Chapter 64: The New Year's Festival

[Eyelash Wishes by All American Rejects]

Friday January 29. The long awaited day has finally arrived. The cheers of the students and staffs roaring like a sea. The music playing very loudly as vibrations can be felt. The New Year's Festival has finally begun as everyone prepares for it. The students and staff setting up their classes and booths. Food being prepared to be served, young actors prepping up for their performance. Games being set up as tournaments are being held.

While they all set up, meanwhile at their own respective houses. The Literature Club members prepare for the Festival. Sayori putting on her blue headband, Yuri buttoning up her shirt, Natsuki adjusting her skirt, and Monika taking one last look at herself in the mirror. All nervous to what's to come. All worried about what could happen.

Monika: "Okay …" She takes a deep breath. "Let's give it all we got." She leaves for downstairs with her bag in hand. Making her way to the kitchen, she decided to drink one last cold glass of orange juice before heading out. "Ah … That should help me get in gear."

Monika's Father: "Leaving for school now?" His daughter looks behind herself to see him as he enters the kitchen.

Monika: "Yes father, todays the School Festival, so I need to head out to prepare." She avoids her father's black eyes.

Monika's Father: "I see, so it's today?"

Monika: "Yes, I left a message for you two weeks ago."

Monika's Father: "Ah right, I do recall seeing that message."

Monika: "Are you off to work?"

Monika's Father: "Yes, your mother already left to handle business elsewhere. I'm about to take my leave as well."

Monika: "I hope you have a stress free day?"

Monika's Father: "I hope so. I wish you luck on your Festival."

Monika: "Father?" Her dad leaves for work. (Did he actually said that to me?) She shakes her head. "Enough, it's time I head out. As Club President I need to be the first one there. There's no time to waste." She grabs her belongings and heads out.

Meanwhile on the other side of town. Making her way to school alone.

Sayori: (Wonder if MC will be ok? I know he told me not to worry and to head out alone, but still? His foot got better, but I still worry about him. I wonder if he finished writing his new poem? I hope it turned out the way he wanted it to be?) She continues on with her walk.

In the meantime, just finishing her preparations. Yuri makes her way downstairs. Both her parents had already left for work, but before they left they wished her good luck on her performance and to have fun with her friends. With some encouragement from her parents, she felt a bit more confident in herself. That is until she left her house. On her way to Natsuki's place that confidence boost soon washed away as she grew nervous.

The big day was finally here and she felt her heart skipping beats. Her town feeling lively as cars come by, not giving her anytime to relax with some silent air. The noise made her more nervous as she makes her way to Natsuki's place to help pick up the cupcakes they made yesterday only to jump in surprised when a car horn came off from behind her.

Natsuki: "Yo!" Yuri taking a quick glance at a familiar voice. "Sup Yuri." She salutes her through the window of her dad's car.

[Song Ends]

Yuri: "G-good morning Natsuki. I-is it really necessary to use the horn?"

Natsuki: "Not really, but knowing you, you would've ignored me anyways, so I say the horn is necessary?"

Yuri: "You almost gave a heart attack, especially on our big day."

Natsuki: "Yeah, but it was funny seeing you jump though." Yuri grumbles to her statement.

Natsuki's Dad: "Sorry for the scare, if it would make you feel any better, she gave me a scare too when she honked the horn all of a sudden."

Yuri: "I-it's okay sir. Really."

Natsuki: "Hmph! Scaredy cat and here I thought you like horror. Well whatever. Get your ass in here. My dad can us to school."

Yuri: "R-really?" W-well if that's okay with you?"

Natsuki: "Hurry up and get in! My dad ain't got all day."

Yuri: "Eep!"

Natsuki's Dad: "That's a lie, I have the day off, so …" His daughter glares at him. "… Right, well. I have all the cupcakes all of you made in the back seat and trunk. There's room for you in the back seat, so hop right in."

Natsuki: "Unless you want to go into the trunk?" Her dad looks at her like, Really?

Yuri: "O-okay, that's very nice of you. Thank you." She enters their car and drove off to school. "Uhm … S-sir?"

Natsuki's Dad: "You can just call me by my first name."

Yuri: "V-very well, Mr. Aster?"

Natsuki's Dad: "You don't have to say Mr."

Yuri: "S-sorry"

Natsuki: (Thank god dad had the day off. If he didn't then Yuri and me would have to carry all this by ourselves. Most likely have to make two trips?) She adjust her pink pony tail.

Later at school grounds. After setting up the classroom.

Monika: "Phew, well, all that remains are the decorations Yuri made. Other than that everything is all set up." She looks at the classroom in satisfaction. (Can't believe we did all this in a week. Good thing we gave ourselves more time to prepare. Last time we only had three days. This time we might be able to out do ourselves.

That's right three days was all we had. Back when … I wonder if Michael will be here? I know he hasn't been here for a week, but he's still a member. Despite what happened between us, he never resigned from the club, but then again he's most likely doing it so we can keep the club? I don't blame him for not being here. I'm the one who turned him away. He must hate me now.)

Zackary: "Ah, so it seems you're in the middle of preparing?"

Monika: "Oh Zack."

Zackary: "Is everything going well?"

Monika: "It is, just moving the desks around for the stage. The others should be here shortly."

Zackary: "Well that's good to hear."

Monika: "What brings you here? The performance isn't until noon."

Zackary: "Thought I might take a sneak peek before it starts. Don't worry I'll be taking my leave so you and your club can practice."

Monika: "How nice of you. What do you plan on doing until then?"

Zackary: "Oh just planning to look around, see what everyone else is doing. Maybe get some squid, I'm just waiting for Todd to finish preparing the Debate Club."

Monika: "That so?" (What is it with squid? Am I missing something here?)

Zackary: "Well I better get going. I'm sure he's just about done. We'll both come by when it's time to see you in action."

Monika: "Okay, have fun." They both wave goodbye. *Sigh* "Well I better start waiting until the others show up. Wonder what I should do until they get here?)

After a short drive, Natsuki, her dad, and Yuri exited out of the car.

Natsuki: "Oh boy, look at all this?"

Yuri: "They're quite rowdy today?"

Natsuki: "Can't blame them for getting excited."

Yuri: "Indeed"

Sayori: "Oh is that you guys?" Both Yuri and Natsuki look back. "It is you two!" She runs up to Natsuki and gives her a big hug."

Natsuki: "Ga! Why always me?"

Sayori: "Did you two just get here?"

Yuri: "Indeed we have. Natsuki's father was kind enough to give us a ride with all the cupcakes in side."

Sayori: "Mmmm, cupcakes."

Natsuki: "You better not eat them!" Sayori snaps her fingers.

Sayori: "Dang"

Natsuki's Dad: "Are you two just going to talk or are you all going to help with these?"

Natsuki: "Coming dad."

Sayori: "Is that her dad?" Yuri nods to her question. "Seems nice."

Yuri: "Indeed. Perhaps we should lend a hand?"

Sayori: "Yeah lets." Both went off to help with the cupcakes and deliver them to the club room. By the time they made it, they were then greeted by a cheerful smile.

Monika: "Oh hey, you made it."

Natsuki: "Yeah, well my dad helped out."

Natsuki's Dad: "Nice to you see you again."

Monika: "Same to you. Thank you for letting us come over and for helping with the cupcakes."

Natsuki's Dad: "All I did was buy the ingredients, but I'm glad to be of help. I'll be on way now. Just call me when you're ready and have a great day."

Natsuki: "I will. Thanks dad." Her dad pats her on the head before leaving. "Well, looks like you got the place cleaned up?"

Monika: "Yeah well, I showed up earlier and thought I give this room a good sweep before we start decorating the place? Everything else is in order, all we need is to set up Yuri's decorations."

Natsuki: "Balling"

Yuri: "Please allow me to set them up."

Sayori: "I'll help out too!" Both Yuri and her get the decorations out of the closet and set up.

Natsuki: "Hey Monika. Do you know if Michael will be here today?"

Monika: "I don't know. I tried calling him, but he never answered."

Natsuki: "Seriously, he could have at least help us set up. Lazy ass." (Where the hell are you?)

Monika: "Well I'm sure he'll be here soon enough."

Natsuki: "I guess so?" *Sigh* (Honestly these people really like giving me a headache.)

While they all prepare for the performance, outside of the plaza eating some food made by the stalls all around school.

Hina: "Hm! This is so good." She says with a sweet expression. "God I love the Festivals. There's always some good food. Honey you got try this." She attempts to feed her boyfriend.

Sebastian: "I'm good for now."

Hina: "Not hungry?"

Sebastian: "Yeah, maybe later."

Hina: "Well ok?" She eats more of her food. (I knew I shouldn't let him near the Swimming Team. Seeing them only made him more upset.)

Lily: "Yo Hina, so like what's the plan today?"

Hina: "Hmm? I don't really know to be honest with you. There's like so much to do, I don't know where to start?"

Lily: "Yeah I see what you mean? What about you two, got any ideas?" She looks over to her two friends.

Jane: "I got nothing."

Sakura: "I'll go wherever you guys want to go." She takes a sip of her drink.

Lily: "You guys are not helpful!"

Hina: "Hey babe, what do you want to do?"

Sebastian: "Well if it's ok with you all? I would like to go see what the clubs are up to."

Lily: "Sounds like a plan to me."

Jane: "I'm not against it."

Sakura: "Same"

Hina: "If that's what you want then let's get going." She takes her boyfriend's hand and drags him into the school building along with her friends.

Meanwhile at the library.

Jason: "Well that's another book finished about the human brain." He stretches his body. (Things are getting more lively? Seems like the Festival is picking up now. Well might as well join in. Wonder what I should do first? Michael's club won't be performing until the afternoon.) He look at the school schedule. (Yeah noon. Might as well go see what the science club is up to?) He leaves the library and sees the halls packed with students. (Oh dear, it's very lively.)

In the hallways, seeing every student walk by with big smiles on their faces.

Todd: "Seems everyone is having fun?"

Zackary: "Well it's all thanks to the hard work you and everyone else put in. None of this would have been possible without all of you."

Todd: "I guess so?"

Zackary: "Something on your mind?"

Todd: "I've been meaning to ask this for awhile now, but why do you still want to hang out with me?"

Zackary: "What would make you ask that?"

Todd: "Well I mean me and your cousin used to date and after our break up … I don't know, I just thought it would seem weird for us to hang out, knowing that you're my Ex's cousin, and I'm her Ex-Boyfriend."

Zackary: "Well whatever the case is, that shouldn't really matter. Whatever happened between you two is your own business. Monika may be my cousin, but I'm my own person and I don't hold any grudges against you. It's confusing, but friendship can get weird sometimes. For now let's forget it all and have some fun. After all you owe me a smile before I leave you know?" He grins to him.

Todd: "Yeah, you're right." He smiles a bit. (Maybe I should do it? Maybe I should follow in her example?)

Zackary: "So how about it? Want to go get some squid?"

Todd: "Yeah sure … Wait what?" Zackary drags him down the halls.

While they go get some squid to eat. On the far back of the school where no one is around to hear or see. They begin to make their moves.

Johnny: "Did you find out when their performance will start?"

Ronald: "Yeah, the schedule just updated its self and it says the Literature Club will perform at noon."

Johnny: "Good, you know the plan right?" He asks as they make their way to the front of the school.

Ronald: "When Connor performs we throw the fire crackers at him and their stage."

Johnny: "You got it right. Good to hear that you know the plan."

Ronald: "Johnny, are you sure you want to go through with this?"

Johnny: "Why are asking me now?"

Ronald: "It's just … our goal is Connor, but should the girls and the rest of our classmates suffer as well? You know when we throw the fire crackers it might start a fire and you might be held responsible?"

Johnny: "I know the teachers will have my ass arrested, but I don't care about it anymore. I rather be in prison if it means getting rid of Conner as for you. Don't worry I'll go down myself. You still have a future."

Ronald: "I …"

Johnny: "You have talent. I'll give you that. I'll just tell the police that I forced you to help me."

Ronald: "Johnny?" He looks around his surroundings and saw all their classmates. "Seems like everyone is having a good time this year?"

Johnny: "Yeah, well there are some who are going to have a bad year." Ronald doesn't respond to that.

While they both stare at all their classmates having fun, they both failed to realized that someone just walked passed them. Walking passed the crowd to enter the building, all eyes were set on him as he walks down the hallways to his destination.

Random Student: "Wait who is that?"

Random Student 2: "I don't know? Is he new or a visitor?"

Random Student 3: "I don't think he's a visitor? He's wearing our school uniform."

Random Student 4: "What pretty eyes."

Random Student 5: "Who is that handsome man?"

Random Student 6: "I don't know who he is and yet it feels like I know him?"

The student body continues to talk about this unknown figure, failing to realize it was someone they already met. Choosing to ignore them, he continues his way upstairs. When he arrived to the floor where his destination is located. Facing the door. He took a deep breath and listened in on what was going on, on the other side of the door.

Monika: " Okay one more time everyone. It's almost time for our performance. We need to make sure we're all prepared."

Everyone Else: "Yes mam!"

Taking one last deep breath he thinks back to everything that has happened up to this point. Not knowing what to say when he faces them. Fearing that they would hate him for his absence. Worrying that he could never be forgiven, but determined to face them and show he has grown. He clenches his right hand fiercely. No fear, no doubt, only determination, and a fire burning in his soul. He opens the door and faces his club mates.

Monika: "Oh sorry, but we're not open yet. Please come by in thirty minutes. Thank you." The girls too focus on practicing to notice. Taking another step forward. "I said we're not ready. Please be patient and wait outside. Thank you."

Michael: "Did you forget that I'm a part of this too?" All four girls look to see him standing there with a warm smile on his face. All in shock at what they were seeing. "Hey everyone. Sorry for being late."

Monika: "Michael, is that you?"

Natsuki: "Woah, you look … different?"

Yuri: "I … I agree. What happened to you?"

Sayori: "MC!" She runs up to him. "What happen to your hair?" She plays around his newly trimmed hair.

Michael: "Thought I change my look for the performance? Does it look bad?" The girls examine his new look. His hair was trimmed a bit, some of it slicked to the back with some of his bangs still hanging around his forehead. Looking somewhat similar to Rintaro Okabe from Steins; Gate.

Monika: "No, I think you look great. If not better."

Natsuki: "Yeah dude. I can see both your eyes now. For a second I didn't recognize you." She looks up to not one, but both his gold eyes.

Yuri: "Natsuki has a point. I honestly thought you were a stranger, but seeing you now. I'm … I'm very happy to see you again."

Michael: "Yeah, sorry for being gone this whole week. I understand if your all upset with me since all of you worked really hard setting things up." He gives off a nervous smile.

Monika: "It's quite alright. I'm just glad you're here now. Welcome back to the Literature Club." She smiles brightly to him.

Michael: "So you girls practicing?"

Monika: "Yes we are. Would you like to join us?"

Michael: "No I'm good. I've been practicing a lot at home. I basically got the whole poem memorized."

Monika: "That so? Well I would like to see what you manage to do?"

Michael: "Sorry Monika, but you're going to have to wait until it's my time to perform."

Monika: "I see, well I can't wait to hear what you wrote."

Michael: "Yes mam. Can I ask when I'm performing?"

Monika: "The order is going o be the same as last time. I'll be the one to start things off followed by Sayori. After her it's going to be Natsuki followed by Yuri. After Yuri it's going to be your turn."

Michael: "Got it." Monika smiles, but soon notices something was different about him.

Monika: "Your foot? Your foot it's all …"

Michael: "Yeah, my foot got better, so I don't have to use the crutches anymore. I can walk normal again."

Monika: "That's great to hear."

Yuri: "Indeed, now we don't have to worry about him too much."

Natsuki: "Doubt, I'm pretty sure he's still going to get himself in trouble more often now."

Yuri: "You have a point." They all glance at him.

Michael: "Well … I guess you're not wrong about that."

Monika: "Looks like it's almost about time?"

Natsuki: "Man I'm so nervous now."

Yuri: "I could drop dead at any moment."

Sayori: "Same, I'm actually really scared right about now."

Monika: "I know how you all feel, but … No you're right. To be honest with you all. I'm scared too. I …"

"Failure is not an option. You are to succeed no matter what. Fail and you're better off dead."

"…"

Sayori: "Monika, are you ok?"

Michael: "It's fine everyone. I can understand how you all feel, but I know we can do this." All four girls look up to him. "I know the thought is scary and you all feel the pressure after what happened last year, but I know we can do this. After all I'm the one who suggested it and I did so because I believe in ourselves. Now let's stop being fearful and give it all we got. Let's show the school just show great The Literature Club really is."

Monika: "Thanks. You're right, we have a task to accomplish. So let's show everyone what we got and show just how awesome The Literature Club really is."

Everyone Else: "Yes Mam!"

The sound of hearts beating in unison as the time finally ran out. The stage is set and the students enter the classroom. The time is finally here.

Michael: (It's finally here. It's time to show everyone how much I've grown. To show them how much I care for them and the club.)

"It's time to show my style of poetry."

End of Chapter 64