(Tuesday, 4:45PM; Clubroom; Akihito's PoV)

I guess I should share with Yuri, she seems like the kinder one. I slowly walk up to Yuri, but she doesn't seem to notice me. I lightly tap on her shoulder just to make my presence known-

Yuri: "AH! O-oh it's just you A-Aki."

That didn't go as expected. The others turn their head to the sound of Yuri's scream, but quickly go back to what they were doing.

Aki: "S-sorry Yuri. I didn't m-mean to scare you."

Yuri: "No no, it's my fault. I should have known you were approaching me."

A moment of silence ensues, neither of us know what to do. Then I speak up.

Aki: "W-would you like to share p-poems?"

Yuri: "T-that would be nice."

We trade poems and I begin to look over hers. Her handwriting is amazing, the way her cursive looks is elegant. Looking over her poem, I can sense there is some hidden meaning. Yuri doesn't seem like the type to want to explain something, so I won't ask her.

It seems like I've been looking over her poem for a long time, because Yuri is the first to speak up surprisingly.

Yuri: "S-sorry if my handwriting is terrible. Y-you must be taking a long time b-because you can't read it."

Aki: "No, don't say things like that, Yuri. I actually think the opposite. I think your handwriting is amazing! Cursive is not common nowadays, so it's nice to see it."

Yuri: "O-oh. Thank you."

Another awkward moment. I guess Yuri doesn't want to be the first to talk, so I'll tell her how the poem is.

Aki: "I really liked your poem Yuri. The way you wrote it uh... was nice."

Nice going, dumbass. You can't say literally anything else?!

Yuri: "T-thank you, Aki. Your poem was well written as well. I-if you don't mind, m-may I ask you a question?"

Aki: "Sure. I'm all ears."

Yuri: "Is this your first time writing?"

Aki: "It is, why?"

Yuri: "For a beginner, this seems well written. Well done, Aki."

Aki: "What can I say? I guess I was born a natural!"

This seems to earn a giggle from Yuri.

Yuri: "I suppose so."

After that we part ways, and now I have one person left. I hope she doesn't diss me too hard. Oh who am I kidding I'm gonna get roasted like a burnt marshmallow. Wait, that doesn't make any sense.

I walk up to Natsuki and-

Natsuki: "Gimme your damn poem and let's get this over with."

She proceeds to snatch my poem out of my hands and shoves her poem into mind. Very straightforward I guess. Looking over her poem, the same can be said. The meaning is right in your face for this one.

Aki: "I like your poem Nats-"

Natsuki: "Cut the bullshit, I already know what you're gonna say. Your poem is good too. Alright, we're done, now get the hell out of my face."

Damn, what is with this girl? I walk away from her just like she said. I pack my bag and get ready to leave. As if on cue, Monika comes in and says something to the club.

Monika: "Okay everyone! It seems like everyone is done sharing. Before we leave, I want to make a quick announcement."

Wonder what this could be about. We all gather around at the front of the room. Staying away from Natsuki as much as possible, I stand next to Sayori.

Monika: "As you know, the festival is coming up next week. And for that, we all need to plan something! I was thinking that we can all work on something over the weekend. I already talked with Sayori, and we both are going to work on posters and flyers. Natsuki, do you think you can bake some cupcakes?"

Natsuki: "Sure. I can try."

Monika: "Great! And Yuri you can... uh I'm not sure what you can do..."

Yuri: "That's fine. I'm worthless anyways."

Monika: "No, don't say that! Uh, do you think you can help enhance the atmosphere of the room?"

Yuri: "I suppose I can do that. I am familiar with aromatherapy, so I can use that."

Monika: "Great! And Aki you can-"

Aki: "I know, I'm a useless piece of shit."

Right after I say that, Sayori elbows me in the gut.

Sayori: "Language, Aki!"

Monika: "As I was saying. You can help Natsuki or Yuri! I'm sure they'd need some help with all the work they have."

Wait what? Why can't I help Sayori?

Aki: "Uh, you want me to choose?"

Monika: "Yep! Who do you want to help?"

After thinking for some time, I've made my decision.

Aki: "Hey Monika, can I speak with you outside for a minute? Privately?"

Monika: "Uh, sure?"

We both walk out of the clubroom. After Monika closes the door, she proceeds to question me.

Monika: "What did you want to talk for? It's a simple decision, Aki."

Aki: "I want to help Sayori."

Monika: "What? But that would mean three people working on one thing, and two people working on two separate things!"

Aki: "About that. I need you to do me a favor. Do you mind switching spots with me?"

Monika: "What do you mean by that?"

Aki: "You help Natsuki or Yuri, and I'll help Sayori."

Monika: "But why?"

Aki: "Listen, me and Sayori have been childhood friends. But ever since high school started we've grown distant. To the point where we never spoke once. Me joining the club gave me the chance to reconnect with her. But just the time in the club isn't enough for me. I want to use this opportunity to reconnect with my best friend, and you're the one who can help me with that. So please, will you do me this one favor?"

She stands there for a minute in deep thought, not saying anything. After what feels like an eternity, she speaks up.

Monika: "Okay. You can help Sayori. I will help Natsuki with baking. Sounds good?"

Aki: "Thanks Monika, I owe you one."

We head back into the clubroom. We must have been out for a while because everyone had confusion all over their faces. Thankfully Monika comes in to explain everything.

Monika: "Okay, change of plans! I will be helping Natsuki instead with baking."

Sayori's expression quickly becomes into a sad one.

Sayori: "Then what about me?"

It's so sad to see her in this state.

Monika: "Oh right, Aki will be helping you!"

Sayori's expression turns from a moody one to a cheerful one.

Sayori: "Really? Thank you so much Monika! You have no idea how much this means to me!"

Monika: "Ahaha, don't thank me, thank Aki. He's the one who asked me to make this change."

Sayori then runs up to me and gives me a big hug.

Aki: "Alright alright calm down! Don't suffocate me to death or you'll lose your best friend! Then who will help you?"

She quickly releases me, and it looks like she's blushing a little.

Sayori: "Ehe, sorry Aki."

Monika: "And with that, I think we can end this meeting everyone! See you all tomorrow, and don't forget to write a new poem for the club!"

I grab my bag and walk over to Sayori.

Aki: "Ready to walk home?"

Sayori: "Yep!"

On the walk back, Sayori asks me a question out of the blue.

Sayori: "Hey Aki, how come you asked Monika if you could help me?"

Aki: "Well, I just wanted a chance to properly reconnect with my best friend, and I thought that this would be the best opportunity."

Sayori: "Aw, that's so sweet. You really did that just for me?"

Aki: "Sayori, I will always try and find a way to spend some time with you. Even if I had some disease and my days were numbered, I would still find a way to spend them with you."

Sayori: "Aki, you're gonna make me cry. You're so sweet, you know that?"

She then hugs me, not as hard as last time thankfully.

Aki: "Yes yes I'm aware, after all, you literally said that like 30 seconds ago."

Sayori: "You and your humor. Come on, let's go home."

Shortly after we reach my house. I wake to Sayori as she walks off to her own house. Today was a great day. I finally have the chance to reconnect with Sayori over the weekend.