Doki Doki Literature Club!: Normal Mode (Part 2)

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 2

Chapter 6:

It's the day of the festival. Of all days, I expected this to be the one where I'd be walking to school with Sayori. But Sayori isn't answering her phone. I considered going to her house to wake her up, but decided that's a little too much. Meanwhile, the preparations for the event should be nearly complete. The banner Yuri and I painted is dry, and I gently rolled it up to take with me. She sent me a pleasant text reminding me not to forget anything, and I reassured her. Funnily enough, I probably feel the same way as Natsuki about the event. I'm more excited for it to be over so I can spend time with Sayori and Yuri at the festival. But knowing Monika, I'm sure the event will be great, too.

Monika: "John!"

"You're the first one here."

"Thanks for being early!"

John: "That's funny, I thought at least Yuri would be here by now."

Monika is placing little booklets on each of the desks in the classroom. They must be the ones she prepared that has all the poems we're performing. In the end, I found a random poem online that I thought Monika would like, and submitted it. So, that's the one I'll be performing.

Monika: "I'm surprised you didn't bring Sayori with you."

John: "Yeah, she overslept again..."

"That dummy."

"You'd think that on days this important, she'd try a little harder..."

I say that, but I suddenly remember what Sayori told me yesterday...And I suddenly feel awful, knowing it's not nearly that simple for her. I only said it because it's the way I'm used to thinking. But...Maybe I should have gone to wake her up after all?

Monika: "Ahaha."

"You should take a little responsibility for her, John!"

"I mean, especially because you two are so close..."

"You kind of left her hanging this morning, you know?"

John: "H-Huh…?!

I stammer, embarrassed. Monika changes the subject.

Monika: "Hey, do you want to check out the pamphlets?"

"They came out really nice!"

John: "Yeah, sure."

I grab one of the pamphlets laid out on the desks.

John: "Oh yeah, they really did."

"Something like this will definitely help people take the club more seriously."

Monika: "Yeah, I thought so too!"

I flip through the pages. Each member's poem is neatly printed on its own page, giving it an almost professional feel. I recognize Natsuki's and Yuri's poems from the ones they performed during our practice.

John: "What's this...?"

I flip to Sayori's poem. It's different from the one she practiced. It's one that I haven't read before...

John: "Ah-"

"She picked a good poem."

Suddenly, I get this urge to go to Sayori's house. It was a mistake not to walk her to school after my promise yesterday.

John: "I-I changed my mind!"

"I'm going to go get Sayori, so..."

Monika: "Ah-"

"Well, alright!"

"Try not to take too long, okay?"

I quickly leave the classroom. I need to wake her up quickly so I can get back here and help Yuri with the atmospheric decor. I quicken my pace. What was I thinking? It's not a big deal to at least wait for her, or help her wake up. Even the simple gesture of walking her to school makes her really happy.

I reach Sayori's house and knock on the door. I don't expect an answer, since she's not picking up her phone, either. Like yesterday, I open the door and let myself in.

John: "Sayori?"

She really is a heavy sleeper...I swallow. I can't believe I ended up doing this after all. Waking her up in her own house... Isn't that more like something a boyfriend would do? In any case...It just feels right. Outside Sayori's room, I knock on her door.

John: "Sayori?"

"Wake up, dummy..."

There's no response. I really didn't want to have to enter her room like this...Isn't it kind of a breach of privacy? But she really leaves me no choice.

I gently open the door.

John: "...Sayo-"

In front of me, I see Sayori in her bed, still sleeping. Wow, is she a heavy sleeper! I move towards Sayori's bed. I begin to shake her shoulder lightly to see if she will wake up. After a few seconds, her eyes open…

Sayori: "J-John…?"

"W-What are you doing in my room..?!"

John: "I am here to wake you up! I promised you we would spend the whole day together after all."

Sayori: "U-Umm… John? Can you wait downstairs? I appreciate this… but under these covers, I am…-"

I don't let her finish her sentence. My face is starting to glow a little bit red.

John: "I-I am sorry! I didn't know! Let me know when you are ready."

I go downstairs into Sayori's living room and wait for her to be ready. I hear the shower turn on. I will be here for a bit. I look into Sayori's kitchen. Sayori can't really cook, so I decide to make her some eggs and toast. By the time I am done making her breakfast, Sayori gracefully skips downstairs in her uniform.

Sayori: "Is that for me?"

John: "Enjoy. I am sorry about earlier."

Sayori: "It's okay, you didn't know!"

Sayori eats the eggs and toast really fast.

Sayori: "Thank you! That was very good!"

John: "No problem! Let's be on our way, shall we?"

Sayori and I exit her house and begin our trek to school. Most of the walk, we are silent and enjoying the late summer/early fall atmosphere. Before I know it, we are back in the school and entering the club room. Monika is still in the room and Yuri looks like she just got here too. Sayori greets everyone and starts helping Monika out. I go over to Yuri about the banner.

John: "Hi Yuri. How are you feeling about today."

Yuri: "To be honest…I am a bit nervous"

"But I also feel today will be a decent one."

"O-Oh..! By the way John."

Yuri pulls out a paper with the quote she wants on the banner. It reads:

"What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

John: "Yuri…"

"You did a great job with finding this quote!"

Yuri: "R-Really..?''

"Thanks John.

"I really admire Emerson's philosophy on life."

"I look at this quote when I need reassurance."

John: "That's great Yuri!"

Yuri: "Let me just quickly write it on the banner."

Yuri writes the quote on the banner quickly but somehow as neatly as her normal handwriting. I help Yuri place the banner on the club room wall.

John: "Shall we put up the rest of the atmospheric decorations?"

Yuri: "Yes! Let's!"

Yuri and I begin to put up the decorations. After all of the decorations are done, I look at the dispenser with the Jasmine loaded.

John: "Should I turn on the dispenser?"

Yuri: "Let's wait until the festival officially begins, okay?"

John: "Not a problem."

Natsuki walks into the club room, holding a tray of cupcakes.

Natsuki: "Hi guys!"

Sayori: "Natsuki, those cupcakes look delicious~!"

Sayori sticks her hand out to grab a cupcake, but is met by Natsuki's hand, knocking hers down.

Natsuki: "What do you think you're doing Sayori?!"

"You cannot have any until our part of the festival is done!"

"But-"

"I promise I will save one for you one."

Sayori: "Ehehe... sorry."

"And thank you."

Monika, Yuri and I laugh.

Yuri: "Sayori sure loves her sweets."

John: "She sure does."

Natsuki turns to Monika with a proud expression.

Natsuki: "Anyways, I have conquered your challenge!"

"I made all of these cupcakes by myself!"

Monika: "I see."

"I bet they are wonderful!"

Monika looks at the clock.

Monika: "Okay everyone!"

"We have about ten minutes until the festival starts!"

"How are we all feeling?"

Natsuki: "Nervous, but ready!"

Yuri: "I-I can do this..!"

Sayori: "Good and ready~!"

John: "Good. I have full faith this will go well for all of us!"

Monika: "Awww, thanks John!"

John: "Hehe."

Monika: "Anyways, I think we should all run through our poems one more time just so we are ready."

"Is that okay?"

J,S,Y,N: "Yes!"

We all begin practicing our poems in front of each other. We also worked out the order of who is going when. Monika is going first, then Natsuki, followed by Yuri, then Sayori and I will be last. I'm happy Natsuki and Yuri seem to be building more confidence and Sayori has perfected her speaking voice for her poem. I think I will do a good enough job too. Monika seemed to do great from the start and I believe she will knock it out of the park! We finish practicing. Two minutes until we start.

Yuri: "John…"

"If you want to put the Jasmine in the dispenser…"

"Now would be a good time."

I obey Yuri's command and turn on the dispenser and load the Jasmine in.

Sayori: "What is that, Yuri?"

Yuri: "It is 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."

"It is called aromatherapy."

"This smell, Jasmine, promotes relaxation and flowing of emotions, Sayori."

Sayori: "Ooooh, neat!"

"I actually feel more relaxed already!"

Yuri giggles.

Yuri: "I'm glad it is working for you then!"

Monika: "Okay, the festival officially starts in…"

"3…"

"2…"

"1…"

"The festival has begun!"

"We will begin our performance once enough people come in!"

Minute by minute, more people are coming in! There is now 15 guests in the club room, Monika stands up, walks to the front of the room and begins to speak:

Monika: "Good morning everyone~!"

"My name is Monika!"

"I am the president of our school's literature club!"

"As you can see in our pamphlets, we are going to perform some poems we found inspiring and gave us a passion for literature!"

"Today, I will be performing a poem called, The Way They Fly."

Just like when we were practicing, Monika is nailing it! Her delivery is strong and right on point. When she finished, Monika was met with a roaring round of applause. Monika thanks the audience and strolls towards us.

John: "Great job Monika!"

Sayori: "You nailed it!"

Natsuki and Yuri nod in approval.

Monika: "Thanks you guys!"

Monika turns to Natsuki.

Monika: "I bet you will hit it out of the park!"

Natsuki is slightly caught off guard by Monika's compliment.

Natsuki: "U-Uhh… thanks Monika."

Natsuki is shaking a little as she walks up to the podium.

Natsuki: "H-Hi… everyone."

"My name is Natsuki."

"And today I'll be reading…"

Natsuki freezes for a moment.

Natsuki: "Jump"

Natsuki starts off a little slow, but then begins to get comfortable reading in public. By the middle of her poem, she is performing the poem nearly flawless. She receives a round of applause when she is complete with her poem. Natsuki quickly walks back to us, clearly embarrassed.

Natsuki: "That was horrible!"

Monika: "What do you mean?!"

"You did way better than when you practiced with us."

"We were all impressed!"

Sayori, Yuri and I nod in agreement.

Natsuki: "O-Ok…"

"I believe you guys."

"Thanks…"

Monika: "Of course!"

"Hey Yuri."

"Are you ready?"

Yuri: "I can do this…"

Yuri keeps repeating that to herself. If it helps her build confidence, then good for her. Yuri takes a deep breath and walks to the podium, taking her time. At the podium, Yuri closes her eyes, takes another deep breath, and opens her eyes. I can she looks more relaxed now. I also believe the Jasmine in the air is helping her.

Yuri: "Hi…"

"My name is Yuri Ozolins…"

"I will be performing an original poem named Afterimage of a Crimson Eye."

Yuri stutters a little bit in the first few lines…And then, her quivering words transform into the sharp syllables of a fierce and confident woman. I remember on Thursday hearing her perform the poem like this. It really does help me get a small glimpse of Yuri on the inside. By the time Yuri finishes, the audience roared! She did amazing! Yuri may have even done better than Monika! As Yuri is walking back, she is blushing and staring at the floor.

John: "Yuri… that was incredibly good!"

"You crushed it!"

"I'm happy for you."

Yuri: "T-Thanks John... "

"I'm glad you feel that way."

Monika: "Honestly, that was much better than my performance!"

"Great job!"

"You should be proud of yourself!"

Sayori: "Yuri is the best!"

Yuri giggles and smiles. I bet this moment will help her with her confidence for a while.

Natsuki smiles.

Natsuki: "Great job Yuri!"

Yuri: "T-Thanks Natsuki."

"Good luck Sayori."

Sayori doesn't look the slightest bit nervous.

Sayori: "Thank you Yuri!"

"I'll do my best!"

John: "I bet you will!"

Sayori smiles at me as she walks up to the podium. Sayori easily addresses the crowd with her positive attitude.

Sayori: "Hi, I am Sayori!"

"I am the Vice President of the Literature Club!"

"I will be performing a poem I wrote called Rainclouds in Sunshine"

Sayori's performance is just as good as her opening. She sounds positive in the happy parts of her poem and negative in the sad parts. All while transitioning perfectly. We applaud when she finishes. Sayori thanks the crowd and skips towards us.

John: "Wow, you did amazing Sayori!"

Sayori: "Thanks John~!"

While Sayori is being complemented by the others, I am beginning to get nervous. I don't stand a chance to compare with these girls. They all did so well! I don't want to cost them any interested people! It's okay… I can do this! I can do this!

Sayori: "You can do it John~!"

Sayori snapped me out of my trance. I do feel better now though!

John: "You're right. I can!"

I walk up to the podium, I take a deep breath and begin.

John: "Hi everyone."

"My name is John."

"I will be performing Still I Rise."

I initially start off a little weak. But as the poem went on… I begin to sound much better. By the end of the poem, I sigh in relief. I get a round of applause from everyone.

John: "Thank you!"

I walk towards the other club members.

Sayori: "Great job!"

Yuri: "You did well, John!"

Monika: "You ended our performance on a great note!"

Natsuki: "You did good, dummy…"

John: "Thanks guys!"

I feel proud! I didn't let anyone down! Monika walks up to the podium.

Monika: "Well that concludes our performance!"

"Thank you for watching us perform!"

"We all had lots of fun preparing for this!"

"If you have any questions or are interested in our club, please talk to me or the other club members!"

"We also have cupcakes made by Natsuki!"

"Please enjoy and have a good time at the rest of the festival!"

Throughout the next 15 minutes, people are grabbing cupcakes and asking the members questions. I did not have anyone ask me anything, but I do believe a few people are interested in joining our club! I bet that'll make everyone happy! I just hope they follow through with it…After everyone leaves, I help Monika and the others clean up. After some time, we finish and the time comes for Sayori and I to go on our way.

John: "Sayori and I will be on our way now."

"Enjoy the festival and see you tomorrow!"

Sayori is smiling as she is consuming her cupcake that Natsuki promised her. Monika and Natsuki smile happily.

M&N: "Bye! Have fun!"

Yuri is trying to force a smile, but instead shows a depressed look.

Yuri: "H-Have fun together…"

Sayori and I walked out the door together. I can't stop thinking about Yuri's sad look seeing Sayori and I together. Is she jealous? Maybe. Should I have invited her to come with us? I look at Sayori as we are walking down the hall towards the other parts of the festival. I don't know how she would feel if I offered Yuri to tag along. Sayori may go back to what she was like yesterday. My intentions wouldn't be to hurt Sayori...But my intentions aren't to hurt Yuri either. I decide to forget about this for now and just focus on Sayori. After all, I did promise her I would hang out with her all day today, right? That's what I plan to do! I look at Sayori again. She looks back and smiles.

John: "Do you know where you would like to go?"

Sayori: "Ummm…"

"Hmmm…"

"I kind of want to watch the athletic students compete."

John: "Sure thing! I am down!"

Sayori smiles as we begin our trek to the track and field to watch the athletic events. There will be foot races, vaulting, shot put, long jump, hurdling, three legged races and other events like that. On our way, we see Yuri walking in the other direction with her head down. She looks like a mix of troubled and gloomy. Sayori walks away from me and towards Yuri.

Sayori: "Hiya Yuri~!"

Yuri picks up her head and tries to force a smile.

Yuri: "H-Hello Sayori...Are you enjoying the festival with John?"

Sayori: "I am! Are you enjoying the festival?"

Yuri looks away, embarrassed.

Yuri: "U-Uhhh…."

Sayori: "John and I don't want to see you being miserable by yourself. We were about to go and watch the athletic events by the track."

"Do you want to come with us?"

Yuri: "-u-hhh.."

"Would I be interrupting anything?"

Sayori: "Of course not!"

"We both want you to come."

Yuri: "Well…"

"A-Alright then."

Yuri smiles a little as she follows Sayori back to me.

John: "Hey Yuri."

"Will you be joining us?"

Yuri: "I guess I am.."

Sayori: "Let's go~!"

Sayori leads Yuri and I to the bleachers. We sit towards the top of the bleachers where we won't be surrounded by as many people. The events begin and everybody is cheering. I have to admit. The events are entertaining. Sayori begins to cheer with the crowd. Even Yuri is smiling happily. I begin to cheer too. The festival is going better than expected already! The games end and we leave the bleachers.

Sayori: "That was fun to watch!"

John: "Haha! I agree."

Sayori: "What about you, Yuri?''

Yuri is still smiling from before.

Yuri: "I-It was fun to watch…"

"Thank you for letting me tag along."

John: "It was no problem to us."

"We did want you to come with us after all!"

Yuri starts to blush as she smiles.

Yuri: "A-Are you guys hungry?"

"I'll pay."

John: "Yes."

"But don't worry about paying, either of you."

Sayori: "Awww~!"

"Thanks John~"

Yuri: "I owe you…"

John: "No you don't."

"It's fine."

The nearest food shack is selling burgers and chicken teriyaki.

John: "What do you guys want?"

Sayori: "I'll have the burger please!"

Yuri: "U-umm…"

"Teriyaki would be nice…"

I nod and get on line. In 5 minutes, I get the food. I ordered a burger for myself. I walk to an open table for 3.

John: "Over here!"

Sayori and Yuri walk over to the table and sit down. I give them their food and I unwrap mine. Before I can take 3 bites, Sayori finishes her burger. Yuri and I look at her in complete shock. How did she finish that so fast?! I mean she is always hungry, but never have I seen her eat so fast!

Yuri: "U-Ummm Sayori?"

"How did you eat that so fast..?!"

Sayori giggled.

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"I was hungry!"

John: "You are always hungry!"

Sayori: "Yeah well…"

"This time, I was SUPER MEGA hungry!"

Yuri and I laugh and finish our food.

Yuri: "Thanks John…"

"It was good...You shouldn't hav-"

John: "It was my treat!"

I look at my phone to check the time. There's only an hour left of the festival. Wow, time flies.

John: "So…"

"Anything else you two have in mind?"

"We have an hour left."

Yuri shrugs. Sayori thinks for a moment.

Sayori: "Aha!"

"How about we join the trivia game over there!"

"They are starting soon!"

Sayori points to a classroom that has a sign saying, "Ultimate Trivia" over it.

Yuri: "That...could be fun."

John: "I agree, let's do it!"

We walk into the classroom and sign up as a team. We are then directed to our table. We sit there until the announcer welcomes everyone and announces the game is starting. All 3 of us seem excited to see how we will do…

John: "Well…"

"We didn't win."

"But we still did well!"

"And I had fun!"

Yuri: "I still had fun…"

Sayori: "Yeah! Fourth place is still good!"

We started off very well in the beginning. But then the questions became extremely hard. Yuri surprisingly was carrying us. I know she is very intelligent, but I wouldn't have expected her to know half of this stuff! I look at my watch.

John: "Wow, it's 7:30 already!"

We all forgot how long the events were at the track and field since we were having so much fun. We only did trivia for the last hour of the festival. Sayori looks at the sky as it turns orange from the sun going down.

Sayori: "Does this mean our day is over?"

Yuri: "..."

Yuri smiles sadly, looking at the ground.

John: "It doesn't have to be."

Both girls perk up.

Yuri: "What do you have in mind then?"

John: "How about ice cream?"

Sayori: "Ooooo~!"

Yuri: "T-That would be nice…"

Sayori: "Let's go!"

Sayori leads us to the nearest ice cream parlor. It was only about a ten minute walk. The whole time, Sayori was ranting about her favorite ice cream flavors as Yuri and I laughed. I stand on line for the girls as they pick out a table. Yuri and I are getting chocolate ice cream. Sayori is getting cookie dough. I remember that being her favorite flavor since we were in Pre K. I order and pay for the ice cream.

Yuri: "Here… let me help you."

Yuri grabs hers to make it easier for me.

John: "Thank you!"

Yuri "Mhm!"

We both walk to the table with a hungry Sayori waiting for us. Once again, Sayori devoured the ice cream in front of us as Yuri and I took our time.

Sayori: "Shooo good~!"

John: "You can say that again!"

"Haven't had ice cream since the summer."

Yuri: "I-It's been a while for me as well."

"Never been to this one."

"I usually go to the other one across town."

John: "Are you impressed?"

Yuri giggles.

Yuri: "I guess you can say that…"

Yuri finishes her ice cream and checks her phone for the time. It also appears she has a long, wordy text from someone. Her facial expression changes from happy to anxious.

Yuri: "I-I have to go…!"

"Thank you for treating me today."

"And Sayori…"

"Thanks for inviting me."

"See you b-both tomorrow…!"

Yuri quickly hurries off.

Sayori: "What was that about?"

John: "I think something came up for her."

"Maybe we can ask tomorrow."

"Anyways…"

"Ready to go home?"

Sayori: "Sure!"

I finish my ice cream as I walk Sayori home. It is dark and I think it's a bad idea for a girl to walk home by herself. Besides, we always walk home together! Most of the way home, we walked in silence taking in the atmosphere around us. Even though it could be nothing, I am a little nervous about Yuri. I'll definitely bring it up tomorrow. We reach Sayori's house. I walk her up to her porch.

John: "I had lots of fun today!"

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"Same here!"

Sayori embraces me. A little shocked I hug back.

Sayori: "Thanks for the great day!"

"Today showed me you still care."

John: "Of course! And I always have."

"That will never change!"

Sayori lets go. I let go as well.

Sayori: "Well…"

"See you tomorrow~!"

John: "Good night Sayori!"

Sayori closes the door as I turn around and begin my short trek to my home. I think to myself on how great of a day it was. I really did have fun today! I bit my lip. It was with 2 beautiful girls. Would that be considered a date? I shake my head. What am I thinking? It definitely wasn't! I have to stop fooling myself. I know I have been friends with Sayori for years, but that's all we are! And Yuri, we just met. We have great chemistry, I don't want to ruin it! Best to think of it as a day with 2 good friends. I enter my house and walk up to my bed, plopping on the bed. I can't believe I saw Sayori like that! Never have I in all of my years. I need to remind myself that we are only friends. Anything else can ruin everything! Yuri is new. I don't want to do anything right now with her. At least I'll get to see them both tomorrow… I'm also glad our part of the festival went well. I also think it will be interesting to spend some time with Natsuki like I promised her. "What a day tomorrow will be" I think to myself as I drift off to sleep.

Chapter 7:

Monika: "Hi John!"

"How was your day?"

I seem to be one of the first people in the club room. Monika looks like she just got here as well.

John: "My day was good."

"No piano practice today?"

Monika laughs.

Monika: "Ahahah!"

"I kept track of the time today."

John: "Haha good."

"Did you enjoy the rest of the festival?"

Monika nods.

Monika: "We also may have two new members!"

"They will start next week if they confirm they will attend!"

John: "That's great!"

"You are a great president."

Monika: "Awww~"

"Thanks, but the truth is…"

"I couldn't have done it without you and the others!"

John: "We were all happy to help!"

Sayori: "Hi John~!"

"Hi Monika~!"

Sayori must have entered the club room during our conversation. Monika and I greet her.

M&J: "Hello!"

John: "How was your day?"

Sayori: "Same old same old~!"

"Friends...work...daydreaming…"

I laugh.

Natsuki enters the room, with a note?

Natsuki: "Sorry for being late."

Monika: "You're fine Natsuki."

Natsuki:"Okay…"

"That's good I guess…"

Natsuki hids the note in her pocket. Yuri walks in and appears to be out of breath.

Yuri: "Uhuhuh…"

"S-Sorry for being late."

Monika: "It's okay Yuri."

"But…"

"Why are you out of breath?!"

"Were you rushing here?"

Yuri: "Mhm…"

Monika: "Next time, you don't have to be in such a panic if you are a little late."

Yuri nodded.

Monika: "Anyways…"

"Can I have everyone's attention?"

Everyone, including me, looks at Monika to listen to what she has to say.

Monika: "I just want to sincerely thank you to all of you!"

"Yesterday would have been impossible without everyone's help and efforts."

"And because of your help…"

"We just might have acquired two new members!"

"If they confirm, they will start next week!"

Everyone was in amazement, save from me because I already knew.

Sayori: "Wow~!"

"That's awesome!"

Yuri: "I feel happy for you Monika."

Natsuki: "Hopefully they don't kill the atmosphere…"

Monika: "One more announcement, I decided we are only going to share poems on occasion."

"I understand it is hard and taxing to craft a good poem every day."

"I will let you all know when it will come up next~!"

Everyone seems to agree. I think that's better for me too.

Monika: "Okay everyone, enjoy what you want to read!"

Yuri walks back to her desk and pulls out a book, this time, it's a different one then what we were reading. Sayori is having a chat with Monika. Natsuki pulled out her note and disappeared into the closet.

Natsuki: "Ugh...!"

I hear Natsuki utter an exasperated sigh from within the closet. She seems to be annoyed by something. I approach her, in case she needs a hand. We were going to hangout after all.

John: "You looking for something in there?"

Natsuki: "Freaking Monika..."

"She never puts my stuff back in the right spot!"

"What's the point in keeping your collection organized if someone else is just gonna mess it up?"

Natsuki slides a bunch of stacked books and boxes across the shelf.

John: "Is that why you had that note in your hand?"

Natsuki blushes.

Natsuki: "W-What?!"

"M-Maybe?"

"I made a note of where it was supposed to be."

There's a lone volume of manga amidst a stack of various books on the side of one of the shelves. Curious, I pull it out of the stack.

Natsuki: "There it is!"

Natsuki snatches it out of my hand. She then turns to a box of manga and slips the volume right into the middle of the rest.

Natsuki: "Aah, much better!"

"Seeing a box set with one book missing is probably the most irritating sight in the world."

John: "I know that feel..."

I get a closer look at the box set she's admiring.

John: "Parfait Girls...?"

It's a series I've never heard of in my life. That probably means it's either way out of my demographic, or it's simply terrible.

Natsuki: "If you're gonna judge, you can go do it through the glass on that door."

She points to the classroom door.

John: "H-Hey, I wasn't judging anything...!"

"I didn't even say anything."

Natsuki: "It was the tone of your voice."

"But I'll tell you one thing, John."

"Consider this a lesson straight from the Literature Club: Don't judge a book by its cover!"

"In fact-"

Natsuki pulls out the first volume of Parfait Girls from the box.

Natsuki: "I'm gonna show you exactly why!"

She shoves the book right into my hands.

John: "Ah..."

I stare at the cover. It features four girls in colorful attire striking animated feminine poses. It's...exceedingly "moe".

Natsuki: "Don't just stand there!"

John: "Uwa-"

Natsuki grabs my arm and pulls me out of the closet. She then takes a seat against the wall, beneath the windowsills. She pats on the ground next to her, signaling me to sit there.

John: "Wouldn't chairs be more comfortable...?"

I take my seat.

Natsuki: "Chairs wouldn't work."

"We can't read at the same time like that."

John: "Eh? Why's that?"

Natsuki gives me a mean glare.

John: "Ah...I guess it's easier to be close together like this..."

I read with Yuri on desks before and we did fine. Whatever, as long as she's happy.

Natsuki: "-!"

"D-Don't just say that!"

"You'll make me feel weird about it!"

Natsuki crosses her arms and scootches an inch away from me.

John: "Sorry..."

I didn't exactly expect to be sitting this close to her, either… Not that I can say it's a particularly bad thing. I open the book. It's only a few seconds before Natsuki once again inches closer, reclaiming the additional space while she hopes I won't notice. I can feel her peering over my shoulder, much more eager to begin reading than I am.

Natsuki: "Wow, how long has it been since I read the beginning...?"

John: "Hm?"

"You don't go back and flip through the older volumes every now and then?"

Natsuki: "Not really."

"Maybe sometimes after I've already finished the series."

"Hey, are you paying attention?"

John: "Uh..."

I am, but nothing's really happened yet, so I can talk at the same time. It looks like it's about a bunch of friends in high school. Typical slice-of-life affair. I kind of grew out of these, since it's rare for the writing to be entertaining enough to make up for the lack of plot.

John: "So..."

"What should I expect from this?"

"Is there going to be plot?"

Natsuki: "Well, obviously!"

"You think I would enjoy something that didn't have a plot?"

"I mean..."

"Well, I guess I know what you're saying..."

"A lot of the beginning is about simple things..."

"Like there's a really funny chapter where they're obsessed with a guy at the ice cream shop..."

"But that just helps you get to know the characters!"

"And besides, it's still entertaining."

"But later on, there's all kinds of drama..."

"Like when they get into all their backstories, and when some of the romance starts to happen..."

"That's really what makes it so good."

"There are so many touching parts."

John: "Ah, is that so?"

"It sounds like you really know what you're talking about."

"Maybe I underestimated you."

Natsuki: "Ehehe."

"...Hey, wait!"

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

John: "Uwa-"

Natsuki gives me a little shove.

John: "I just meant that I haven't yet seen you at your full power..."

Natsuki: "Hmph. Good save."

John: "Ah... This chapter seems like it's about baking."

"This is just a guess, but is there a lot of baking in this manga?"

Natsuki: "Well-"

Natsuki pauses for a moment, as if she doesn't want to admit something.

Natsuki: "...Yeah."

"Why does that matter?"

John: "It doesn't, I was just curious..."

"Since you enjoy baking too, right?"

Natsuki: "That's-"

"Just a coincidence!"

"I just happened to get into baking around the same time I got this manga."

"Like I would ever get into anything because it's in a manga."

"I feel bad for anyone that impressionable."

"Ahaha!"

Definitely not a coincidence… I guess that explains Natsuki's interest in baking. Still, of all the hobbies to pick up from a manga, that's definitely one of the better ones. Not to mention she's really good at it, so who am I to judge?

J&N: "..."

We read on for a few more minutes. I've finished a couple chapters at this point.

John: "..."

"...Are you sure this isn't boring for you?"

Natsuki: "It's not!"

John: "Even though you're just watching me read?"

Natsuki: "Well...!"

"I'm...fine with that."

John: "If you say so..."

"...I guess it's fun sharing something you like with someone else."

"I always get excited when I convince any of my friends to pick up a series I enjoy."

"You know what I mean?"

Natsuki: "...?"

John: "Hm?"

"You don't?"

Natsuki: "Um..."

"That's not..."

"Well, I wouldn't really know."

John: "...What do you mean?"

"Don't you share your manga with your friends?"

Natsuki: "Could you not rub it in?"

"Jeez..."

John: "Ah... Sorry..."

Natsuki: "Hmph."

"Like I could ever get my friends to read this..."

"They just think manga is for kids."

"I can't even bring it up without them being all like..."

"'Eh? You still haven't grown out of that yet?'"

"Makes me want to punch them in the face..."

John: "Urgh, I know those kinds of people..."

"Honestly, it takes a lot of effort to find friends who don't judge, much less friends who are also into it..."

"I'm already kind of a loser, so I guess I gravitated toward the other losers over time."

"But it's probably harder for someone like you..."

Natsuki: "Hm."

"Yeah, that's pretty accurate."

...Wait, which part?

Natsuki: "I mean, I feel like I can't even keep it in my own room..."

"I don't even know what my dad would do if he found this."

"At least it's safe here in the clubroom."

"'Cept Monika was kind of a jerk about it..."

"Ugh! I just can't win, can I?"

John: "Well, it paid off in the end, didn't it?"

"I mean, here I am, reading it."

Natsuki: "Well, it's not like that solves any of my problems."

John: "Maybe..."

"But at least you're enjoying yourself, right?"

Natsuki: "-"

"..."

"...So?"

John: "Ahaha."

Natsuki: "Jeez, that's enough!"

"Are you gonna keep reading, or what?"

John: "Yeah, yeah..."

I flip the page. Suddenly, Natsuki starts laughing.

Natsuki: "Ahahaha!"

"I totally forgot that happens!"

Natsuki puts her finger on one of the panels.

Natsuki: "Minori is my favorite character."

"You always feel a little bad for her, since she's so unlucky."

"But it gets especially bad when-"

"Uu..."

"I shouldn't be talking about that yet!"

"Just finish this chapter!"

Natsuki's voice sparkles with excitement. It's a stark contrast to her usual bossy tone. But if she's not used to sharing her favorite manga with her friends, I can understand why. It's hard to express in words the feeling you get when connecting with someone like that. And being able to provide that to Natsuki, for whom it's a rare experience...The thought makes me smile a little to myself.

Monika: "Okay, everyone!"

"I think we can call it a day today!

Natsuki: "Oh, come on!"

"Could your timing be any worse?"

Monika: "Sorry~!"

"I just need to make sure we leave before the next club uses the room."

"Though you do look pretty cozy over there. Ahaha!"

Natsuki: "Eh...?"

"A-Ah!"

Natsuki suddenly notices how close she's gotten to me. She hastily slides herself a good twelve inches away from me.

John: "Alright..."

"Guess I'll stop here for now."

I close the book and hand it towards Natsuki.

Natsuki: "You're just giving it back...?"

"Don't you want to know what happens?"

John: "Ah... Yeah, but..."

"Monika just said-"

Natsuki: "Don't be dumb."

"Just take it home with you."

John: "Eh?"

"...Is that really alright?"

I say that mostly because I really didn't plan on using my spare time to read this…

Natsuki: "Well, of course."

"It would take forever to finish if you didn't take it home."

"Just finish that one before tomorrow, so we can start the next one."

"And if it gets bent, I'll kill you."

John: "By tomorrow...?"

I only got part way through the volume so far. I might fall behind on some shows if I try to get through this...But I suppose that's a necessary sacrifice in exchange for seeing Natsuki's enthusiastic face. Or am I more scared of what will happen if I don't finish it...?

John: "Alright, then!"

I stand up. I return to where I put my stuff and carefully slip the book into my bag. I look at Yuri as she closes up her book. She looks unenthused. Maybe because I didn't spend time with her today? I'll have to make more of an effort tomorrow.

John: "Have a good day Yuri. I'll see you tomorrow!"

Yuri: "B-Bye John…"

Yuri walks past me without making eye contact. Is she jealous? Maybe. I'll definitely talk to her tomorrow. We have to finish "The Portrait of Markov" as well. As Natsuki leaves the club room, I wave to her. She waves back and walks down the hallway. I walk up to Sayori and Monika.

John: "Have a good one Monika."

"Ready to walk home, Sayori?"

Sayori: "Sure! Bye Monika~!"

Monika: "Bye you two!"

Sayori and I exit the club room, walk down the hallway and exit the school. On the walk home, we take in the scenary and remanence about old times. We approach her house and I walk her to her door.

John: "Maybe tomorrow, you can get up in time to walk to school with me?"

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"I'll try my best!"

John: "Got to study now, I'll see you tomorrow morning hopefully!"

Sayori: "Bye~!"

Sayori has a huge smile on her face as I leave. I do enjoy our walks together. I hope she does get up earlier tomorrow to go on a walk. I also need to make more of an effort to talk to Yuri tomorrow. In the meantime, I have to go study and then read the rest of the volume! I enter my house, sit in my room and pull out books I use to study and the manga to read later.

Chapter 8:

I wake up and stare at my ceiling. Another decent day may be ahead of me. Today, I will try to talk to Yuri and continue the manga with Natsuki. I get out of bed, shower, eat, brush my teeth and pack up my books that I used to study last night. I hope Sayori is awake in time to walk to school. I did miss those days of walking to school together. We have only done that once lately and that was for her to discuss clubs with me. As I leave my house, I see a familiar figure standing at the edge of my property.

Sayori: "Heeeeeyy John~!"

"I told you I would try my best."

"Ehehe~!"

John: "Good morning Sayori."

"Ready to go to school?"

Sayori: "Sure am!"

Sayori and I begin our walk to school. Today is a bit cloudy, so we focus on getting to school quicker to avoid possible rain. Soon enough, we arrive at the school.

John: "I'll see you at the club, okay?"

Sayori: "Bye John."

We both part ways to go attend our first period classes. As of lately, I have been having more of an urge to see Sayori, not even because of what happened on Sunday. What's happening to me? She's just a friend. We have been friends forever. There can't be anything for her, there can't! As I enter my room, I forget about Sayori and focus on the day. Before I knew it, it was lunch time. I remember Yuri saying last week that she sits alone at lunch. Should I sit with her? Or will I just bug her? I walk around the school to find her. She is nowhere to be scene in the school. I check the courtyard. I barely ever go here. To my surprise, Yuri was there, sitting by herself under a tree. She appears to be eating an eggroll while reading the book from yesterday. Maybe I shouldn't bug her.

Yuri: "J-John…?"

Yuri spots me and blushes.

Yuri: "W-What are you...doing here?"

"Shouldn't you be with y-your friends...?"

John: "Eh, I didn't feel like eating with them today."

"Also, we are friends."

"I wanted to chat with you because we didn't yesterday."

Yuri: "O-Oh…"

"Well in that case…"

Yuri moves her lunch bag and backpack from her left side to her right side.

Yuri: "You can s-sit here...if you'd like."

John: "Thank you."

I take a seat next to Yuri under the tree.

John: "So what book are you reading?"

Yuri: "I am reading a fantasy narrative called The American Gods."

"The world they create in this novel is really fascinating and intricate."

"I also think the main character is relatable."

"It keeps me enticed as I keep reading."

John: "That sounds great Yuri."

"Oh this reminds me."

"I was waiting for a time for us to continue The Portrait of Markov."

Yuri: "A-Ah...I was too."

"That's why I started this book yesterday…"

"Because you and Natsuki were hanging out…"

"I didn't want to interrupt anything…"

John: "Ah don't worry."

"You can talk to me whenever you want."

Yuri giggled.

Yuri: "You can be weird, John."

She's one to talk.

Yuri: "I would like to continue the book…"

John: "How about we continue tomorrow?"

Yuri: "E-Eh..?"

"What about your other friends?"

John: "Eh, it's fine."

"I'd rather talk to you."

Yuri: "O-Oh…"

"Well then…"

Yuri takes a second to collect her thoughts.

Yuri: "..."

"Tomorrow should be fun then."

John: "Indeed."

Just as that word escapes my mouth the bell rings.

John: "Oh shoot…"

"I have to go to class."

"I'll see you at the club Yuri."

Yuri: "Bye…"

I get up, pack up my stuff and get on my way to my next class. Yuri didn't see too happy for the period to end, and frankly… nor was I. I walk to enter my classroom and take my seat. The day flies by and school is now over. It is time for me to go to the club meeting again. As I enter, it seems like I am the last person here.

John: "Hi."

"Am I late?"

Monika: "Haha, no!"

"You're on time."

John: "Good."

I wave to Yuri who is already reading her book. She looks up and waves shyly back. I get comfortable and start up a chat with Sayori for a minute.

Natsuki: "..."

It's not long before Natsuki comes up to me expectantly.

John: "Excuse me, Sayori. I'll talk to you later."

Sayori: "Not a problem!"

I walk over to my bag with Natsuki following me.

John: "Don't worry, I kept my promise."

I pull the first volume of Parfait Girls out from my bag. Natsuki takes it from my hands, then quickly turns it over, presumably to check for wrinkles.

John: "Hey, I'm not that careless..."

"I handle manga all the time, you know."

Natsuki: "I just wanted to make sure!"

"Can you blame me for being paranoid?"

"I don't give people my manga every day, you know."

John: "That's true..."

"I don't blame you."

Natsuki: "Well anyway, let me put this one back."

"I'm gonna get the next one, okay?"

Natsuki makes her way to the closet. I follow.

Natsuki: "So you're gonna tell me everything you thought, right?"

"Where did this volume leave off again? I forget."

John: "Ah, the chapter ended when Minori and Alice found-"

Natsuki: "Monika!"

Natsuki's voice resonates out from inside the closet.

John: "Eh...?"

I peer inside. All of Natsuki's books are lined up on the top shelf.

Natsuki: "Did you move my manga again?!"

Monika: "Ah, sorry, sorry!"

"The teacher got mad at me for taking up so much space in her closet..."

"So I had to move some stuff around and clean up a little bit."

"It's all still there, I just had to organize it a bit!"

Natsuki: "Ugh..."

The top shelf is far above Natsuki's head. She makes a futile hop, trying to figure out how to reach her manga.

Natsuki: "Jeez...!"

"This is so inconvenient!"

"I'm moving these all back down."

"There's plenty of room on these shelves."

"And besides..."

"They're really pretty to look at when they're all lined up!"

Natsuki: "Why would you waste that on the top shelf?"

John: "Ah, Natsuki..."

"There's a stool on the wall there."

In the closet, there's a collapsible stool that's hanging on the wall.

John: "If you want, I can reach up there and hand them to you..."

Natsuki: "I can get them myself!"

Natsuki grabs the stool from the wall and unfolds it.

Natsuki: "You think I'm too short or something?"

John: "I mean-"

Natsuki: "I knew it!"

"Well, you know what?"

"Just watch me!"

Natsuki hops onto the stool, which ends up being a little wobbly because of its collapsible design.

Natsuki: "A-Ah..."

John: "Careful..."

Natsuki; "I know what I'm doing!"

Standing on the stool, Natsuki's fingertips reach the top shelf. The stool would be enough for me to easily grab the books, but Natsuki is being stubborn as usual.

Natsuki: "U-Uuuh..."

Natsuki uses her fingers to scoot one of the smaller boxes to the edge of the shelf.

Natsuki: "See...?"

"Kyah-!"

The box suddenly tips. Natsuki barely catches it before it falls to the floor. The stool wobbles.

Natsuki: "Wawaa-"

Losing balance, Natsuki hops off the stool. Thankfully, she was able to stay on her feet. She holds the box triumphantly.

Natsuki: "T-There!"

Having almost fell, Natsuki is a bit shaken up.

John: "Jeez..."

"No need to prove yourself to me."

"There's no way you'll be able to get the bigger boxes like that."

"I can reach them, so just-"

Natsuki: "I said I can do it!"

"I don't want your help, okay?"

I sigh.

Natsuki: "I'm gonna get a chair, so just hang on."

Natsuki forces her way past me out of the closet.

Natsuki: "Let's see..."

The classroom chairs have the desks attached, so they're too inconvenient to fit into the closet.

Natsuki: "Aha!"

Natsuki trots over to the teacher's desk, which has a computer chair behind it. She rolls it on its wheels back over to the closet.

John: "Ah-"

It's a little dangerous, since the chair swivels and rolls. But I've already learned my lesson, so I keep my mouth shut.

Natsuki: "Ush-"

Natsuki climbs onto the chair, then slowly balances onto her feet. Since she refuses my help, I take a seat with my back against the side of the doorway and simply watch.

Natsuki: "Aha! There we go!"

"See? I can easily do it now."

Natsuki grabs a stack of manga and bends down to put it on the shelf below.

Natsuki: "W-Wahh-"

The chair swivels. Natsuki catches herself on the shelf. I quietly question Natsuki's intelligence.

Natsuki: "What are you doing?"

"Can you at least hold the chair steady instead of sitting and doing nothing?"

(Who was it who told me not to help...?)

John: "Yeah, yeah...I got you."

I hold the chair while Natsuki reaches back up.

John: "-!"

I can...I can almost see up her skirt?! I can feel a little bit of blood coming out of my nose.

John: "Guh-"

I force myself to turn away. Natsuki seriously didn't think this through...! Once she realizes, I'll be dead!

Natsuki: "Hup-"

Natsuki wraps her arms around the Parfait Girls box set, easily the largest one on the shelf.

Natsuki: "Uu...heavy..."

"Hey, John..."

"I-I don't think I can bend down without falling...!"

"Hurry and take this one..."

John: "Eh?"

"But then I have to let go of the chair..."

Natsuki: "That's fine...!"

"Just for a second!"

"Hurry up..."

John: "Alright...!"

"Let me just stand up."

I slowly release my grip from the chair.

Natsuki: "What do you mean 'stand up'?"

Natsuki looks down at me.

Natsuki: "Why are you all the way back-"

"E-Eh...?"

Natsuki looks like she just realized something, but she'll lose her balance if she moves.

John: "Natsuki, the box-"

Natsuki: "W-What are you looking at?!"

John: "-!"

Natsuki: "You're trying to look at my...m-my..."

Natsuki's legs shake.

John: "I-I'm not! I was just-"

"-Natsuki, don't try to move!"

"Just give me the box!"

Natsuki: "You...you perv!"

"You set me up!"

"Go away!"

"Get out!"

John: "But-"

Natsuki: "I'll do it myself!"

Natsuki: "A-Ah-"

The chair suddenly swivels beneath Natsuki's feet.

John: "Natsuki-!"

Natsuki: "Kyaaaaa!"

The scene turns to chaos in a split second. The chair flies from under Natsuki's feet. Frantically, I try to catch her. The box topples out of her hands, and the books go flying.

John: "I got you-"

Crash! The full force of Natsuki's body against me throws me to the ground. A whole bunch of books pelt me in the face. Natsuki tries to shield herself with her own arms as her face lands straight on my chest.

John: "Ungh..."

My right arm and my back seriously felt the impact.

Natsuki: "U-Uu..."

Slowly, Natsuki comes to her senses.

John: "Ghk-!"

She presses her arms straight into me to prop herself up.

Natsuki: "Eh...?"

Natsuki seems to realize that it's not the floor that's beneath her.

Natsuki: "G-Guuuuu...!"

"Gross! Gross!"

John: "Ghak-!"

A fist pounds into my chest. Natsuki then hoists herself to her feet.

Natsuki: "What were you thinking?!"

"You sicko!"

Monika: "Everything okay over there...?"

"I heard a loud noise..."

Monika suddenly peers in.

Natsuki: "Monika!"

"See what happens when you put the manga on the top shelf?!"

"Are you trying to kill your club members or something?"

"Jeez!"

Monika: "S-Sorry, sorry!"

"Ahaha..."

Natsuki: "Oh, and one more thing."

"It seems like your most recent club member is a total pervert."

"So I hope you're happy."

John: "I didn't-!"

Somehow, it's impossible for me to explain this whole bizarre situation to Monika.

John: "I didn't do anything, I swear...!"

Monika: "I know, I know, don't worry~"

Monika says that quietly to me. Looks like I'm off the hook...

Natsuki: "Oh no...!"

"My...my..."

John: "Eh?"

I look down. Natsuki is kneeling on the floor, holding one of the books that are scattered all over. There's a large diagonal crease along the page that she's desperately trying to smooth out.

John: "Ah, it must have landed on the page..."

Natsuki tries a bit more to fix the crease, but she can't get it out. Suddenly, she gives up and slams the book shut, then throws it to the floor. Instead of continuing to yell, she just lowers her head. Natsuki begins to sob.

John: "...Natsuki, are you-"

Natsuki: "No!"

Natsuki's voice squeaks. I see tears on her face.

John: "Ah..."

"I'll help get the crease out, okay?"

"It's partially my fault, so..."

Natsuki shakes her head, still looking down.

Natsuki: "No..."

"I don't even care that much..."

"I'm just..."

"Having a really bad day today..."

Natsuki sobs again.

Natsuki: "I didn't mean to take it out on you..."

"I really didn't mean to!"

John: "It's...it's fine."

"...Is there anything you want to talk about?"

Natsuki shakes her head.

Natsuki: "Just..."

"Every day..."

"I just want to..."

"...come to the club and..."

"...not be..."

Natsuki falls silent again. I can't press her, so I can only do what I know how to do.

John: "Alright..."

"Well, I'll help clean this up."

"And I'll move the rest of your manga for you."

"Ah."

I pick up volume 2 of Parfait Girls.

John: "We'll set this one aside."

"This'll help cheer you up a bit, right?"

"We can get started on it once I'm done here."

Natsuki looks up with her glossy eyes. Her lip quivers.

Natsuki: "You're..."

"You're really nice to me..."

John: "Eh?"

That sounds really strange, coming from Natsuki. I didn't expect it at all.

John: "Well..."

"I'm just treating you like a friend, you know?"

Natsuki: "Nn..."

Natsuki lowers her head and stifles another sob. I'm not sure what happened to her today, but being nice is the least I could do. The next couple minutes are silent between us as I begin gathering the scattered books. I make sure to slip them into the box in their correct order. After a little bit, Natsuki starts helping. It isn't long before we're done, and I hoist the box onto the shelf where Natsuki wanted to put it. Then, I get on the stool and quickly finish moving the rest of her books from the top shelf.

John: "Alright-!"

"That should do it."

I hop off the stool.

Natsuki averts her gaze.

Natsuki: "T-Thanks..."

John: "Ahaha..."

"It's nothing."

Natsuki is holding the volume I set aside in her hands.

John: "Alright, I'm ready."

Natsuki: "Good."

"Even if you weren't, I'd make you anyway."

"You're taking responsibility for what you said."

"The thing about cheering me up."

John: "If you insist!"

We sit in the same spot as last time, and I open the second volume. Natsuki's mood quickly improves, laughing and pointing things out to me. She's surprisingly sharp, making note of a lot of subtle repeated jokes and background elements. In the end, I'm pretty impressed by how everything ties together in this manga. I guess Natsuki has good taste after all. After some time, Monika gets our attention as usual, and it's time for the club meeting to end."

John: "Guess I'll be holding onto this for now."

Natsuki: "Yep!"

"Even you sound more enthusiastic this time."

John: "Well, I'm starting to get into it, you know."

Natsuki: "Ehehe."

"Told you."

John: "Yeah, yeah..."

I return to my seat and slip the book into my bag. I pick my bag up and wave to Natsuki. I also say goodbye to Yuri and Monika. I'm glad I'm getting to know Natsuki better. She may be rough on the outside, but is genuinely a good person on the inside. I'm just wondering what happened to her today…

Sayori: "Ready to walk home?"

John: "Yup!"

Sayori and I take our leave. We walk out of the school and rush home because it is starting to rain. I hold an umbrella to keep Sayori dry as I walk her to her house. We arrive and I walk her to her porch.

Sayori: "Thank you John."

"I'll see you tomorrow~!"

John: "Bye Sayori."

I turn around and walk home. I arrive at my house and enter. I walk up to my room and pull out the manga I had. We finished volume 2 in the club. I'm about a quarter through volume 3. I open the volume to the page I left on and continued.

Chapter 9:

John: "Is Sayori back to sleeping in?"

I am standing at the edge of Sayori's property to see if she will get up in time to walk with me to school. I guess not. Honestly, I'm surprised I can get up. I was up late reading volume 3 of Parfait Girls.

John: "I guess I'll see her at the club then."

As I turn around to leave, I can hear sprinting footsteps behind me. I turn around and Sayori is in front of me with toast in her mouth. She scarfs down the rest of the toast.

Sayori: "I'm here John, and ready to go~!"

"Did you almost leave me?"

John: "I thought you were oversleeping."

Sayori: "You meanie!"

John: "Whatever."

"Let's go."

Sayori and I begin our daily commute to school. Thankfully, the traffic wasn't too bad today and we were able to get to school on time. When we arrive at school, we say our goodbye and part ways to attend our classes. Today, classes are going by excruciatingly slow and I am having trouble staying awake in half of them. Before I know it, it is lunch time. I want to sit with Yuri again. Afterall, we want to finish The Portrait of Markov. I also like spending time with her. I find Yuri in the same spot as yesterday by herself. I approach her.

John: "Hi Yuri."

Yuri: "H-Hey John…"

John: "I brought the book with me today so we can continue where we left off."

I pull out my copy of The Portrait of Markov. Yuri does the same.

Yuri: "That's good… I have my copy right here."

"Where did we leave off?"

John: "I believe page 95."

Yuri: "..."

"Ah-"

"You are right."

I take a seat next to Yuri and we begin to read. As we are reading, I notice Yuri looking more at my copy then her own like last week.

John: "Let's do what we did last week with reading."

I give Yuri the right side of the book and we turn the pages when we are both ready. Lots of time has passed. We have made lots of progress. We are now just about halfway through the story. So far, the story is mostly sad because the main character's trust keeps getting broken everytime she is betrayed by someone. But that doesn't mean I am not enjoying the book though. It has opened me up to psychological literature. I should thank Yuri for that. Even though we didn't speak much this time, I can tell she enjoyed my company. I enjoyed her company too.

John: "I think we should stop here today."

"The period's almost over and we didn't even eat lunch yet. I am enjoying the story though."

Yuri: "I'm glad…!"

Yuri pulls out an eggroll and quickly eats it. I eat my sandwich I made this morning.

John: "Hey Yuri?"

Yuri: "Hmm…?"

John: "You remember my offer on Sunday?"

Yuri: "W-We can hangout...right?"

John: "Correct."

"Are you around tomorrow?"

"It's not a school night since it'll be Friday."

Yuri: "Hmmmmm…"

"..."

"Right after the club I'll need to r-run some errands…"

"But afterwards I should be free…"

John: "Great! Maybe we can continue to read the book at my house."

Yuri: "A-Actually…"

"Would you like to come t-to...my house?"

Kind of weird last week she wanted to go to my house and now she's insisting me to go to her house. I ignore it.

John: "Sure thing!"

"Just text me your address tonight and tomorrow we can discuss a time."

Yuri: "U-Uhh.. Sure."

The bell rings. Time for me to go.

Yuri: "I-I'll see you at the club…!"

John: "See you."

I get up and walk to my next class. From then, the time flies by and school is now over. It is time for the club to start. I make my way to the club room. As I enter, I am greeted by Natsuki and Monika. Sayori and Yuri are nowhere to be seen. I greet Monika and Natsuki back.

John: "Hey Natsuki."

"I read through volume 3."

'I am ready to continue."

Natsuki: "Can't get enough of Parfait Girls now, huh?"

"That's fine. Follow me."

I follow Natsuki into the closet to retrieve the next few volumes. This time, the box is on a lower shelf. I have a feeling Monika felt bad about yesterday and decided to put them on a lower shelf. Instead of taking the manga, Natsuki turns around.

Natsuki: "Umm, I want to apologize for yesterday!"

"I mean you are an idiot…"

"But I still feel bad for taking it out on you!"

"You see…"

"There aren't many safe places for me to just read my manga without being judged...so I got angry with what happened to my volumes."

Natsuki looks down, ashamed.

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

"The volumes are okay now."

"And you don't have to worry about me judging you."

Natsuki looks up and smiles slightly.

Natsuki: "You idiot…"

Natsuki takes the next few volumes off the shelf.

Natsuki: "Let's continue, shall we?

John: "Yes, let's."

Natsuki leads me out of the closet. By the time we exit, I see that Sayori and Yuri are here. They seem to be having a chat by the teacher's table. Natsuki and I sit by the window like we have the past couple of days. She opens the manga and hands it to me. The story continues right where it left off in the previous volume. The story is still about introducing the characters, but it is still enjoyable because the writing is solid and there are some funny parts in it. Natsuki laughs.

Natsuki: "I forgot that part was in there!"

"It's been a while since I read these!"

John: "Haha, yeah."

"This story does have its funny moments."

"How many volumes are there of Parfait Girls anyways?"

Natsuki: "As of right now, 57."

57?! I like this, but 57 volumes is a lot. And they are still continuing the series.

Natsuki: "It's not that bad honestly."

"Some of these volumes are shorter and the drama really begins by volume 20."

"Then, the manga will fly by, I promise."

Natsuki realizes that we are talking instead of reading.

Natsuki: "Wait, why am I talking to you?!"

"Keep reading!"

John: "Sorry."

I continue reading. Natsuki is right, these volumes do go by fast! I am now on volume 9.

Monika: "Okay everyone! I think we can call it a day!"

Natsuki sighs.

Natsuki: "I'll give you 10 and 11 to read tonight as well. Don't worry, they aren't long."

John: "Okay."

"Oh! I almost forgot!"

I retrieve volume 3 out of my bag.

John: "Here you go."

"I didn't bend it."

Natsuki: "Good because I would have snapped your neck then~!"

"Anyways, I'll see you tomorrow."

John: "See you."

I walk over to Sayori, who is still having a chat with Yuri. I greet both of them.

Sayori: "Ready to walk home?"

John: "Yup! I'll see you tomorrow Yuri!"

Sayori: "Bye Yuri!"

Yuri: "See you guys…"

Before we leave, we say goodbye to Monika and then make our way home. Most of the walk home, we tread in silence. The scenery is beautiful...Maybe tomorrow, I'll bring Sayori through the park on the way home. As I walk her to her door, Sayori turns around.

Sayori: "Hey…"

"We haven't played any games together in a while…"

John: "Yeah, it has been a minute…"

Sayori: "Would you like to come in for a bit to play?"

Honestly, I have a lot of work to do. And I have to read 3 more manga volumes...but I can't reject Sayori's offer. Afterall, I really do want to play with her again.

John: "Sure."

Sayori smiles as she opens the door to her house. I follow her in. She takes me up to her room. I notice her house is as empty as mine.

John: "Your parents on their business trips too?"

Sayori: "Yeah…"

"They have been gone for 3 weeks…"

"They are supposed to come back for a bit around Halloween."

John: "Yeah…"

I understand Sayori's feeling of loneliness. Since I started high school, my parents haven't been around much. It did teach me independence, but I really do wish they were home more often. As we enter her room, I notice it isn't as messy as when I visited her last time. She sits on her bed and signals me to sit next to her. I oblige. She gets up for a moment to turn on her old PlayStation 2 and then sits back on the bed with me. She hands me a controller. After the system starts up, I see the opening screen to Mortal Kombat- Deception.

John: "Wow! It really has been a while since I've played this one!"

Sayori: "Ehehe!"

"Same here~!"

John: "I bet I can still beat you~!"

Sayori: "Uwa?!"

"Meanie!"

"I bet I'll beat you!"

John: "We will see about that!"

15 rounds later, I am still much better than Sayori. Sayori has a devastated look on her face.

Sayori: "W-What?!"

"Again?!"

"I thought I was much better and could beat you now!"

John: "Guess after all these years, I am still on top, huh?"

Sayori: "Ugh."

I laugh. Sayori has not been annoyed like this in quite some time. I actually find it kind of cute. I look at the time. It is starting to get late.

John: "I'm sorry Sayori."

"I have to go home now."

"But I did have a good time."

"And I would like to do this again soon."

Sayori: "Awwww, me too!"

Sayori walks me to her door.

John: "See you tomorrow!"

Sayori: "Byeee~!"

I turn around and walk away. Sayori closes the door to her house. I really did have a good time at her house. I wish it didn't have to end… but I also have other obligations. And I plan on doing them as soon as I get home! I find myself at the door to my house. I open it and enter my house for the night.

Chapter 10:

I am standing outside of Sayori's house, waiting for her to get ready to walk to school. Yuri texted me her address and told me to go over house around 4:30. I also finished the volumes and I am ready to move on with the next ones for Natsuki. Sayori's door opens and she emerges.

Sayori: "Good morning John~!"

"Another Friday!"

John: "Yup!"

"Then the weekend will come!"

"Ready to walk?"

Sayori: "Yup!"

We walk to school admiring the scenery. On our way home, I want to walk with Sayori through the park. I love the scenery at the beginning of October. Soon enough, we are at school once again.

Sayori: "I'll see you after school!"

John: "Bye!"

We part ways and start our school day. Before I know it, it is lunch time.

John: "I should get Yuri something from the cafeteria."

I go to the cafeteria and get Yuri a cup of tea. I head over to where Yuri usually is. Yuri is in the same spot, eating an eggroll.

Yuri: "H-Hey John…"

John: "Hi, Yuri!"

I hold the cup out to Yuri.

Yuri: "F-For me…?"

John: "Yes, it's tea. Enjoy."

Yuri takes the tea and blushes as she drinks it.

Yuri: "T-Thank you…"

John: "No problem!"

"When do you want to continue reading the book?"

Yuri: "Can I eat first, a-and then we can start…?"

John: "Sure!"

"Take your time!"

I take a seat next to Yuri and open my backpack to find my lunch bag missing.

John: "Crap."

"I left my lunch bag at home."

Yuri: "..."

"W-Well.."

"Here then."

Yuri extends her hand out to me. In her hand are 2 egg rolls.

John: "Y-You sure?"

Yuri: "It's fine…"

"Afterall, you bought me tea."

John: "Yuri…"

"Thank you."

I gratefully take them from her hand and begin eating them. A few minutes pass by and we finish our meal. I take out my copy of The Portrait of Markov and we continue reading together. We are making a lot of progress this time. I think we could finish the book by tonight even. Despite the story getting sadder, it is also getting remarkably better. I can tell Yuri is happy that I am into the story and enjoying it. We sit in silence, continuing to read until the bell rings.

John: "I guess we will stop here for now."

I bookmark the page with a pen. I place the book in my bag and stand up.

John: "I'll see you at the club Yuri."

Yuri: "Bye…"

I get up and leave to go to my next class. When I arrive and sit at my desk and ponder. Yuri really is an awesome girl. I love hanging out with her. She may be shy, but she is passionate and sophisticated. She deserves more friends. I think that will help her come out of her shell more.

John: "She will get more friends."

"If not this year, she always has her senior year."

What am I saying?! I need to make an effort to help her out. I'll have to make an effort at some point during the year. But for now, I have the club, and we are hanging out later. The rest of the day goes by. It is now time for the club. It appears I am the first one to enter the club room.

John: "Hello?"

"Anyone here?"

No response.

John: "..."

I take a seat and wait for everyone else to come. Not even 10 seconds later, I hear scuffling in the closet.

John: "Huh?"

I get up from my desk to investigate. I walk into the closet.

?: "Eh?"

The girl turns around, it is Natsuki.

Natsuki: "Don't scare me like that!"

"What are you doing here so early?"

John: "Huh?"

"I'm not early."

Natsuki looks at her watch.

Natsuki: "I guess you are not."

"Where is everyone?"

Just as those words escape Natsuki's lips, Yuri and Sayori walk into the room together, they appear to be having a conversation and giggling. Natsuki walks up to them with a crossed look.

Natsuki: "Do any of you know where Monika is?"

Both girls shrug.

Sayori: "I'm not sure."

"But I bet she will be here soon."

Natsuki: "Ugh."

"She touched one of my volumes!"

Yuri: "Natsuki…"

"I don't believe Monika would do such a thing."

Monika: "Do what?"

Yuri: "u-uuh?!"

Monika is standing behind Yuri and Sayori.

Sayori: "Natsuki is claiming you touched one of her manga volumes."

Monika giggled.

Monika: "I would never!"

"But…"

"I will help you find it if you want."

Natsuki: "U-Ummm"

"Thanks…"

John: "I'll help you as well."

Monika, Natsuki and I make our way to the closet. We begin our search. Monika looks behind the bookcase while Natsuki and I investigate the shelves. A minute later, Monika pulls out a book that resembles the manga Natsuki was looking for.

Monika: "Is this it?"

"I found it underneath one of the tiny legs of the book shelf."

Natsuki takes the manga from Monika's hand.

Natsuki: "Yes, this is it."

"Monika?"

Monika: "Yeah?"

Natsuki: "Look…"

"I'm sorry."

"I should not have accused you of touching my book."

"It is wrong. I bet one of the teachers knocked it down accidentally throughout the day."

Monika: "It's fine."

"Just know that I would never do anything intentional to you that would make you upset, okay?"

Natsuki nods.

Monika: "Good~!"

Monika goes to exit the closet…

Monika: "Have fun with the read, you two!"

John: "We will!"

Natsuki: "Thank God we found the book."

"It was the next volume."

John: "Glad we did."

"Let's get started, shall we?"

Natsuki: "Yeah."

Natsuki and I begin the next volume of Parfait Girls. We are making lots of progress. I bet by the end of October, we will finish this! I'm also surprised by how much I am enjoying this story. It has its twists and turns like The Portrait of Markov, but in an extremely different way. We continue to read until we hear Monika.

Monika: "Okay everyone!"

"I think that wraps up today!"

"Have a good day everyone!"

Natsuki and I only got through the volume that was lost earlier. The volume was long.

Natsuki: "Here."

"It's a weekend, so take these."

Natsuki gives me the next 5 manga volumes to read this weekend. They seem manageable.

John: "I won't let you down!"

I place the new manga in my bag and give Natsuki the volumes I read. I say goodbye to her.

John: "Bye Yuri."

I whisper.

John: "4:30, right?"

Yuri: "Yes, see you later."

Yuri leaves as I wave to her. I also say a goodbye to Monika and grab Sayori. Sayori and I exit the school and I lead her to the park I wanted to take her to. On the way, she is talking about her day and how she needs to study better. I laugh and offer to help her. She tells me she will consider the idea. We reach the park. It is beautiful to go to during a fall afternoon.

Sayori: "Wow~!"

"It's so pretty!"

John: "I agree."

"The tree leaves are the perfect shades of orange and red."

Sayori: "Mhm…!"

Sayori starts to look around.

Sayori: "Where is it?"

John: "Hm?"

Sayori: "O-Oh!"

"Ummm…"

"There used to be an ice cream cart here."

"I was just curious if they were still here."

John: "Ah-"

"Do you still want to walk around the park?"

Sayori: "Of course I do!"

Sayori and I stroll around the park together. I love looking at the majestic fountain in the middle of the park as we walk around. It truly is beautiful. It may be even… kind of romantic?

John: "N-No..!"

Sayori: "What was that John?"

John: "U-Uhhh…"

"Nothing!"

Sayori: "Ok then!"

We continue to walk around the park and enjoy the scenery. After a while, we stop in front of the fountain.

John: "Sayori? Didn't you want ice cream before?"

Sayori: "Yes?"

John: "Follow me."

Sayori follows me. I take her to a nearby ice cream stand a few blocks from the park. I buy her chocolate ice cream. She eats it as we walk home.

Sayori: "Thank you so much John!"

"Shooo good~!"

I laugh.

John: "Hahaha! No problem!"

"Let's go home now, kay?"

Sayori: "Sure thing!"

We continue our walk home. Even outside of the park, the scenery is beautiful. It's going to stink when winter comes and the beauty of fall is gone. Soon enough, Sayori and I find ourselves at Sayori's porch.

Sayori: "Thanks for taking me to the park and for ice cream!"

John: "It was my pleasure!"

Sayori: "Well… I'll see you later!"

John: "Yup! Bye!"

Sayori closes her door and I walk away.

John: "I wish I had more time to hang out with her…"

"But I am supposed to see Yuri soon."

I enter my house and start to read some of the manga to pass time. I look at my clock. The time is now 4:10.

John: "Well, I should start making my way there so I am not late."

I pick up a couple oolong tea bags from my kitchen and my copy of The Portrait of Markov.

John: "I should be there soon."

"I have her address she texted me."

I exit my house, lock my door, and begin my trek to Yuri's house. The sky is just turning orange. It is pretty out. That is one great benefit of living where I am. I am arriving at Yuri's house. I stand in front of her house, and look at the mailbox number to check if it matches the address she sent me. I walk up to her porch and knock on her door. Yuri's house looks pretty big from the outside, much bigger than mine. I guess her family has quite a bit of money. Maybe this is why she didn't want me to go to her house last week? A beautiful girl with violet hair answers the door. She is wearing glasses with shorts and a black t- shirt.

Yuri: "O-Oh John..!"

"You're here."

That's Yuri? She looks a bit different dressed like that. Not that I am complaining. I think this is a cute look.

John: "Haha yeah, I am here."

"I brought my copy of Markov so we can read it."

Yuri: "O-Oh.. great!"

"Where's my manners..?"

"C-come in.."

I oblige. I am correct. Her house is huge on the inside. It is well kept and clean too.

John: "Wow Yuri."

"You have a beautiful house."

Yuri: "A-Ah.. thank you."

"No one has said that before."

Something tells me I'm the first friend she has ever had over. Yuri leads me up to her room. We enter. Her room is well kept and clean. That is to be expected with Yuri though. Her walls are a light purple which matches her big bed that has a darker purple cover. She has a flat screen TV, a deep closet full of clothes, a desk with a chair and laptop, 3 bookcases filled with books and… a knife case? Right. I forgot. She's into knives.

Yuri: "A-Are you freaked out by something…?"

I think my face changing as I saw the knife case gave it away. Gotta save the situation.

John: "N-No!"

"Not at all!"

"Actually I was going to say you have a very nice room!"

Yuri: "A-Ah… s-sorry."

"And thank you."

John: "Of course!"

"Would you like to start off with reading the book?"

Yuri: "S-Sure!"

John: "I brought some oolong tea bags. Would you like me to make them first?"

Yuri: "That would be nice."

"Here. Let me help you."

Yuri and I walk downstairs to her kitchen to make the tea. After we made the tea, I follow Yuri back into her room. Yuri sits on her bed and signals me to sit next to her. I obey and take a seat next to her. I open my book to where we last left off earlier and we continue from where we left off.

Yuri: "Sitting up is hurting my back…"

Yuri lies down.

Yuri: "I-Is it okay if we lie down…?"

"I don't mind."

Lying down...with Yuri?! Even though it's only to read a book, I can't pass this up! My face turns slightly red.

John: "It's okay with me."

I lie down. My shoulders are only inches from Yuri's. I try to keep myself under control and we continue to read. For the next hour, Yuri and I are in that position reading. By the time we call it for the day, we have made a lot of progress.

John: "Wow, I can't believe we are almost done."

"We can definitely finish it soon!"

Yuri: "Yeah…"

"What do you think so far?"

John: "Honestly, as the story progresses…"

"It keeps getting better and better!"

"Albeit it's sad…"

"But the novel is extremely entertaining and makes you think about the world around you."

"Thank you again for buying this book for me!"

Yuri giggles.

Yuri: "It's no problem."

"I'm glad you are starting to think about what you are reading as well instead of just staring at a page."

I laugh as Yuri and I sit up. She grabs her and my empty teacups and walks out of the room to put them in the dishwasher. As she leaves, I have an idea on how to make Yuri feel a little more comfortable. Hopefully this will make amends for earlier. Hopefully this won't backfire. Yuri walks into the room to find me by her knife case.

John: "Hey Yuri?"

Yuri looks a little shocked.

Yuri: "Yes, John?"

I point to the case.

John: "Can you show me your knife collection?"

Yuri blushes.

Yuri: "You don't think it's weird that I-I have one…?

John: "Not at all."

"I even told you on Sunday."

"I think knives can be cool too."

Yuri sighs in relief.

Yuri: "I-I'm glad you feel that way…"

Yuri walks over to the knife case. I stand directly next to her, looking into the case.

Yuri: "These are all of my pocket knives."

"I usually keep one on me…"

"Either to cut things like I did on Sunday…"

"...or in the off chance I need to defend myself."

There has to be at least 30 pocket knives in this case. They do look pretty, I have to admit that. I also see the tinted blue bladed knife that Yuri brought on Sunday. Yuri takes out a knife with a pitch black handle and a violent colored knife.

Yuri: "T-This one is my personal favorite…"

"I got this one when I w-was 13 at a flea market."

"Y-You can hold it…"

"I-If you promise not to cut yourself again…!"

John: "I promise I'll be more careful."

Yuri carefully hands me the knife with the handle facing me. This time, I am more careful with the knife. It really is a pretty knife. This one is also extremely sharp, especially at the point.

John: "This is a really pretty knife, Yuri."

Yuri: "T-Thanks."

"..."

Yuri pauses for a moment to collect her thoughts.

Yuri: "I-I have more if you want to see."

John: "Sure thing!"

Yuri: "Ok...they are in my father's office."

I follow Yuri out of her bedroom and into her father's office. It is a big room with bookshelves, pictures of Yuri's father and cases of knives. Yuri takes me through all of the knives she has for the next couple of hours. Most of the knives Yuri has in here are combat and throwing knives. I have to admit, they are pretty neat. One that I thought was the neatest was Yuri's grandfather's combat knife. It was in it's own glass case displayed on a small table. The knife was used by Yuri's grandfather in World War II. Yuri was telling me how he was stationed in Germany to help fight the Nazis and rid Europe of fascism during the war. Yuri's grandfather seemed like an interesting man. She continued to tell me how Yuri's grandmother was one of the first female medics in the army and how she met her grandfather. The love tory sounded like a match made in heaven to me. I was surprised, but also happy, that Yuri is telling me this much about herself and her family. The only reaction I'm having is deepening my admiration for her. Yuri truly is a mysterious girl, but she is also an awesome person. Once she finishes showing me all of her knives, we exit her father's office.

John: "Wow Yuri, your knives and family are incredible!"

Yuri: "I-I hope I didn't say too much…"

"I don't ever really get to talk to people like this…"

John: "You didn't!"

"And you can always speak to me like this."

"I have no problem listening!"

Yuri smiles and blushes.

Yuri: "T-Thanks…"

One thing I couldn't help but notice was that everything except the knife cases in that office were very dusty and dark. It made me curious.

John: "How often does your dad occupy the office?"

Yuri pauses for a moment, her eyes start to well up, but then she suppresses her urge to cry.

Yuri: "M-My father died two years ago…"

I really regret asking that now, I think I struck a nerve.

Yuri: "He was driving to a business meeting one night…"

"A-A drunk driver collided head on with him…"

"He passed before he was able to reach the hospital…"

Yuri looks down at the floor with despair.

Yuri: "John…"

"A-Another reason why I collect knives…"

"...is because my Dad and I shared that hobby together."

"People t-think it's because...I cut myself…"

Yuri looks up with a slight fury in her eyes.

Yuri: "Well…"

"T-They're wrong!"

"I-I don't cut myself…!"

Yuri extends her arms out to me.

Yuri: "There's no marks because I've never done it!"

"People are so cruel and judge me because I like some different things than them."

"I know I am a freak…"

"But what did I do to deserve this…?!"

Yuri can't hold it anymore. She falls to her knees and cries. I get on my knees and hold her.

John: "Yuri…"

"Do you think you're a freak because you think and like different things?"

Yuri: "..."

Yuri nods.

John: "Well, guess what?"

"That's what makes you better than most people!"

"You like different things, but that's okay!"

"Why should you conform to others' judgement?"

"Also, who cares?"

"You are very kind and caring!"

"That's what should matter!"

Yuri stops crying and looks up at me.

Yuri: "Y-You mean it?"

John: "Mhm!"

Yuri stands up, I follow suit.

Yuri: "Thanks John…"

"I needed to hear something like that from a trusted friend."

"A-Also…"

"Sorry for breaking down…"

John: "We are human."

"It is only natural to have emotions."

I look at my watch, 7:40. I have to go. I need to get dinner.

John: "Yuri."

"I'm sorry."

"I have to get going."

"But thanks for having me over!"

"I want to do this again!"

Yuri: "N-No problem…"

"I-I'd have to kick you out soon anyways…"

"I-I have to start making dinner for my mother."

"It's one of my responsibilities after she has had a long day at work."

"Plus my mother wouldn't like to find out I had a boy over…"

"She would probably get the wrong idea."

Yuri and I both giggle, but she begins to blush afterwards. I look at her curiously.

Yuri: "N-Nothing…!"

She walks me to her door. I step out and turn around.

John: "Thanks for having me again!"

Yuri: "S-See you Monday."

I turn around and walk home as Yuri closes the door. Wow, I got to learn a lot about Yuri. People might think she is a freak, but I would love for people to get to know her better. They may think she's a cool person then! I'm just curious, Yuri blushed and paused after she said her mother would "get the wrong idea". Does that mean… she possibly likes me? No way! I haven't known her for long. That can't happen. Though, I wouldn't complain if she… What am I saying?! I haven't known her for long! I don't know something about her… and Sayori… forget it. I'm not thinking about my feelings right now. I reach my house, unlock the door and enter.

John: "Phew…"

"What a day!"

"It was a good one."

"But I'm glad it's over!"

I go up to my room, place my book on my desk and lay on my bed. 10 seconds pass by. My phone rings. Monika is calling me? I forgot that we exchanged numbers. I pick up the phone.

John: "Hey Monika!"

"What's u-"

On the other end of the line, I hear light crying.

Monika: "O-Oh John…"

"I'm calling you because I need to speak with someone about something."

"Those two members that said they'd join our club last week…"

John: "Yeah…?"

Monika: "They bailed on us!"

John: "Wait...really?"

"Why?"

Monika: "They didn't explain…"

"I'm assuming they found another club…"

"I thought the festival was supposed to be a success for us…"

"Does t-this mean...I'm a failure at leading a club?"

I feel bad for Monika. She worked so hard for us, for the club just for nothing to happen. This really isn't her fault. And I'm not afraid to tell her the truth.

John: "Monika…"

"None of this is really your fault."

"You are a great president for our club!"

"And I would say that the festival was a success!"

"We all got lots of positive feedback!"

"If those two don't want to join our club…"

"Then that's their loss!"

"Our club will thrive."

"With the five members we have…"

"And with you as our club president!"

Monika: "John…"

"Do you really mean that?"

John: "Every word…"

Monika: "Thanks John…"

"Well if you believe in me…"

"And the other members do…"

"Then I will keep working hard for you guys!"

John: "That's what I like to hear!"

Monika sounds like she actually was comforted. I'm glad to help.

Monika: "Have a good weekend John."

"I'll see you Monday~!"

John: "Bye."

We both hang up.

John: "I was glad to help out Monika."

"Today really did turn out to be a good day."

"I wonder what next week will bring…"

I think about the possibilities as I drift off to sleep.