Hey everyone. It's me again. Just want to update you all that this is going to be the last chapter I post for awhile and the reason for this is because I'm doing a complete rewrite of the next couple of chapters as I didn't like how they turned out. I'm having difficulty moving the story along and need time to redo the upcoming chapters. I hope you all are doing great and it stays that way. Thanks as always. See you all next time.
Chapter 71: Regrets
Monika: "Okay everyone, listen up." All her club members turn their attention to their Club President. "So after hearing each of your stories, I have decided on a method that could help each of us on our projects."
Natsuki: "That being?"
Monika: "Starting this Saturday I want you all to partner up with someone of your choosing and work together as a team."
Everyone Else: "What!?"
Monika: "Now I know this Sunday is going to be Valentine's day and I'm sure some of you have plans for the day of love which is why I ask that you work on your story for a bit. After that you're free to do whatever you want. You're more than welcome to work however you like, video chat, phone call, visiting each other's houses, and so on."
Hina: "Well since you gave us all those options I don't see why not."
Sky: "You sure about that?"
Hina: "Ya, she did tell us to work on them a little so I don't have much of a problem with that, so long as I spend time with my hubby." She snuggles up to her man.
Sebastian: "Stop everyone is watching." He starts to blush as she rubs her head on his arm.
Johnny: "And yet you're not pushing her away."
Ronald: "Jealous?"
Johnny: "Jealous, me? No." His red headed friend chuckles. "And what about you?"
Ronald: "Me?"
Johnny: "Gonna partner up with your girl?"
Ronald: "What are you talking about? I don't have a girl to partner up with."
Johnny: "Yeah sure."
Ronald: "I don't!" His face turns red matching his hair.
Natsuki: "And it begins."
Monika: "Oh lord, everyone just partner up and have your free time. We're not going to share our stories until next week so work on them or play. You're choice."
Everyone Else: "Yes Mam!"
With everything set, the day went by with no trouble as everyone partners up. All except for Michael as he keeps to himself, lost in thought.
Michael: (Wow everyone is already partnering up with each other.) He looks around everyone who has a partner. (Wonder who's still available?) He looks to Sayori as she talks with Sky. (Ah I guess she already picked someone. To think I could count on my childhood friend, but whatever. I shouldn't rely on Sayori for everything, but who should be my partner?)
Monika: "Did you find a partner yet?"
Michael: "!" He looks behind himself and sees her with a friendly smile on her face. "Ah no I haven't. To be honest I don't know who I should partner up with and it seems everyone else picked a partner?"
Monika: "They sure have except for me, you, and Yuri."
Michael: "Huh?"
Monika: "Go for it."
Michael: "But?"
Monika: "Come on. You got this. Don't worry about me. Since we have an odd number of clubmates I'll just partner up with anyone else."
Michael: "Oh I never noticed we had an odd amount?" She nods. "Well, uh … I'm not sure I can?"
Monika: "Why not?"
Michael: "Well I figured she would be more helpful to someone else who's struggling?"
Monika: "How considerate of you, but you don't need to worry about that. Everyone seems to have a better understanding of our project."
Michael: "You think?"
Monika: "Sure do. As Club President I need to have confidence in my members. Besides I'm sure she'll be more comfortable working with you rather than any of us."
Michael: "R-really?"
Monika: "Yup. You got her to open up more than any of us could. I trust you can make her feel comfortable and maybe bring out more of her potential."
Michael: "… Ok I understand."
Monika: "Good, then go for it. I'm looking forward to both your stories." He nods to her before making his way to Yuri as she reads. *Sigh* (How cute they are when they're so shy.)
Michael: "Hey Yuri." He taps her shoulder.
Yuri: "Oh, hello Michael." She sets the book down. "May I help you?"
Michael: "Yeah it's about our assignment."
Yuri: "Yes?"
Michael: "Did you pick a partner yet?"
Yuri: "No I haven't. To be honest with you I'm a bit nervous to ask."
Michael: "I see, well do you want to be my partner? I'm sure we can make a great team."
Yuri: "Eh?"
Michael: "I mean if you don't want to that's cool."
Yuri: "No, no. That sounds lovely."
Michael: "Cool, I look forward to working with you."
Yuri: "To me also." (He's not going to partner up with Monika? Well I suppose this is fine. I hope to be of great use to him on our project.)
With everyone partnered up, the day finally end as everyone heads home.
Michael: "You seem excited today?"
Sayori: "I am. I just can't wait to read everyone's stories. It's going to be great."
Michael: "I see." He looks up at the grayish sky as clouds start to form. "Looks like it's going to rain?"
Sayori: "Yeah, but at least we have rooves over our heads, so we should be fine. Especially if we bring our umbrellas."
Michael: "Right" (Crap. This is going to be a rough week.)
With the sun down and night rises. The day finally came to an end until the next day as rain starts to shower the city. With the rain taking affect, the school has announced to cancel all outdoor activities. With that announcement some students were agitated while others celebrated. With the day going by, classes ended without a hitch. While everyone gathers up for a chat, staring out the window as the rain drops hitting the windows. Michael remains lost in thought as he looks up at the dark clouds.
Natsuki: "You cool?"
Michael: "Huh?" He looks up to her. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just lost in my own little world."
Natsuki: "You nervous?"
Michael: "A little."
Natsuki: "Why though?"
Michael: "Oh come on you know?"
Natsuki: "Hey you chose her. You should've known what you were getting yourself into."
Michael: "I know, but I need the help with my story and she seemed like the right choice."
Natsuki: "Well I guess you chose right then."
Michael: "Was that a complement?"
Natsuki: "Shut up before I kill you, you idiot." He chuckles at her response and blushing face.
Michael: "Well at least you got two partners."
Natsuki: "I guess so, but I'm sure you'll do alright, maybe?"
Michael: "Try not to motivate me too much. I might out do you."
Natsuki: "Pfft! As if. Just you watch. My story will be so awesome you'll want me to read you a bed time story."
Michael: "We'll see about that."
Natsuki: "Well I'll let you do whatever you want. I'm sure you're tired of reading Parfait Girls."
Michael: "Ehh, just a bit."
Natsuki: "Dork, late." She leaves.
Michael: *Sigh* (Well I got a lot of work to do. Thankfully I chose Yuri as my partner. She seemed really happy when I asked if we could team up, well at first she seemed surprised and probably thought I go for Sayori, but Sayori already chose to partner up with Sky since their classmates and thought she could be helpful to her since she's still new.
Hina and Sebastian chose each other, because of course they would since they're a couple and would make things easier for them to get together for Valentine's Day. Johnny and Ronald teamed up since they've known each other for years and live at the same place. Lily and Sakura, well … Natsuki, Jane, and Monika teamed up since there's an odd number of us and Monika decided to help them with theirs.
I still wonder if she did that on purpose so me and her can get together instead of joining us, but … She did seem supportive of us, but then again? No, I need to stop thinking about it. There's no time to think about that sort of thing.) He looks out the window again to see the raindrops, but as he did with how dark it is due to the clouds, he could easily see a reflection of himself, but what caught his attention the most was Yuri reading. When he saw that, he turned his head to see her and when he did he looked away. (Damnit, this is going to be a long day.)
With everything set and club hours coming to an end. It was time to head home before the storm gets worst. However, things don't always go to plan as, uh …
Michael: "…"
Yuri: "…"
Michael: "…" He looks to his side to see her as they stand next to each other. (Why am I so bad at this! I knew I should've bought an umbrella when I was out with Sayori, but no instead I got lazy and headed straight home.) He stares forward as the rain shows no signs of stopping. (What makes it worst is Sayori had to leave early as she went to go see how her grandma is doing. I hope things are going good for them, but now I'm alone. Well I mean it's not like this is the first time I walked in the rain, but … this isn't helping my case.)
Yuri: "It seems the rain won't be settling down anytime soon."
Michael: "Seems like it. I'm guessing you didn't bring an umbrella with you either?"
Yuri: "No, a blunder on my part. I should've paid more attention to the weather reports."
Michael: "I see." Silence between the two as the sound of rain continues.
Yuri: "This is troubling."
Michael: "Yeah, and we can't stay here any longer either."
Yuri: "Oh dear." She hugs her book. "Huh?" A jackets falls onto her.
Michael: "You can use my jacket to cover your book."
Yuri: "Oh no I shouldn't, you'll get cold." She tries to give it back to him.
Michael: "I'm fine, don't worry. I can handle this."
Yuri: "Michael … very well." She wraps her book as she blushes.
[Going Under by Saliva]
Michael: "Right now, we need to get going. There's no doubt it'll pick up if we stay here any longer."
Yuri: "Indeed, I know a place nearby we can go until it settles."
Michael: "You do?"
Yuri: "If we move quickly, we can reach there before getting too soaked."
Michael: "Alright, then lead the way. Ready?" She nods and they both run to their destination. As they did the rain started to pick up as they feared, but luckily they made it to their location before getting very soaked. "Ah I see a theater." He looks around his new surroundings. "How are you holding up?"
Yuri: "I'm doing well."
Michael: "And your book?"
Yuri: "Still dry. Thank you for your jacket." She hands it back to him.
Michael: "You're welcome. Man it's crazy out there."
Yuri: "Agreed, it looks like we won't be arriving home anytime soon."
Michael: "Shame, might as well let our parents know what's going on." He takes out his phone and texts his mom while Yuri does the same. While he waits for Yuri to finish as his mom already texted him back, he takes a look at the posters of movies being broadcasted.
Yuri: "Sorry, I just finished letting my parents know."
Michael: "It's alright." He looks at a specific poster. "Hey, since the rain won't be stopping anytime soon. Do you want to check out this movie?" He points at the very same poster.
Yuri: "Y-yes that would be fine." She looks at the poster's title. "Oh my."
Michael: "What?"
Yuri: "I wonder if this is the same movie as a novel I once read?"
Michael: "You read this before?"
Yuri: "Indeed"
Michael: "Ah well since you already know the plot I take it you don't want to see it?"
Yuri: "N-no that's fine. I don't m-mind seeing it again."
Michael: "You sure?"
Yuri: "I am. I'm sure the movie made some changes to the original novel."
Michael: "Oh you have a point. Ok I'll get the tickets."
Yuri: "P-please don't trouble yourself. I'll buy my own."
Michael: "No I insist."
Yuri: "B-but?" She looks into his gleaming eyes. "O-okay"
Michael: "You could buy the snacks if you like?"
Yuri: "I-I-I can do that."
Michael: "Alright then." He smiles as they both make their purchases and taking their seats. "Wow it's empty."
Yuri: "It seems we're the only ones here?"
Michael: "Cool, we got the place to ourselves."
Yuri: "It's nice and quiet."
They both get comfy as the movie gets started. The movie was a Romance Drama. At first it was a bit uncomfortable at certain scenes, but as the movie went on the two of them actually enjoyed it. When the movie ended, Michael would ask her if there were any scenes changed or cut out from the original novel with her answering with a simple yes, no, or go into more detail about certain scenes. Soon enough they kept the conversation going until.
"Michael?"
Michael: "Yeah?"
Yuri: "I've been wondering for a awhile now, but … forgive me for sounding rude, but …" She looks up to his gold eyes. "What gave you the idea of your hairstyle?"
Michael: "My hair?" He plays with his dark brown hair.
[Song Ends]
Yuri: "Y-yes, I could understand your previous hairstyles you had in the past. When we first met you had your hair covering your eyes and the second you had it tied in a ponytail while having one eye revealed. I was curious about your current look."
Michael: "…"
Yuri: "Oh I'm sorry. I'm probably making you feel uncomfortable. Forget that you …"
Michael: "It was inspired by a friend I once knew."
[Let Me Go by 3 Doors Down]
Yuri: "!"
Michael: "A friend of mine had the same hairstyle I have before … before he."
Yuri: "What happened?"
Michael: "He's gone, dead."
Yuri: "I-I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sorry for your loss."
Michael: "I …" Dead silence.
Yuri: "How did he die?"
Michael: "He was killed. He died because of me."
Yuri: "Michael?"
Michael: "He was killed by an enemy of mine. A man who wanted to get to me by going through him. I … we fought and I came out the victor, but at a deep cost."
Yuri: "And that man?"
Michael: "Jailed for murder, but even now I don't feel satisfied."
Yuri: "How so?"
Michael: "I had a gun in my hand and I could've killed him. Make him pay for killing my friend, but instead I faltered and let him get away. Even now I wonder if I made the right choice?"
Yuri: "I see." She looks away from him before speaking again. "What was his name?"
Michael: "It was Evan. His name was Evan."
Yuri: "Evan?"
Michael: "Evan, was something else. You never know what he was going to say or do. He may seem like a bad guy, but he was the one who showed me a path I could take. I'm sure he would be relieved seeing me take that path. The same path that lead me to you and the others."
Yuri: "Your friend sounds like a good person."
Michael: "But even so, that guilt. The feeling of wanting to take vengeance. I can still feel it deep down. I …"
Yuri: "You made the right choice."
Michael: "!"
Yuri: "If it wasn't for that, we wouldn't have met. I am grateful to have met you."
Michael: "Yuri?" Before he knew it, she grabbed his hand in comfort.
Yuri: "Your hands are strong yet gentle, warm to the touch, not like a cold blooded killer."
Michael: "I?"
Yuri: "Thank you for telling me more about yourself. I'm grateful to know more about you." He looks at her confused, but soon changed that expression with a smile.
Michael: "Thanks"
The day went by as normal as it can get. By the time they left the theater, the rain still continued as the night has appeared, but the rain seemed to settle a bit as it now just drizzled. Luckily they found a convenient store that sells umbrellas. Still feeling bad about having Michael pay for her tickets and not feeling like she contributed enough with their snacks. She decided to buy one for themselves and continue on their way home. Before she knew it, she finally asked a question she should've asked a long time ago until now, but instead allowed it to happen without saying anything.
Yuri: "Y-you didn't have to walk me home." She says as Michael holds the umbrella between them.
Michael: "Well we only got one umbrella since you wouldn't allow me to buy my own."
Yuri: "Blunder again on my part. Why did I neglect your health?" He chuckles to her response.
Michael: "Well it's fine. It's getting really dark and I don't feel comfortable letting you walk home by yourself."
[Song Ends]
Yuri: "But?"
Michael: "No buts. A lot can happen in five minutes. Trust me I know."
Yuri: "V-very well." The two walk as the rain picks up again.
Michael: "Hopefully this last only today?"
Yuri: "Agreed, it would be troubling if this continued on. Ah my home should be just around the corner."
Michael: "We turn left here?"
Yuri: "Indeed, when we reach my home, you can keep the umbrella and …"
Michael: "Watch out!" A car drives by fast as it hits a large puddle on the road. Just seeing it for a split second, he quickly uses his body to shield Yuri from the large wave, dropping the umbrella in the process. "Are you ok?"
Yuri: "Michael! Are you okay!?" She starts to panic.
Michael: "I am. Just wet is all. Please don't take that out of context."
Yuri: "What?"
Michael: "We're almost to your place right? Let's get going before you get sick." He places the umbrella over her as he gets soaked.
Yuri: "But Michael?"
Michael: "I'm already this soaked. No point in me hiding underneath the umbrella." Before he could walk ahead, he felt a tug on his sleeve. He looked behind himself to see Yuri is giving a serious look almost as if she's signaling him to get under the umbrella. After seeing her expression, not wanting to upset her any further. He gave in and walked with her underneath the umbrella. Before long they arrived to her destination.
"Is this your place?" He looks at the large house behind a gate.
Yuri: "It is, but …"
Michael: "You better get in. The storms going to pick up soon."
Yuri: "But you're the one who's soaked!" Her sudden outburst shook him. "Y-you can come inside to dry off before heading home. I can ask my parents to drop you off when my father returns. You can …"
Michael: "It's alright. Don't worry about me."
Yuri: "Don't worry? But!?"
Michael: "This isn't the first time I went through something like this. I'll be fine."
Yuri: "Y-you … Michael you're such an idiot!" His eyes widen when she said that as she steps away from the shelter area. "Why do you always do this to yourself!? Why do you take the abuse and yet shield us from it!? Why do you always find it necessary to shoulder the burden!?"
Michael: "Yuri?"
Yuri: "I … I'm sorry for shouting. I didn't mean to sound rude after your effort to take me home. It's just …"
Michael: "No you have a point. I'm just surprised at how assertive you can be in certain situations."
Yuri: "Well I?"
Michael: "Thanks for showing me a new side of you." She keeps silent as she blushes.
Yuri: "Eh?" Michael suddenly covers her with the umbrella again.
Michael: "You should get inside now. I won't be able to leave the area until I know you made it inside safely."
Yuri: "You are too kind, but please take the umbrella with you."
Michael: "Sure. I'll see you tomorrow at the club."
Yuri: "Indeed. Please be safe. It has gotten darker now." She walks passed the gate.
Michael: "I know, but I'll be fine. Later." He walks away from her as she stares on.
Yuri: (I hope he'll be fine on his way home.) She enters her house and as she does.
Yuri's Mother: "My, my I wonder who that was?"
Yuri: *Gasp* "M-mother?"
Yuri's Mother: "Aw sweety, you should've invited him." She says as she places her hand on her cheek.
Yuri: "H-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-how long were you there?" Her face starts to turn red with steam coming out of her head.
Yuri's Mother: "My, how gentlemanly of him to walk you home."
Yuri: "M-m-m-mother"
Yuri's Mother: "Oh my, what is it my dear child? Embarrassed of me and your father meeting your friend or should I say boyfriend?"
Yuri: "H-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-he's not my b-b-b-b-boyfriend."
Yuri's Mother: "Ah I see. Future husband?"
Yuri: "Mother!" Her mother laughs.
Yuri's Mother: "Aw how cute."
Yuri: *Sigh* "What blunder." She takes off her jacket and wet shoes before heading towards upstairs.
Yuri's Mother: "Dinner will be ready soon so enjoy a nice warm bath."
Yuri: "Thank you mother." *Sigh* (I hope he's doing alright. He told me not to worry, but that just makes me worry even more about him.)
With her safely home, but embarrassed. The day finally came to an end. However things won't be going well the next day as it continues to rain and a certain someone is bedridden.
Michael: (Just great. This can't get any worst can it?)
But it can and it will as he remains in bed as the next event occurs.
End of Chapter 71
