Chapter Three – On the Sharp End

I wonder what will happen today, will they ignore me as usual? Not that that's bad . . . just, I guess it would be nice to get a little attention – no, they'll laugh at you, like they always do.

Yuri walked down the street, leading to the school. Her unconfident attitude often made her feel sorry for herself, even if she wasn't to blame.

She only partially knew that, since, when someone would try to explain to her that it wasn't her fault, she would just apologize and run off.

On the way, she saw Monika at the front of the school, holding a large pile of papers.

There was a small sign that read Join the Literature Club, next meeting: tomorrow, after school in room 244, sign up now!

Although Yuri loved literature, she wouldn't be able to stand being in a club with the most popular girl in school, Monika. And, inevitably, her friends would also join, making it even harder to stay out of sight.

She attempted walk by the little set up, before she heard Monika say, "Hey, you're Yuri, right?" She heard jogging footsteps as Monika came right up next to her.

Yuri felt a chill run down her spine, "Y – yes." She managed.

"Great! I've heard you like literature, is that true?"

"U – um, yes, I – it is."

"Wonderful, would you please consider joining the Literature Club?" Yuri kept her back to Monika, feeling more and more awkward by the second, only wanting to get out of this situation.

"I – I'll think about it."

"Okay, here." Monika went in front of her now, handing her a flyer. Yuri nervously took it and examined it closely.

"Th – thank you, I'll look into it." With a smile, Monika waved before heading back to her set up again, resuming the waving of flyers.

I don't know what to do, if I say no, she'll be mad at me, right? But if I say yes, I'll only open myself to more judgement. What if I just ignore it? Yeah, I'm sure I'll never see her again anyways. Class starts in about twenty minutes; I'll just use that time to go read in the library.

Yuri reached into her backpack, retrieving a book titled The Portrait of Markov, her favorite read.

She placed it down gently on the wooded table, opening it with soon – relaxing hands.

Then, she soon became engrossed in it; so engrossed, she hadn't noticed someone sit down beside her, until they tapped her shoulder.

She jolted out of her trance, instinctively closing the book on her thumb as she let out a yelp of pain while blood rushed into her bruised body part.

She looked around frantically, to see Monika sitting next to her, with a large smile on her face.

"I knew it, you do love reading!"

"I – I, what?"

Monika stood up happily, "So, will you join the Literature Club?"

Oh, this again? Damn, does she ever give up?

"Like I said, I – I'll think about it." Her voice trailed off as she saw how determined Monika looked.

What do I do!? I don't want to join, but she has me trapped now, I have nowhere to escape to.

"U – uh, I'll join." What did I just say!? I didn't mean to say that! I just blurted it out!

Oh no, now she's going to expect me to attend the meetings.

"Great! I'll see you tomorrow!" Monika pranced away with glee, leaving a shaking Yuri.

Yuri got up, concealing her bag, as she headed towards the nearest bathroom with haste.

Author's Note:

Ah, well, I guess that's how Yuri joined! (At least, in my rendition).

I'm not sure if you all would consider this long or short but let me now if you want longer or shorter chapters (longer ones may come less frequently, of course).

Also, my apologies for the misformating; I am sorry for any trouble on your end.

Well, that's all I really have to say! I'll flip a coin to see whose prequel I'll do next, until then,

mate ne!