Chapter 21: Did you say Chocolate?

During a long walk to the Literature Club after school was all set. Michael is seen walking through the hallways in silence until he heard someone calling out to him, breaking that silence.

Sayori: "Hey MC!" He turns behind himself. "Ready for club activities?"

Michael: "I … don't think I'll be going today."

Sayori: "What, why?"

Michael: "I don't think I have it within me to go back. I'm only here because my mom told me to."

Sayori: "Come on MC, let's go to the club."

Michael: "I don't know if I can."

Sayori: "There's nothing to worry. You heard what we said. You're always welcome to the club, so come on. I'll go with you." She offers her hand to him. Michael stood there in silence as he stares at her hand. He looks back up to see Sayori's bright smile and after seeing that smiling face of hers, he took her offer. "Come on, let's go and have some fun."

She guides him to the club room. During the way there he remains silent throughout the entire walk but felt a rush of nostalgia coming from within him.

Michael: (How long has it been? When was the last time we held hands like this? It's been so long since you smiled at me like that.) He starts to remember back to when they were kids.

Sayori: "Hey everyone we're here!"

Monika: "Hello Sayori. Oh, you brought Michael with you." He waves to her. "I'm glad the both of you are here. I have an announcement to make."

Sayori: "What is it?"

Monika: "Listen up everyone. Next weekend I want all of us to hang out together again."

Natsuki: "For what?"

Monika: "I want us all to have a normal fun activity together that doesn't have anything to do with literature. You know like what friends do. I want us all to have fun outside our homes and the club room. Just like we did at the indoor pool. Come on everyone. It's snowing. We should have fun in the snow."

Natsuki: "Well I guess that does sound fun."

Sayori: "Sounds like? It's going to be fun! I'm in."

Yuri: "W-well the snow is beautiful during the night. I-I don't mind joining as well."

Monika: "That's great! What about you Michael?"

Michael: "Huh?"

Monika: "Will you be joining us? It's going to be lots of fun." She smiles sweetly.

Michael: "I … I don't know." (I don't want to cause any more trouble to them.)

Monika: "Michael, please join. It won't be fun without you." He looks at her emerald green eyes.

Michael: "S-sure, I'll go."

Monika: "Perfect, okay everyone you all have free time to have fun until it's time to read each other's poems again."

Everyone Else: "Yes mam!"

With that said and done everyone spread throughout the classroom. Natsuki grabbed her Manga collection and started reading, Sayori decided to draw some pictures, Monika left the club room to use the restroom and Yuri is seen reading her books as for Michael he sat alone near the back of the classroom. With nothing to do since everyone else is busy. He decided to just take a nap until it was time to share some poems. He dozes off and started thinking about everything that had occurred up to this point. Before he knows it, he felt a presence near him again.

?: "M-M-M-Michael?" He wakes up after hearing a soft voice and sees it was Yuri calling to him.

Michael: "Oh sorry. I was dozing off. What is it?"

Yuri: "I-I was wondering if you're doing well? You looked so lonely back here."

Michael: "Was I?"

Yuri: "Oh I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to sound rude."

Michael: "It's fine. Thank you for checking up on me."

Yuri: "Y-you're welcome. M-Michael if it's okay with you, w-would you like to read with me again?" She shows Me before you by Jojo Moyes. "I just recently bought this book, so I haven't read it yet. I thought maybe you would like to read it as well. You're free to say no if you like."

Michael: "I'm ok with that."

Yuri: "A-are you positive?"

Michael: "Yeah"

Yuri: "V-very well. Do you mind if I make a request?"

Michael: "I don't mind. What is it?"

Yuri: "May we sit over there?" She points to the back wall of the room. "My backs been aching recently and I would like it if we could sit near the wall instead of the seats. Is that okay with you? I don't mind if you don't want to sit on the floor."

Michael: "That's fine with me."

Yuri: "A-are you absolutely sure?"

Michael: "Yeah, I'm sure."

Yuri: "Th-thank you." The both of them take a seat on the floor at the back of the classroom and leaned on the wall. "Are you comfy?"

Michael: "Yeah, let's begin why don't we?"

Yuri: "Y-yes"

She opens the book and they started off reading the first few pages. While they read Michael started to lose focus due to Yuri reading a little faster than him. He tried to let Yuri know that she's been reading a bit too quickly, but any attempts falter as she doesn't respond. He did remember she once told him that she gets too into her readings that she ignores anything from outside her zone.

Instead of complaining he decided to go get his backpack and pulled out a bar of chocolate he got earlier at the vending machine. He broke a piece off and ate it. He tried to offer one to Yuri, but she doesn't respond. He didn't want to distract her when she's that deeply invested in the story, so without saying anything. He took the piece of chocolate and placed it into her mouth.

As he did, he felt the warmth of Yuri's breath. His face soon turned slightly pink and so does Yuri as she finally snaps back into reality.

Yuri: "M-M-M-M-Michael?"

Michael: "Oh sorry. You were really into the story that I didn't want to bother you. I tried offering you a piece, but you didn't respond. Sorry."

Yuri: "N-n-no don't be. I'm sorry for ignoring you, but …" He looks at her with confusion as she starts breathing heavily.

Michael: "Are you ok?"

Yuri: "Y-y-yes why do you ask?"

Michael: "You're breathing heavily."

Yuri: "I-I am!?" She moves away from him and turns away.

Michael: "Listen I'm sorry for making things awkward …" She suddenly hugs him.

Yuri: "Michael, may I look at you instead?"

Michael: "W-what?"

Yuri: "I can't concentrate. I just want to look at you." She presses herself against his chest.

Michael: "Y-Yuri?" She presses herself closer and tried to push aside his hair to see his eyes until.

*Smack*

Yuri: "Ow!"

Natsuki: "Yuri did you eat chocolate again?"

Yuri: "Y-yes, I'm sorry." She returns to normal.

Natsuki: *Sigh* "You should know to stay away from it. God!" She leaves to go back to sitting at her spot.

Michael: "Are you ok Yuri?"

Yuri: "Y-yes, I'm sorry about what I just did. It was very inappropriate of me to harass you like that. Please accept my apology." She bows.

Michael: "It's alright but mind explaining all that?"

Yuri: "W-well you see … I have very low tolerance to chocolate."

Michael: "Really?"

Yuri: "Y-yes. It's embarrassing to say, but whenever I eat chocolate, I can get very … hyper."

Michael: "I-I see." He then clears his throat.

Yuri: "I-i-if it makes you feel any better dark chocolate doesn't affect me."

Michael: "R-really now?"

Yuri: "Yes, I don't know why, but please accept my apology." She bows again.

Michael: "I told it's ok. I'm the one who should apologize for making you eat it without knowing your condition."

Yuri: "Y-you don't have to apologize it's my fault for not telling you sooner."

Michael: "No it's me …"

Sayori: "Hey has anyone seen Monika yet?" Everyone looks around the classroom.

Natsuki: "Yeah what's taking her so long?"

Sayori: "Is she still in the restroom?"

Yuri: "If so, do you think she may be ill?"

Natsuki: "Probably?"

Sayori: "GASP!" She lets out a huge gasp to catch everyone's attention. "You don't think she left us to hang out with her boyfriend?"

Yuri: "W-well if that's the case then I could understand. She is the most desirable out of all of us?"

Natsuki: "Yeah, all the guys in the school has a crush on her." All three girls look down with disappointment while Michael remains quiet as he doesn't know what to say to make them feel better.

Monika: "Sorry everyone for taking so long."

Sayori: "Gasp! Monika chose the club over her boyfriend!"

Monika: "What!? Boyfriend? I don't have a boyfriend." She says as she looks at Michael with a tint of pink on her cheeks.

Natsuki: "Then what took you so long then?"

Monika: "Well … I guess you could say it involved a boy?"

Yuri: "What do you mean?"

Monika: "So when I was all done with my business in the restroom. I was stopped by some boys who attempted to woo me."

Yuri: "How so?"

Monika: "One of them was flexing his muscles. Another tried to give me flowers, and the last one read me a poem."

Natsuki: "So what did you do?"

Monika: "I ignored them and continued my walk, but they wouldn't let me and wasted all my time trying to capture my heart."

Sayori: "Really? Wait didn't you say one of them read a poem to you?"

Monika: "Yeah"

Sayori: "How come you didn't ask him if he wanted to join?"

Monika: "The reason is because; First, he was reading someone else's poem. Second, he only did it because he found out that I'm into reading and writing poetry and hoped that I would fall for him just for that alone and thirdly. He read it with no heart or compassion only for himself."

Michael: (In other words, he was only thinking about getting laid.)

Monika: "He didn't have any interest in Literature, so I turned him down. Anyways is everyone ready to share poems now …?"

Sayori: "She's amazing."

Natsuki: "You tell' em girl."

Yuri: "Truly, you are indeed the leader." All three girls get star struck.

Monika: "Come on girls stop that." She looks at Michael for some help, but all he did was give her a thumbs up. "Not you too." *Sigh* "Right, well everyone get ready it's time to share poems." She says with authority.

Everyone gathers up and paired off as usual. Sayori went with Yuri while Natsuki decided to wait her turn to share with Sayori. In the meantime, Michael decided to share his with Monika.

"Hello Michael. Ready to share yours with me?" He nods to her and she begins reading out loud her poem with him doing the same after her. After they both shared, they started talking. "Wow Michael, seems to me that you were inspired by Yuri this time."

Michael: "Is that a bad thing?"

Monika: "Oh no. I was just surprised a bit since the last time I read your poem. You were using Natsuki's style."

Michael: "Oh right … well when I wrote it, I wasn't that …"

Monika: "It's okay. You were going through somethings. I won't judge you for writing this, as a matter of fact. Lots of great writers were able to write great poetry and stories when they went through emotions. When a writer makes you cry you know that they had to have gone through something like that or image themselves going through it. In other words, they put great effort into writing and your poem is just great. Better than your previous ones."

Michael: "R-really?" She nods. "I see, thank you."

Monika: "Maybe Yuri's style suits you better? Take care Michael."

Michael: "Sure" They both depart.

Monika: (Writing using your emptions. That's a rare thing in literature.) She walks up to Natsuki while Michael went to Sayori.

Michael: "Sayori"

Sayori: "Hey MC how are you feeling?"

Michael: "I'm getting better. Thanks for asking."

Sayori: "Yeah what are friends for? Ready to share poems?" He nods and the both of them read their poems. When they finished, they began their conversation. "Wow MC that was sad."

Michael: "You think so?"

Sayori: "Yeah, but it was also great. Maybe this style suits you better than any of ours?"

Michael: "I see." She looks at his paper.

Sayori: (He's been thinking about Yuri, hasn't he? No, I shouldn't assume that. After all, he went through a lot. I need to support my best friend.)

Michael: "Sayori?"

Sayori: "Huh!?"

Michael: "Are you feeling ok?"

Sayori: "Y-yeah of course. Here it's time to share yours with the others."

Michael: "Ok then?" He walks away from her and goes to Natsuki. "Natsuki"

Natsuki: "Hey there. How's it been?" She says slapping him on the back.

Michael: "I'm doing fine. Ready to share?"

Natsuki: "You know it." Both began reading. After they both finished reading. "Well, I guess it's better than you copying my style, but maybe you should try harder?"

Michael: "Is it that bad?"

Natsuki: "Well … well its more depressing. It's not my type."

Michael: "Understandable"

Natsuki: "Well it's a working progress. Better get going. It's Yuri's turn."

Michael: "Right, later." He waves to her before leaving.

Natsuki: (Honestly, just say something already. Both of you. I shouldn't be thinking that way. Me and him have something related, but what do I do? What do I say? Can we ever? Then again what would the others think? How would he feel?)

Michael: "Yuri, ready to share?"

Yuri: "Oh yes. I'm ready if you are." The both of them stand in front of each other. (This is so embarrassing. Why did I have to do that to him?)

Michael: (Why did I feed her chocolate? Idiot! My heart was skipping beats when she pressed her body against mine. Why am I feeling this way? I'm with Sara, but when I'm with Yuri I feel …)

Yuri: "Michael?"

Michael: "What!?"

Yuri: "Are you feeling well? I finished reading my poem."

Michael: "Oh you did? I'm sorry I spaced out."

Yuri: "It's quite alright. Would you like me to read it again?"

Michael: "Yeah, sorry for ignoring you."

Yuri: "Don't be. After what occurred, I don't blame you for being lost in thought. I'll read once more." After rereading her poem again, Michael took his turn.

Michael: "What do you think?"

Yuri: "Well, I thought it was well written."

Michael: "And?"

Yuri: "…" More awkward silence. "I thought it was fantastic."

Michael: "I see? Well Monika said that my poem was similar to your style. What do you think about that? Do you think she was right?"

Yuri: "Y-yes she is correct. This is the reason why I couldn't say anything negative. I'm sorry for being no help. My bias must make it difficult for you to improve."

Michael: "Oh no you're fine." (Then again, she doesn't like to talk negatively.) "I'm glad you liked it." He says scratching his cheek.

Yuri: "Th-thank you for allowing me to hear your poem." She bows.

Michael: "Same"

Monika: "Okay everyone, is everyone all done yet?"

Everyone Else: "Yes mam!"

Monika: "Then I could call this club meeting an end. You're all free to head home now. Hope to see you all next time. Bye everyone!"

While everyone packs up, Natsuki walks up to Michael.

Natsuki: "Hey Michael."

Michael: "Yeah?"

Natsuki: "Do you mind walking with me today. Just for the day."

Michael: "Huh?"

Natsuki: "You heard."

Michael: "Well I don't know?"

Sayori: "Hey what's going on here?"

Natsuki: "I'm inviting Michael to walk with me. It's just for the day. You don't mind do you Sayori?"

Sayori: "Oh no go on ahead."

Michael: "Are you sure?"

Sayori: "Of course. I need to head somewhere else, so this works perfectly."

Michael: "Well if you say so then it's fine with me."

Natsuki: "Great, let's get going then." She walks out of the classroom with him following.

Sayori: "Have fun you two!"

After walking a few blocks Natsuki lead Michael to where her and Yuri usually separate when they walk together.

Michael: "Hey Natsuki. Why did you want me to tag along?" She remains quiet before she faces him.

Natsuki: "It's because … I want to talk to you about you and Yuri." She gives him a serious look.

Michael: "What?"

Natsuki: "You heard. Tell me. What happened between you and her?"

End of Chapter 21