Purist

by CraftedBrother05

MINOR DDLC CROSSOVER In high school, Nishikata barely talked with Takagi, thus making them separated. But after some time, Takagi dragged him onto a certain club that made them closer and closer, returning to their old habits as rivals. However as time goes on, Nishikata learned something inside Takagi that was dark, shocking, yet depressing. Will Nishikata get out and help her?

3. Chapter 2 - Of All Poems and Love

Chapter 2: Of All Poems and Love

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

Sayori: "Hi, Nishikata~"

Nishikata: "Sayori-san, looks like you're in a good mood today."

Sayori: "Ehehe~ Speaking of which, I'm kinda hungry. Will you come with me to buy a snack?"

Nishikata: "E-eh? Wh-what…? Don't you have your own allowance?"

Takagi: "Do not Nishikata. She's just trying to trick you."

Takagi entered the clubroom.

Sayori: "Eh? T-Takagi?"

Takagi: "Sayori-san, Let's take a look at your purse."

Sayori: "E-eh…? Why…that all of the sudden?"

Takagi: " No reason, really, we just wanted to look at it."

Sayori: "A-ah…"

Sayori nervously retrieves her coin purse. She fumbles with the latch and gets it open, only two small coins fall out.

Sayori: "Ahaha…ha…"

Takagi: "I knew it, I can see right through you Sayori-san."

Sayori: "That's not fair! How did you even know?"

Takagi: "It's simple, if you had enough money on the first place, you would've brought a snack into the clubroom. So, either you're not hungry and wanted an excuse to walk, or you planned to conveniently forget that you spent all of your money, so that Nishikata would lend you some! But there's one more thing."

Takagi gets closer to Sayori and gave her a smug.

Takagi: "You're always hungry. So that leaves the one option."

Sayori: "Uwaaa~! I give up! Don't make me feel guiltyyy!"

And that teaches Sayori how not to mess around with Takagi. Only that I've been into several of those moments or worse. She can easily identify somethings off the person, even when as little as bringing a snack. And also the fact that she's been in this club for a quite long time.

Yuri: "Ahaha."

Yuri suddenly giggles.

Nishikata: "Eh?"

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

Yuri: "A-ah! I wasn't listening or anything. It was just…something in my book…"

Sayori: "Yuriii, Tell Takagi or Nishikata to let me borrow some money…"

Yuri: "That's…Don't get me involved like that, Sayori. Besides, you should only buy what you can responsibly afford. And frankly, after putting a little mischievous little stunt like that, your suffering is enough retribution."

Nishikata: "…"

I stare quizzically at Yuri.

Yuri: "Ah! Did…I just? I-I didn't mean that! I got too absorbed into my book. Uu…"

Sayo & Taka: "Ahaha!"

Sayori: "I really like when you speak your mind, Yuri. It doesn't happen much, but it's the fun side of you."

Yuri: "That's…There's no way you could think that…"

Sayori: "You were right though, I did something bad and now I have to accept the revolution."

Takagi: "Retribution. Ahaha."

Sayori: "That!"

Yuri: "Still, coming from you Sayori, I guess there's a little devil inside us all, isn't there?"

Sayori: "Ehehe…"

Sayori: "Kyaaa-!"

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

Sayori: "Ow…"

Sayori: "What was- Eh? A-a cookie!"

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

Sayori: "Is this a miracle!? It's because I paid my restitution?"

Nishikata: "Retribution."

Yuri: "Actually that one almost worked."

Natsuki: "Ehahaha! I was just gonna give it to you. But then I heard you blab about the cupcakes. It was totally worth it to see your reaction though. Ahaha!"

Sayori: "N-Natsuki! That's so nice of you! I'm so happy!"

Sayori hugs the cookie.

Takagi: "Ahaha! Just eat it."

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

Sayori: "Shoooo good! Mmff!"

Sayori suddenly clasp her hand over her mouth.

Sayori: I bit my tongue…"

Natsuki: "Ehehe. You're going through a lot for just one cookie."

Natsuki takes a bite of her own cookie.

Sayori: "Yours looks really good, Natsuki. Can I try it?"

Natsuki: "Jeez…Beggars can't be choosers!"

Sayori: "But yours is chocolate…"

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

Sayori: "Fine. I'm really happy that you shared this one with me. Ehehe~"

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

Natsuki: "Ah-! Jeez. I get it, I get it."

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

Sayori: "…Om."

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

Natsuki: "H-Hey! Did you seriously just do that!?"

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

Mouth full, Sayori trots away from safety.

I faced palm, Yuri and Takagi laughs.

Natsuki: "Jeez! You're such a kid sometimes! Monikaaa! Can you tell Sayori- Eh?"

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

Natsuki: "Ugh…Where's Monika anyway?"

Yuri: "Good question, have any of you heard anything about her being late today?"

Sayori: "Not me."

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

Nishikata: "Nope."

Yuri: "Hmm...that's a bit unusual."

Takagi: "I hope she's okay."

Natsuki: "Of course she's okay! She's just probably had something for today."

Takagi: "She's pretty popular after all."

Nishikata: "Eh? You don't think she..."

Sayori: "She has a...!"

Yuri: "Ahaha, I wouldn't be surprised. She's probably more desirable than all of us combined."

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

Nish & Nat: "Excuse me!?"

Suddenly, the door swings open.

Monika: "Ah, I'm sorry! I'm super sorry!"

Takagi: "Ah! There you are."

Monika: "I didn't mean to be late. I hope you guys weren't worried or anything..."

Sayori: "Eh? Monika chose the club over her boyfriend after all! You're so strong willed."

Monika: "B-Boyfriend...? What on earth are you talking about?"

Takagi: "...What held you up anyway?"

Monika: "Ah...Well, my last period today was study hall. To be honest I just lost track in time. Ahaha..."

Natsuki: "That makes no sense though. You would've heard the bell ring at least."

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

Yuri: "Piano? I wasn't aware you played music as well, Monika."

Monika: "Ah...I don't really...! I kinda just started recently, I've always wanted to learn piano."

Sayori: "That's so cool!"

Takagi: "You should play something for us, Monika-san."

Takagi smirked, which left Monika uneasy.

Monika: "That's...!"

Monika then turned to me.

Nishikata: "W-what?"

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

Nishikata: "T-that's..."

Somehow, Monika's gaze tricked me for making me red.

Sayori: "Yay~"

Takagi: "That sounds cool. I'd also look forward to it."

Monika: "Ahaha. So I didn't miss anything did I?"

Nishikata: "N-not really…"

I chose to leave out Sayori's mischievous escapade. I'm sure Natsuki will end up complaining about her anyway. And looks like everyone already settled down, and Sayori somehow already finished her cookie already. Yuri is back to her book, and Natsuki is dissapeared in the closet. And looks like it's just me and Takagi.

Takagi: "Hey, Nishikata."

Nishikata: "Y-yeah?"

Takagi: "Wanna have a contest?"

A few moments later.

Few contests of me and Takagi, I ultimately fail every single one. I stumbled and kneel down all four, and as usual for every victory, she laughs.

Takagi: "Ahaha! I'm sorry. Did I gone too far?"

Nishikata: "Nah...It's fine."

I stand up and look at Takagi triumphant smile.

Takagi: "That was fun, right?"

I silently nodded, with a face looking like a tomato.

Monika: "Okay, everyone! Are you ready to share your first poem?"

Nat & Yuri: "E-eh? N-now?"

Sayori: "Yeah!"

Takagi: "Let's do it."

Nishikata: "Guess I should grab mine."

I turned my seat and grabbed my poem.

Sayori and Monika enthusiasticly pull out their poems. Sayori's is on wrinkeled sheet of loose leaf torn from a spiral notebook. On the other hand, Monika writes it on her composition notebook. I can already see Monika's pristine handwriting from her notebook.

Natsuki and Yuri relucantly comply as well, reaching into their bags. Me and Takagi do the same as well.

Poem time!

Takagi.

Well, I'm definitely most comfortable sharing with Takagi first. She's my good friend after all.

Takagi: "...Okay."

Nishikata: "What do you think...?"

Takagi: "Well, I wouldn't say it's terrible."

Nishikata: "Huh, okay then."

Takagi: "Nishikata, do you think about me when writing this poem?"

Nishikata: "HUH!? Not at all!"

Frankly, I do. My poem is about winning something that you've been lost for a while, like when we have a contest for each other, and I've never win once at all. So that what inspired me.

Takagi: "To be honest, it's actually really good."

Nishikata: "Wait? What? But you said-"

Takagi: "That's because you think of me when writing this."

Nishikata: "Not at all! It's just because I was watching fierce soccer! That's all!"

Takagi: "Oh?"

Nishikata: "I swear!"

Takagi: "Wanna read my poem now?"

Nishikata: "Sure..."

*Insert Takagi poem*

Nishikata: "Huh...from the looks of it, looks like a love poem..."

Takagi: "Oh? Do you think so? And why do you think it is?"

Nishikata: "I-I'm just assuming things..."

Takagi: "Well, it is a love poem. But who do you think I write it for?"

Takagi leans closer.

Nishikata: "Wh-what is it?"

She leans even closer.

Nishikata: "Uuuu..."

Takagi: "So..."

Nishikata: "Eerrrrr..."

Now our face is about few inches apart. I...I actually can feel her warm breath.

Nishikata: "Ummm...too...too close..."

Takagi: "What do you think about my poem?"

She backed away from me instantly.

Nishikata: "Oh...I-it's good."

I nodded.

Takagi: "What? Do you think I have any other things that I wanted to do? Or you just assuming things?"

Nishikata: "NO! NOT AT ALL!"

Natsuki: "Hey! Keep it down!"

Natsuki yells from the distance. Looks like my voice gotten too loud.

Nishikata: "S-sorry..."

I looked at Takagi. She silently laughs again.

Takagi: "Hihihi~ So much better to tease you every day."

Nishikata: "...Okay...I'll go to everyone else, give me my poem."

Takagi retrives my poem, I do the same.

Takagi: "Looking forward to see your poem again."

Takagi walked away from me. That was scary.

Sayori.

Sayori: "..."

Nishikata: "Is it that bad?"

Sayori: "Oh my goodness! This is soooooo good, Nishikata!"

Nishikata: "Eh?"

Sayori: "I like it! I had no idea you're such a good writer!"

Nishikata: "S-Sayori-san...Y-you must be seriously overreacting, huh? I'm...a terrible writer...ahaha..."

Sayori: "Well...well, maybe because that's why. I have no Idea what I like either! Ahahaha!"

Nishikata: "Please don't tease me like Takagi did..."

I'm sure Yuri's opinion has to be a little more constructive than this. Maybe even Natsuki, or Monika.

Nishikata: "Are you sure you don't like it, just because I wrote it?"

Sayori: "Eh? Well, I'm sure of it. But it makes me think of how much you want to win against every Takagi's contest!"

Nishikata: "Eh? Did she even tell you?"

Sayori: "So when I read your poem, it's not just a poem. It's a Nishikata's poem! And that makes it feel extra special, like I can feel your feelings in it, especially Takagi. Ehehe~"

Nishikata: "That's...creppy."

Sayori looks at the poem once more.

Sayori: I'm really happy that you just wrote one. It just reminds me of how you're the part of the club now."

Nishikata: "You sounded like Monika all of the sudden."

Sayori: "Now, you'll read my poem to right? Don't worry I'm really bad at this."

Nishikata: "W-We'll see about that..."

Sayori hands me the poem.

*Insert Dear Sunshine*

Nishikata: "Sayori-san, this sounds like you...Especially that last line."

Sayori: "I made eggs and toast! Although I was kinda late in class. It's bad to skip breakfast."

Nishikata: "Ah. Y-you do have a point. Thanks for showing me though. It...it was a great poem."

Sayori: "Ehehe~ This is so much fun. Monika's the best."

Not to mention got teased again by Takagi.

Nishikata: "Ah...yeah."

Sayori: "But next time, I won't forget. And I'm gonna write the best poem ever!"

Nishikata: "I look forward into it."

I smiled as we exchange sheets and walk away.

Natsuki

Natsuki: "..."

Nishikata: "...?"

Natsuki: "Well, it's about what I expected from someone like you."

Nishikata: "Urk...That's a little blunt."

Natsuki: "Well, excuse me. It's not like I said it was bad, it just didn't evoke any emotions."

Nishikata: "So basically, not cute enough for you?"

I smirked. Natsuki expression soured.

Natsuki: "Do you want to get smacked?"

Nishikata: "WOAH! E-easy! I...was just...teasing y-you..."

That was a mistake, lesson learned.

Natsuki: "Sigh...Well anyway. I guess I need to show you mine. Not that you'll like it."

*Insert eagles Can Fly*

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

Nishikata: "I like it."

Natsuki: "What? Just be honest!"

Nishikata: "I am. Well maybe a little too short for my taste. Why are you so convinced that I won't like it?"

Natsuki: "Well- Because! Everyone in highschool think that writing have to be sophisticated and stuff. So, people won't take my writing seriously."

Nishikata: "But, isn't the point of poem to people is to express themselves? Your writing style wouldn't make the message any less valid."

Natsuki: "Yes, exactly! I like when it's easy to read, but it hits you hard. Like in this poem. Seeing everyone around you do great things can be really disheartening. So, I decided I wrote about it."

Nishikata: "Yeah...I understand. I guess it went more into it that I realized."

Natsuki: "That what it means to be a pro! I'm glad you learned something. Didn't expect that from the youngest on here, did you?"

Nishikata: "Yeah..."

I didn't really care about how old Natsuki is, but if Natsuki is feeling proud then I won't take from her.

Yuri

Yuri: "..."

Yuri stares at the poem, A minute passes, more than enough time for her to finish reading.

Nishikata: "Umm..."

Yuri: Oh! S-sorry...! I forgot to start speaking."

Nishikata: "I-It's okay..."

Yuri: "I just need to put my thoughts into words. Hold on...okay."

Yuri takes a deep breath.

Yuri: "This is your first time writing a poem, correct?"

Nishikata: "E-eh...yeah."

Something tells me, she's not going to like it.

Nishikata: "Wh-why do you ask...?"

Yuri: "I'm just making sure. I guessed that might be after reading through it."

Nishikata: "Ah, so it's that bad?"

Yuri: "No!"

Yuri raises her voice.

Yuri: "Did I just raise my voice...? Uu...I'm so sorry..."

Yuri buries her face in her hand. I couldn't help but notice that it's been several minutes and we haven't gotten anywhere. It might take Yuri a while to get used to people.

Nishikata: "it's fine, I really didn't notice. What were you saying?"

Yuri: "Right, It's just that there's a specific writing habits that usually typical for new writers. And having been through that myself, i kind of learned to pick it up on them.

I think the most noticeable thing I recognize in new writers is that they try to make their style very deliberate. In other words, they tend to pick up a writing style separate from the topic matter, and they form-fit the two together.

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

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

Yuri: "Of course, that's not something you can be blamed for. There are so many different skills and techniques that go into writing even a simple poem.

Not just finding them and building them, but getting them to work together is probably the most challenging part. It might take some time, but it all comes with practice, and learning be example, and trying new things.

I also hope everyone else in this club gives you a valuable feedback Natsuki can be a little biased, though..."

Nishikata: "Biased? How?"

Yuri: "U-ummm...Well, never mind. I shouldn't be talking about people like that. Sorry"

Nishikata: "I-It's okay..."

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

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

Yuri: "Please do!"

*Insert Ghost Under the Light*

Nishikata: "Err..."

Yuri: "I'm...sorry I have such bad handwriting!"

Nishikata: "I-I wasn't thinking that at all."

Yuri: "B-But it took you longer time to read..."

Nishikata: "Well, I don't read script very often. And, I-I think your handwriting is...good."

Yuri: "That's...a relief."

Nishikata: "The poem, was good too. I like it. Even though it's short, it was really descriptive."

Yuri: "It wasn't to short? I usually write longer poems."

Nishikata: "Not at all."

Yuri: "I'm really glad you liked it. I'll be honest, since it's our first meeting, I wanted to write something a little milder. Something easy to digest, I suppose."

Nishikata: "Are you into ghost, Yuri-san?"

Yuri: "Huhu, actually the story isn't about ghost at all, Nishikata."

Nishikata: "What!? I-I mean...really? I must've totally missed the point."

Yuri: "Well, I suppose you did only glance it, after all. But remember that poets often express their own thoughts, feelings, and experience in their work.

They usually do more than tell a simple story, in this case perhaps the subject of the poem is being symbolic compared to ghost.

Lingering in our last remaining place of comfort, unable to let go of the past, and soon to be left with nothing."

Nishikata: "That's a lot of solemn, putting it that way. I hadn't even thought of that. That impressive."

Yuri: "It's nothing really. Well...it makes me happy that you think that."

Nishikata: "Thanks Yuri-san."

I retrieve Yuri's poem, she does the same.

Yuri: "It's a pleasure."

Monika

Monika: "Hi, Nishikata! Having a good time do far?"

Nishikata: "Mostly..."

I gave a glare at Takagi, who's sharing her poem with Natsuki.

Monika: "Good! Glad to hear it! By the way, since you new and everything, If you ever have any suggestion for the club, I'm always listening! Don't be afraid bringing things up, okay?"

Nishikata: "Gotcha, I keep that in mind."

Of course, I'll be afraid to bring things up. I much better off with the flow until I setteled in.

Monika: "Want to share your poem with me?"

Nishikata: "It's kinda embarassing, but I guess I have to."

Monika: "Ahaha! Don't worry, Nishikata. We're all a little embarrased today, y'know? But it's that sort of barrier that we'll all learn to get past soon."

Nishikata: "Y-yeah, that's true."

I hand Monika my poem.

Monika: "...Mhm! I like this one! It makes me think about Takagi in some sort fo way."

Nishikata: "Huh!? You're completely missed the point! I-It's about winning over a contest! That's all!"

Monika: "You and Takagi are really good friends, right? I wouldn't be surprised if you had those sorts of things in common."

Nishikata: "It's not what it looks like! Takagi and I are actually very different."

Monika: "Well, that maybe the case. But maybe there are some sort of similarities that you wouldn't expect. The way she talks about you, it sounds like the two of you really care each other well-being.

Even if you show it in different ways, it ends up more similar than you'd think. So, I think that's the kind of vibe I get when reading your poem."

Nishikata: "That so? You sure you're not reading it too much?"

Monika: "Ahaha! I could be. Oh gosh, I sound like Yuri. But in any case, Takagi's writing has kind of gentle feel to it. I can tell that she likes exploring the feelings of emotional love. Who knew that someone so gentle can be in love with someone? Or is it?"

Nishikata: "Yeah...That's totally unexpected."

Monika: "Well, to each their own~ And you shouldn't be afraid to be a little experimental too, either."

Nishikata: "I'm sure I'll end up trying different things a lot. It could take a while before I feel comfortable doing this."

Monika: "That's okay! I'd love to see you try new things. That's the best way to find the kind of style that suits you. Everyone else might be a little biased towards kinds of styles. But I'll always help you find what suits you the best."

Nishikata: "Ahaha...Yeah."

Monika: "Anyway, do you want to read my poem now? Don't worry, I'm not very good..."

Nishikata: "You sound so confident for someone who claims to not be very good."

Monika: "Well, that's cause I have to sound confident. That doesn't mean I always Feel like that, y'know?"

Nishikata: "I see...Well, let's read it."

*Insert Hole in Wall*

Monika: "So, what do you think?"

Nishikata: "Err...It's very freeform, if that's what you call it. Sorry, I'm not really the right person to ask for feedback."

Monika: "Ahaha! It's okay. Yeah, that style now gotten pretty popular nowdays. That is, a lot of poem have been putting emphasis on between words and lines. When performed out loud, it can be really powerful."

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

Monika: "Ah...Well, I'm not sure if I know how to put it. I guess you could say that I have a epiphany recently. It's been influencing my poems a bit."

Nishikata: "An epiphany?"

Monika: "Yeah, something like that. I'm kind of nervous to talk about deep stuff like that, because it's kind of coming on strongly. Maybe after everyone's better friends with each other."

Nishikata: "Huh, okay. Anyway, thanks Monika."

Monika: "You're welcome!"

I returned Monika's poem, she does the same

A few seconds later.

Nishikata: "Phew..."

I guess that's everyone. I glance around the room. That was a little more stressful than I anticipated. It's as if everyone is judging me for my mediocre writing abilities. Even they're being nice, there's no way my poems can stand up to theirs. This IS the literature club, after all.

I sigh. I guess that's what I ended up getting myself into. Across the room, Sayori and Monika are happily chatting. Takagi is doing her homework. My eyes land on Yuri and Natsuki.

They gingerly exchange sheets of paper, sharing their respective poems. As they read in tandem, I watch each of their expression change. Natsuki's eyebrows furrow in frustration. Meanwhile, Yuri smiles sadly.

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

Yuri: "Eh? Sorry, did you say something?"

Natsuki: "Oh, it's nothing."

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

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

Yuri: "Ah...Thanks. Yours is...cute..."

Natsuki: "Cute? Did you completely miss the symbolism or something? It's clearly about the feeling of giving up. How can that be cute?"

Yuri: "I-I know that! I just meant…the language, I guess. I was trying to say something nice."

Natsuki: "Eh? You mean you have to try that hard
to come up with something nice to say? Thanks, but it really didn't come out nice at all!"

Yuri: "Ummm, well, I do have a couple of suggestion."

Natsuki: "Hmph. If I was looking for suggestions, I would have asked someone who actually liked it. Which, people did by the way. Takagi liked it, and Nishikata did too! So, based on that, I gladly give you some suggestion of my own. First of all-"

Yuri: "Excuse me, I appreciate the offer, but I've spent a long time establishing my writing style. I don't expect it to change anytime soon, unless of course, I come across from something particularly inspiring. Which I haven't yet."

Natsuki: "Hngnn-!"

Yuri: "And Nishikata liked my poem too, you know. He even told me he was impressed by it."

Natsuki suddenly stands up.

Natsuki: "Oh? I didn't realize you were so invested trying to impress our new member, Yuri."

Yuri: "E-Eh!? That's not what I…! Uu…You…You're just…"

Yuri stands up as well.

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

Natsuki: "Huh! And how do you know he didn't appreciate my advice more? Are you that full of yourself?"

Yuri: "No, If I was full of myself, I would deliberately go out of my way to make everything I do overly cutesy!"

Natsuki: "UGGGHHH!"

Sayori: "Uhm…Is everyone okay?"

Natsuki: "Well, you know what!? I wasn't the one whose BOOBSmagically grew a size bigger as soon as Nishikata show up!"

Yuri: "N-Natsuki!"

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

Nat & Yuri: "THIS DOESN'T INVOLVE YOU!"

Sayori: "I don't like fighting guys!"

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

Yuri: "Nishikata…! She's…just trying to make me look bad!"

Natsuki: "That's not true! She's started it! If she could get over herself and learn to appreciate that simple writing is more affective, then this wouldn't happened in the first place!

What's the point of making your poem all convoluted with no reason? The meaning should jump out the reader, not force them to figure it out! Help me explain that to her, Nishikata!"

Yuri: "W-Wait! There's a reason we have so many deep and expressive words in our language! It's the only way to convey complex feelings and meaning the most effectively. Avoiding them is not only unnecessarily limiting yourself, it's also a waste! You understand that, right, Nishikata?"

Nishikata: "Err…uhm…augh…"

Nat & Yuri: "Well?"

Nishikata: "Ummmm…!"

How did I get into this in the first place!? It's not like I knew anything about writing. But whomever I agree with, they'll probably think more highly of me! So of course, that's going to be-!

Nishikata: "N-Natsuki-chan..."

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

Nishikata: "Y-Yuri-san…"

Yuri: "…"

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

Nishikata: "Uuu….! WHAT DO I DOOO!?"

Takagi suddenly stands between us.

Takagi: "Girls, I think that's enough. You're making everyone feel uncomfortable."

Natsuki: "Well, it's their problem. This isn't about you guys."

Yuri: "I...agree. It's unfair for others to interject our feelings into our conflict."

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

Yuri: "She would never! It's your immaturity that made her upset in the first place!"

Natsuki: "Excuse me? Are you listening to yourself? This is exactly why, exactly why nobody likes-!"

Takagi: "I said ENOUGH! SHUT UP!"

Nat & Yuri: "Ah-!"

Takagi: "Yuri-san! You are a talented writer."

Yuri: "Eh? W-Well…"

Takagi: "But Natsuki-chan has a point! Brevity coveys just as much feelings in a few words, and can be just as impressive! It lets the reader imagination take over. And Natsuki-chan's poem did a really good job at that!

No matter how simple or refined someone's writing style is…They're still putting feelings into it, and it becomes something really personal! That's why Natsuki-chan felt threatened when you said her poem is cute."

Yuri: "I-I…see…I didn't notice that I…I'm sorry…uu…"

Nishikata: "…"

Natsuki: "Yeah! I guess you got that now, didn't you!? Ahah! Shows how much you know!"

Yuri: "That's not…"

Takagi: "Now who's acting like a jerk, Natsuki-chan? Enough!"

Natsuki: "Eh? Me? But she was so mean to me…!"

Natsuki's voice whines.

Takagi: "She apologized! You need to remember, vocabulary is so vast. Yuri-san makes a point in maximizing words and conveying imagery through meaningful and allegorical sentences.

Writing is a really personal style, and sharing it can be really hard, since you two are all beautiful writers. Sometimes, small criticism can lead to something pretty heated. Yet remember this is our literature club, and all styles should be welcomed."

Takagi glance at me, giving me a smile that leaves me dumbfounded. Sayori and Monika is nodding with a grin.

Takagi: "Yeah, so you don't have to feel threatened. You all are a great writer too Natsuki-chan."

Natsuki: "Ah-!"

Natsuki's voice get caught in surprise.

Natsuki: "T-Thanks…Takagi."

She finally mutters that, barely audible. I take a deep breath.

Nishikata: "H-Hey Yuri-san."

Yuri: "…?"

Yuri looks at me dejectedly.

Nishikata: "I'm sure that Natsuki-chan didn't mean everything she said. So, you don't have to feel threatened, either."

Yuri: "Well…If you say so…"

Natsuki: "Hey…It's not you need to apologize for me, Nishikata."

Nishikata: "Urk…"

Takagi: "Shut your pride out, Natsuki-chan."

Natsuki: "Wh-What!?"

Takagi: "Nishikata's just trying to help you. Apologize like you mean it. Things got too heated today, so we're all in wrong. What matters is moving forward, alright?"

Natsuki takes a breath.

Natsuki: "Yuri, the thing about your boobs…I didn't mean it okay?"

Natsuki averts her eyes from everyone, avoiding eye contact.

Takagi: "You accept that apology, Yuri-san?"

Yuri: "…Yes…"

Takagi: "Good!"

Sayori runs up to Yuri and I notice.

Sayori: "Yeah! Yuri, remember that you're naturally bi-!"

Nishikata: "SAYORI-SAN!"

I cut Sayori short, knowing that she could unknowingly blow things out of proportion.

Nishikata: "L-Let's not intervene or say anything."

Takagi: "That's right. This is a thing of the past now, and it's a matter of time between Natsuki-chan and Yuri-san. Besides Yuri-san had enough, just give her some peace."

Yuri: "T-Thanks…Takagi…Nishikata…"

Takagi: "Hey, maybe it would be best if you could make some tea to relax."

Yuri: "I-I have enough for everyone actually…I-I'll go make some tea, to lighten up the mood."

Yuri walks off and Sayori takes her place.

Sayori: "Sorry Nishikata, Takagi. I was just trying to help."

Takagi: "We all appreciate it, Sayori-san. Just notice that sometimes silence is more appropriate."

Takagi gave Sayori a big smile. Sayori returns.

A few moments later.

Monika: "Okay, everyone! It's just about time for us to leave. How did you all feel about sharing poems?"

Sayori: "It was a lot of fun!"

Takagi: "Same!"

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

Natsuki: "It was great, well, mostly."

Monika: "How about you, Nishikata?"

Nishikata: "Umm…I'm okay with it."

Monika: "Awesome! In that case, we'll do the same tomorrow! And maybe you'll learn something different from your friends, too. So your poems will turn out better!"

Nishikata: "Uummm…I guess."

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

Takagi: "Nishikata! Wanna walk home now?"

Nishikata: "Yeah."

Takagi: "Ehehe~"

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

A few moments later.

Nishikata: "Hey, Takagi. About what happened earlier…"

Takagi: "Eh? What do you mean?"

Nishikata: "Y'know, between Yuri-san and Natsuki-chan. Does that kind of things happen often?"

Takagi: "No! That's really the first time I've ever seen them fight like that. I promise they're wonderful people. You don't hate them, do you?"

Nishikata: "No! Not at all! I just wanted your opinion, that's all, I can say they made good friend with you after all…"

Takagi: "You know Nishikata, it's nice that I get to spend time with you in the club. But seeing you get along everyone else is what makes me happy. And I think everyone likes you too!"

Nishikata: "WAIT!"

Takagi: "Ahaha! Every day is gonna be so much fun!"

Nishikata: "Urk…Yeah, because you can tease me…"

Takagi: "Ehehe~"

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

Nishikata: "We'll just have to see what's the future holds, Takagi."

I said that more to myself than her, but it's easy to use Takagi as an internal monologue sometimes.

Takagi: "Yup."

Let's do this! For the literature club!