Hey! I hope you all have been enjoying this so far. I actually feel rather confident in this story, and the progressions that I have in mind for it. I hope you all enjoy it as well~! With that out of the way, please enjoy chapter 4 of "A Quiet Mind".
Yuri found herself in the club exceptionally early today, marking it as the first time she had ever been first to the classroom. Usually, Natsuki was here before everyone else, and if wasn't her, it would be Sayori. Usually, it was Monika or Yuri who ended up being last. Yuri because she was much slower and far less energized than the other two sporadic girls who seemed to have infinite reserves of energy, albeit Natsuki was far better at hiding away her over-energetic persona than Sayori was. Natsuki had a mission to be perpetually seen as the exact opposite of Sayori, and even Monika in a sense. She didn't seem to be comfortable with who she was, and didn't like being near people like Monika, who Yuri imagined she found to be stuck up or disingenuous.
She shook the thoughts of Natsuki and her analysis of her out of her head, and made her way into the classroom, looking around for a moment, making sure she was alone and not looking like an absolute weirdo who was standing at the doorway staring into nothing. Once she made sure she was alone, she made her way to her normal spot in the room, farthest from the doorway, closest to the window. She sat her book bag on the ground and opened it up, digging out two separate books and sitting it on the desk in front of her. Before she could open either, footsteps audibly clacked down the hallway, and the quick opening of the door was followed by a whoosh of air.
"Damn it, I'm late!" Natsuki exclaimed angrily as she stepped inside the classroom and seeing Yuri. "Fucking Sonada-sensei!" She stamped her foot and crossed her arms, defiantly standing at the doorway. What that was actually accomplishing, Yuri didn't really know.
Yuri flinched at Natsuki's vulgarity. She still wasn't used to it, despite being here for as long as she has. "W-Well... Considering I'm the only other one here... I wouldn't say that you are late..." Yuri mumbled in a half-hearted attempt to console her angry club mate.
"Shut up! It's late for me!" She deflected the consolation attempt, which was not the least bit surprising to Yuri.
"I-I see... W-Well, I guess I'll read..." Yuri mumbled, focusing her attention back to her books on her desk.
Natsuki looked over to Yuri with a look of curiosity, and walked over to her. "Why do have two books? I knew you were addicted to books and reading, but I didn't think you would read two books at the same time..." Natsuki rolled her eyes, sparking a bit of a giggle out of Yuri, much to Natsuki's surprise.
"I'm not reading two separate books, Natsuki. See?" Yuri held up the book on the right, which read "English to Japanese Dictionary" in both English and Japanese. She placed it down and picked up the book on the left, and held it up to Natsuki, which read "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" in English.
"Oh! You're reading a book in English? Why?" Natsuki said, looking to Yuri with a look of genuine curiosity, which Yuri thought suited her much better than her usual scowl and judging look she normally bore.
"Well, you see... This book was originally written in German and translated to English, so finding a copy translated into Japanese from English, which was already translated from German, is next to impossible. So, I decided that I could both read it and work on my English skills while I'm at it. There is a lot of fantastic English literature that is very difficult to get translated, and even if there is a copy in Japanese it is very expensive... So, working on English more than just what the school has us do would be very beneficial for me."
Natsuki nodded slowly, which made Yuri wonder if she had even been listening at all.
After a few moments of Natsuki silently staring at the cover, she looked at Yuri and once again placed an annoyed scowl on her face, "Ugh. I hate English. What is the book called?" Natsuki grumbled quietly. Yuri suddenly remembered how the two had met, and just how poor Natsuki was at English.
"Ah, right. It's called Perfume, The Story of a Murderer. I have heard quite a few good things about it..." Yuri trailed off, noticing Natsuki wasn't really listening to her, just staring out the window behind her. She sighed, and adjusted the books on her desk once again. "Well, I won't take up anymore of your time. The rest should be here soon, along with Sayori's new friend that she is bringing."
Natsuki groaned, "Don't remind me. I don't even want to think about it."
Yuri perked up as a thought rung in her head, "Hey, didn't you make cupcakes? Where are they at?" Yuri asked as she turned around in her seat.
Natsuki looked back over to Yuri and raised an eyebrow, "I put them in the closet before school started. Do you think I was going to carry around cupcakes all day? Idiot." Natsuki shamed Yuri, which caused the purple haired girl to slink back into her seat. She opened her book, and decided it was best to end anymore conversations with Natsuki for the time being, less she wanted to feel what little pride she had stomped on even more than usual.
Yuri sat at her desk, calmly reading her book, slowly going through the words, checking her dictionary when she needed to. Despite the cumbersome task of having to switch books, she found it fun. It gave the book more of an allure...
Her thoughts were interrupted as the door opened once more, as Monika slid into the room, making her way to the teachers desk with her usual smile. Yuri often wondered if Monika forced herself to constantly smile so that people wouldn't ever catch her vulnerable. It was a bit of a stretch to make such an assumption about a girl she admittedly knew very little about, but, Yuri seemed to have that intuition about people.
Sayori, on the other hand, seemed extremely obvious to Yuri, but it did not seem to be as clear to the other members of the club. Either they don't pay enough attention, or they just don't care. She hoped it was just their ignorance, but, to her Sayori's fake persona was entirely obvious. She was good at hiding it, but, Yuri knew a thing or two about faking it to "make it" in social situations. It's all she ever really did, anyway.
She shook her head, and went back to her book. She knew she didn't have much time left, so she needed to try and squeeze out as much as she could...
Just as she made it past another page, she heard footsteps once more, followed by the oh so familiar energetic voice of Sayori.
"Hey! I'm here~! And I have our newest member with me!" Sayori proudly announced, stepping into the room with a beaming grin, one that seemed much more real than usual, much to Yuri's surprise.
"I told you not to call me that yet..." A masculine voice grumbled not much farther behind her, and Yuri smirked.
One point for Yuri... She thought smugly, proud of her detective skills.
Following Sayori inside was a boy, who seemed to be around their age. He had scruffy brown hair that was obviously only given the bare minimum of attention, with honey colored eyes partially blocked by the aforementioned hair.
Before anyone could say anything, a groan was heard from the back of the classroom. "Ugh! Are you kidding me Sayori? You brought a boy? Way to kill the atmosphere..." Natsuki complained, much to the dismay of Sayori.
"Natsuki... Don't be so quick to judge," Monika chimed in, "You haven't even met him yet." Monika's emerald eyes went over to the boy, and she smiled. "In fact, I know him. Hello, Massaki. It's been awhile since we talked!" Monika exclaimed, a small grin on her face.
"Whatever..." Natsuki grumbled.
"Oh, you two already know each other?" Sayori asked, her face faltering a bit before she quickly plastered a smile on her face. "That's great! Well, Massaki, you already know Monika... The grumpy one in Natsuki. She is nice once you get to know her..." Sayori waved at Natsuki, who rolled her eyes.
"I find that hard to believe." The boy, evidently named Massaki, whispered under his breath, receiving a small punch in the arm from Sayori.
"Be nice!" She whispered aggressively, her gaze making it's way over to Yuri, who leaned back a bit. Yuri wasn't very fond of greetings...
"And that is Yuri! She is the smartest in the club!" Sayori exclaimed, causing Yuri to blush out of embarrassment, and Monika to give Sayori a bit of a side-eyed glare for making such a proclamation.
"Sayori... Please don't say such things..." Yuri muttered, standing up and walking over to the group to make a proper greeting, despite her hesitancy. "H-Hello, Massaki. I-I'm Yuri..." She stuttered, mentally hitting herself for doing so.
"Hey, Yuri. It's nice to meet you," He said in a cool tone, giving Yuri a small wave.
Natsuki made her way over to join the group, her arms crossed as she continued to glare at Massaki.
"Well... I guess for starters... My name is Massaki Chiba, but uh my friends call me MC. It's shorter, and makes things easier. Nobody besides my grandmother calls me Massaki anyway..." He trailed off.
An awkward silence began to spread through the group as they all looked between each other, waiting for someone to say anything. Yuri felt the odd urge to break the silence, and took the opportunity to raise the question she wanted to ask. "So... MC, what books do you like to read?" Yuri said slowly, looking at MC curiously.
"W-Well..." MC looked down, a bit flustered by Yuri's question. "M-Manga, I guess..." He trailed off, and Yuri felt a bit deflated by his answer. She glanced over at Natsuki, who's facial expression completely changed from her former scowl to her now current look of curiosity and interest.
Yuri looked back to MC, and sighed, "Not much of a reader, I guess..." Yuri mumbled, looking away as she slowly played with her hair that draped over her shoulder.
"W-Well... I mean, that could change... I never really got into reading, but I never really tried to. I imagine if I actually tried, I would be able to get into it... If that makes any sense." He rubbed the back of his head, "Er, maybe you could tell me what books you like?"
Yuri perked up, and stood up straight as she pondered the question. "Well... To be quite honest, that is a bit of a loaded question. In theory, I enjoy all forms of literature and have read multiple works from multiple different genres. But, to be more direct, I particularly enjoy books that take me into a new world. I enjoy books that have expansive universes that I can immerse myself into, as if I am a traveler alongside the main protagonist. A world where I can imagine the landscape around me and learn the rules of it. I find it particularly enjoyable when the book manages to properly teach the rules of the world, so that I as the reader feel as if I am a character in the book being explained how the world around me works, compared to books that use characters as a mouthpiece to talk to the reader through the main protagonist. I also find myself enjoying horror and mystery, lately. It gives me a strange thrill that isn't matched by other pieces of horror media, there is just a strange feeling of suspense and fear when you immerse yourself into a horror book..." Yuri trailed off, thinking of anything more to say.
"Wow, Yuri, I didn't know you were into horror!" Sayori exclaimed, a surprised look on her face.
"A-Ah... Well, as I said, I like all genres. Horror is just something I have been reading more frequently as of late."
"Well... I think that's pretty cool! Maybe you could give me a recommendation to start?" MC chimed in, giving a small smile.
"A-Ah... Well, let me think on it and I'll tell you tomorrow." Yuri gave MC a wave, "N-Now... If you'll excuse me, I need to go put some stuff away..." She muttered and walked off, effectively ending the conversation.
Sayori looked to Yuri, then her eyes widened as she quickly looked over to Natsuki. "Natsuki! Did you make the cupcakes?" She exclaimed, an entire new wave of energy taking her over. Yuri once again had no idea where that energy came from, it was like she pulled it out of thin air.
Natsuki, who had been spacing out for the past few minutes, snapped back into reality as Sayori yelled at her. "Jesus Christ, yes, Sayori. They are in the closet. Let me go get them." She grumbled, turning and walking towards the closet.
Monika slowly stepped next to MC, and smiled, "I am glad you're joining us, MC. You'll make a fine addition to our club." Monika said in a sweet tone, making Yuri raise an eyebrow as she stepped back into the group after tidying up her bag.
"Monika... I haven't made my de-"
"CUPCAKES!" Sayori screamed, cutting MC off as Natsuki brought out a tray covered in a purple cloth.
Natsuki scowled, "Sayori, if you scream one more time, instead of eating one of these I am going to shove it up your a-"
"Natsuki." Monika said sternly, glaring Natsuki down, making the shorter girl step back a little.
"Sorry." She muttered, and looked back up to the 4 of them. "Anyway, here are Natsuki's famous cupcakes!" She exclaimed, pulling the cloth back and revealing the array of brightly colored sweets.
They were similar to the ones she made when Yuri joined, with a cat design. But instead of vanilla, they were chocolate, and two of the cupcakes had purple frosting instead of pink.
"YUMMY! CHOCOLATE! MY FAVORITE!" Sayori reached out, and Natsuki pulled the tray away from her, and frowned.
"Be civilized for once in your life for God's sake..." Natsuki grumbled, and sat the tray down.
"Alright, have at it. Except..." She grabbed the two cupcakes with purple frosting off the tray, "there, now you can have at it."
"Aww... I wanted the purple one..." Sayori whined, which received a shoulder check from MC.
"Be respectful, she made us cupcakes." MC mumbled, and Sayori laughed sheepishly.
"A-Ah... Right... Sorry..." She said and quietly took a cupcake, as did Monika and MC.
Yuri looked over to Natsuki confused, "So... Is the purple one... Mine?" Yuri asked quietly.
Natsuki rolled her eyes, "Yeah, I wanted to try something new. And I assumed since, y'know," She moved her hand around, referring to Yuri's hair, "that you would like to have the purple one."
"Well... Thank you, but, why did you grab both of them?" Yuri questioned, and Natsuki blushed lightly.
"I wanted to see if the purple frosting was any good. Now stop interrogating me and eat your cupcake..." She muttered, and handed it to Yuri.
Yuri took it, and smiled, "Thank you, Natsuki." Yuri lightly bit into the cake, and slowly eat it. She didn't really care for sweets, but, she did like Natsuki's cupcakes. Although, she didn't crave them.
"It is very good." Yuri said softly after she swallowed.
"I agree, they're fantastic." MC said, already having finished his.
"I agree!" Sayori said, chocolate crumbs and purple frosting on the sides of her mouth.
"I will have mine later, but I imagine it's absolutely delicious, Natsuki." Monika smiled, setting hers down on the desk.
Natsuki smiled with pride, "Thank you, thank you. I know my cupcakes are absolutely to die for, and I know you all love them so there is no need to remind me." She gloated, receiving an eye roll from Monika.
"Tough talk for someone who writes cute little poems," Monika teased, making Natsuki blush a deep shade of red.
"W-What...? I-I have no idea what... You're talking about..." Natsuki looked shocked, her cheeks red with embarrassment.
"Oh, you mean you don't remember your poem titled... Hmm... Let's see..." She made her way to the teachers desk and pulled out a piece of paper that seemingly used to be crumbled up, "Rose col-"
"SHUT UP!" Natsuki ran up to the front of the class and snatched the paper from Monika's hands, holding it close to her body as she glared at Monika. "You... That wasn't for you... Or anyone... To read..."
Monika smirked, "Oh come on, it's not like it was a love letter. It was cute!" Monika smiled, and Natsuki glared angrily.
"Monika..." Yuri butted in, stepping closer to the front of the classroom, "You still shouldn't have read it. Poems are often filled with personal emotions and things that not everyone wants others to read, as someone who appreciates poetry as much as you do, you should know that. "
Monika sighed, and nodded in defeat. "You're right, you're right. I'm sorry, Natsuki. I was only teasing you, I didn't read your poem, I promise you." Monika said apologetically, and Natsuki seemed to relax at that.
"... It's fine..." She muttered, folding the paper and shoving it into her pocket.
"You know... Yuri, the way you were talking, it sounds like you yourself write poetry, am I mistaken in saying so?" Monika questioned, taking Yuri a bit off guard.
"Um, well, I-I have written poems, yes..."
"Hmm... I think I just had an idea~!" Monika smiled, "Okay, everyone! To honor our growth as a club this past week, I think we should add a new activity to broaden our horizons a bit. So, for this week, every day we will bring in a poem of our own creation and share them with each other!" Monika exclaimed, much to the dismay of Yuri and Natsuki.
"W-What...? I-I could... I could never..." Yuri felt her chest constrict as she held the cloth over it, her body tensed in fear.
"No way! That is way too personal, that is crossing a major boundary!" Natsuki exclaimed in protest.
"I-I agree... My poems are way too personal... You guys are my friends but... I couldn't..."
"Guys, I'm not asking you to write your deepest darkest secrets down. I don't care what it's about, you could write about unicorns for all I care. All I want is for you guys to go home everyday and write a poem to bring to class! I think it will be fun and expose a few of us to different styles of writing!" Monika said sweetly, trying her best to convince them.
Natsuki stayed quiet, and looked away.
Yuri sighed, "Alright... If those are the terms, I don't mind it."
"Me either... I guess..." Natsuki mumbled under her breath.
"I think it sounds awesome! I'm not very good at poetry, but I bet I'll learn a lot from you guys!" Sayori exclaimed, making Yuri smile a bit at her optimism and enthusiasm.
"Great! I am glad we are all in agreement!" Monika exclaimed happily.
"Well... Erm... Actually..." MC said from the back of the room after being quite the entire conversation, "There is... One problem... I haven't decided to join this club yet!"
Yuri looked back at him in a bit of shock. Did he really just come for the cupcakes and to waste time? Yuri frowned, upset at the thought that maybe MC was far more shallow than he seemed to be.
"Are... You being for real?" Natsuki looked away.
"MC..." Monika looked down
"I thought..." Sayori trailed off, dejected.
"I... Er... I mean..." MC stuttered as her frantically looked around the room. "I... Haven't officially signed up yet! I need to do that, don't I?" He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head.
Sayori's face quickly shifted into a ecstatic smile and clapped her hands, "Yay! I knew you would join!"
Yuri felt herself relax as well, glad that her intuition didn't fail her after all... "I'm glad, MC." She said softly, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Good!" Monika exclaimed, with a smile.
Natsuki stayed quiet for a moment, before crossing her arms, "Good... If all you did was come for my cupcakes I would have kicked your ass."
Yuri once again flinched, but laughed a bit this time. "To be honest," Yuri looked at MC, "I wouldn't have stopped her, if that was the case."
Sayori giggled, "Wow MC, you even had Yuri wanting to see you get beat up. Good thing you made the right choice~" She giggled and poked his chest, receiving an eye roll and a flick on the forehead. "O-Ow..."
"Well! Now that that is settled... Well, it seems that it's about the time to go home! MC, it was a pleasure seeing you again! I really do hope our humble club is enjoyable for you." Monika smiled, and nodded towards him.
"I think it will pretty nice..."
Yuri made her way over to her bag, and slung it over her shoulder. She made sure to scope out her desk, making sure that she didn't leave anything behind before making her way to the door.
"Remember, everyone needs to write a poem for tomorrow! They don't have to be to par with William Woodsworth, but please put some effort into them!" Monika exclaimed once more, Yuri making a mental note to fit in the time to write a poem.
Before Yuri left, she walked over to Natsuki who was nonchalantly shoving her things into her book bag. "Thank you for the cupcake, Natsuki. The purple frosting was quite enjoyable. And I say that with only a minimal amount of bias." She smiled, and Natsuki turned around with a bit of a blush on her face.
"W-Well... I'm glad you liked it... Although I do like the pink frosting more... Which is completely biased." Natsuki smiled back, and put her bag over her shoulder. "See you tomorrow, yeah?"
Yuri nodded, "See you tomorrow. Remember to write your poem."
"Yep!" Natsuki made her way past Yuri, and out of the classroom. Yuri watched as she did so, her mind blank yet filled with thoughts. She shook off her convoluted mind, and quickly waved at the remaining club members before scurrying out of the classroom, down the stairs, and into the courtyard.
She breathed in the evening air, and looked up to the sky. What should my poem be about... She pondered in her head, her thoughts of the club and it's members occupied her mind.
Today, the demon was pushed away, and it could not break through.
Hey guys, I hope you enjoyed. I'm sorry if this wasn't the best chapter ever, I feel somewhat good about it but I don't know. I do, though, know that the next chapter will be one of the best yet. So, I hope you look forward to it! Whenever it comes out... Anywhomst, have a great day/night! And thank you for reading, it means more than you know. Leave a review if you have any critics or compliments you would like to share! All feedback is greatly appreciated.