right."

"But you're always thinking about other people."

"You need to think about yourself once in a while."

"If you don't, you might end up getting hurt at some point."

Sayori: "Ehh?"

"Well..."

"I don't really know what you mean, but I'll try to keep it in mind!"

John: "Well, whatever..."

Sayori: "Anyway, let's see..."

"Hmm..."

"I guess I like...happy poems~"

"Wait, sometimes I like sad poems too..."

"Sometimes a little bit of both..."

"There's a word for that, right...?"

"What's the word I'm looking for..."

"...Bittersweet!"

"Yeah!"

"I like things that are happy and things that are sad."

John: "Happy and sad?"

"I can't see you liking something sad, Sayori..."

Sayori: "Well..."

"I like happy the most!"

"But sometimes when you have a little raincloud in your head..."

"A sad poem can help give the raincloud a little hug..."

"...And make a nice happy rainbow!"

John: "...Sayori, that's unexpectedly poetic."

Sayori: "Eh? It is?"

"Maybe I'm getting better at expressing my feelings after all!"

"Thanks, John!"

"I should go write that down, then~"

"You can read my poem now, okay?"

I take the poem from Sayori's hand and read her poem. I am amazing at what I see...

John: "Holy crap..."

"Sayori, did you really write this?"

Sayori: "Of course I did!"

"Didn't I tell you yesterday I was gonna write the best poem ever?"

John: "Yeah, but..."

"I mean, I didn't expect something like this, coming from you."

Sayori: "Monika taught me a whole lot!"

"And I've been really in touch with my feelings recently..."

John: "I see that..."

"It's almost kind of creepy."

Sayori: "Creepy...?"

John: "Well, not exactly..."

"Maybe because I'm so used to you being cheerful..."

"...Well, never mind."

"I'm thinking too hard about it."

"The point is, it came out good, so you should be proud of it."

Sayori: "Aw, thanks~"

"I feel like..."

"I feel like I was meant to express myself this way."

"It even helps me understand my own feelings a little bit better..."

"Writing is like magic!"

John: "You've gotten pretty passionate about this, huh?"

"I hope you keep it up."

Sayori: "Yeah!"

"Writing's the best!"

"I'm gonna keep writing until I die!"

John: "Ahaha...don't get ahead of yourself."

Sayori's always had a bad habit of getting obsessed with something, before dropping it no more than a week later. I wonder if this is one of those times? But seeing the passion in her eyes makes it hard for me to be pessimistic. I go back to my desk to sit down. Monika then stands up...

Monika: "Okay, everyone!"

"We're all done reading each other's poems, right?"

"I have something extra planned today, so if everyone could come sit at the front of the room..."

Natsuki: "Is this about the festival?"

Monika: "Well, sort of~"

Natsuki: "Ugh. Do we really have to do something for the festival?"

"It's not like we can put together anything good in just a few days."

"We'll just end up embarrassing ourselves instead of getting any new members."

Yuri: "That's a concern of mine as well."

"I don't really do well with last-minute preparations..."

Monika: "Don't worry so much!"

"We're going to keep it simple, okay?"

1a "We won't need much more than a few decorations."

"Sayori has been working on posters, and I've designed some pamphlets we can give out during the event."

Natsuki: "Okay, that's great and all..."

"But that doesn't tell us what we're actually going to be doing for the event."

Monika: "Ah, sorry! I thought you heard about it already."

"We're going to be performing!"

Natsuki: "Performing?"

Yuri: "P..."

"Um, Monika..."

Monika: "Yeah! We're going to be having a poetry performance."

"Each of us are going to choose a poem to recite during the event."

"But the cool part is, we're also going to let anyone else come up and recite poems too!"

"Sayori's putting it on all the posters in case anyone wants to prepare ahead of time."

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

Sayori, who's been coloring a poster, holds it up for us to see.

Natsuki: "Are you kidding me, Monika?"

"You didn't...you didn't already start putting those posters up, did you?"

Monika: "Eh? Well, I did..."

"Do you really think it's that bad of an idea...?"

Natsuki: "Well, no."

"It's not a bad idea."

"But I didn't sign up for this, you know!"

"There is no way I'm going to be performing in front of a group of people like that!"

Yuri: "I...I agree with Natsuki!"

"I could never...in my life...do something like that..."

Imagining it, Yuri shakes her head in fear.

Sayori: "Guys..."

Monika: "No, Sayori..."

"I understand where they're coming from."

"Remember that Natsuki and Yuri have never shared their poems with anyone until just a couple days ago..."

"It's a lot to ask for them to recite their poems out loud to a whole room full of people."

"I guess I kind of overlooked that."

"So, I'm sorry."

Natsuki: "..."

Monika: "...But!"

"I still think we should give it our best!"

"We're the only ones responsible for the fate of this club."

"If we start the event and each put on a good performance..."

"Then it will inspire others to do the same!"

"And the more people who perform, the better we'll be able to show everyone what literature is all about!"

Sayori: "Yeah!"

"It's about expressing your feelings..."

"Being intimate with yourself..."

"Finding new horizons..."

"And having fun!"

Monika: "That's right!"

"And it's those reasons that we're all in this club today."

"Don't you want to share that with others?"

"To inspire them to find the same feelings that brought you here in the first place?"

"I know you do."

"I know we all do."

"And if all it takes is standing in front of the room for two minutes and reciting a poem..."

"...Then I know you can do it!"

Natsuki and Yuri remain silent. Sayori looks worried. I guess that leaves me no choice…

John: "I agree..."

"I don't think it's too much to ask."

"I think that Sayori and Monika have been trying really hard to get new members."

"The least we can do is help them out a little bit."

Natsuki: "Well...maybe, but..."

"..."

It looks like Natsuki doesn't have any arguments left.

Natsuki: "Uu..."

"...Okay, fine!"

"I guess I'll just have to get it over with."

Sayori: "Alright~!"

Monika: "Phew..."

"Thanks, Natsuki."

"What about you, Yuri...?"

Yuri dejectedly glances around at everyone else's expectant faces. Yuri gives a sigh.

Yuri: "I-I guess I don't really have a choice..."

Sayori: "Ahaha! That's everyone!"

"You're the best, Yuri~"

Yuri: "This club is seriously going to be the death of me..."

Monika: "Oh gosh..."

"You'll be fine, Yuri."

"But anyway..."

"Let's move onto the main event!"

"I want each of you to choose a poem of yours."

"We're going to practice reciting them in front of each other."

Natsuki: "N-N-No way!"

Yuri: "Monika...!"

"This is too sudden...!"

Monika: "Well, if you can't recite your poem in front of the club, how do you expect to do it in front of strangers?"

Yuri: "Oh no..."

Monika: "Don't worry."

"I'll start off to help everyone feel a little more comfortable."

Sayori: "Can I go next?"

Monika: "Ahaha. Of course."

"Now, let's see..."

Monika flips through her notebook to the specific poem she has in mind for herself. She then stands behind the podium.

Monika: "The title of this poem is The Way They Fly."

"Ahem..."

Monika begins reciting her poem. Her clear, confident voice fills the room. More than that, her inflection is pristine. She knows exactly how to apply emotion behind each line she recites, bringing the words to life. Is this something she's done before, or is she simply a natural? I glance around me. Everyone has their eyes on Monika. Sayori looks amazed. Yuri has an intense expression on her face that I don't understand. Finally, Monika finishes the recitation. The four of us applaud. Monika takes a breath and smiles.

Sayori: "That...that was so good, Monika!"

Monika: "Ahaha, thank you very much."

"I was just hoping to set a good example."

"Are you ready to go next, Sayori?"

Yuri: "I...I'll go next!"

Sayori: "Uwah! Yuri's fired up all of a sudden!"

Yuri clutches a sheet of paper between her hands and stands up. Keeping her head down, she walks quickly over to the podium.

Yuri: "This poem is called-!"

Yuri anxiously glances at each of us.

Sayori: "You can do it, Yuri..."

Yuri: "It...It's called...Afterimage of a Crimson Eye."

Yuri's voice shakes as she starts reading the poem. Just a moment ago, she practically refused to do this. Why is she suddenly putting in so much effort? As Yuri gets past the first couple of lines, her voice changes. It's almost like what happens when Yuri gets absorbed into her books. Her quivering words transform into the sharp syllables of a fierce and confident woman. The poem is full of twists and turns in its structure that she enunciates with perfect timing. This must be a rare glimpse into the whirling fire Yuri keeps concealed inside her head...!

Suddenly, she's finished. Everyone is stunned. Yuri snaps back into reality and glances around her, as if she bewildered even herself.

Yuri: "I..."

...It's up to me to save this situation. I'm the first to start applauding. Everyone joins me afterward, and we give Yuri the recognition she deserves. It's not that we didn't want to applaud for her. But we were caught so off-guard that we must have forgotten. As we applaud, Yuri holds the poem to her chest and rushes back into her seat.

Monika: "Yuri, that was really good."

"Thank you for sharing."

Yuri: "..."

Looks like Yuri is down for the count…

Sayori: "Okaay~"

"I guess I'm next, then!"

Sayori hops out of her chair and cheerfully walks to the podium.

Sayori: "This one's called...My Meadow."

"Ah..."

"...Ahaha!"

"Sorry, I giggled..."

"Ehehe..."

John: "Sayori..."

Sayori: "It's a lot harder than I thought!"

"How did you guys do it so easily?"

Monika: "Ah..."

"Try not to think of it like you're reciting to other people."

"Imagine you're reciting it to yourself, like in front of a mirror, or in your own head."

"It's your poem, so it'll come out the best that way."

Sayori: "I see, I see..."

"Okay, then..."

Sayori begins her poem. Somehow, it feels like her soft voice was made as a perfect match. The poem isn't aimlessly cheery like Sayori is. It's serene and bittersweet. If I were to read this on paper, I probably wouldn't think much of it… But hearing it come from Sayori's voice almost gives it a whole new meaning. Maybe this is what Sayori meant when she said she likes my poems. It's like I get to reach more deeply into someone I thought I knew through and through. Sayori finishes, and we applaud.

Sayori: "I did it~!"

John: "Good job, Sayori."

Sayori: "Ehehe, even John liked it."

"I guess that's a good sign~"

John: "What does that even mean...?"

Sayori blushes for a second and doesn't answer me.

Monika: "It came out nicely, Sayori."

"The atmosphere of the poem fits you really nicely."

"But it might be that other poems wouldn't work quite as well with that kind of delivery..."

Sayori: "Eh? I don't really understand..."

Monika: "In other words, I've seen poems of yours where that sort of gentle delivery wouldn't work as well."

"They might need a little more force behind them, depending on what you're reading..."

Sayori: "Oh, I know what you mean!"

"That's...well, I've been practicing that kind of thing..."

"It's just embarrassing to do in front of everyone..."

"Ehehe..."

Monika: "Then next time, I'm going to make you pick a poem that challenges you a little more."

"We don't have much time before the festival, you know?"

Sayori: "Okaaaaay."

Monika: "Now, who's next...?"

"Natsuki?"

Natsuki: "Hmph."

"Don't make me go before John."

"It's not like I can compare to you guys, anyway..."

"Might as well let John's performance lower everyone's standards a little before I have to do it."

Sayori: "Natsuki..."

John: "It's fine, it's fine."

"I might as well get it over with."

"But it's not like I have much of a selection of what to read..."

"I'll just have to go with what I wrote for today."

I stand up and step in front of the podium. Everyone has their eyes on me, making me feel terribly awkward. I recite my poem. Since I'm not exactly confident in my own writing, it's hard to put energy into it. Despite that, once I finish, I receive applause anyway.

John: "Sorry I'm not really as good as everyone else..."

Monika: "Don't worry about it so much."

"I think it's less about your abilities, and more about your lack of confidence in your writing."

"That's something that'll improve over time, though."

John: "Yeah... Maybe."

Monika: "Alright, then!"

"That just leaves you, Natsuki."

Natsuki: "Yeah, yeah."

"I'm going."

Natsuki begrudgingly gets out of her seat and makes her way to the podium.

Natsuki: "The poem is called..."

"It's called..."

"W-Why are you all looking at me?!"

Monika: "Because you're presenting..."

Natsuki: "Hmph..."

"Anyway...the poem is called Jump."

Natsuki takes a breath. Once she starts reciting the poem, her sour attitude disappears a little. While she's still a little unenthused, her poem has a rhythm and rhyme to it. It's Natsuki's trademark style, and it works surprisingly well when spoken aloud. The words feel like they bounce up and down, as if giving life to the poem. Natsuki finishes, and everyone applauds. She huffs back to her seat.

Monika: "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

Natsuki: "Easy for you to say..."

"You'd better not make me do that again."

Monika: "Ah, well..."

"Do you at least feel prepared enough to recite a poem in front of other people?"

Natsuki: "I mean, doing it in front of other people will be way easier!"

"I can put on whatever face I want for other people."

"But when it's just my friends..."

"It's just...embarrassing."

Sayori: "That's a surprise, Natsuki..."

"I think it would be the other way around for me."

Natsuki: "Well, that's just how it is, so..."

Monika: "Well, I guess in that case..."

"You won't have much to worry about for the festival."

"That said, I want to thank everyone for coming through."

"It might be hard, but I hope that you all have an idea of what it's like now."

"Make sure you pick a poem and get enough practice before the festival, okay?"

"I'll be making pamphlets, so let me know ahead of time what you'll be reciting."

John: "Jeez..."

"I should probably find some other poem to recite instead."

Monika: "That's fine, too!"

"It doesn't have to be your own."

Monika: "I'm already pleasantly surprised that you're putting in all this effort for the club."

"It makes me really happy."

John: "Ah... Yeah, no problem..."

Monika: "Okay, everyone!"

"I think that's about it for today."

"I know the festival is coming up, but let's try to write poems for tomorrow, as well."

"It's been working out really nicely so far, so I'd like to do it tomorrow and Monday."

"As for the festival, we'll finish planning tomorrow, and then we'll have the weekend to prepare."

"Monday's the big day!"

Sayori: "I can't wait~!"

Yuri: "I can do this... I can do this..."

John: "Alright-"

I stand up. There's no way I'll be able to find the same enthusiasm as Sayori and Monika, but I'll do my best to get through it. If it's for the sake of the club…And impressing Monika...Then I'll have to do my best!

John: "Ready to go, Sayori?"

Sayori: "Yep!"

Natsuki: "Look at you two, always going home together like that."

Monika: "It's kind of adorable, isn't it?"

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

John: "Jeez, guys..."

"Don't make such a big deal out of it."

Yuri: "It must be a little nice, though..."

John: "Well..."

"Ah..."

How am I supposed to respond to that?

Sayori: "It's okay, John, you don't have to say it."

John: "...Whatever. Let's go already."

I walk home with Sayori once more. Even though it's only been a few days, a lot of things have already changed. But today, Sayori is being a little quieter than usual on the way home.

John: "Hey, Sayori..."

Sayori: "..."

"...Sorry! I was spacing out!"

John: "Ah, no wonder..."

Sayori: "Um..."

"I was...thinking about something from earlier."

"I like how we get to..."

"I-I mean..."

Sayori fumbles with her words.

Sayori: "So...let's just say that one day, Yuri asked to walk home with you..."

John: "Huh?!"

Sayori: "What would you do?"

John: "What kind of question is that...?"

"You're kind of putting me on the spot here..."

Sayori: "Ehehe..."

Well...I would still walk home with Sayori. Then again, the festival is only a few days away...Who knows what will happen in that time?

John: "Sayori..."

"You really think I would ditch you for Yuri?"

Sayori: "Eh?!"

"B-But…"

"She's so beautiful and smart..."

John: "Jeez..."

"I already see her in the club every day."

"Besides, you always seem to really like going home together..."

"I wouldn't just ruin that for you."

Sayori: "You're so silly, John..."

"You think about me too much sometimes."

"Yuri would deserve it if she wanted it, so..."

John: "Sayori, I've already made up my mind."

"I really can't figure you out sometimes..."

Sayori: "Sorry..."

John: "Besides, what's the point in speculating something that's never going to happen?"

Sayori: "Hm..."

The conversation trails off. It's kind of a weird thing for Sayori to care so much about…But I want to respect her and keep her happy, too. I walk Sayori to her door, say goodbye, and walk to my house. I let myself in, walk into my room, and begin to brainstorm a poem for tomorrow...

Chapter 4:

The day went by very fast for me. It's time for me to enter the club again. I enter the club, greet everyone and sit at a desk. Someone is missing, right? Oh yeah! Monika is not here. I wonder where she is? The door opens…

Monika: "Aw, man..."

"I'm the last one here again!"

John: "Don't worry, I just walked in too."

Yuri: "Were you practicing piano again?"

Monika: "Yeah..."

"Ahaha..."

Yuri: "You must have a lot of determination."

"Starting this club, and now picking up piano..."

Monika: "Well, maybe not determination..."

"But I guess passion."

"Remember that the club wouldn't be here if it wasn't for all of you."

"And I'm super happy that you're all willing to help out for the festival, too!"

Natsuki: "Aaah, I can't wait for the festival!"

"It's gonna be great!"

Monika: "Eh?"

"Weren't you complaining about it just yesterday, Natsuki?"

Natsuki: "Well, yeah."

"I'm not talking about our part of the festival."

"But it's a whole day of school where we get to play and eat all kinds of delicious food!"

John: "You sound a bit like Sayori all of a sudden..."

Natsuki: "Monika! Do they usually have fried squid?"

Monika: "Squid...?"

"That's a pretty specific thing to look forward to..."

Natsuki: "Oh, come on."

"Are you saying you don't like squid?"

"You, of all people?"

Monika: "Eh? I didn't say I don't like it."

"Besides, what do you mean by 'you of all people'?"

Natsuki: "Because!"

"It's right in your name!"

"Mon-ika!"

Monika: "Eh?!"

"That's not how you say my name at all!"

"Also, that joke makes no sense in translation!"

Natsuki: "...?"

Monika: "Ah...never mind!"

"Let's just focus on our own event for now, okay?"

Natsuki: "Ehehe."

"Fine, fine."

"Your reactions aren't as fun as Yuri's or Sayori's, anyway."

Yuri: "Excuse me..?"

John: "Where is Sayori, anyway...?"

Sayori is sitting at a desk in the corner of the room, looking down at nothing. I walk over to her.

John: "Hey, Sayori."

I wave my hand in front of her face.

Sayori: "Eh-?"

John: "You're spacing out again."

Sayori: "A-Ah..."

"Ehehe, sorry..."

"Don't mind me."

"You can go talk to everyone else."

John: "Huh..."

"Is everything alright?"

Sayori: "O-Of course!"

"Why wouldn't it be?"

John: "It just feels like you're a little off..."

"Sorry for assuming things."

Sayori: "Jeez, you worry too much about me."

"I'm fine, see?"

Sayori shows me a big smile.

Sayori: "Don't let me distract you from having fun with everyone."

John: "Well...alright."

"If you say so."

I worriedly glance at Sayori before turning back toward everyone else. But the conversation has already dispersed, with everyone back at their usual activities. Maybe I should ask Monika if she's noticed anything about Sayori recently…Since they've been preparing for the festival, they must be spending a lot of time together. I timidly approach Monika, who is shuffling through some papers at her desk.

Monika: "John! What's up?"

John: "Hey, this might sound a little strange, but..."

"Have you noticed anything up with Sayori recently?"

Monika: "Anything up with her...?"

"In what way do you mean?"

John: "Maybe I'm reading into it a little too much, but she seems a bit downcast today..."

Monika: "Oh? You think so?"

"I can't say I've noticed anything about her..."

Monika peers across the room at Sayori, who is idly dragging a rubber eraser up and down her desk.

Monika:"Maybe there is something on her mind..."

"But I'm surprised I'm not the one asking you, John."

"You certainly know her a lot better than I do."

John: "Yeah, but she's never really like this..."

"She's always talked to me about things that bothered her."

"But this time, when I asked her, she was really dismissive."

"...Sorry, I know it's not your problem!"

"I just wanted to ask if you knew anything, so I'll drop it now..."

Monika: "No, no..."

"It's important to me, too."

"I mean, I'm also friends with her..."

"And I also care about the well-being of my club members, you know?"

"Maybe I'll try talking to her myself..."

John: "Eh? Are you sure about that...?"

"She seemed like she wanted to be left alone..."

Monika: "Are you sure?"

"Maybe she just has a hard time bringing it up with the person of interest..."

John: "Person of interest...?"

"What do you mean by that?"

Monika: "I'm saying that maybe the thing on her mind is you, John."

John: "Me...?"

"How on Earth would you come to that conclusion?"

Monika: "Well..."

"I probably shouldn't say too much, but..."

"Sayori talks about you more than anything else, you know?"

John: "Eh...?"

Monika: "She's been so much happier ever since you've joined the club."

"It's like an extra light was turned on inside of her."

John: "What?"

"No way..."

"Sayori...is always like that."

"She's always been full of sunshine."

"It's not any different now than it always has been."

Monika: "Ehehe."

"You're so funny, John."

"Have you thought that maybe you've always seen her as so cheerful..."

"...because that's just how she is when she's around you?"

John: "..."

Monika: "Ah...I said too much."

"I'm sorry...what do I know, anyway?"

"I didn't mean to jump to conclusions, so you should just forget about what I said."

"I'll try to talk to her, so try not to think about it for now."

John: "Ah..."

"Alright..."

Monika smiles meaningfully. I know she said to forget about it...But I already know that I won't be able to get her words out of my head. Monika stands up from her desk and walks across the room to where Sayori is sitting. I watch her kneel down next to Sayori and gently talk to her. But she's keeping her voice so quiet that I can't hear her from here. I sigh and sit myself down. I know Sayori told me not to worry about her, and to have fun with everyone else...But that's impossible to do when she's behaving like how much do I care about her, that I'm letting this weigh me down so much? Now it feels like I'm the one behaving out of the ordinary... But there's nothing I can do besides wait for Monika."

Why does it feel like I'm being watched...? I glance around the room. Suddenly, I notice Yuri peering at me from over her book. But she looks away just as quickly with a flustered look on her face. I realize that she won't get anywhere like this. I've never really seen Yuri approach anyone or start a conversation on her own accord. So, I have no choice but to approach her myself. By now, it's a little easier for me to do that. I stand up from my desk and sit in one next to her own.

Yuri: "..."

"I...didn't mean to bother you or anything..."

John: "Relax, you didn't even do anything."

Yuri: "But..."

"I could tell that you wanted to be alone with your thoughts..."

John: "Alone with my thoughts...?"

"How were you even able to tell that I was thinking like that?"

Yuri: "Well..."

"It's something that I do a lot..."

"So it wasn't hard for me to spot based on your posture and expression."

"N-Not that I was staring or anything...!"

"I didn't do anything creepy like that...!"

John: "In any case, I guess you were right."

"I'm sorry if I caused you any concern."

Yuri: "Don't apologize..."

"Your troubles are only the concern of those who willingly share in that concern."

"Of course, there are certainly those who find the most comfort in keeping to themselves..."

"But if you would prefer to share what's on your mind, then I would be glad to listen."

John: "Ah, it's really not that big of a deal..."

"I was just feeling a bit uneasy about Sayori."

Yuri: "Sayori...?"

John: "Yeah...she seems a little off today, but when I asked her about it, she didn't want to admit it to me."

"So I can't help but wonder if something happened to her."

Yuri: "Oh?"

"That's quite romantic..."

John: "Eh...?"

Yuri: "S-Sorry!"

"I didn't mean to say something stupid...!"

John: "It's not that, I just didn't want you to misunderstand."

"Sayori and I have just been friends for a long time, that's all."

Yuri: "Ah...I see..."

"Then perhaps it is unusual for her to be dismissive to you about her feelings..."

John: "Or maybe I'm just reading into it a little too much..."

Yuri: "John:..."

"The world is full of meaning, often hidden deep beneath plain sight."

"And there are many untold mysteries behind every person, no matter how well you may know them."

John: "Ah..."

"So you think that there might be something behind it after all?"

Yuri: "Mm..."

"I think that Sayori is a very complex person."

"Her mannerisms on the outside don't always match what may be going on inside her head..."

"And she may not always know what she wants."

"I noticed her strange behavior today, too..."

"And I also feel some concern for her."

"But in your case, it looked like she was fully occupying your thoughts, wasn't she?"

John: "Well..."

"I guess that was the case."

Yuri: "Sayori..."

"She really...means a lot to you, doesn't she?"

John: "Ah-I...I guess..."

"But you don't need to put it that way!"

"We're just good friends, that's all..."

Yuri: "..."

Yuri suddenly looks deeply into my eyes. Her expression is gentle and curious, as if she was searching for something. Embarrassed, I avert my gaze.

Yuri: "Sometimes..."

"A person's mysteries are untold even to themselves."

"And you, as someone honest and caring..."

"May uncover feelings you weren't aware were in you."

"T-That is..."

"I think that..."

"She would be a very fortunate person..."

"To have you...feel that way about her."

John: "Yuri..."

"You're giving me too much credit."

"I'm a pretty simple guy."

"So I think I'm pretty good at understanding my own feelings."

"I'm not nearly as sophisticated as you."

Yuri: "A-Ah..."

"That's not...a compliment, is it?"

John: "It is what it is."

"Anyway, as long as we're here, why don't we do some reading?"

Yuri: "Well..."

"As long as you're okay with it."

John: "Yeah."

"I should be taking my mind off this whole thing anyway."

Enjoy reading with Yuri. These past couple of days have been great reading The Portrait of Markov together. Yuri and I read in silence on the floor again, except this time, there is no tea or chocolate. I can't believe how much we are reading today in a short span of time.

Monika: "Okay, everyone!"

"Why don't we share our poems now?"

Yuri and I made a mental note of where we stopped in the book and then I put my book away in my bag. It's hard for me to believe that we are more than halfway through the book already. Before I know it, everything is back to normal. Everyone goes to retrieve their poems, and I do the same. I make eye contact with Monika, and she smiles at me. I wonder what she was talking about with Sayori…I'm in between sharing with Yuri or Sayori first...I ultimately decide to share with Yuri first because I am interested in her poem and her reaction to mine. I greet Yuri once again and hand her my poem. While she's reading, she looks amazed.

Yuri: "..."

"John."

"Your writing has only improved in these last few days."

"Every poem you've shown me has been nothing short of spectacular."

"I can really feel the emotions..."

"I'm a little envious, even..."

"I don't think it ever came to me this naturally."

John: "Yuri, that's the wrong way to put it."

"This never did come naturally to me."

"But I've been able to improve so much thanks to you."

"You're really the example I was chasing after."

Yuri: "I-Is that so...?"

Yuri gently smiles to herself.

Yuri: "This feeling..."

"I'm so glad...I got the chance to share my writing."

"I never thought it would feel like this."

John: "I remember you mentioning that yesterday."

"I can't believe that you're so good at something and you've never even shared it with anyone."

"It's kind of a shame."

Yuri: "Maybe, but..."

"It's not like I really...had a choice."

John: "What do you mean...?"

Yuri: "Well..."

Yuri smiles sadly.

Yuri: "John, during lunchtime, I eat by myself."

"Did you know that?"

"It's a great time to find a quiet spot and do some reading."

"In fact..."

"I always have some books with me."

"You could say I really enjoy reading..."

"...Well, that's one way to put it, anyway..."

"But..."

"Books are so full of amazing and inspiring people."

"People you want to fall in love with."

"Or people you just know would make a really good friend."

"Cheerful people, who always put a smile on your face..."

"Or deep thinkers, and problem solvers, who discover the mysteries of life."

"So when you look at it that way..."

"I'm surrounded by friends every day..."

"...You know?"

"And those friends don't laugh at me..."

"They don't tease me for spacing out all the time..."

"They don't make fun of my body type..."

"And..."

"...And they don't hate me for acting like a know-it-all!"

John: "People...say that about you?"

Yuri: "I'm not a know-it-all, John!"

"It's the opposite. I don't know anything!"

"I don't know how to talk to people."

"I don't know how to make people see me as normal."

"I don't even know how to make myself happy!"

"I have all these feelings..."

"And all I can do with them is read, and write..."

"But it wasn't until now..."

"That I started sharing it with you..."

"...That I really understood what was missing all this time."

John: "But I haven't really done anything..."

Yuri: "No..."

"That's wrong."

"Just being patient and respectful..."

"That's really...important to me."

"I know I'm a difficult person, John..."

"I speak too slowly..."

"I second-guess myself all the time..."

"I read too deeply into things..."

"But every time..."

"You've always treated me just like anyone else."

"It's so rare that I feel comfortable with myself when I talk to others..."

"But that's why every time I talk to you..."

"...I just feel really happy."

John: "I see..."

"Well, I treat you how you deserve to be treated, Yuri."

"And if other people don't see it that way, then screw them."

"I mean, I joined this club hoping I would make friends."

"And I would say I've had at least one success."

"Wouldn't you?"

Yuri: "U-Um..."

"If you put it that way..."

"...Yeah..."

"We really are friends now, aren't we?"

Yuri puts her head in her hands. But this time, she's smiling as she does it.

John: "Do you want to show me your poem?"

Yuri: "Yeah."

"I do!"

"Let me get it for you..."

"Finishing the poem, I start to hand it back to Yuri."

"But instead of taking it from me, she looks away."

Yuri: "..."

"Do you...dislike it?"

John: "Ah-no, of course not."

"I just...don't really know how I should respond."

Despite Yuri's poems usually being cryptic, it wasn't hard to figure out what this one was about. I-I'm sure it's…about me!

Yuri: "I-I don't know if I'll be able to explain this one..."

John: "That's fine."

"I understand this one."

Yuri: "..."

Yuri is having an even harder time speaking than usual.

John: "Does this one...mean a lot to you?"

Yuri nods.

John: "I'm not really good with words, but..."

"I'm happy that you shared it with me."

"So, thank you."

"And I hope we keep spending time together."

"Despite my inability to make eye contact, I see a faint smile emerge on Yuri's lips. I once again try to hand the poem back to her. But instead, Yuri gently takes my hands and pushes them back toward me. I hesitate in response to her warm touch.

Yuri: "You can..."

"Um..."

"The poem is..."

Once again, Yuri fails to form a complete sentence.

John: "You mean I can keep it?"

Yuri nods.

John: "I'd love to."

Again, Yuri faintly smiles, as if she doesn't want me to notice.

Yuri: "You always..."

"You always...make me feel nice."

"I know I'm not good with people, but..."

"I hope that...I can return the favor sometimes."

John: "Yeah."

"Don't worry."

"I think you do a good job."

Yuri finally turns back toward me.

Yuri: "I guess...we should move on before Monika says something."

"But I'm sure we can talk again later..."

John: "Yeah."

"I'm sure we will."

With that, Yuri timidly smiles at me, and I return to my seat so I can put her poem away.

Next, I go up to Sayori and share my poem with her. She takes my poem and starts reading it slowly.

Sayori: "..."

"...Hm."

"It's nice, I guess~"

John: "Come on, I can already tell you don't like it."

Sayori: "Well..."

"You don't need to worry about what I think."

"After all, you wrote this for someone else, didn't you?"

"Probably Yuri..."

John: "Eh?"

"I didn't write this for anyone specifically!"

Sayori: "Maybe..."

"That's not really what I meant, though."

"But it's okay."

"You're making new friends, just like I was hoping."

"That makes me...really happy."

"And you're happy too, right?"

"In this club?"

John: "Well..."

"Of course I am."

Sayori: "Good~"

"That's all that matters to me."

"Thank you, John."

John: "Sayori..."

"Is there something wrong?"

Sayori: "Huh?"

"No, nothing."

"I'm just a little tired today."

"Ehehe."

John: "Alright..."

"Just tell me if you need anything."

Sayori: "I will."

"Don't worry about me, okay?"

"You can go play with everyone else now."

John: "If you insist..."

Sayori: "Yaay~"

"I'm gonna go home a little bit early today."

John: "Sayori...?"

Sayori: "Tell Monika I wasn't feeling well, okay?"

"I'll see you tomorrow~"

Before I can say anything else, Sayori cheerfully walks out of the classroom, humming to herself. I stand here, dumbfounded. What could be wrong with Sayori? I'm definitely visiting her house this weekend to sort all of this out. I decide to stop worrying about it for now. I walk up to Natsuki and hand her my poem.

Natsuki: "..."

"...This one's alright."

John: "Alright?"

I'm very shocked by that answer. Usually she seems pretty unenthusiastic, to read my poems. She usually is strangely emotionally invested in them for some reason as well...

Natsuki: "Well, yeah."

"About as good as yesterday's, anyway."

"I see what you're going for, but it's just not really my style."

"I mean, that's fine."

"I'm mostly just glad that you're trying a little bit."

John: "Well, of course I'm at least trying."

"Why are you so emotionally invested in my poems, anyway?"

"Isn't that more of a compliment to me?"

Natsuki: "...Eh?"

"N-No! Gross!"

"It's not like I care!"

"It's just that one of us in this club has to make sure you're not slacking off."

John: "Really?"

"Well, what if you ended up just scaring me away?"

Natsuki: "That's-um..."

"...It's not like you would actually do that."

John: "Yeah, you're right."

"It's kind of fun to hang out here, even if I have to put up with you."

"Guh-!"

Natsuki's elbow connects with my stomach.

Natsuki: "Oh?"

"Maybe I won't mind scaring you away after all."

John: "I was...just joking..."

Natsuki: "Oh, I know!"

"Don't worry, I was too."

"Ahahaha!"

John: "..."

How the hell do you call that a joke? That seriously hurt. Well, maybe it was funny to her...I guess that's kind of the point. I should really just watch my mouth around Natsuki.

Natsuki: "Anyway..."

Natsuki holds her poem out to me like nothing even happened. I take the poem from her hands and begin to read it. This one is much more positive than her last poems. I look up when I'm done reading the poem.

Natsuki: "Yeah..."

"I felt like I kept writing about negative things, so I wanted to write something with a nice message for once."

"Besides...the beach is awesome!"

"Kinda hard to write anything negative about the beach."

John: "Honestly, this poem was quite refreshing. I liked it."

Natsuki: "You... did?"

John: "Were you expecting me to hate it? I liked your other poems afterall."

Natsuki: "I-I guess that's true.."

John: "A little off topic, but I remember you saying you like manga, right?"

Natsuki: "Do you plan on making fun of me for it? Get lost then!"

John: "No! I love manga as well. I was wondering if you have any to suggest."

Natsuki's eyes widened with excitement.

Natsuki: "...I do actually. Do you want to start next week?"

John: "Sure thing!"

"After the festival."

Natsuki smiled. I handed her poem back to her. I am actually glad I'll get to talk to her. I want to understand Natsuki a little bit better. I walk up to Monika and greet her.

Monika: "Hi John~"

"Have you thought about what you want to submit to perform at the festival?"

John: "Well..."

Being in this club is one thing, but performing in front of a bunch of people…

John: "...I'll have to give it some more thought."

Monika: "Okay, no pressure!"

"But whatever you do, I'm sure it'll turn out great."

"It would also make me happy to see."

"Ahaha!"

"Anyway, let's take a look at today's poem!"

John: "Sure..."

I let Monika take the poem I'm holding in my hands. She begins to read and looks up when she's done.

Monika: "Your style's gotten so refined, John."

"Yuri's been teaching you a lot of things, hasn't she?"

John: "Well-"

"I guess so."

"Yeah... I've been noticing how much time you spend with her."

"I think I've heard her say more words these past couple days than she's talked in the whole year."

"Not sure how you did it, but that's pretty impressive..."

John: "Well, she just needs some patience and a way to talk about all the things in her head, I guess..."

"I'm still getting the hang of it, myself."

Monika: "Hm..."

"You're certainly putting in a lot of effort."

"You must really like her~."

John: "Eh? That's-"

Monika: "Ahaha!"

"Don't worry! I'm mostly joking."

What the hell does she mean by mostly? I decide to drop that part.

Monika: "Just...be careful, alright?"

"I know that Yuri isn't used to opening herself up..."

"So if something bad happens while she's vulnerable..."

"Then it could be really hard for her."

John: "I understand."

"Would you like to share your poem now?"

Monika: "Right! Here you go!"

I take the poem from Monika's hand and begin to read the poem. I hand it back to her when I finish.

John: "Great poem Monika. Probably the best one yet!"

Monika: "Awww, thanks John!"

"You know..."

"I feel like learning and looking for answers are the sorts of things that give life meaning."

"Not to get too philosophical or anything..."

"But it was kind of on my mind, so that's what I wrote about."

John: "I see..."

"I never really put much thought into it."

Monika: "In a way, it's almost paradoxical."

"Because if we had all the answers, wouldn't the world start to lose its meaning?"

John: "You know, there's one thing I noticed..."

"It seems like everyone in the club prefers writing about things that are more intricate and complex than simple, regardless of the writing style."

Monika: "Ahaha. Are you surprised?"

"I mean, if everything was simple..."

"We wouldn't really have anything challenging or interesting to write about, would we?"

"Humans aren't two-dimensional creatures."

"There's more to life than what meets the eye…"

"Anyway..."

"Here's Monika's Writing Tip of the Day!"

"Are you ever too shy to share your writing because you're afraid it's not that good?"

"It can be really disheartening to get a lukewarm response to something you put so much into."

"But if you find other people who enjoy writing, then sharing becomes a lot easier!"

"Because instead of just telling you that your writing is good, or okay, or bad..."

"They'll want to focus more on everything that went into it, and the things you can work on."

"It's much more encouraging that way, and it will make you want to continue improving."

"It's almost like having your own little Literature Club, don't you think?"

"...That's my advice for today!"

"Thanks for listening~"

After a couple of minutes of waiting for the next activity, Monika gets our attention...

Monika: "...Okay, you three!"

"We're all done sharing poems, right?"

"Why don't we start figuring out-"

Natsuki: "Hold on a second!"

"Is it just me, or did you say something strange just now?"

Monika: "Eh...?"

Yuri: "Something did sound a bit unusual..."

"That's right."

"You deviated from your usual catchphrase when addressing the club."

Monika: "C-Catchphrase?"

"I don't have a catchphrase..."

Natsuki: "Jeez..."

"Why is the mood so weird today?"

"Look, even Yuri isn't immune to it."

Yuri: "Uu..."

"Stagnating air is common foreshadowing that something terrible is about to happen..."

John: "In your books, maybe!"

"Look, the only thing different is that Sayori isn't here."

Yuri: "Ah..."

"...It seems you're right."

Monika: "Sigh..."

"Sayori always helps lighten the mood a little bit, doesn't she?"

"It's almost like everyone's balance is thrown off a little when she's not around..."

Natsuki: "Where the heck did she run off to, anyway?"

"I thought she just went to pee."

Yuri: "Natsuki, please show some decency..."

Natsuki: "Oh, come on."

John: "Ah, she actually wasn't feeling too well and went home early..."

Yuri: "Is that so...?"

"I hope she's alright..."

Natsuki: "Seriously?"

"Of all the times to not go home with her, you pick the time she's not feeling well?"

"So much for you two being all lovey-dovey."

John: "Ah-no!"

"First of all, stop misunderstanding my friendship with Sayori!"

"And second..."

"She's kind of been avoiding me today, so I didn't want to force it..."

Yuri: "Hooooh?"

That curious expression coming from Yuri, of all people?

Monika: "Calm down, guys...!"

"I talked to her earlier, and everything is fine."

John: "What did she say...?"

Monika: "She simply said she wasn't feeling too well and wanted to go home. She will be ready for Monday."

"Anyway, we need to figure out the rest of the festival preparations, so..."

"Let's decide what everyone will be doing this weekend."

Natsuki: "I already know what I'm doing!"

Monika: "That's right."

"Natsuki will be making cupcakes."

"But we might need a lot of them, and different flavors..."

"Can you handle that all by yourself, Natsuki?"

Natsuki: "Challenge accepted!"

Monika: "And as for myself..."

"I'm going to be printing and assembling all the poetry pamphlets."

"Sayori will be helping me design them."

"And as for Yuri..."

"..."

"Yuri, you can..."

"Ah... Um..."

"Guys..."

"Can you help me come up with something for Yuri...?"

Yuri: "I..."

"I'm useless..."

Monika: "N-No!"

"That's not it at all!"

"You're the most talented person here, you know!"

Natsuki: "...hey"

Monika: "N-Now Natsuki's pouting, too?"

John: "Jeez, even I can tell now..."

"I guess I never gave Sayori enough credit, but I can tell things are even harder on you when she's not around."

Monika: "Ah..."

"That may be the case..."

"But if I can't also be a leader on my own, then I won't grow as a person."

"So, Yuri...!"

"You have beautiful handwriting, you know?"

"So you should make some banners and decorations to help set the atmosphere."

Yuri: "Atmosphere...?"

"Um, about that..."

"I..."

"I love atmosphere!"

Yuri's expression suddenly changes as she stares at her desk in focus and starts nodding to herself.

John: "Your mind is already racing, I see..."

Monika: "That's great!"

"You'll be a wonderful help, Yuri."

"But anyway..."

"That just leaves you, John."

John: "The one who is truly useless."

Monika: "Ahaha! Don't say that."

"In fact..."

"Both Natsuki and Yuri have some pretty heavy tasks to handle."

"It would probably go a long way to give one of them a hand."

"You could always help me out, as well..."

"I would be really appreciative of that."

John: "Ah-"

"That's..."

Is Monika suggesting I spend the weekend with one of my club members? How on Earth are they going to respond to a suggestion like that...?

Yuri: "Ah..."

"I...suppose I wouldn't mind a bit of help..."

Natsuki: "Well, even if you don't know how to bake, there's always some dirty work I could give to you."

"It's not like Monika's going to give me a choice, and you shouldn't be sitting on your butt anyway..."

Natsuki tries to mumble a bunch of excuses like that.

Yuri: "Um..."

"If I recall, Natsuki..."

"You mentioned that you would like to handle the baking on your own."

"John may not like to be around if you only make him out to be a nuisance..."

"So therefore..."

"He may be more suited to assisting with the decorations."

Natsuki: "Hold on! I never said that!"

"How hard could it be to make a few decorations, anyway?"

"Sounds more like you're just making excuses for John to-"

Yuri: "W-What are you saying?!"

"It will be extremely meticulous work..."

Natsuki: "And baking isn't?"

"Just what do you think-"

Monika: "Guys, guys!"

"Let's settle down for a moment..."

"In the end, I think it's up to John to decide how he'd like to contribute."

"Besides..."

"He hasn't really gotten the chance to spend any time with me yet, you know?"

"So I'm sure he's interested in-"

Natsuki: "You literally just said-"

Yuri: "I-I'm surprised as well!"

Monika: "Sorry, sorry!"

"I was just saying, though..."

Natsuki: "Jeez..."

"Can we just settle this already?"

Monika: "Yeah..."

"John, you're okay with this, right?"

"In the end, it's up to you."

John: "Ah..."

"Of course."

Natsuki: "Hmph."

Yuri: "Very well..."

Monika: "In that case..."

Everyone looks straight at me, waiting for a decision. I think about it for a bit, but of course, I'm going to go with...Yuri.

John: "Well, I'll probably be most useful helping out Yuri..."

Yuri: "M-Me...?"

Natsuki: "Are you serious?"

"Why would you-"

Monika: "Natsuki."

"I can already tell you're about to say something mean."

Natsuki: "N-No..."

"I was just saying-"

"Ugh..."

Monika: "So, you'll be helping Yuri then, John?"

John: "Yeah."

"That's what I'm going to do."

Yuri: "I'm glad."

"I have a bad habit of overthinking these sorts of things..."

"So I think your assistance will be very useful."

Monika: "That's great to hear."

"Natsuki, will you be able to handle the baking yourself?"

Natsuki: "I mean, yeah."

"I already said I would be fine."

Monika: "Okay, okay..."

Everyone can tell that Natsuki is feeling a little sour. Maybe after what I told her earlier, maybe she feels a little betrayed?

John: "So...is that everything we needed to go over?"

Monika: "Yeah, that should be about it."

"Are you guys excited?"

Yuri: "Well, 'excited' may not be the right word..."

"But I suppose I'm looking forward to it a little bit."

Monika: "Do you feel the same way, John?"

John: "Me?"

"Ah, I guess you could say I'm interested to see how it'll turn out..."

Monika: "That's good enough for me!"

"What about you, Natsuki?"

Natsuki: "..."

Yuri: "Natsuki!"

Natsuki: "What?"

"Why is everyone yelling at me?"

"I didn't even do anything...!"

Yuri: "N-no-!"

"That's not what I meant at all!"

"A-Ah..."

Yuri anxiously glances between everyone in the room.

Yuri: "I-I'm sorry for this!"

"I don't really know why John picked me..."

"And also..."

"Your cupcakes are the best cupcakes I've ever had!"

"They go really well with my tea!"

"And nothing that I do for the event will compare to that, so..."

"So..."

Natsuki: "I get it, I get it."

"I'm kinda surprised, though..."

Yuri: "W-Why?"

Natsuki: "Um..."

"Well, I'm the one acting immature..."

"I already know that."

"But you're trying to cheer me up all of a sudden..."

Yuri: "I-I know I'm not very good at it..."

"I'm sorry if I said something bad!"

Natsuki isn't the only one surprised. Monika and I are also taken aback by Yuri's words. When she already has trouble with words, trying to cheer someone up must be far out of her own comfort zone. But I begin to understand. Yuri was trying to sound like Sayori. Even if it didn't work perfectly, I can tell that she tried to say something Sayori would say at a time like this. Because Sayori always helps everyone smile and feel good about themselves.

Natsuki: "No..."

"I kinda appreciated it."

"I'm sorry...for making a big deal out of nothing."

"But I'm going to say this."

Yuri: "hm...?"

Natsuki: "You better bet that my cupcakes are going to be the best part of the whole event!"

Yuri: "Ah..."

"...I believe you."

Monika: "Yeah!"

"I hope to see everyone do their best."

"But with that..."

"There's nothing more for today."

"So I guess it's time for us to head out."

Natsuki: "Alright, let's get out of here, then."

Everyone packs up their things. I start to follow Monika and Natsuki out the door as they chat between each other.

Yuri: "U-Um-!"

John: "Eh?"

I turn around.

Yuri: "Sorry..."

"I realized that I don't have any way of contacting you this weekend..."

John: "Oh, you're right."

"I can't believe that slipped my mind."

"Should I give you my phone number?"

Yuri: "I think...that would be the best way, yes."

John: "Alright, then..."

Yuri and I exchange phone numbers.

Yuri: "Okay."

"Then, I'll be stopping by your house on Sunday..."

John: "Eh?"

"My house?"

Yuri: "I-Is that a problem...?"

John: "No, not at all..."

"I just thought that I would be the one going to your house, since I'm the one helping you."

Yuri: "Ah, I suppose that makes sense..."

"But, if you don't mind..."

"I think I would prefer going to your house."

John: "Alright."

"In that case, it won't be a problem."

I decide not to press Yuri for a reason. It's not like it should matter much either way, so I'll just need to make sure my room is clean.

John: "I hope I manage to make myself useful in some way..."

"I'm not nearly as creative as you are."

Yuri: "Don't underestimate yourself, John."

"I think that we'll make a very productive team."

"Even if you only chose me because you felt bad or something..."

John: "Wait...!"

"You don't actually think that, do you?"

Yuri: "..."

"I...don't know."

"It's difficult to come up with any other reason you may have chosen me..."

John: "You're forgetting the one reason with the most common sense!"

"I chose to help you because that's what I want to do."

Yuri; "B-But..."

Yuri thinks to herself with an extremely tense expression.

John: "Yuri...you're overthinking this."

"You wanted me to point out when you're overthinking, right?"

Yuri: "Eh...?"

"I...didn't realize..."

John: "I'm telling you, I want to."

"That's all there is to it."

"Do you believe me?"

Yuri: "I..."

Yuri thinks really hard again. She looks straight into my eyes for a long while.

Yuri: "...I believe you!"

As if it took her tremendous effort, Yuri finally says that and relaxes her expression.

Yuri: "And I'm really looking forward to Sunday."

John: "Yeah..."

"I am too."

After that exchange, I make my way out the door, and Yuri follows. We both exit the school.

Yuri: "...is this where we split?"

John: "I guess so."

Yuri: "..."

"I-I'll text you tomorrow a list of materials for the decorations."

"A-And… uhh.. I meant what I said before.."

"I am looking forward to spending Sunday with you…"

John: "Hey, same here! See you Sunday!"

Yuri and I part ways. As I walk home I get excited.

John: "I can't believe this!"

"Yuri is going to be coming to my house on Sunday...?"

"Maybe this can be my chance to get closer to her!"

As I pass Sayori's house, I think to myself.

John: "I am busy tomorrow, but on Sunday, I'm definitely stopping by her house!"

I enter my house and begin to brainstorm up ideas for decorations and the poem I am going to do on Monday.

Chapter 5:

It's already Sunday. I've been getting increasingly anxious about Yuri's upcoming visit. I keep telling myself there's no reason to be nervous, but it doesn't help much. Yuri is clearly an introvert and also an intimate person in general. There's no doubt that she'll open up a little bit when it's just the two of us. Meanwhile, we've even been texting occasionally. She was extremely apprehensive at first, but it wasn't long before I was already learning more about her. But putting Yuri aside...I haven't heard a thing from Sayori since she left club early the other day. It's not like we text each other all the time or anything...But I've been worried about her in the back of my mind. Between what Sayori said, and what Monika said…Is it really okay for me to put Sayori's feelings aside when she might need me? I decide to visit Sayori before Yuri comes over. Rather than asking, I simply tell her I'm coming over, much like we've done in the past. Once I reach Sayori's house, I knock on the door before entering it myself. Again, we used to play so often that we've made it a habit of simply entering each other's houses like we were family. The house is quiet. Sayori isn't anywhere on the first floor, so I assume she's up in her room. It's already strange of her not to run down and greet me. I head up to her bedroom, where I finally find her.

John: "Sayori?"

Sayori: "Hi John~"

I sit down in her room. Sayori forces a smile, but it's easy to tell that she's different. There's a minute of silence between us.

Sayori: "You haven't come over like this in a long time, have you?"

John: "Ah... I guess you're right."

"It has been a long time."

"Not much has really changed, has it?"

Sayori's room is as messy as it's always been. I also recognize the same stuffed animals and wall decorations that she's had for years now.

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"If you came over more often, it wouldn't be such a mess."

John: "That's because I end up cleaning it for you..."

Sayori: "How come you suddenly wanted to come over today?"

"Aren't you supposed to see Yuri today?"

John: "Yeah, but..."

"...Wait, how did you know that?"

Sayori had already left by the time we decided that last meeting.

Sayori: "Monika told me."

"It's only natural for her to keep me informed about the festival preparations, right?"

John: "Ah, that's true..."

"But what about you?"

"Aren't you going to be helping Monika today?"

Sayori: 4bb "Of course!"

"But I'm just helping her online."

"We didn't plan to meet up or anything."

John: "Ah, so it's just me and Yuri, then..."

Sayori: "Yep~"

There's more silence between us. Sayori stares in a random direction. Everything about her behavior is really uncharacteristic. I finally get to the point.

John: "I just...wanted to see how you were doing."

"After you left on Friday."

"When something's wrong, you can't hide it from me!"

"I know you too well."

"So..."

Sayori smiles, shaking her head.

Sayori: "This is all my fault."

"If I didn't get so weak and accidentally express my feelings..."

"If I didn't make that stupid mistake..."

"Then you wouldn't have been worried about me at all."

"I-I'm sorry John!"

John: "Sayori!"

I grab Sayori by the shoulders.

John: "I know something happened to you."

"There's no other explanation for you to be like this."

"So tell me, already...!"

"Until I know, I won't be able to stop thinking about it!"

Silence fills the room for a second.

Sayori: "Ah..."

"Ahaha..."

Sayori gives me a sad smile.

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"You're really just going to make me say it, aren't you, John?"

"I guess I have no choice."

"The thing is..."

"I've been scared lately…"

"That I am losing you...as a friend."

"I Can't bear the thought of you leaving me for the other members of the club."

John: "...Why, Sayori?"

Sayori: "Eh...?"

John: "Why is it that you've never told me about this?"

"It almost feels like I've been betrayed as your close friend."

"Because if I knew, I would have done everything I could to make you feel like you mean a lot to me!"

"Even if there's only so much that I could do..."

"I would have tried a little bit harder to make every day a little better for you."

"That's why I'm your friend!"

"All you had to do was tell me!"

Sayori: "Why do you think I didn't tell you?"

"Because if I told you, then you would have to waste effort caring about me instead of doing what you want to do."

"I don't want to be cared about by you if it is going to be out of pity!"

"Seeing you make friends and get closer with everyone in the club...is wonderful, but when it means you don't spend much time with me..."

"It feels like a spear going through my heart."

"So, that's why..."

"T-That's why…"

"Tears streak down Sayori's face."

Sayori: "I'm just weak and selfish."

"That's all I am."

"And that's why I'm going to accept these punishments."

"Because I deserve every last one...!"

Without thinking, I once again grab Sayori's shoulders. This time, I pull her into a tight embrace.

Sayori: "A-Ah-"

"John..."

John: "Sayori."

"I don't care if you feel selfish."

"I'm really happy that you convinced me to join the club."

"Seeing you every day makes it worthwhile enough."

"If I make friends with everyone else, then that's just a bonus."

"But please never underestimate how much I care about you."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

Sayori: "John..."

Sayori is hugging me back. She starts sobbing next to my ear.

Sayori: "I..."

Sayori barely manages to speak between her sobs. I don't know if I'm doing the right thing. But all I want is for her to know that I care.

John: "If you have it in you to call yourself selfish, then you have to let me be selfish too."

Sayori: "I don't understand any of my feelings right now, John..."

John: "I will help you sort through them at some point, I promise."

Sayori lets me go. As she does so, I let her go as well.

John: "The festival is tomorrow."

Sayori: "Yeah..."

John: "It's going to be fun, right?"

Sayori: "Yeah."

John: "How would you like for me to spend it all with you?"

Sayori: "U-Um..."

"Ah-"

John: "It's what I want."

"I promise."

Sayori begins to smile through her tears.

Sayori: "I..."

"I think that would be nice, then..."

John: "Yeah."

Sayori wipes her eyes. If I could spend the whole day here, I would.

John: "Of all days, this has to be the one where I have other plans..."

"Maybe I should cancel-"

Sayori: "No, don't-!"

"Please don't..."

"If you did that...then it could ruin our decor tomorrow."

John: "But..."

"It's almost time for Yuri: to meet me at my house..."

"At the very least, do you want to come along and help out?"

"It would be fun."

To my surprise, Sayori shakes her head.

Sayori: "I'm sorry."

"I need some time to just think things through today.."

"You understand, right?"

John: "I do."

Sayori: "Don't worry too much about it."

"I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

John: "...Alright."

"I look forward to it."

I say goodbye to Sayori and exit her house. On the way home, I find myself still feeling uneasy. But it's hard for me to keep thinking about it when Yuri is about to come over, too...I think Sayori is right. I shouldn't be worrying too much, and we're definitely going to have a great time tomorrow. I should just focus on what's ahead of me! As I approach my house, I see something that makes me feel a moment of panic.

John: "Yuri-?"

Yuri: "Ah..."

"Thank goodness..."

John: "You're a little early..."

"I'm sorry I wasn't home yet!"

"Were you waiting for a long time?"

Yuri: "No, I just got here."

"But I started to get really nervous when nobody answered the doorbell..."

John: "You always could have texted me."

"If I had known, I would have reassured you and hurried more on my way home."

Yuri: "Ah...I suppose that's true..."

"I didn't think of that...for some reason."

It should be common sense to do that, but I decide to ignore it.

John: "Anyway...let's go inside."

"I see you brought a lot of stuff with you."

Yuri: "That's right."

"And did you manage to find everything I asked you to buy as well?"

John: "Yeah, pretty much."

"At least, I hope I got everything right."

Yuri: "I'm sure it will be fine."

I take Yuri to my room. The first thing she does is glance around curiously, which makes me feel anxious.

Yuri: "It's so clean..."

John: "Ahaha..."

"I cleaned it before you came over, so..."

Yuri: "That's very considerate of you to do."

John: "Ah, no..."

"I would be really embarrassed for my room to be a mess while you were here."

Yuri: "Hmm..."

"Well, I do enjoy cleaning..."

"I would have gladly helped you clean."

John: "Ah-"

"That would be even more embarrassing!"

Yuri: "Hmmm...what's in here?"

John: "Wait, don't look in there-!"

I snatch Yuri's wrist, which was in the process of opening a desk drawer of mine. There were some magazines in there that I would have made me extremely embarrassed if she saw them.

Yuri: "A-Ah..."

"I'm sorry...!"

"I wasn't thinking for some reason..."

"I was just spacing out!"

John: "It's fine, it's fine..."

I let go of Yuri's wrist. She puts both of her hands firmly in her lap, as if making sure she's keeping track of them.

John: "So, um..."

"Should we...get started?"

Yuri: "Ah..."

"Yes..."

"Um, I have a few things planned that you can help with..."

"Decorations and other atmospheric enhancements."

John: "Atmospheric enhancements...?"

Yuri: "You know..."

"Mood lighting, aromatherapy candles..."

John: "Oh, wow."

"I didn't know you planned on taking it that far."

Yuri: "Of course."

"I want to help take our guests to a faraway place."

"Although many will stop by just out of curiosity..."

"And for...cupcakes, I guess..."

"I'm determined to provide an experience that will leave them wanting more."

John: "That's great."

"It's easy to forget that you're a pretty intense person."

Yuri: "Ah-"

"Intense...?"

John: "I guess that's the best way to put it."

Yuri: "Is that...a bad thing?"

John: "No, not at all."

"It's something that I like about you, actually."

Yuri: "I-Is that so...?"

"That makes me feel relieved..."

"And kind of happy..."

John: "Yeah, no need to be so anxious."

"You can relax a little."

Yuri: "Relax..."

"I brought some things for relaxation."

"I was going to use them during the poetry event..."

John: "Oh yeah? Like what?"

Yuri: "Let's see..."

Yuri rummages through her bag. She pulls out a few candles and a wooden cylinder-shaped object.

Yuri: "I did some shopping on the way here, so I happen to have these in my bag."

"I planned to cover the windows in black paper and use the candles to light the room."

"I think that would be amazing, don't you?"

John: "Yeah, that would be really neat."

"What's that wooden thing, though?"

Yuri: "Oh, this?"

"It's a diffuser for essential oils."

"How familiar are you with aromatherapy?"

John: "Not familiar at all..."

Yuri: "Ah, is that so?"

"It's one of my favorite contributors to a positive atmosphere."

"Depending on the oils or herbs you choose, you can change the mood of the air itself."

"You can even feel it permeate through your body."

"Relaxation, positive energy, romance, reflection..."

"It's almost like magic."

Yuri takes the cylinder and pushes a switch on the bottom. In just a moment, a thin ray of vapor begins to spout through a small hole on the top.

John: "Wow, that smells wonderful."

"What kind of mood is that one for?"

Yuri: "This is a Jasmine essential oil."

"It smells a little sweet and flowery, right?"

John: "Yeah, that's a good way to describe it."

Yuri: "I chose Jasmine for the event because it provides more than relaxation."

"Jasmine enhances your emotions and helps you feel them flow through your body."

"You feel warmer, and your heart pounds more heavily."

"Don't you think that will be perfect for sharing our poems?"

John: "It does sound suitable..."

"But you seem to know a lot about this, so I'll trust your opinion with anything."

Yuri smiles gently, clearly enjoying herself. She again reaches into her bag and pulls out several spools of thin ribbon.

John: "What are those for?"

Yuri: "Well..."

"Did you purchase the origami paper I asked you to get?"

John: "Yeah, I have it over here..."

Yuri: "We won't be using the paper for folding origami."

"What I'd like to do is write a different kanji character on each paper."

"We'll need about a hundred of them."

John: "Oh yeah?"

"What will those be used for?"

Yuri: "Well, I'm going to cut pieces of ribbon to hang from the doorway of the classroom."

"Then, we can fasten the kanji paper onto the ribbons to create a doorway curtain."

"Wouldn't that be beautiful?"

"It would also catch the eye of those passing by the room..."

"It may attract some to peek inside."

John: "That's really creative!"

"I had no idea you'd be so good at this, Yuri."

Yuri: "Is...that so?"

"Well, I suppose I do get a little intense...as you'd put it."

"Uhuhu."

Yuri giggles with red cheeks. Is it just me, or is she more relaxed when it's just the two of us? Or maybe it's the excitement she feels from sharing something that she enjoys.

Yuri: "Here's a marker, John."

"You can write any characters you want."

"I'll help you once I finish cutting the ribbons."

John: "Ah, alright."

Sitting on the floor together, the two of us get to work. I carefully draw a different character on each paper, doing my best to manage my bad handwriting. Yuri unravels a long strand of red ribbon to her desired length. Then, she reaches into her bag once more and pulls out a pocket knife.

John: "Eh...?"

The knife is strangely beautiful. The silver handle has an intricate pattern of waves etched into it. The blade itself is gently tinted blue.

John: "That's no ordinary pocket knife..."

"It looks really fancy."

Yuri: "A-Ah..."

"Well..."

Embarrassed, Yuri looks away.

John: "What is it?"

Yuri: "You're going to think it's weird..."

John: "Yuri, whatever it is, I have no reason to judge."

"To each their own, you know?"

Yuri: "If you promise you won't be weirded out..."

John: "Yeah, I promise."

Yuri: "Alright..."

"The thing is, I'm kind of into knives..."

"They're just...so pretty..."

"I-I can't help it!"

"I don't know what it is..."

"The combination of craftsmanship and feeling of danger, maybe..."

"Uu, what am I saying...?"

"Please don't think I'm weird for this..."

John: "Ahaha."

Yuri: "You're laughing at me..."

John: "No, I'm not laughing at you."

"It's just funny how nervous you got about sharing."

"It's...well, it's an interesting thing to be into, I guess."

"But I think it kind of suits you."

Yuri: "Suits me...?"

John: "Yeah... It's kind of intense. Ahaha."

John: "Besides, it's a really cool-looking knife, I can't deny that."

Yuri: "It is, isn't it...?"

Yuri relaxes her expression once again.

Yuri: "Would you like to hold it?"

John: "Sure, I'll check it out."

Yuri carefully hands me the knife, with the handle facing me. I take it and turn it around in my hands. It feels heavy, and extremely solid. Where do you even get a knife like this...? Curious of its sharpness, I feel the point of the knife with my index finger.

John: "Ow-!"

Yuri: "John-!"

"Why did you do that?!"

John: "I didn't expect it to be that sharp...!"

"I barely touched it at all."

Yuri: "I-It's my fault!"

"I should have warned you..."

"This knife is extremely sharp..."

"It can cut through skin like it's paper."

"Oh no..."

A small drop of blood trickles down the side of my finger. Yuri takes my hand and gives the wound a closer look.

Yuri: "Ah..."

She stares at it and noticeably fidgets.

John: "If you're squeamish, I'll go wash it off now-"

"A-Ah!"

Without warning, Yuri puts my finger in her mouth and licks the wound. I feel her tongue curl around my finger. Startled, I instinctively pull my hand back.

Yuri: "O-Oh..."

"P-Please forgive me!"

"I wasn't thinking!"

"I..."

Yuri lowers her head, her face burning up.

John: "Yuri..."

Yuri: "That's the most embarrassing thing I've ever done..."

"How could I do something like that?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

John: "Ah..."

Sure, it was a little weird, and it took me by surprise...But I guess she was just trying to help, right...?

John: "Yuri, I think you're overreacting a little..."

Yuri: "Uuuh..."

She doesn't lift her head. What if she doesn't recover from this for the rest of the afternoon?

John: "Alright, you know what..."

This might be a stupid thing to do, but I do it anyway. I take Yuri's hand and lick her index finger in return.

Yuri: "Yuri-!"

"D-Did you really just do that?"

John: "N-Now we're even..."

Yuri: "..."

Yuri just looks at me like I did something wrong.

John: "Ahaha..."

"I knew that would be a bad idea..."

If not for the sweet aroma of the Jasmine oil, the air would be extremely heavy right now.

Yuri: "You're so weird, John."

Yuri giggles shyly.

John: "Eh...?"

Yuri calling me weird? I have no response to that…

Yuri: "Where do you keep your bandages?"

John: "Ah..."

"I don't think I need one, actually."

"It was a tiny cut."

"Look, it already stopped bleeding."

Yuri: "I see..."

"That's relieving."

The tension is quickly lifted. We each resume our respective activities. I watch Yuri's knife cut through the ribbon like it's nothing but air. Meanwhile, I continue to make progress on some posters. After we finish attaching the paper to the ribbons, we lay them all out side by side. It looks better than I expected and will be very effective as a door curtain.

John: "It looks great."

"Good thinking coming up with this, Yuri."

Yuri: "Ah, thanks..."

"It's just something I saw online, really."

"Are you ready to move onto the next task?"

John: "Yeah, let's do it."

"What do you have in mind?"

Yuri: "I'd like to create a banner."

"That's why I asked you to buy the paint tablets."

John: "Ah, that's right."

One of the items Yuri had asked me to buy was a kit of watercolor paint tablets.

Yuri: "We'll need about six cups of water to put each of the tablets in."

"Do you mind fetching those for us?"

John: "Of course not."

"Six cups of water..."

"I'll be right back in a minute."

Yuri: "Thank you very much."

"Oh, and just a little bit of water is okay."

"If you fill the cups too much, it will be too diluted."

Taking Yuri's advice, I decide to use small plastic bathroom cups rather than full-sized glasses. I put them on a plate to catch any paint that drips, then bring it back into my room.

John: "I'm back."

Yuri: Thank you. Let's start mixing the paint."

Yuri takes it upon herself to unwrap the tablets, dropping them into the cups.

Yuri: "So..."

"I thought we would do something simple that would look very nice."

"I'd like to paint a gradient across the banner..."

"Starting with the colors for a sunrise, then daytime, then sunset and nighttime."

"Once it dries, I'll write an inspirational quote across the banner."

"We can hang it on the wall behind the podium at the front of the classroom."

John: "Ah, neat."

"What are you going to write?"

Yuri: "Well..."

"...It will be more fun to surprise you."

Yuri smiles at me.

John: "If you say so..."

After rolling out the banner, Yuri and I kneel on opposite sides so we don't get in the way of each other. Yuri uses a brush and adds a few dots of different colors across the banner to serve as a color guide when we paint.

John: "This kind of reminds me of elementary school..."

Painting on a banner with watercolors feels a lot like the art class projects we had back then. It's relaxing.

Yuri: "Ah..."

"I'm sorry if this feels too childish...!"

John: "No, I didn't mean that at all."

"It's kind of fun, you know?"

Yuri: 1bs "...Yeah."

"It is fun."

"I'm glad you feel that way, too."

Yuri stops painting for a moment, thinking to herself.

Yuri: "For me..."

"I don't need to go out and do crazy things to have fun."

"In fact, I usually don't even want to."

"I just like when I can spend time with one other person..."

"Even if it's something simple, like reading - it doesn't even matter if we don't talk much."

"Just having a friend next to me makes things feel a little bit nicer."

"I think that's all it takes for me to be happy."

John: "Is that so...?"

Even if Yuri and I are quite different, I can understand where she's coming from. I feel that way about things like anime and games, where simply sharing the experience with someone can make me happy.

John: "I think I feel the same way."

Yuri smiles gently.

Yuri: "I knew you'd understand..."

Yuri leans over the banner to grab an unused paintbrush. But I move at the same time, causing my head to bump into hers.

Yuri: "Kya-!"

John: "S-Sorry!"

Yuri reels back, and I quickly lift my hands in surprise.

John: "Are you hurt?"

Yuri: "N-No, I'm not hurt."

"It just startled me...that's all."

"Sorry, I should have asked you to get it for me..."

John: "It's not your fault."

"Ah, your face..."

There are droplets of paint on Yuri's face and neck.

Yuri: "Is there something on my face?"

John: "Yeah, I accidentally got paint on you..."

"Sorry, it's totally my fault!"

"I'll get a towel right away."

I rush out and fetch a small towel, then I dampen it with hot water. I return to my room and kneel back down in front of her.

John: "Here..."

I pat down Yuri's face and neck with the towel.

Yuri: "Ah-"

John: "Is something wrong?"

Yuri: "It's hot...I just didn't expect it."

John: "Sorry..."

"I didn't want to use cold water."

Having finished, I start to retract my hand. But Yuri suddenly holds my wrist.

Yuri: "Wait-"

John: "Eh?"

Yuri: "Just...for a little longer."

"It feels really nice..."

John: "Ah..."

I keep my hand still against Yuri's neck.

She looks into my eyes. It's an intense expression that I recognize from when she reads her books...Almost as if she's lost in a daze, enveloped by her own thoughts. She breathes gently, half through slightly-parted lips. What is happening...? Is it the aroma of the Jasmine oil giving me this dizzy feeling? Yuri's gentle fingers, wrapped around my wrist, send a tingling sensation through my arm. And suddenly, her face seems to be much closer to mine than it was just a moment ago…

Yuri: "Ah..."

Yuri slowly pulls away.

Yuri: "Sorry..."

"I've been feeling a little light-headed today."

"I didn't mean to space out..."

John: "I-It's fine..."

The moment is over as soon as it began. Yuri picks up her brush again. But her movements seem clumsier, like she's unable to focus. I remain silent, forced to ignore the event that just transpired. I hesitantly retrieve my own brush and continue following Yuri's example.

John: "That should do it..."

I finish filling the night sky with white dots that looks like stars. Looking at the banner as a whole, it's very pretty and natural-looking.

Yuri: "I think it came out better than I expected."

"I'm really happy with the results."

John: "Yeah, me too."

"Are you going to add the lettering now?"

Yuri: "Ah, not yet..."

"It needs to dry first."

John: "That's true, but won't that take a while?"

Yuri: "Well..."

"Perhaps it would be best to leave it here, then have you bring it in the morning."

"I can do the lettering in the classroom before our event starts."

"Is that okay?"

John: "That's totally fine."

Yuri: "Wonderful."

"In that case..."

"I don't think there's anything more for us to do here."

John: "Phew."

Yuri: "Ahaha."

"You say that like you're glad it's over."

"Was I wrong to assume that you were at least enjoying yourself a little bit?"

John: "Ah, no, it's not that."

"I'm just glad that we managed to get everything done."

Yuri: "I see."

"I am, too."

"I was a little concerned about time..."

"I need to start making dinner soon."

John: "Ah..."

"So you don't have any time left?"

I was secretly hoping we would have extra time after finishing the work…

Yuri: "Well..."

Yuri thinks to herself.

Yuri: "I-I think it would be too irresponsible of me to wait much longer..."

"I'm sorry!"

"I was hoping there would be more time as well..."

John: "It's probably my fault."

"Sorry for being such a slow worker."

Yuri: "No, it's not your fault at all."

"And...the important thing is that we got everything done, right?"

John: "Yeah..."

Yuri: "So..."

"I shouldn't be disappointed...or anything."

Gathering all her things, Yuri seems to look a little downcast. I understand why. It sounded like she rarely gets the opportunity to spend time with friends in a relaxed environment. But that doesn't mean this is the last time it can happen…Once Yuri packs up, I walk her out the front door.

Yuri: "Thank you very much for having me today."

John: "No problem, I'm glad I was able to help."

"Just let me know if there's anything else you need me to bring tomorrow."

Yuri: "I will."

"Well, then..."

Yuri fidgets.

Yuri: "I guess...I'll see you tomorrow."

John: "Wait-"

I kind of say that without thinking.

John: "About today..."

"It's fine that we didn't have as much time as we wanted."

"Because we can do this again."

"Whenever you want, you can come over, or we can go out somewhere-"

"Ah, I forgot you don't like going out much-"

As I stumble over my words, Yuri simply smiles bashfully.

John: "Anyway..."

"You know what I'm trying to say, so..."

Yuri: "You're very thoughtful, John."

Yuri takes a step closer to me, then briefly squeezes my hand.

Yuri: "I kind of like that about you..."

John: "Well..."

How am I supposed to respond to that? But I don't even get a chance to, as Yuri suddenly pulls back.

Yuri: "I'm sorry, but I have to leave!"

"I'll see you tomorrow!"

Clearly embarrassed, Yuri hurries off. I stand there for a moment to think to myself; Was that a sign of anything? She began to blush as she ran off... Nah, I am just reading between the lines too much. I walk back inside my house, closing the door behind me. I find myself up in my room looking at the banner Yuri and I just did. We really did do a good job. I picked my poem the day before. I am all ready for the festival! I go over my plans to meet up with Yuri to set everything up tomorrow and then hangout with Sayori for the festival. I lay on my bed with anticipation for tomorrow…

John: "Tomorrow is going to be great!"