It's been a few weeks after the ordeal revolving Natsuki's family matters. Frankly, I thought since she'll be living in the city with her grandmother, she may have to attend another school. She went complete bonkers saying;
"Is that how you felt about me?!"
While I didn't think poorly of her, transiting to and from school by train sounds troublesome. Though I guess if I had a group of good friends I may do the same...
...
As far as routine goes, we meet by the vending machines during the morning and not concentrate too much on classes... only this time I have a valid excuse, how can one possibly sit still when the school festivals just around the next corner? While I may not have participated much in them, I still look forward to the festivities of other club stands. It makes me wonder what the Literature Club will be doing. Not only that but Monika's also back in time for it, coincidentally. She probably planned on it, vacation time then back to school only to enjoy building up the festival.
But honestly...
"Oh, Yuki, you joined our little club while I was gone?"
Left alone with Monika in the club room, it appears she gave the others an errand to run.
"Y-Yeah, Sayori invited me."
What sort of club president leaves on vacation during the school year anyways? You left the rest with nothing to do in your absence.
"I guess it was expected, you're such good friends with her after all. It was just a matter of when, and what perfect time to join when I was gone so I didn't have to show you ropes.~"
"R-Right..."
Soon enough, Natsuki and Sayori returned with Yuri, the other club member in which I haven't seen here. She seemed rather quiet, sort of uptight in an appealing way; kind of like that Class President who tries her best but doesn't quite know what to do. Natsuki says she's rather eccentric, but a nice girl overall. She also noted that I didn't hear it from her.
"Jeez, it's your first day back and you couldn't even get the damn chalk yourself."
Handing her the pack of fresh chalk, I don't see why it takes three people to obtain it. Perhaps it required the strength of all three members; but I also hear that other students tend to break them and thus restrict supplies.
"N-Natsuki, are you sure you should be talking like that?"
Yuri asks in worry as she plays with her hair.
"I'm sure, I mean what kinda Club President goes on vacation and leaves their club with nothing to do?"
"I told you it was urgent family business! I had no say in the matter!"
"Now now, what's done is done. She brought us souvenirs at least, right?~"
Looking pleased, Sayori presses Monika for some gifts from Hawaii, however, it seems to be there aren't any.
"Right... souvenirs... I forget people still do them..."
Monika looks aside as it makes Sayori distressed.
"N-Not even a coconut?"
At this rate Sayori will go coco-nuts. I'm not so sure whether or not customs will allow it, but we could just buy some fresh coconuts from the supermarket if she so wanted them.
"The good news is that I made it back in one piece. You know these days airplanes are always crashing and disappearing. Now then, let's get the club in session."
"Boo..."
...
Discussing what our plans are for the upcoming school festival, we come to a conclusion of offering cupcakes. With most people looking forward to the food, everything else is second. Since we're the Literature Club, we also thought we should do something to live up to the name. However...
"Poems? I've never wrote one... how about, like a spelling bee or something? Have a prize up for the winner?"
Whilst I wouldn't want to attend any spelling bees in existence, it'd at least be less embarrassing than reading a heartfelt poem to an audience.
"That won't do, Yuki. We need something that'll capture the heart of our audience! Anyone can host a spelling bee, but only we can create poems."
Monika repeatedly draws a circle over the word poems which leaves me in defeat.
"Ehee, don't worry, Yuki.~ It's quite easy to write a poem, it doesn't need to rhyme, you just need to pick a topic and write how you feel about it."
Sayori explains to me the steps, however it doesn't make me anymore confident in my ability. The more I think about reading it out, the more anxious I become. I don't want to look like a fool, nor do I want to be the wet blanket that doesn't attend.
"Heh, I can show you the ropes if you want, Yuki."
Natsuki speaks up in confidence.
"Well, it would help, but I'll try on my own I guess, for the time being. There's probably some books about it in the library."
It appears they've wrote poems before for club activities as we're left to decide on which we'd like to present.
...
"Yuki..."
With the rest discussing about the kind of decorations that'd be used for the festival stage and other things that'll be needed, Yuri unexpectedly calls out to me.
"Hmm?"
"If you'd like... Here."
Looking side to side, she sheepishly passes it to me.
"Oh, this is..."
Looking at the cover, the title is; Poem for Dummies.
"U-Um! It's not like I think you're a dummy or anything! It's just that... this book helped me a lot when I first started, so... umm, sorry..."
Despite not even in the least offended by her actions, she hangs her head apologetically.
"D-Don't worry about it, it's just a title! Thanks, Yuri, you saved me a trip to the library."
"Oh, umm... you're welcome..."
She awkwardly accepts my gratitude as she turns back to her own things. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking that I want her to feel comfortable enough to be around.
...
Upon returning home, my club homework is to have some form of poem ready by tomorrow. It doesn't have to be complete, however, I have to present something or else they'd think I'm not taking it seriously.
"Hmmm..."
Thoroughly reading through the book that Yuri was so kind to lend me, it's difficult to put ones feeling into words. To express ones feeling about a subject isn't as easy as we're made to believe.
Scribbling against the pages, I soon receive a call from Natsuki.
"Natsuki? What's up?"
"I know you haven't started on your poem so I'm calling to check up on you."
But I have started...
"Heh, well you're lucky you have me here to remind you."
"Yes yes, I'm really lucky to have you."
"W-Wuah!"
Dropping her phone, it lands against a hard surface as the sound pierces my ear.
"I-Is the phone okay?"
"Y-Yes it is, wait no! Ahhh, why did you have to go say something so idiotic! Idiot, dummy!"
I guess saying I just wanted to hear your reaction isn't a valid excuse, but enough of that, I really need to have some words on paper before tomorrow.
"Anyways, I'm glad you reminded me so I'll get started. I'll see you-"
"Wait, wait!"
About to end the call, Natsuki eagerly tells me to wait.
"S-Since we're talking and all... I can give you some tips..."
Mumbling, her voice trails off as I couldn't help but chuckle.
"All right, I'll listen."
"You better!"
After a brief pause to collect her thoughts, she speaks her mind, letting her passion shape her words.
"People think poems are something that has to be sophisticated, or have to be inspiring and deep, using technical words and all that jazz. While that is generally what people think of, it doesn't have to be that. Poems can be fun, dorky and just be whatever you want it to be."
"So it can be about anything?"
"The easiest way to go into one, is think of a meaningful moment that has happened. Or about something or someone that has changed you. The only tricky part there is, is describing your honest emotions."
"..."
And let an audience of strangers know?
"I'm don't like the idea of being honest with myself in front of a crowd of which I do not know."
"Just do it, damn it!"
Getting riled up, it seems like I've offended her in some way.
"E-Ehh, why are you mad all of a sudden?"
"I'm not mad!"
"Ahaha, well, thanks, Natsuki. You're a lifesaver, I'll get started now so, I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
"Wha- ah, yeah... G-Goodnight, Yuki... see you tomorrow..."
...
After our morning routine, we meet back at the club as I show the others what I've started on. It's not much, but I did give it an honest effort; no matter how embarrassing it is.
"Yuki..."
A few moments have passed since I've showed them as not one of them seems to have the heart to give criticism. Well, except for Natsuki.
"Everyone has their own way of writing a poem but..."
Taking the paper off the table, she shows it to me and points towards one of the words.
"These are just random words, aren't they?"
I wrote numerous words on to the paper, genuine feelings towards the person I had in mind. Lovely, reliable, adorable, tsundere; those sorts.
"Well... the book Yuri lent me said to start off using words that first come to mind. Then after what you told me, I thought I'd based it on someone."
"H-Hmm... t-then... who did you write about?"
Trying to stayed composed, Natsuki folds her arms and averts her gaze.
"Ehh... A Flame H*ze known as Sh*na. She was a big part of my childhood and a big reason why I came to be who I am today. She has that cool cu-"
About to continue on with my tangent, I could tell the others weren't really interested, Natsuki in particular seems like she's about to burst.
"W-What.. what did I say?"
"Do it again!"
"But I-"
"Here, I'll keep-, I mean dispose of this while you write another one, okay?"
Taking the loose paper, she quickly folds it small enough to fit into her pocket as I'm left with no choice but to follow her orders.
"Right..."
...
Left to it, I start writing my poem again from fresh as Natsuki took the liberty of joining her table with mine as she worked on hers. Though she has a placed a book upright between us as she wasn't keen on me looking at her work. Despite my pleas of having a small peek at it, she declined and continued to scribble against her page.
It soon occurred to me that whilst the others have their poem finalized; they're simply rereading it or practicing speaking in front of an audience. Natsuki on the other hand, seems to be writing one from scratch.
"Hey, umm, Natsuki..?"
"What?"
"Have you not finished your poem like the others?"
"I have done a couple, but I feel like writing a new one."
Well for starters, some poems are rather personal due to said genuine feelings being written. Not only that but I'm not too sure strangers would be all that interested in them, well, at least the majority.
"I suppose so... would you mind letting me read some of yours? I feel like I'd learn something if I read someone who knows how to write poems."
"W-What? ...You're not going to like them anyways... If you want to learn something, go read someone else's."
As her feelings of insecurity rise up again, I take it upon myself to try and ease it away. At times she can be rather boastful and superior, at times I believed its due to her genuine attitude; but after finding out about her Father... I knew it was just a way for her to feel approval. Like saying to the world, I'm here, look, I'm someone of big success. Even after rectifying the main issue, there are still things I wish to do to help Natsuki.
"But they're not yours, Natsuki. I want to read yours."
"...Okay, fine..."
Rummaging through the papers below her table and meekly passed them to me.
I start reading through them in the order they were handed to me, the first being, Eagles Can Fly, Amy Likes Spiders and I'll Be Your Beach.
"..."
I took more time that I thought as I believed she only had one, the short precise words hit me as it made me feel a lot more confident and relieved. My initial thought was that the only good poems, contain sophisticated words, tricky sentences and something you have to ponder about. Whilst I'm not implying that her poem doesn't have a deep meaning behind it, having it easy to read makes it much more of a joy.
"This is... quite something."
"See, I told you, you wouldn't-"
"These are great."
I close the book that separated us and compiled the papers together and show her the one I liked the most, titled I'll Be Your Beach.
"I like this one the most."
Whilst I may not understand what or who she's writing this for. To a complete stranger, it's obvious it's about one who wants to wash away the troubles and insecurities of someone they know. Trying your best for someone else's sake and try and make them love them self again despite having the same troubles yourself. It's a very nice thing.
"The self sacrifice, the motive of wishing ones troubles away. I really like it."
"Y-You're just saying that because you haven't read anyone else's..."
Taking the papers from me, she re-reads the poem.
"Well, I may not have read much poems. But I know what I like, and it's your poems, Natsuki."
"...Are they good?"
"Yeah."
"Really?"
"I wouldn't lie."
Tossing the ball back and forth, perhaps she just wanted to hear someone say that they like her poems; though I've no doubts the rest of the club members like them...
"Mm, but you're wrong about the self-sacrifice."
Showing me the poem once more, she points towards it.
"I'm not really giving up anything by helping out another... because even if I do help them smile at least once... I too can smile. And if they don't, it's still a self gain for me, because I tried my best; that in itself is something to be gained."
"...You're right about that."
Though I didn't think she'd say it up front. With those words still blossoming in the air, her gaze falls to Yuri as she soon notices. As she immediately averted her gaze back to her papers, she faces us again and shyly smiles.
"Hmm..."
"W-What, why are you looking at me like that?"
Feeling embarrassed, Natsuki shrinks back like a tortoise.
"It's nothing. I just thought of a good idea for my poem. I think I'll try my hand at dedicating it to someone once more."
Smiling to myself, I begin writing dot points on the outcome that I want from my poem.
"I-I see... then here, since you like my poems so much, I'll give you this one."
Taking out one poem from the three, she hands me the Eagles Can Fly poem. One that's more or less about humans trying their best at something and not succeeding. I think the idea of trying your best and not giving up despite the odds is pretty endearing.
With it being the first gift that's not edible, I smile and willingly accept it. Something written by ones heart, I'm grateful that she's giving it to me.
"Don't rip it, okay? If you don't have it the next time I go to your house, I'm gonna kick your ass."
"E-Easy there, I wouldn't rip it nor lose it. It'd be safe with me."
I carefully put it into one of the plastic binders I have in my bag and set it down.
"Exchanging poems?~ Aren't we so lovey-dovey?~"
Sayori appears from nowhere with a smile and a tea tray in hand as she places it down.
"S-Sayori! Since when?"
"Heehee, since just now, I thought I would check up on your progress but it seems I came at a bad time."
"I-It's not a bad time right, Natsuki?"
I look over to Natsuki who is more or less in panic than me.
"Y-Yeah, it's never a bad time..."
Looking around, Natsuki rises and pulls a chair over for Sayori.
"H-here, have a seat!"
"Oh, thank you.~"
Sayori graciously accepts her offer as she tucks the chair in for her and returns to her own.
"So, how much progress have you made, Yuki?"
"Well... nothing really yet, I do have a solid idea though. Thought I'd give it another shot, I'm just not sure if the outcome will be what I'm hoping for."
"I'm sure you'll do fine.~ A good poem is just writing it how you want it to be, trying to do too many things at once can make it a big mess. The big question is, what do you want out of the poem? By thinking of that, you can use the reasons to further fill your pages."
"What I want out of it, hmm..."
For starters, I'd like the idea of being relied on by them a bit more, perhaps being a little bit more honest but ultimately, I want them to love themselves. Not in the high and mighty way, but deep down in their heart. I want this poem to be warm and meaningful to them, not being too direct, nor being too evasive.
"It's a long shot, but it's a start. Thanks, Sayori."
Twirling my pen, I start once again by writing down some ideas accompanied by a nice, warm cup of tea.
...
As club hours soon draw to a close, Monika mentioned we should start thinking of who should be doing what in preparation for the festival, props, print outs, food, those sorts of things since we now know what we want. Whilst I said I'm up for whatever that needs to be done, she told me to just focus on my poem for now since I'm behind the others.
I return home tired but nonetheless motivated to continue on with my poem and have a draft, but something else comes first.
"I'm home! Mum, do we have any spare picture frames?"
After a moment of delay, she pops out from beneath the kitchen counter as it appears she's made... well quite the mess. She was never great at baking cakes, but she keeps trying and my Dad always manages to eat them all with no worries.
"Picture frames? I think we may still have some in the storage."
"In the storage? Okay... do you need any help? I can-"
"No no, this will only take a moment.~"
Urging for me to simply walk away, perhaps I should have Natsuki come by some time.
"Okay... well you know where to find me..."
Heading into the small storage behind the stairs, it took awhile to find a spare picture frame among the dozen boxes of textiles and other tools and creations.
"Now then..."
Heading up to my room, I carefully take out Natsuki's poem and place it into the frame.
"Hmm... Humans can try, but at least I can try with all I've got. Perhaps this can be one of those motivational posters."
Setting it beside the picture of Sayori and I, I soon realise I don't have a picture of Natsuki and I together, or better yet the three of us.
"Hmmm..."
...
After finalising a draft, I had the others give their honest opinion about it. Frankly, I'm embarrassed to but I want the poem done to the best of my ability. They didn't ask whom it's for, or what my drive was behind writing this, however, they probably know on first sight.
After that, we were given jobs to do. Since Natsuki seems to be the only one here who knows how to cook, she'll be in charge of cupcakes, Monika and Sayori will be designing a pamphlet to give out to students; what will be inside I have no clue. Which then leaves Yuri to design banners and decorations; since her handwriting seems to be the more fanciest, it may help draw attention to us. The worst thing is having everything ready and no one shows up.
"...So I'm basically the useless one here, huh?"
Left with no job, I can only sigh.
"Don't worry, even if you're useless you still have some uses."
"...Thanks, Natsuki. I appreciate it."
NOT!
"Well if you want, you can assist me in my cupcake making."
"B-But didn't you say you could do it all by yourself, Natsuki?"
Yuri retorts which makes Natsuki jolt on the spot and muster up a cough to clear her throat.
"W-Well, you know, baking sometimes doesn't go the way you want it to... even if you're great at it like me. And it's definitely not because I want to bake with him, got it?"
As she looks at each one of us in the eye, I for one couldn't quite tell if she was being serious or not.
"If that's the case then I'll help you bake I guess... But I should mention the only thing I've cooked is two minute noodles and microwave macaroni and cheese."
"So in other words, you can't do anything."
"I-It'll at least help with portioning the ingredients."
"Yes yes whatever you say, Yuki. So, is that okay, Monika?"
"I suppose so. We need to have enough to last the duration of the festival, and there's approximately five hundred students, give or take, not all would be attending. But in saying that, you also need to take into account those that will attending outside of the school too."
So about five hundred cupcakes? How does one manage that? I guess we could make a bit less because there's no way-
"Five hundred is easy as cupcakes, we can go for six hundred just to be sure. If we have spares we can eat them ourselves."
Natsuki accepts the numbers without a single thought.
"N-Natsuki, are you crazy? Five hundred is a lot, but six..."
Trying to talk some sense into her, I didn't sign up to bake that much.
"Heh, what's the matter, Yuki? I guess six hundred is a bit much for a rookie like you, but don't underestimate me."
Folding her arms, she looks at me with pure confidence in her ability.
"I've learnt from the best, if I can't bake six hundred, then I'll forfeit my title as Cupcake Princess. I won't be able to show my face to my Grandma if I back down from this."
Cupcake Princess... in what castle?
She moves to her bag and soon returns with a notebook whilst flipping through the pages. Wondering what it's for, the title reads, Cooking Notes.
"Hmmm... I said I'd do it, but... is the club budget up for it?"
Showing us the notebook; to Monika specifically, her eyes widen.
"Let's say we make five hundred for now, this recipe makes twenty, so we have to times it by about twenty five, so the cost will be something like this..."
"U-Ummm... I guess it would, but-"
"Great!"
Given the go ahead from the Club President, she hands the notebook to me.
"Since we'll be making them for school, it'll be easier to bake them close by."
"Wait, you're not saying that...
"Your house is closer, so of course we'll bake them there. You do have the equipment for it, right?"
"Well... we do have a few cupcake pans and some wire racks..."
But even so, if we're going to bake six hundred we need a lot more than a few pans and some wire racks.
"Hmm, well I can bring some of my cupcake pans along... Will you be fine fetching the ingredients too?"
I double check the list as the ingredients are rather simple, the only question is what sort of brands will be available. I know some recipes prefer to use specific brands, or just personal taste.
"It shouldn't be much of a problem... I'll try to cut costs wherever I can just to be on the safe side."
"That'll be fine, quality ingredients doesn't necessarily equal to quality food; the budget has to cover for everything else too."
...
As we each part ways to prepare for the festival, I thought I'd be okay with shopping alone, but the nagging feeling of somehow repurchasing something, or forgetting made me request Sayori for her assistance.
"Sorry, Sayori. I know you'll be busy with the pamphlets..."
"It's okay.~ We only need to think of idea's first, before I meet Monika over the weekend to start on them."
"Over the weekend, hmm..."
Thinking back on it, I wonder if Yuri will be okay doing her job alone. I for one can't grasp at how difficult of a job it is, but doing it alone nonetheless will be quite the chore. But judging on what I've seen, she's dependable and hardworking; I haven't quite seen the strange part that Natsuki's mentioned.
"Will Yuri be fine on her own?"
Entering the shopping center, we begin searching for what's on the list. It's not a long list, but the quantities are large. Our first stop is the dry ingredients.
"She'll be okay.~ I think she's the only one who's able to do it."
As Sayori inspects the differences between the brands of sugar as I check the flour nearby.
"The only one?"
"Mm, she has an eye for detail from her hobby; she can tell the fakes between the real and so forth. Hmm, white sugar, or caster?"
"Ehh... caster, or so it says. What sort of hobby does Yuri have other than literature?"
As Sayori places the according amount of sugar into our trolley, I do the same with plain flour.
"Umm... you may have to ask her yourself."
"Ah, I guess that's the right way of things..."
After purchasing the other ingredients, Sayori brings up a question about the festival in which I never quite gave thought to.
"Who will you dance with, Yuki?"
"Ehh, dance?"
Scanning our items at the self checkout, I halt midway as I draw a long blank.
"You know, the bonfire dance that'll be held in the evening. Everyone's talking about it, it's probably what some people are most excited for."
"O-Oh, right..."
Continuing to scan the numerous items, I didn't participate in it last year as I had other things to do. Not only that but I didn't even stay at the festival for that long to see the sun set into the night.
"I'll pass... I never really tried dancing, and I don't want to look like a fool in front of those who do know."
"Ehhh, even if you don't know how, you should at least try! Natsuki would love it if you asked her."
Whilst it's not strictly indicated that students should dance with a partner, no one wants to look like a fool who can't get someone to dance with them. I never really thought that it's probably a sad day for most guys and girls despite being a festival; perhaps bittersweet is a more preferable word.
Last year I never gave it any thought.
"Natsuki..."
To dance with Natsuki? How could we possibly do that? In a romantic sense, we haven't even held hands!
"She'll probably throw some insults my way and run off."
After purchasing all the ingredients, I never quite seen a receipt this long in my entire life. Not only that but we had to push the trolley home and then bring it back. It was tough work and I wonder if it'll be worth the hassle.
...
"So... would you mind telling me why you're here so early? ...I haven't even ate breakfast yet."
It's about 8:00 am on a weekend, usually the time in which we'll be on our way to school; but seeing how it's a weekend I'd like to think of it as end of waking up early. After my morning routine, I return to my room where Natsuki's lounging in my computer chair.
"Well I couldn't help it! Trains are annoying! You should be grateful that I woke up early and arrived at all!"
True... I wouldn't want to make six hundred cupcakes. If anything I'd just buy an abundance of assorted cakes and pastries from the store and call it a day.
"Hah... I can't believe my Mother even let you in."
I stretch my tired limbs and yawn aloud. Despite after that incident, how we act around each other hasn't necessarily changed, which is for the better, but it makes me wonder if I've somehow got the wrong idea. Not only that, but this is actually the first time I've seen her outside of our school uniform. The small pink cat print on her shirt is ridiculously adorable.
"After you have breakfast we should start on the baking. The earlier the better."
"Right, right... I can smell the toast already. Have you ate yet?"
Heading downstairs, Natsuki follows suite in small steps.
"Ehh, well I didn't want to wake grandma up so... I had a few biscuits along the way..."
"Wait, just biscuits? I know I'm not one to say this but-"
Walking into the dinning room, I see two plates of freshly prepared toast with egg, bacon, lettuce and a cup of orange juice. Did I somehow walk into Sayori's house without realising?
"Eh, Mum?"
Already washing the equipment she used to prepare the food, she looks to us with a smile.
"Good morning, Yuki.~ Your friend's here, oh but I guess you already know that. Come on, the food will get cold."
"A-Ah, yeah... Good morning, thanks for the food."
Insisting for us to eat, I take a seat as Natsuki stands as though she doesn't realise the food's for her too.
"You too, Natsuki, no need to be shy."
With a motherly smile, Natsuki's cheeks reddens as she averts her gaze.
"O-Oh... thank you..."
...
After finishing up, we begin prepping for the cupcake madness as my Mother moves into the living room to watch her morning television program. I wanted to ask if she'd like to join us, but I knew she'd humbly decline my offer.
"Okay! So first, we need to pre-heat the oven... Have you used it before, Yuki?"
Staring at the fire box, I never needed to use it; but it should be simple, right?
"Ehh, no, I haven't but..."
"Hahh... I don't know why I asked."
Sighing at my incompetence, perhaps I should've helped my Mother bake so I can show her I can turn on an oven.
"Oh, yours have a fan option, that's nice. I was wondering what sort you had."
"What's the difference?"
"It doesn't matter much to cupcakes. Since they're small, they're faster to cook. The fan evenly distributes the heat, so rack placement doesn't mean a thing."
"So... instead of just surrounding it in heat, the fan helps circulate the air?"
"Exactly. You wouldn't really want to use the option for cakes and such though. Since it's my first time using this oven, I'll leave it off."
Preheating the oven and teaching me something new, Natsuki moves towards the tables with the ingredients.
"Okay, first thing's first, we should have everything prepped before hand. That means weighing out the ingredients."
Pushing up her sleeves despite not having any, she begins weighing out the flour as I try to do the same with the sugar.
"Hmm..."
...
Halfway into baking, the kitchen turns into a complete mess with empty bowls, piles of spilled flour, sugar and other utensils. It was more of me making the mess I admit, but with Natsuki's guidance on every little thing, I'm not sure why I'm trying to impress her with something I know I'm not good at. Just thinking about making six hundred cupcakes makes me want to hurry things up.
"Jeez, Yuki, you're a mess. You should try going a bit slower. If you half ass the process, the end result will just be dry cupcakes."
"M-My bad..."
After the first few batches came out of the oven, I was amazed at how well they turned out. Not like I have any doubts in Natsuki's cupcakes, but with me in the mix, it could've been a disaster.
"So, Yuki, how do you like your cupcakes frosted?"
With piping bag in hand, she looks to me for my preference.
"Ehh, well, I don't really have a preference really."
"What's with that answer, you're not putting any thought into it! Even if the cupcakes taste good, it won't mean anything if they don't look the part. Come on, it's a joint effort."
I for one can simply agree to whatever idea Natsuki has on decorating her cupcakes.
"Well..."
Looking around at the state of the kitchen, the mess is primarily made up of one batter. If we're to have six hundred of these, shouldn't we have some differentiation?
"It may be too much to ask but, would it be troubling to make a different cupcake batch? Like say, a different flavour?"
"A different flavour? Hmm..."
In deep thought, Natsuki thinks for a moment before nodding.
"I suppose we could, we can store a portion of the batter we've made and start another. What do you have in mind?"
"Well..."
Not thinking of a follow up to my idea, a box of oranges catch my eye sitting in the corner.
"Would oranges work?"
I point towards them as Natsuki goes to inspect them.
"They could work... the cupcake we're making is pretty sweet with the frosting added. We could simply blend the oranges with the skin on to counteract the sweetness. Yeah, that should work."
Speaking her thoughts aloud, she nods once again before turning to me with a grin.
"See, I knew you could think of an idea if you just tried. Isn't it more satisfying to know your idea gave birth to a cupcake rather than following a given recipe?"
"I guess so..."
First things first, I should ask if we're allowed to use them before we do anything else.
...
With several batches of cupcakes made, we had a taste of the two flavours. The original Natsuki recipe is without a doubt the best, but the fresh taste of oranges is also a big plus. Despite Natsuki being the one who actually made my idea a reality, I felt quite proud of myself.
With different piping bag nozzles displayed, Natsuki readies the frosting as she tells me the uses of each one.
"You still haven't given me an answer to my question earlier, Yuki. Or should I say, a good answer."
You mean how we should frost these?
"Oh, right... ehh, the classic is kind of like a cone, right?"
"That's right."
Taking the small nozzle that she mentioned that's used to write letters, or draw pictures, I show it to her.
"Since Literacy is to do with reading and writing, why don't we write letters on them, or words? Whilst you can't really ask someone what their favourite word is, perhaps it'll be an interesting idea to see what people pick depending on the words given."
"..."
While I didn't quite think it was that great of an idea, the more I expanded upon it, the more I thought it actually sounds quite decent. Instead of just offering cupcakes, people can now choose based on the words that are written upon them.
"I-Is that a no?"
"No."
She flat out denies my idea as she folds her arms and looks away.
"I-I see... then...-"
Placing the nozzle down, Natsuki suddenly shouts.
"Ahhh! I can't believe you out of all people had an idea this great. I'm the one making the cupcakes here and yet."
"W-Wait, that was the problem? If it weren't for you we wouldn't even have these delicious cupcakes here to begin with."
"I know, but! ...why didn't I think about that..."
Whilst I couldn't quite understand her pain, she looks aside once more as her body quivers. If there's anything I don't want to do, it's not to make Natsuki bash herself up because of what I've done.
So, unable to say anything that'd be able to cheer her up, I pull out a method out of a children's book.
"Natsuki, there's frosting on your face."
Taking a bit of the frosting from the whisk against my finger, I press it against Natsuki's cheek.
"H-Hey, what the-"
"Sorry, my finger slipped."
NOT!
"No, It didn't, h-hey, cut it out!"
Going for a second, Natsuki dodges the frosting. Perhaps I should've went for the old spoon flick trick too or the catapult.
"I-I'm going to get angry! H-Hey are you even listening?!"
About had enough with dodging, Natsuki reaches for the frosting as well and counter attacks. It was quite unexpected as she manages to graze the side of my cheek and onto my hair. As the battle gets more intense, Natsuki was relentless as I held her by her wrists and push her against the wall.
"S-Stop it, o-okay, you win!"
With Natsuki now laughing, I wanted to let go but first, I'd like to set one thing straight.
"Natsuki."
"W-What? You're looking awfully serious... for someone with frosting for hair gel... ahahaha, gross.~"
"Thanks for coming over today, Natsuki."
"E-Ehh? Of course I came, if I didn't then who would've made the cupcakes?"
"Exactly. You were the one who made them, not only that but you also taught me how and was patient. You know, you make a good teacher at that."
"W-Why are you telling me all this?"
As her cheeks flush, her eyes dart around.
"I just thought I'd let you know, that even if you didn't think of the idea; you're the closest thing to perfect. Everyone has their own ideals on what's perfect, in my eyes, I'm looking at them right now."
"N-Na?!"
"I'm not saying this because I'm obligated to. I'm saying this because its how I feel. Natsuki, you don't have to be perfect. You don't have to, but if you'd like to, I'll walk with you every step of the way. But... haven't you heard that imperfections makes one beautiful?"
"Wait, t-t-time out!"
Breaking free from my hold, she clutches her chest and turns her back to me.
"Did you have to go and say something so cheesy? Stupid, idiot, dummy!"
Whether or not it was cheesy, it's the meaning behind it that I wanted to tell her.
"Cheesy lines are now forbidden!"
Turning back to me, her face was still red as she marks a big X with her arms.
"Ehhhhhhh...?!"
"...b-because, I don't know if I can take much more..."
Muttering under her breath, I'm sure she didn't want me to hear that. Perhaps a part of her felt that it'd be okay to share it with me. Nonetheless, I'm quite happy by her remark as we continue on from where we left off on the cupcake frosting.
Once Monday comes along, it'll be time for the Festival... I wonder what memories the Literature Club will make.