When I next woke, Meiji was still asleep. Looking at the clock, I saw there was a few minutes left before the bell rang. The nurse was still in the room. Sitting up, I began to get my stuff together when a shadow loomed over me. Looking up, I saw the nurse looking down at me with her hands crossed. "And just where do you think you're going?"
"My club?" I said, raising an eyebrow.
"Not before I change your wrappings," she said. "Sit."
Sighing, I sat and let her change the wrappings. She wrapped them in clean bandages after cleaning the wounds with antiseptic. "Are they alright?" I asked when she was finishing up.
"Just keep them clean and bandaged up and you'll be fine. I don't want to see you in here again."
I smirked. "I'll certainly try." I grabbed my bag and left. I decided the first thing to do would be to make sure Yuri was okay, so I made my way over to where I remembered her class being. As I walked, I felt a few stares and heard whispered comments about me, but I ignored them.
At that moment I felt Meiji waking up. Hey, did I miss anything?
No. Just going to get Yuri.
Get her for what?
Escort her to the club.
Oh. Wait, we're going? We're still not exactly healed yet, you know.
I know, but I want to go anyway.
Okay…
When I got to Yuri's class, I was relieved to see her putting away her belongings. "Yuri?"
She looked up when I called her name and her face went from placid to confused. "Meiji? Shouldn't you still be resting?" She rushed over to me, looking concerned.
"I'm feeling well enough to walk at least, so don't worry. I actually came to take you and Monika to the club. I'd pick up Muramoto-san, but I don't know what classroom she's in, plus after yesterday's little debacle, I don't think she'd want to see me."
"Well, that's very kind of you," Yuri said. "A-as for Natsuki, I-I don't think she hates you. She's just not used to you yet. Hold on, I'll be right out." She finished packing her bag and joined me. "Natsuki's class is actually right next to Monika's," Yuri said as we headed to Monika's classroom.
"That's pretty convenient," I said as I opened the door slowly. I saw students packing up as well, but no Monika. "Damn, must have missed her. Let's get Muramoto-san." However, she wasn't in the classroom Yuri pointed out either. "Well, I expected that…let's get going, Yuri."
"Ah, of course." We began walking to the clubroom. As we did so, Yuri fidgeted a bit. "Are you sure you're alright? You still look terrible."
I smiled. "I'll admit, being violently sick then getting beaten up in the same week isn't something conducive to healthy living, but I don't feel as bad as I look. The nurse gave me some painkillers that seem to be working well right now. My injuries aren't as bad as they look either."
"Well, that's good." We walked in silence for a little bit as we maneuvered through the hallways. Finally, Yuri spoke up again. "So…um…where did you get Portrait of Markov? It's a hard book to come across."
I reached into my bag and pulled it out for Yuri to see. "Is it? Huh. Well, on Monday I made Sayori come with me to pick up some manga, but she made me promise to buy an actual book as well. I picked that one because it looked interesting and not normally something I'd read." I held it out to her. "But you can have it if you want. It's no substitute for the one you lost, but-"
"No." Her answer was a bit harshly stated and she immediately looked away. "I-I mean, I don't want to deprive you of this book. It's very rare. Plus…I have a spare copy back at home."
"Well, that's good."
"I appreciate the gesture, though."
"It's my pleasure."
We continued walking for a while before Yuri spoke up. "W-well, I'd like to hear what you think about that book. It's a personal favorite of mine."
I don't think she wants to talk about that fight right now, so let's just respect that.
Probably not. Good call. "Really? Well, I've only gotten to the part where Fujiko is starting her research on the Third Eye. You know, she somewhat reminds me of you," I said, wondering how Yuri would react to this.
"Eh? Um…how so?" Yuri asked, looking a bit apprehensive.
"Promise you won't be offended?" I asked.
"S-Sure," she replied.
"Well, here's the thing, you both seem a bit nervous and self-conscious about your actions. You both second guess yourself. Also, some of your mannerisms are similar, like I've noticed you fiddle with your hair a lot, and she's done that too, especially when nervous."
Yuri was silent for a few moments. "But…those are probably terrible things to have in common with her!" Yuri exclaimed after a while.
"I never said that those were bad traits to have," I replied. "If you're a second-guesser, it means you're a very considerate person, always thinking about the other's feelings. And you playing with your hair is pretty cute." I smiled warmly at her.
She looked away, clearly flustered. "Uuuu…that's embarrassing…"
"Yuri, I'm not judging you because of that. We all have our faults. Me? My biggest fault is my impulsiveness and smartass attitude towards life. In my fake life it was a habit I formed as a defense mechanism. And look at how much trouble I've already gotten into because of it."
"Yeah, I have a theory about that…why you showed up, I mean." Yuri said.
"Yes?" I was curious to see what Yuri thought, considering she still believed I was an alternate personality. It was also something that could distract her from her troubles at the moment.
"Perhaps you're a part of Meiji's subconscious desires," Yuri said as we approached the clubroom. "You could represent his desire to speak up and defend himself from the world. Something in him must have had enough."
Oooh, now there's a good backstory, Meiji said, and I could feel him nodding inside.
"Huh, you know that makes sense," I said. "It might explain why I haven't been able to release control yet perhaps. Maybe I don't want to yet until we feel like my job is done?"
"Exactly," Yuri said as I opened the door for her. She headed in. "You feel like Meiji needs to stand up for himself more but he's too afraid to, so somehow you were born."
"But why an American life? Why so much detailed backstory for a fake personality?" I asked as I hung my schoolbag on the hook on the side of one of the desks.
"I don't know," Yuri said. "Maybe Meiji has a very creative mind he doesn't use?"
Not really, Meiji said.
We might be able to use this. "I wouldn't know, it's not like I have access to all his memories," I replied. "I only hear what he tells me and sometimes feel the emotions he feels. Thank you, Yuri. This might be why I'm here. I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it's at least a start."
"Ah, um, it's no problem," Yuri said, blushing.
I sat and brought out my books, but before I could continue, the door opened. Sayori peaked in and saw me. She walked over. "Does it still hurt?" she asked, indicating my injuries.
"Heh, unfortunately," I replied with a small smile. "But not as bad as at lunch. I got some painkillers."
"Good. Please don't scare us like that again." She looked at me seriously, but then she grinned. "Behave, doggy."
Woof.
"Woof!"
"Good boy." She pet my head with a bright cheery smile, and like that her bubbly personality returned.
"You seem chipper. Even after lunch and even earlier this morning?"
"Did something happen this morning?" Yuri asked.
"Ah, um, we'll tell once Muramoto-san arrives, and Monika too," I said. "Wonder where they are."
"Well, while we wait, I have a huge favor to ask. Do you have enough money for a snack?" Sayori asked, looking a bit nervous.
I chuckled. "I might not know you as well as Meiji does, but your appetite certainly is legendary."
"Ehh? Meiji, did you tell him?!"
Oh, come on, Sayori, he's seen it firsthand.
"I've seen it firsthand, remember, little cinnamon bun?"
She blushed. "Cinnamon bun…did Meiji call me that?"
"Heh, naw it's my new nickname for you."
"Meanie…now I want cinnamon buns," Sayori said.
"Accept the retribution," I chuckled. "I know how sneaky you really are. Where's the rest of your money? At home I bet." I pulled out Meiji's wallet. "Well, if anything, I'm weak to a woman's charms. Why don't we both go and get you something to tide you over until dinner? Yuri, do you want me to get you anything?"
"Eh? Um…I'll be fine. Don't worry about me."
"Nonsense, I insist."
She looked a bit nervous. "Well, I guess if you're insisting, I'll be fine with something that goes well with tea," she said.
"You got it. Come on, Sayori. Let's get snacks for everyone!"
"Are you sure?" She looked at me concerned. "I can go get it myself."
"They didn't break my legs, Sayori. I can walk just fine. Besides, you'd eat all the snacks before you got back."
She pressed her fingers together and frowned. "Meanie…"
"Come on, let's go." I headed out, followed closely by Sayori. Meiji led me to the nearest vending machine. "If there's one thing I like about Japan, it's the uniqueness of your vending machine selections," I said. I chose a small macha cake for Yuri, a few cookies for Natsuki, a coffee cake for Monika and then I let Sayori choose a few sweets for herself. All I grabbed was a candy bar. Once I was loaded up with goodies, we headed back. When we got there, Natsuki had already arrived and was grumbling about something in the closet. Yuri was still brewing some tea. I handed her the macha cake then turned to Natsuki. "Muramoto-san! Here!" I held up a few cookies and placed them on a desk.
"What's this?" she asked suspiciously as she poked at the plastic wrapped pastry.
"A peace offering," I said honestly, keeping my hands up as I moved away.
"You think something as simple as a few cookies would sate my wrath?" she asked, approaching the cookies and grabbing them.
"Obviously not, but I figure it's a start," I said. "Listen, can we talk somewhere alone?"
"Whatever you have to say to me can be said in front of the whole club," she said stonily as she tore open the wrapping for the cookie.
Geez, she's pissed.
I can see that, thanks. But she's opening the cookie, so that's some progress. "Fair enough. Listen, I want to apologize to you for lying. And for anything else I may have done to make you hate me this much."
"Urk!" She looked up at me angrily. "You-you idiot…I don't hate you. I'm just pissed that you made Sayori cry."
"I know, and you have every right to be angry. I should have said something from the start." But if I had, I wouldn't be here.
"You're damn right you should have!" She glared at me for a bit, but sighed. "But…Sayori seems to be feeling better today, so I suppose I can give you another chance. Also, I heard about how you rushed to help Yuri today…that took balls. I'm…impressed."
"What?"
"I'm impressed, okay!"
"Fair enough. Thank you, Muramoto-san."
"…Natsuki…"
"Pardon?" I was sure I misheard her.
"You can…call me Natsuki. Seriously! Don't make me repeat myself!"
"Okay, okay…Natsuki-chan."
She looked up at me angrily. "Don't push it! Monika, tell Josiah here to-!" she looked around. "Wait, where's Monika anyway?"
"Good question," Yuri said, looking up from where she'd been pouring some tea into the cups. "Have any of you heard anything about her being late today?"
"Not me…" Sayori, who had been watching the exchange between me and Natsuki, replied.
"Well I know she's here," I said. "I saw her earlier at lunch."
"Hmm…it's a bit unusual for her to be late," Yuri said.
"I hope she's okay," Sayori said with concern.
"Monika? Oh please, Sayori. You and I both know how busy she is. She's probably just on classroom duty today," Natsuki said. "She's pretty popular, after all…"
"Perhaps she's with some boy," I chuckled.
"Eh? You don't think Monika has a…boyfriend, don't you?"
"Aha, I wouldn't be surprised," Yuri said. "Monika is more desirable than all of us combined."
"Ehehe, that's true," Sayori said.
I raised an eyebrow. "Um, you're joking, right? Listen ladies, Monika may be popular and beautiful, but you shouldn't sell yourselves short. You're all beautiful."
Natsuki looked at me with reddening cheeks. Yuri just looked away, blushing fiercely and Sayori was fiddling with her fingers nervously.
The door opened just at that time and Monika rushed in, panting heavily. "Sorry…I'm super sorry…hah…" she began coughing a bit.
Yuri brought some tea over and handed it to Monika. Monika took it gratefully and, after blowing a bit, drank it in one gulp. "Are you alright?" Yuri asked.
"Yeah, sorry," Monika said, putting the teacup down. "I just seriously lost track of time. Hope I didn't worry you guys."
"Wow! Monika chose the club over her boyfriend after all!" Sayori said, acting surprised. "You're so strong willed!"
Now we're back on script. What the hell is going on?
"B-Boyfriend?" Monika's face went bright red. "What on earth are you talking about?" She looked over at me with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh nothing, us girls were just gossiping about you," I replied in my best falsetto while I twirled my imaginary long hair. I took the time to hand her the coffee cake. "Here you are, girlfriend," I continued. Monika took it gratefully and blushed.
"Oh my God, that was a terrible girl voice!" Natsuki said, laughing hard.
"Haha, sorry. But what held you up anyway, Madame President?" I already knew somewhat, but I asked anyway.
"Ah, well my last period today was study hall," she replied as she tore the cake wrapping off. "To be honest, I lost track of time."
"But you'd have heard the bell ring, at least," Natsuki said.
"I guess I was too distracted practicing piano to hear," Monika said.
"Piano? I wasn't aware you played music as well, Monika," Yuri said, sounding impressed.
"Ahaha, well I don't really. I kind of only started just recently. I've always wanted to learn piano." She gave me a surreptitious glance.
I wonder if playing piano is a metaphor for learning how to code, Meiji said.
I hadn't thought of that, but it makes sense. Although she does play piano too. Maybe both.
"That's so cool!" Sayori said. "You should play something for us, Monika."
"That's…" she smiled at us. "Once I get better, I definitely will."
"Yay-!" Sayori bounced up.
"Shame we can't drag a piano in here for the festival for some ambiance," I said.
Monika raised an eyebrow at me. "Did I tell you what we'd be doing?"
"No, but knowing you, it'll be amazing," I replied.
She giggled. "I hope so…thanks for that. So, did I miss anything?"
"Natsuki and I made up, a bit," I said.
"I still don't know about you, but Sayori seems okay with the current situation," Natsuki said. "And someone who can stand up to Yae can't be all bad."
"Well, before we all settle down and do our own thing, there's something I'd like to confess again," I said. "And don't worry, this just happened." Natsuki tensed up, looking up at me distrustfully. Yuri looked more curious than most, Sayori just looked a bit sad but smiled quickly, and Monika looked a little nervous, but she gave me an approving nod when I looked at her questioningly. "Yesterday, I found out that, a few days ago, our club president here was kicked out of her house. She spent the night in Meiji's sister's room last night and, unless Meiji's parents don't agree, she will be staying at his house until something can be done."
Natsuki's eyes were both wide with shock whereas Sayori's were full of sympathy. Yuri was the first to speak. "Why…why didn't you tell anyone?"
Monika shook her head. "Honestly? I can't think of a good reason. I should have told someone, I know."
"I can't say I like the idea of you spending time with Josiah alone," Natsuki said. "But Josiah? You did good." She slugged me in the arm with a small smile. "And maybe I was too hasty to judge you."
"Glad to hear it." I chuckled and held my arm in faux pain. "Just don't break my arm. I'm already injured enough."
"No promises," Natsuki's smile broadened and she began to laugh. I joined her next and soon we were all laughing, even Yuri.
"B-But, what if Meiji's parents don't let Monika stay?" Yuri asked after the laughter died down.
"Ah, that's the million-dollar question," I said. "Look, I don't think his parents would turn Monika away outright. They might talk to Sayori's parents about letting her stay there instead."
"Mom would definitely agree!" Sayori said.
"On the off chance she doesn't, though, what are you going to do?" Natsuki asked Monika. "I'd offer for you to stay with me, but Dad wouldn't allow it."
"U-Um, she could stay with me. My parents are paying for the apartment I'm living in," Yuri said.
"You live by yourself?" I asked, surprised.
Didn't see that coming, but I'm not surprised.
Me neither.
"Yeah. It's a small space, but it's cozy. I-I'd be willing to sh-share-"
"No, it's okay." Monika smiled kindly. "I appreciate the offer, but I couldn't invade your personal space. I know you need time to decompress after school." Yuri looked instantly relieved. "Everyone, it's okay. I'll be fine, don't worry. Let's just spend the day as we always do before we share poems."
With that, the crowd dispersed. This time, instead of reading, I took out my laptop and began to type. After a while, I was aware of eyes on me. I looked up and saw Yuri looking at me intently from behind her book. "Yuri? What is it?"
"Oh um…j-just wondering what you're writing," she said nervously, hiding her face behind her book.
"I was just trying to recreate the story I was writing before I woke up here," I said. "It was a high fantasy/hard science fiction crossover."
Her eyes lit up. "C-Can you tell me a bit about the story?" She got up and sat next to me.
"A story? You write stories?" Sayori asked, walking over and sitting down across from me, sitting backwards in the desk chair.
"Oh yeah I did. I was working on an epic novel before I woke up here," I replied. "I'm just trying to recreate some of the information I had on the races, month names, names of the days of the week and more."
"You had all that planned out for a story?" Natsuki asked from her corner, closing her manga and moving closer.
Wow, I want to see this.
It's all here. "Yeah. I'd even begun to create a magical system and a language. Not an original language, but still. Heck, I even tried coming up with songs about epic stories like Tolkien did."
"Do you remember any of those songs?" Monika asked as she moved over and sat on the other side of me.
"I tried to write one about two brothers who were said to have founded two mountain realms for the Dvail race, but-"
"Who?" Natsuki asked.
"Think of them as non-traditional looking traditional dwarves," I explained. "As in, they look like human children throughout their lives, but love to dig in the mountains. Anyway, I tried to write a song but never finished."
"It sounds like you really gave this world some thought," Yuri said. "Could you…tell us more?"
I smiled. "It would be nice to get some feedback from members of a club who love literature, but if I explain it all now, we won't have time to share our poems, right?"
Monika smacked her forehead. "Silly me, I was so excited to hear about your story that I almost forgot about it."
"I'll share my stories later, promise." I smiled.
"Okay, everyone. Let's go get our poems and find someone to share with," Monika said.
I headed over to the corner of the room where I'd put Meiji's bag. I retrieved mine and Meiji's poem, stood and found myself face to face with Monika. "Whoa! You keep on startling me."
"I'm sorry, I just couldn't wait."
"Fair enough. Well, why don't the three of us share?" I put the poems down on the nearest desk. "Shall we begin?"
Monika handed me her poem. She'd titled it New Beginnings
A well-worn road, or a grassy path.
I have traveled the former many-a-time, but
now it's time to walk a different path.
The ground is familiar, but the grass is greener.
The ending hopefully happier.
The path is rocky underneath the grass
and causes blisters to form.
My goal, however, is clear in my vision.
I finally see the home; my way is clear now.
I want to have what I have not.
But…can…I…?
I smiled and waited for Monika to finish mine and Meiji's poems. She smiled when she put down the poems. "Well, you both have differing styles. It's nice not to have twenty random words this time, although it seems like some of the mini-game bled through with Meiji's."
"I noticed that too."
How?
"I'll explain later. Well, what did you think of Meiji's poem first?"
"It's actually not too bad," Monika said. "It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside," she said. "And that's not meant to be patronizing. I also feel a very slight tension at the end. I'm guessing that's because of the gameplay we did last night?"
Yep.
"He says yes," I replied.
Monika nodded sadly. "I like your rhyming too. I understand it isn't easy coming up with a poem overnight, but it is impressive that you tried to make a poem that rhymes for the most part."
"I'm with Monika. I did freestyle because that's more my thing, but you went the harder route. Pretty impressive, dude."
Eheh, thanks you guys. I know it's pretty bad.
"Hey, for a beginner it was pretty good. And…I know Sayori will love it."
Eh?!
"Yes, she definitely will," Monika added.
Can I see yours, Josiah?
"Oh, right. Monika, hand me my poem back please? Meiji hasn't seen it yet."
She handed my poem back and I carefully read it. When I was done, Meiji said Wow…that's deep.
"Meiji thinks it's deep," I said.
"It's definitely one that has a hidden meaning," Monika said. "There's a lot of vivid imagery in this one. I can almost feel like I'm there."
I can almost smell the muck, Meiji said.
"That was my intention," I replied. "Thanks for the praise."
"What do you think of mine?" Monika asked.
"Again, it's different than the one you normally write on this day," I said. "Your use of imagery to tell what is, to me, a clear meaning is quite good. A bit cliché, but that's not a bad thing."
I think there's a couple meanings here. One could be that Monika has her own route, but it could be more normal. Maybe she sees her life taking a new path. Maybe this would have been her poem if she didn't realize this was a game.
My eyes were wide. "That's…when did you become so smart, Meiji?"
Huh, I have no idea.
"What did he say?" Monika asked. When I relayed the message, Monika's brows shot up as well. "That is an interesting hypothesis. What would my poems look like without the Epiphany?"
"We'll talk about that later," I said softly.
"I look forward to it. Well, let's switch partners." She smiled at me, took her poem and headed over to Yuri.
I began to get up as well, but Sayori immediately rushed over and sat. "Hi!"
"Whoa there." I chuckled, resuming my seat. "Maybe I shouldn't have let you eat all that sugar."
Sayori put her poem down. "Ehehe, I love chocolate! What can I say?"
"Fair enough," I said, putting both mine and Meiji's poems down. She quickly grabbed them and read them over while I refreshed myself with her Bottles poem. I read it slowly so Meiji could see it as well. When I was done, I put it down and waited for Sayori to finish.
When she was done, she put them down slowly and looked up at me. "I…wow. These are better than yesterdays. In both there's some good feelings!"
"Meiji's was pretty good, wasn't it?" I asked.
"They were both good! Meiji's was very uplifting and I really liked it!"
"Are you sure you don't like it just because Meiji wrote it?" I asked.
She fiddled with her fingers. "Ehehe, well that's a part of it sure…but I'd like to think I know Meiji better than most. So, when I read this, it isn't just a poem, it's a Meiji poem! And that makes it extra special to me."
She…can keep it if she wants. I wrote it about her.
"Meiji says you can keep it," I said.
She blushed. "I…thank you Meiji."
She reached out to take it again, but I stopped her. "After we share it with the others."
"Ah, yeah of course. Your poem, Josiah, it was still sad."
"Aah, um, I guess that's my style."
She nodded. "It's definitely good. Very imaginative."
"I do write stories, remember?" I replied. "Do you have any critiques?"
Sayori fiddled with her fingers. "Well, I'm not very good at figuring out if poems are good or bad…but that's why I just go with my heart! If it makes me feel things, it must be a good poem." She giggled.
I raised an eyebrow. "What kind of poems do you like, anyway?" I asked.
She frowned and stroked her chin. "Well, I do like happy poems, but I also like sad poems…no, it's the mix that I like too. What's the word I'm looking for…bittersweet!"
"Bittersweet poems are pretty powerful," I remarked.
I can't see her liking sad poems, though, Meiji said. At least, I didn't before.
"Meiji doesn't think you're the type to like sad poems," I said.
"Well, I like happy poems the most, but sometimes when you have little rainclouds in your head, a sad poem can give that raincloud a hug and make a happy rainbow."
Since when was she so poetic?
"That's a good way to put it," I said. "Very poetic."
"Eh? It is? Maybe I'm getting better at expressing my feelings after all! Thanks Meiji, thanks Josiah!"
I held up her poem. "Yours is very different from yesterdays. Meiji and I are both impressed."
"Didn't I say I'd write the best poem ever?" Sayori asked, grinning proudly. "I've been in touch with my feelings recently."
"Well this poem is very good. It's pretty sad too if you look past the happy thoughts. The speaker gives so much of themselves to make others happy, but where's the happiness left for them? A very good poem overall. You should be very proud."
"Well, I feel like I was meant to express myself this way," Sayori said. "It even helps me express my own feelings better. Writing is like magic!"
"You've no idea," I chuckled.
"Writing is the best! I'm going to keep writing until I die!"
"Let's hope it's a very long and happy life, and I look forward to reading your book of poems," I replied with a grin. "As is Meiji."
Oh yes, we are! Also, can I keep her poem?
"Oh, can Meiji keep your poem?"
Sayori's smile returned. "Yes of course! I need to show the rest of the club, but afterwards you can."
I decided next to go see Natsuki instead. I reacquainted myself with her Amy Likes Spiders poem. As I did so, I explained to Meiji two possible meanings behind it. Hmm, those make sense, he said.
"Damn, you two definitely have different styles," she said. "Well, let me see here…"
"They're not that bad, are they?" I asked.
Natsuki sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "No…they're both good. I'll admit, Josiah's is a little more fancy for my tastes, but it's not as fancy as Yuri's and I can see a good meaning. Meiji's is simpler, but it's good too. Damn it, this wasn't supposed to happen…"
"Natsuki?" I leaned forward.
"My poems were supposed to impress you, not the other way around," she replied.
"Hold up, you're trying to impress me? But yesterday you hated my guts."
"How many times do I have to tell you, I don't hate you!" She leaned forward and grabbed my tie.
"Alright sorry."
"And yes…I saw how you and Yuri were talking about her writing yesterday, and I didn't like feeling left out."
Whoa, she's being more honest than I expected.
No kidding.
"I'm sorry I made you feel left out. I'll try not to in the future, we both will."
"Hmmph, fine. What about my poem?"
"Ah, well it's certainly a lot longer than yesterdays," I replied.
"Heh, I was just warming up. I hope you didn't think that was the best I could do."
I stood and made a flashy pose. "It wasn't even your final form!" I said heroically.
She laughed at my ridiculous pose. "Hah! Well anyway, the message here is pretty straightforward. Sometimes you can explain complicated issues with simple analogies and it can help people realize how stupid they're being. Like anyone would agree that this person is an ignorant jerk."
"Well, that's true."
"I wrote it to be easy to relate to," Natsuki explained further. "Everyone has some strange hobby or guilty pleasure, something that you're afraid if people found out, they'd think less of you, but that just makes people stupid! Who cares what someone likes, as long as they're not hurting anyone else and it makes them happy!"
"I agree with you up to a point," I said softly. "Some hobbies that people have can be self-destructive. Your manga and baking hobbies aren't that, but there are some more…intense hobbies. I won't ever judge anyone for their likes or dislikes, that's just how they are, but the thing is some hobbies are dangerous and can lead to the hobbyist getting hurt."
"I understand that. I'm glad you can appreciate this kind of writing. Just look forward to tomorrow's poem!"
"You bet we will." I grabbed the two poems. "See you later."
I headed over to Yuri, who was looking over at me with a worrying intense stare. I smiled as I sat down across from her. "Hey Yuri. Sorry about cutting the story session short today."
"Ah no, it's okay Josiah. Can I see what you've written today?"
I put both poems down. "Here they are."
"Two?"
"One's mine and one is Meiji's," I explained.
"Ah, I see," She read over ours while I read her Raccoon poem carefully. When I was finished, I looked up and saw Yuri was waiting and holding Meiji's up. "This one is actually not bad for a first attempt," Yuri said. "There are some pretty novice rhyming schemes, but you're not to blame here. I've gotten to know what beginning writing looks like and I can see certain things that. Am I wrong in assuming this is an ode to Sayori?"
I grinned conspiratorially. "Oh yeah it is."
Traitor!
Oh hush. Yuri is the most trustworthy one here right now. She won't tell.
Yuri smiled. "That's pretty sweet. Your secret is safe with me, Meiji."
Grrr…I hate you.
No, you love me and you know it, I replied. "So, what about my poem?"
She smiled at me. "You've definitely been writing for a while and it shows. Your poem yesterday was pretty extraordinary, but today you wrote quite a powerful poem."
"I was inspired by you and everyone else. I wanted to make more vivid images and leave the poem somewhat open to interpretation. Just like your poem yesterday."
Yuri visibly swallowed and she began to fidget with her hair. Her hands began to sweat. "I'm not…used to this."
"Used to what?" I asked curiously.
"Uuu…I don't know!" she said, looking even more nervous now. I patiently waited for her to collect her thoughts. She took a few breaths then continued. "Having someone…inspired by my writing…it…makes me…really happy."
She doesn't seem like the type who hasn't shared her work.
"Wait, you've never shared work before?"
She shook her head. "I only really write for myself. And besides…people would laugh at me."
"Am I laughing at you? Did the other club members laugh at you?" She slowly shook her head. "No one here would laugh at you. Well, maybe Natsuki, but she doesn't mean anything by it. You two have different styles after all. And you're forgetting something. We're all friends here. Friends are supportive and caring. We would never mock your work like those bullies earlier."
She looked away, face red. "Y-You think so?"
"I know so. Your work in this club will always be appreciated."
She turned away, but I could see a small smile on her face. "Thank you…what did you think of my poem? I was a little more daring with this one than yesterdays."
"You're not kidding. This is an amazing poem. Much more metaphorical." I put it down. "I'm guessing this is more the style you're used to using?"
"That's right," she said. "Using the poem as a canvas to express vivid imagery, and conveying emotions through them. That's what a poem should do. Poems mean different things to different people. For me, I wanted to express how it feels to indulge in one of my more…unusual hobbies."
Cutting.
Damn…we've got to help her.
We will.
"It's the sort of thing I'm usually forced to keep to myself," Yuri continued. "So, I sometimes enjoy writing about them."
"We all have hobbies that are embarrassing to talk about," I said. "one of mine was I collected swords. I was just selling them off before I woke up here."
You did?
Honest to God.
Damn.
"Collected…swords?"
"Yeah. I was terrified to admit it. I was afraid I'd be seen as that American who would shoot up the school. Once I was seventeen, though, I wasn't afraid to admit it. Sure, they teased me for it, but my best friends didn't."
She smiled. "It's a shame they aren't real…they sound like good people. Having people like that in your life must have been a blessing."
"Well, you have them in your life too. You have me, Meiji and the others in this club. They wouldn't ever judge you."
Damn right!
I chuckled. "Meiji just agreed with me."
She blushed. "You…think so?"
"I know so." I handed her poem back. "Keep up the good work."
"Y-You too," Yuri said.
"Okay, everyone!" Monika called out suddenly. "We're all done reading each other's poems, right? If so, I have something extra planned for today, so come sit at the front please."
"Is this about the festival?" Natsuki asked as she sat in one of the front desks.
"Well, sort of-no, it is about the festival," Monika said as she headed to the front of the classroom to face us.
"Ugh…do we really have to do something for the festival?" Natsuki asked. "We'll just end up embarrassing ourselves instead of getting new members."
"That's a concern of mine, as well," Yuri added as she placed her bag on the hook next to the desk she took. "I don't really do well with last minute preparations."
"No need to worry," Monika said. "We're going to keep it simple and tasteful. We won't need more than a few decorations. Besides, the festival is next week, not tomorrow. We have plenty of time to prepare. Sayori's been working on posters, and I've designed some pamphlets we can hand out during the event."
"Okay, that's great and all," Natsuki said, "but is there a reason you're avoiding the question. What are we doing?"
"Performing poems," Monika explained.
"Wait, what?!" Natsuki's eyebrows shot up in shock.
"Um…Monika?" Yuri looked nervously at the club president.
"We're going to be standing and performing poems in front of whoever comes to check out our club. All I need from you are poems to recite so I can put them in the pamphlets. But the best part is we're going to let anyone who wants to come up and recite poems too! Sayori's putting it in the posters so people can prepare ahead of time."
"Check it!" Sayori held up a poster, which read:
COME TO THE LITERATURE CLUB!
SEE OUR MEMBERS PERFORM POETRY FOR ALL
OTHER STUDENTS ARE FREE TO PERFORM IF SO DESIRED
"Oh, for the love of…Monika? Did you already begin putting these posters up?" Natsuki asked.
"Yeah, I did…is it that bad of an idea?" Monika asked, sounding sad.
"No…it isn't a bad idea, but I didn't sign up for this!" Natsuki said, frowning.
"I-I agree with Natsuki," Yuri said, looking away. "I could never…in my life…so something like that…" She looked like she was trembling.
Monika looked guiltily at the club. "I…I'm sorry. Maybe today wasn't the best day to bring it up." She looked over at me helplessly. "I mean, we've all just started sharing our poems, so it's a bit presumptuous to be-"
"Hey, I think it's a great idea," I interrupted. "and I think we should give it our best. You all love this club, right? I can tell this place is special for all of you. Let's at least give Monika's idea a listen!" I turned the floor back to her. "Monika?"
She smiled gratefully at me. "Thanks, Josiah. I did overlook the fact that we just started, but I still think we should give it our best!" I could see the passion in her eyes as she looked at each of us. "We're the ones responsible for the fate of this club, after all. If we start the event and each put on a good performance, then it will inspire others to do the same!" Her eyes lit up when she said that. "And the more people who perform, the more we can show everyone what literature is all about!"
"Yeah!" Sayori interjected, smiling widely. "It's about expressing your feelings, being intimate with yourself, finding new horizons, and just having fun!"
"That's right!" Monika gave Sayori a thumbs up. "And it's those reasons we're all in the club today. Don't you want to share that with others? To inspire them to find that same feeling that brought them here in the first place? I know you do." Her smile was imploring now. "I know you all do. And if all it takes is standing in front of people for two minutes and reciting a poem, then I know you can do it!"
Natsuki and Yuri looked away, both looking like they were thinking hard. Natsuki opened her mouth a few times, but it seemed like there was nothing she could say. "Uu…okay fine! I guess I'll just have to get it over with."
"Alright-!" Sayori said excitedly.
"Phew, thanks Natsuki." Monika turned to Yuri and her face fell. "Yuri…I won't force you to do this. You've been through a lot these past few days."
"N-No…I'll do it. You're right, Monika. I love this club, even if it is going to be the death of me…"
"Not if I have anything to say about it," I said instantly.
"Ahaha! That's everyone!" Sayori said happily. "You're the best, Yuri!"
"Now that we're all in agreement, it's time for the main event," Monika said. "I'd like each of you to choose a poem of yours so we can practice reciting in front of each other."
Natsuki and Yuri both looked terrified. "N-N-No way!" Natsuki exclaimed.
"Monika…! This is too sudden…!" Yuri began sweating.
"The more you practice, the less nervous you'll become," I said, standing and grabbing my poem. "I'm no performer, but I'd like to at least try."
"Besides," Monika said, "if you can't perform in front of your friends, how can you expect to perform in front of a bunch of strangers?" Monika added.
"Oh no…" Yuri looked away, trembling.
Deciding to break away from the script a bit, I walked over and put a hand on her shoulder. "Remember what I said earlier. No one here is going to hate you or judge you."
Yuri took a few deep breaths. "I hope so…"
"I know so."
"Don't worry," Monika said, "I'll start us out to make you all feel a bit more comfortable."
"Can I go next?" Sayori asked.
"Sure. Now, let's see…" Monika looked through her notebook as she headed to the podium. "Why don't we read the poems for today?" She cleared her throat and began. She started out very strong, her vocals carrying clear across the room. Her performance was flawless and she put the right emphasis in the right places. Knowing what I did, I could feel the desperation in her tone, albeit subtle. She snuck one or two glances my way, and our eyes met each time. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. When she finished, I was the first to begin clapping. Sayori was nearly speechless as she told Monika how good she was. "Ahaha, thank you very much. I was just trying to set a good example."
"Are you kidding? You raised the bar so high, it was that good!" I exclaimed.
Monika blushed at my praise. "Aah…thank you Josiah."
"I…I'll go next!" Yuri exclaimed suddenly, standing with her poem in her hand.
"Uwah! Yuri's fired up all of the sudden," Sayori said as Yuri walked up to the podium. Monika sat directly behind me. Yuri's performance started out a bit hesitantly at first, but the shakiness in her voice soon gave way to calm confidence. It wasn't like Monika's own boisterous confidence.
It's like how she is when she talks about her books or anything that interests her, Meiji said.
Agreed.
This must be what it's like in her head. Fierce and confident and boiling with emotions wanting desperately to be expressed.
And you thought the literature club would be boring.
When did I say that?
Oh hush and let's listen.
Yuri finished and looked back up at us. Her normal nervous personality returned and she began to sweat again. I clapped hard, joined moments later by Monika and the others. Yuri held her poem to her chest and rushed back to her seat. I leaned over. "You were magnificent. You'll do very well next week."
"Uuu…I hope so."
"Thank you for sharing," Monika added with a smile.
"My turn then!" Sayori grabbed her poem and headed to the podium. She cleared her throat and and began after a few false starts. Monika gave her some advice on how to begin when she couldn't start and eventually Sayori began. Her soft voice brought out the raw emotions within her Bottles poem. Her performance wasn't as dynamic as Monika's or as full of emotion as Yuri's, but I could hear that motherly tone Sayori seemed to get come out again. When she was finished, we all applauded. "I did it! I guess that's a good sign."
"You did well, Sayori," Monika said. She turned to Natsuki. "Natsuki?"
Natsuki had her arms crossed. "Don't make me go before Josiah…it's not like I can compare anyway."
"Natsuki…" Sayori's face fell.
I headed over to Natsuki's desk and knelt to her right. "I loved your poem for today, and I'd love to hear you perform it. Besides, it's not fair to you to compare yourself to the rest of us."
"He's right," Monika said, joining me on Natsuki's left. "We all have our strengths and weaknesses. You have your own unique way of writing that deserves to be heard."
Her face went red. "F-Fine." She grabbed her poem and almost stormed off.
"Tsundere," I whispered to Monika, who held in a giggle.
Once Natsuki began to present, her face seemed to soften. She wasn't as enthused about it, but I could tell she was somewhat enjoying it. When she was finished, we all applauded. "Your turn, big man," Natsuki said.
"Ah yes, the truly talentless one," I joked as I grabbed my notebook and headed to the stage. I cleared my throat and began to recite. I wasn't exactly an orator back in reality, but I could at least try. I pulled out my poem and began reading. I flubbed a bit at the beginning, but as I continued, I began feeling more and more confident. The words flowed from me as I read and when I finished, the girls looked at me stunned. Monika was the first to applaud and the others joined quickly.
"I'm so glad you guys came through," Monika said happily. "Hopefully you got a taste for what it's like."
"Yeah I guess," Natsuki said. "It'll probably be easier in front of strangers, though."
"Wait, really?" Sayori asked. "It'd be the opposite for me."
"Well if it's in front of strangers I can put on any face I want, but if it's in front of club members and friends…well…" her voice trailed off.
"I get it, yeah that makes sense," I replied.
"Well, that wraps things up for today," Monika said. "I know the festival is still coming, but I hope that you'll at least try and write a poem for tomorrow too. It's been working out nicely so far, so I'd like to try and continue. As for the festival, we can finalize details tomorrow, and then we have the weekend to prepare. Monday's the big day."
"Yay!" Sayori almost jumped for joy.
"I can do this…I can do this…" Yuri chanted to herself.
"Yes, you can," I said. I turned to Sayori. "Sayori, if you still want to walk home together, we should probably wait for Monika."
"Oh yeah! Monika, do you need help with anything?" Sayori asked. "What do you do before you leave?"
Monika, surprised by my words, stammered out a reply. "U-Um, normally I do some sweeping and cleaning."
Sayori quickly ran back to the closet, grabbed a small hand broom/dustpan combo and began sweeping the room. I laughed as I began to arrange the desks. "That chocolate was a mistake," I remarked.
"You're a softie," Natsuki said, patting me hard on the back.
"Aaaahaaah! Watch the injuries," I said, wincing.
"You'll be fine. I wasn't even using my full powaaah!" she chuckled, striking a similar pose to what I had done earlier.
"Oh geez," I said, face getting red.
I looked up and, to my surprise, saw Yuri wiping down each of the desks with a small paper towel and bottle of cleaner. Natsuki headed to the closet to organize it. I walked over to Monika and smiled. She looked up at me. "This…didn't happen did it? In the game?"
"You saw the game last night, of course it didn't," I said, heading over to the windows and looking at them. "Yuri, where'd you get the cleaner?"
"It's in the closet," she said.
Nodding, I headed over and grabbed a second bottle and paper towel in order to wash the windows. Monika looked unsure what to do next, so she grabbed another bottle and paper towel and washed the windows on the other side of the room. We were all done very quickly and the room looked spick and span. "Alright, that was worth the extra time," I said as I put my bottle away. I put the now dirty paper towel in the garbage. "Sayori, Monika, let's go."
On the walk home, I immediately noticed Sayori seemed a little more distant than usual. Meiji pointed it out to me immediately. Alarm bells began to ring in my head and I turned to Monika with a worried look. She shrugged, but also looked worried. She looked over at Sayori. "Hey, Sayori, you doing okay?"
Sayori jumped a bit. "Ah! Sorry, I was spacing out."
"Please be careful," I said. "Space out too much and you could get hurt."
"Ehehe, right…" she looked away. "I was thinking about how it's nice to walk home again like this, even if it isn't Meiji."
Hey, I'm right here!
"He heard that," I chuckled. "And we both like it. It's nice to walk home with someone to talk to. And now that Monika's living in Meiji's house, it's even more fun!"
Sayori smiled, but it didn't seem like a completely happy smile. "I was also thinking about something from earlier…"
That didn't sound too pleasant.
If it goes the way it goes in the original game, it won't be. "What about, Sayori?"
Sayori fumbled over her words a bit, before taking a deep breath. "Can I ask Meiji a question?"
"Of course."
"Okay, so Meiji? Let's say that you get control back and after that someone like…Yuri asks you to walk her home. Would you?"
No question, I'd walk home with Sayori!
Great, now give me some reasons why.
Sayori's my best friend, and I've been neglecting her for my own selfish reasons. Plus, I love her. But don't tell her that part.
"Josiah? You were spacing out too," Monika said, poking my cheek.
"Yeah sorry. Meiji and I can communicate without me needing to speak. Sayori, Meiji would walk home with you, no question. He cares for you deeply and feels guilty about how you and he have been growing farther apart. You will always have a place in his heart, trust me. He will always need you."
"But…why does he need me? I'm just a raincloud on his sunny day…" Sayori looked away.
Monika took action. Walking over, she stopped Sayori and hugged her tightly. "No one at the club sees you that way," she said softly. "Not Natsuki, not Yuri and not us. I got to know Meiji and Josiah a bit earlier today and I assure you there is no one more important to Meiji than you."
I put an arm on Sayori's shoulder. "You're important to him. Very very much."
By this time, we were in sight of Meiji and Sayori's house. Sayori, startled by this affectionate exchange, teared up a bit, but maintained her smile. "I see…thank you." She broke the hug and her happy smile was back again. "Well, I'll see you guys tomorrow, okay?"
I nodded. "Sure thing. Good luck!" She waved and rushed off to her house, looking a bit happier than before.
I sure hope that helped…
We'll see, buddy…we'll see…
New chapter yay! School's getting more hectic so I might not be posting as often (not that I've been posting often anyway), but I'll try and keep up.
morbiusgreen