Today is the day of the festival. Of all days, I expected this to be something I could be excited about. However, I barely slept last night for many reasons than excitement. With what we talked about yesterday, I whipped my phone and searched through Takagi's number...but she isn't answering.

A sudden fear takes over me. What if she-!?

Before I can finish my thoughts, my phone rings. I try to answer, but my palms are so sweaty from the stress, I drop my phone on the ground.

I see she's calling me. I quickly dive down and answer her as fast as I can.

Takagi: "Nishikata?"

Her voice is unnaturally loud, I either woke her up or couldn't sleep at all last night. I decide I indirectly ask her.

Nishikata: "Sorry, d-did I wake you up?"

Takagi: "No...I've been up for a while."

Her voice takes on an unnaturally cheery tone. Something's not right.

Takagi: "Don't worry about me, ehehe~."

Her laugh sounds forced. Something is definitely not right here.

Nishikata: "Takagi..."

Takagi: "What?"

A sudden fear grips me. I realize I have to distract her somehow before things get out of control. She clearly seems upset, and from how tired she sounds, I assume she didn't sleep at all. There's no knowing what she'll do to herself if I hang up on her like this.

Nishikata: "I Just wanted to call because I want to meet before the festival. We always came over, so how about I come over and make breakfast?"

She says nothing, but on the other side, she sighs.

Nishikata: "I promised we go to the festival together."

Takagi: "Is this because of what I told you yesterday? Is that why you acted this way? I..."

Nishikata: "N-No! That's not it! I wanna spend time with you before the festival! I-I mean I woke up early today, and there isn't much to pass the time, except watching 200% Unrequited Love. You told me you didn't want me to turn a NEET didn't you?"

Takagi bitterly laughs at the other phone.

Takagi: "Yeah, You're actually right..."

Nishikata: "And since you're my only friend, I guess I have nobody to socialize. You, or anime!"

Takagi: "I get what you mean."

She pauses, and I hear the sound of a door opening followed by a thud that sounds like the door closing.

Takagi: "When will you come over?"

Nishikata: "Right now! I'll be in 5 minutes sharp!"

Takagi: "Okay! I'll leave the door open."

In a flash, I changed my casual clothes into my uniform.

I hung up and ran out the door as fast as my legs can take me. I don't even bother closing the door, let alone looking at the road. My heart threatening to smash my chest, I make a beeline for her house, and I feel black dots clouding my vision as I arrive.

Panting heavily, I open the door. She really did leave it unlocked. As soon as I enter, I hear the sound of the shower running. Remembering the sound I heard, I rush up to her room.

I think back. I heard the sound of a door opening. Judging by the sound I heard afterward, it had to be a room with a wooden floor. That would mean...

I mentally asked her to forgive me before opening her closet and run my hands down to the mountain of unorganized clothes. Perhaps it was just the sound of my imagination?

For a few minutes, I feel nothing as I dig deeper and deeper into the pile. I'm about to give up when my hands suddenly felt something hard and uneven underneath them.

I dig it up, as...

Oh...

My...

God...

My eyes widen as I find myself holding a long tight, rope.

More like a...noose.

DID SHE MEAN TO-!?

Before I could even finish my thoughts, I take it in both hands and dash across the room before throwing the rope in the open window. Just as I think it's over, I hear the sound of the running water stops. I realize I'm screwed if Takagi found me loitering about in her room. I quickly cover my deed and rush towards the kitchen room.

I begin preparing breakfast for two of us while silently promising that I'll make sure that today is going to be an enjoyable day for her.

Takagi: "Hey, Nishikata! What you cookin'?"

Nishikata: "N-Not much."

A few moments later.

Natsuki: "There you are! Geez, took you long enough!"

Yuri: "We were honestly getting worried about you not showing up."

Monika: "Alright! Looks like everyone's here!"

Sayori: "Yay!"

It seems like the two of us arrived and are the last ones. Thankfully enough, the actual event, haven't started yet.

Takagi: "Actually, I kinda forgot to make a poem this weekend."

Monika: "Well, is it ready now?"

Natsuki: "Oh come on, Takagi! Will you at least try a bit harder!?"

Takagi cast her eyes downwards.

Sayori: "N-Natsuki..."

This looks bad. Monika and Sayori gave me the "Help her!" look on their faces. And I must not let Natsuki know what's going on with her...situation. I cast a quick glance at Takagi, whose smile is slowly fading. At this rate, she might start crying. Worst, she might reveal her dark secret!

I must do something!

I shake my head and look at Natsuki dead in the eyes.

Nishikata: "Stop it, Natsuki-chan. Takagi's not at fault in here."

Takagi: "N-Nishikata?"

I quickly throw Takagi a stern look to tell her to play along. She nods and smiles. Her eyes reflect gratitude.

Nishikata: "The reason we were late was that she had to help me to do my poem."

Natsuki: "What!? You didn't even write!?"

Nishikata: "Not either. Well, Takagi did write a poem, she had it since Friday."

I nudge at her and give her a look.

Nishikata: "Of course, she would lie to keep me appearing in the bad light..."

Natsuki: "I...I see."

Takagi: "I told you not to tell them."

I shrug.

Nishikata: "I have conscience too, y'know! I can't let my friend take the fall! It's about time for me to take my responsibilities for action."

Natsuki: "I...I see. Sorry, Takagi. I didn't mean to..."

Takagi smiles, radiant smile.

Takagi: "It's okay, Natsuki-chan! No harm done! I shouldn't lie in the first place."

Just when I think it's over, Natsuki kicks my left shinbone, hard.

Nishikata: "YEAAAAOOWWW!"

Natsuki: "And you! Stop being lazy and contribute if you're in the club! And you didn't just join because there were tons of cute girls in here?! Jeez!"

Natsuki turns her heels and leaves while muttering something inaudible.

Nishikata: "OW OW OW OW OW!"

I'm still screaming for pain as the other laughs. Takagi just gave me a look for gratitude and relief. She also had slight guilt across her smile if I can see.

Monika: "Are you okay?"

Nishikata: "Ow...she hits hard."

I hold one of the desks for support as my feet are still screaming pain.

Sayori: "Anyways, do you still have your poems?"

Takagi: "Yeah! Here you go!"

Takagi hands Sayori the envelope containing the poem.

Sayori: "You two writing a poem, aren't you cute?"

Nishikata: "IT'S NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!"

And the good 'ol fashioned Nishikata came back. I miss letting my face burns and getting slightly light-headed.

But I also notice Takagi has a rosy cheek on her face. It's something I have never seen in quite a while.

Nishikata: "Why would you say that!?"

Sayori: "Ah, I was just teasing you."

Wow.

Having said that, Sayori opens the envelope and leaves us alone. I don't even need to look at Takagi's direction to know she's looking at me.

I turn my head, and our eyes meet.

Takagi: "Sorry, I don't know where Sayori-san got that idea from?"

Nishikata: "We'd be kinda cute, don't you think?"

Even though I say it as a joke, my words make me even more uncomfortable. Takagi laughs nervously, and I felt oddly disheartened.

Nishikata: "...and that's why I'll stop joking around for the rest of the day!"

Takagi: "No! I appreciate it."

Takagi sits down on an empty table.

Takagi: "The fact that you even joke about it is funny, I'm..."

I sit down next to her and take her left hand. Her hands are soft, warm, and clammy.

Nishikata: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. If the joke for any reason, it was the idea of me finding a girlfriend is downright hilarious."

Takagi: "Don't say that! I'm sure you'll find an amazing girl one day! Unless you become a NEET that is."

Nishikata: "Hahaha...ha..."

Takagi: "I promise, once we settle things down, I'll help you find someone okay? I want you to be happy, you deserve it so much!"

Nishikata: "You also deserve happiness, Takagi."

Takagi smiles a sad smile.

Nishikata: "The others will get suspicious if we just sit around here. Let's help them."

Takagi: "Okay!"

I let go of her and join the others in for preparation of the event. But as I tried to help Yuri, Monika and Sayori dragged me into the corner.

Nishikata: "Umm...is everything alright?"

Sayori: "How's Takagi?"

Sayori's voice is stern, but also worried.

Nishikata: "She's fine for now. But yesterday, she confesses that she had chronic depression. Not only that, I saw a noose on her drawer, too."

Monika: "W-What!? Oh god..."

We sit in silence for long enough until I get to broke that tension.

Nishikata: "I will take it from here. You guys already done so much, and I cannot thank you enough for you two. But telling Takagi's situation to the club members right now, might not be the best thing."

Monika: "I understand. You are her best friend after all. So, seeing you work your way into Takagi is much easier than any of us combined."

Sayori: "And make sure she's okay. We'll always here to help if there's any problem."

I nodded meaningfully as the two blast their radiant smile to me.

Nishikata: "Thanks. I will get back to work now if you please."

Sayori: "Have fun, Nishikata!"

A few moments later.

Monika: "Welcome to the literature club! My name is Monika and today, I and the club member will recite poems of our own! We'll start by having the members of our literature club read their wonderful selections first."

Monika turns to Takagi.

Monika: "If you wouldn't mind, could you go first, Takagi?"

Takagi: "Right! I'll try my best."

Monika: "Give a warm applause to Takagi!"

As soon as the applause ends, Takagi steps into the podium and reads her poems. It's the one she chooses is the one I've never read.

Though she starts due to anxiety, she then grows more confident as the time poem goes on. Once she's done, she bows gracefully as a few club members of the audience claps.

This is bad, Takagi's performance was excellent, and yet she doesn't receive much attention from the crowd.

I clap louder than the rest of them, but it seems that it has no effect whatsoever rather than making me look like an idiot with a bruised leg.

However, Sayori notices my attempt to cheer Takagi on and tells the crowd to give Takagi a warm applause.

The crowd eventually gives in to peer pressure and start clapping louder and louder. Takagi smiles and walks off the podium as the crowd cheered louder.

Even if she says nothing, I can tell that she is grateful for me trying to help.

Monika: "Thank you for that great poem, Takagi! Now, who's next-"

Sayori: "Me ME ME!"

Before Monika could finish, Sayori's already gone through the podium and already started reciting her poem.

Of course, as Sayori's trademark, her poem is bittersweet, and she reads happily and confidentially as she finished her poem.

She then received the right amount of applause from the audience. She steps off the podium with a massive grin on her face.

Monika: "That was awesome! Now-"

Yuri suddenly appears in front of the room, tightly clutching her poem and avoiding eye contact with the audience.

She then reads the poem aloud.

Yuri's performance was splendid, it showed me the other side of her that I've never seen.

Soon, she started reading, and she became more and more confident like she owned this room. She was met with even louder than Sayori's to be exact.

Soon, after she was followed by Monika and Natsuki. Even before they start reading, Monika was the highlight of the show. She was met with deafening cheers, and her poem turned out to be a piece of masterwork.

Natsuki was all too grumpy when she started, but after she recites her poem, everyone got to attention like never seen before.

And finally, all of them, Yuri, Monika, and Natsuki, received considerable applause from the audience.

But it was my time to destroy that impression.

As the only guy in the club, I felt pressured to put on a good show. It's when I noticed that some of the guys from the audience are the guys from my year. They looked at me, some confused, and some are suppressing their laughter.

Part of me just wants to end and step down the podium. I couldn't even move. I was frozen.

However, just as I start hesitating to move, I hear a girl's voice starting to cheer me quietly.

I look down to see Takagi smiling at me.

Takagi: "Come on, you can do it!"

I...have to do this for Takagi! Seeing Takagi cheering me up tells me to not give any disappointment to her.

I have to put on an excellent performance, not please them, nor any club members, but not to make Takagi happy. I take a deep breath and swallow my anxiety and then read my poem aloud.

It's quite questionable compared to the others, and I'm met with the coldest reception of the entire club.

Barely anyone applauds me, and I hear one or two guys booing me.

Guy 1: "Wow. Did you just make that by yourself?"

Guy 2: "That poem sucks dude! Stop writing!"

Girl 1: "I think I know why he is in this club! He wants to be a protagonist harem anime!"

All of a sudden, the audience starts to "Ooooo," and they gave me a barrage of insults and jokes. Telling me that I'm a pervert and such. This was definitely in one of those harem animes that I watched.

Even though I'm used to that, it kind of hurts a little more when it's like this.

Monika: "Please, stop! He was just trying his best!"

Yuri: "Certainly! Why all of you have no acknowledgment of sympathy?"

Natsuki: "You're all acting like a jerk!"

Sayori: "Yeah! Support people not turning them down!"

Takagi: "..."

The crowd suddenly stopped joking about me and looked at me in the eyes, giving me a smug.

Guy 3: "Why you look at that! All girls are trying to defend you. How lucky!"

With the audience starts to laugh harder and to tell me that I'm a coward, I feel more embarrassed than I've even been in my life. I need to get out of here!

Before anyone can stop me, I take my awful poem and dash out of the room, wiping the tears back form in my eyes.

My performance was downright disgusting and a complete disaster. I don't remember the last time I was this embarrassed in my entire life. I made a fool of myself, the literature club, and messed up in front of Takagi. This SUCKS!

I feel like punching a wall in frustration. Of all the days I'm trying to impress her...of all the days when I didn't want to look like a big dork in front of her...Of course, I had to mess up today!

On top of that, rumors will be inevitable. I start wandering down at the corridor and keeping my head low and my hands in my pocket. I threw my poem a few moments ago. The pleasant smell of various food stands to invade my nostrils, but I don't feel like checking them up today.

I just wanna get out of here and go home, forget to screw up.

But my phone vibrates as I walk. For a second, I have to check and see that Takagi sent me a message. Damn it!

She's probably panicking right now, but I don't feel like going back. It will be the same shenanigans again. I put my phone and started walking faster than before. Just then, I hear someone running down the alleyway behind me.

I don't care to look at my shoulders and started running again as fast as possible. I soon see the door to the schoolyard in front of me. At this rate I'll-

Nishikata: "YEAOW! OOF!"

-Nevermind. My leg refuses to work, and the stinging came back, as I stumble and fall. Great. Just great.

I slowly open my eyes to see second-year students and several faces of my classmates. I can tell they're trying hard on not suppressing their laughter.

Suddenly, one of them leaps out of the way, with an actual concern on their face. Takagi.

Takagi: "Are you alright!?"

She reaches out to me. I take her hand and get up. I then glance at the rest of the students around me.

Nishikata: "Show's over! Let me through...!"

The crowd slowly disperse while I hear some of them muttering, I'm a clumsy idiot.

Still feeling dizzy, I looked at Takagi.

Takagi: "I'm sorry! I didn't know that your leg is still bruised."

Nishikata: "No, I'm sorry for running away like that."

Before I know, she wraps her hands around me and hugs me tightly.

Takagi: "Don't worry about it, I'm sure they understand-"

Before we can continue, so female students that pass by wolf whistle at us, calling us a "dorky couple." We break apart quickly, and I felt my face redden from embarrassment. I feel tempted that we're not a couple, but I know that'll make things worse since I know Takagi likes me.

Nishikata: "Let's ditch these guys, my leg hurts..."

Takagi: "Alright."

The cheery voice that I know for these years has returned to me.

Takagi: "Oh, I know a great place where they won't disturb us!"

I try to walk, but my leg refuses. As a result, I'm forced to lean against her for support all the way to the schoolyard.

Takagi leads me to a bench located in a very remote place of a schoolyard. I look around and see that we're the only one that's here.

But as soon as I sit down, Takagi checks my leg, searching for bruises.

Nishikata: "I'm fine, Takagi. Don't worry about me."

Takagi: "You know, I'll always worry! Anyway, looks like you didn't hurt yourself too badly."

Nishikata: "T-Thanks."

Neither of us speaks for a while. All I can hear is the festival in the distance and the wind. Too many thoughts run through my head.

Soon enough, Takagi becomes self-conscious from my gaze and looks down, slightly blushing. I respond by looking down as well.

Nishikata: "S-Sorry."

Takagi: "About what?"

Nishikata: "I dunno. I guess I make you uncomfortable."

Takagi: "Don't worry about it, ahaha! I think it's always fun spending time with you."'

Takagi's smile fades all of a sudden.

Takagi: "I wish things would go back how they were before."

Before I realize what I'm doing, I put my left arm around her shoulder. An awkward tension arises between us, but Takagi doesn't push away. Instead, I see a weak, smirk forming on her lips.

Nishikata: "I don't want that..."

Takagi looks at me, saying nothing.

Nishikata: "We can never go back to the same, but we can always make new happy memories together. As long as we stick together, we can always find a way."

Takagi shakes her head.

All of a sudden, she starts laughing. I sigh.

Nishikata: "Oh come on, what I'm saying is not that ridiculous."

Takagi shakes her head again.

Takagi: "Sorry, I didn't mean it that way. It's just...seeing you optimistic and trying to cheer me up...it feels so surreal."

Nishikata: "Come on! Am I that negative?"

She chuckles again.

Takagi: "Thank you, Nishikata. You somehow, made me feel appreciated."

Nishikata: "Ditto, Takagi."

Her laughter dies down, and her face takes a serious look. I notice her moving a little closer to me.

Nishikata: "T-Takagi?"

Takagi: "Y-Yeah?"

Nishikata: "Do you trust me?"

Takagi: "I do..."

Nishikata: "Good. Because I want you to trust me that I want to help you. I spent a lot of time thinking last night."

I pull her closer, she doesn't resist.

Nishikata: "I want you to be happy."

She shakes her head and looks away.

Takagi: "Please, I don't-"

Nishikata: "I'm not done."

I take a deep breath and gather my courage. She needs to know.

Nishikata: "I don't want you to deal with this alone, but that's not the only reason. I want to spend more time with you."

After a while pause, Takagi's eyes were filled in tears, and she rests her head on my shoulder.

Takagi: "I guess I'm selfish, but I feel the same way."

Nishikata: "What?"

Takagi wipes her tears and continues in a slightly dazed tone.

Takagi: It'd make me happy if I could spend more time with you."

I feel my cheeks redden. Upon realizing what she just said, she blushes as well.

Takagi: "W-Wait, I didn't mean it like that!"

Nishikata: "How come we switched places?"

Both of us laugh bitterly.

Nishikata: "But yeah, I know."

Takagi: "You're..."

She lowers her voice to a whisper.

Takagi: "You're the only one I trust enough to tell about any of this."

I take a moment to process what she had told me.

Nishikata: "I have one question, Takagi. Why me?"

She pursues her lips and tries to find an answer, but ends up shaking her head.

Takagi: "I...don't know. I just feel deep down you have an advantage of me. And you always proceed to make me smile...even when I feel like I'm worthless."

I notice her voice started to break and quickly look at her face as her tears form in her eyes once more.

I brush away the tears and look at her with a smile.

Nishikata: "Don't worry. Please continue, I'm always here for you, Takagi. If it helps you feel the same way. I trust you because you're the only person who doesn't think of me as a joke. That's why I think I can help you since without you always cheering me up, I'd probably feel worthless as well."

Takagi: "...Can I ask a selfish request for you?"

Nishikata: "Of course."

She pauses as if looking for the right words to say. I don't rush her, I give all the time she needs.

Takagi: "Is it okay with you if we spend more time together? I mean, I understand if you had better things to do..."

Nishikata: "I want that too!"

Takagi: "Then, great!"

She hesitates for a moment.

Takagi: "If you want to ask the others, then that's fine too."

Nishikata: "I just want to spend time with you. It'd make me happy."

Takagi: "Okay...if you say it'll make you happy, then I believe in you."

No sooner does she finish saying that, than she lets out a long sigh. I look at her and notice the bag under her eyes.

Nishikata: "H-How much did you sleep last night?"

Takagi: "I got enough sleep!"

Nishikata: "How much exactly?"

Takagi: "Okay...I know it's no use lying to you...I couldn't sleep. I...I was afraid of what it'd mean for me to tell you about my condition."

Nishikata: "We can spend time together, but only if you're rested."

Takagi: "It's no use, I only feel rainclouds going away when I'm with you. Since then I know this isn't a dream I can just wake up and find that I've lost you."

I smile bitterly.

Nishikata: "H-How about you rest here, use me as a pillow."

Before she can protest, I scoot closer and pat my lap. Takagi knows I won't back down.

Takagi: "Only...if you promise me one thing."

Nishikata: "Your wish is my command."

She laughs dryly.

Takagi: "Don't disappear while I asleep...please don't be a dream..."

Nishikata: "I promise you, Takagi. Don't worry about it so much."

Takagi: "Alright..."

Takagi's eyes can no longer hold her fatigue. After I pinky swears at her, she proceeds to rest her head in my lap.

Five minutes after, she started snoring lightly.

I look at her for a while. She looks different when she's asleep. Her face is even more gentle and peaceful.

I take off my jacket and carefully cover her from the cold since it's already winter.

Then I look up to the sky and promise that I will go through her and help her. No matter what. I won't let her down. EVER.

Just as I'm about to take my phone out, I noticed it's vibrating. I check to see Monika sent me a message, wondering if I'm okay.

I text her, told her that I was in too much stress. She understands and proceeds to tell me that I should take some fresh air and relax for the rest of the day. I don't reply.

I'll hold off on enjoying myself until Takagi wakes up. And right now, she needs rest, and I'll promise that I wouldn't leave her like this.

As I look down on Takagi's face, I can tell that our story begins now.

"I will never let you down, I'll promise we'll get this through...And soon enough..."

"Those nasty rainclouds will disappear."