Strawberry (A Natsuri Fanfiction)

Chapter Seven

Yuri wasn't in the washroom when I arrived at school. Maybe she was sick, I considered. She hadn't texted me all morning, so of course I was a bit concerned. Did I do something to upset her? I couldn't think of anything...we had a lovely day yesterday.

I pulled out my phone to text her. "where are you"

Her response was fast. "Class. Please don't come and find me."

"what why???"

"I don't want to see you right now. I'm sorry."

Huh, that was odd. Maybe she wanted some time to herself today. I was a bit worried, but I headed to class nevertheless.

~♡~

The day felt longer than the ones before. I was quite a bit upset about Yuri, I couldn't stop thinking about her since the morning. What happened? Did I piss her off somehow? My mind spiraled through these questions. I snapped out of it when I arrived at the clubroom.

Glancing around a bit, I noticed Ive and Yuri had already arrived and were talking in the corner. Monika hadn't seemed to arrive yet. I walked over to them. "Hey, have you guys seen Monika?"

Yuri jolted a bit. "No, I haven't," Ive responded. "I was also kind of wondering where she was."

"Man..." I folded my arms and turned to Yuri. "Yuri, I'm guessing you haven't, either?"

"N-No, I haven't..." She played with her hair.

"Jeez, this isn't like her at all." I glanced around one more time just to make sure she wasn't here. "I know it's stupid, but I can't help but worry a little bit..." I notice Yuri's confused gaze. "What? Why're you looking at me like that?"

"U-Um..." Yuri took a breath. "Natsuki, about yesterday...I-I just wanted to apologize! I promise I didn't mean any of the things I said! And I'll do my best to stay under control from now on...so--"

"Yuri, what the heck are you talking about?" I interrupted. "Did you do something yesterday?"

"...Eh?"

"Jeez...Whatever's on your mind, I'm sure it was nothing. I don't even remember anything bad happening. You're the kind of person who worries too much about the little things, aren't you?"

"...B-But..."

"I'll accept your apology anyway, if it helps you feel better about it," I said. "Besides, it's kinda nice to hear, since I was always afraid you secretly hated me or something like that. Ehehe."

Yuri looked taken aback. "N-No, not at all...! I don't hate you..."

"Ahaha." I punched her arm lightly. "Well, you're kind of weird, but I don't hate you either." I turned to Ive. "You're still on trial, though."

After some time, Monika finally showed up, and Yuri and Ive went off to a separate part of the clubroom. I couldn't help but feel somewhat jealous. They'd been spending so much time together, after all. I just pulled out SHWM and continued to read it, hoping to finish by the end of class today. 

Quick recap of what happens here, because I know you'll be bored if you keep reading bits you know about: Yuri and MC read their book, things go haywire for a second and Natsuki points out none of us really have a real interest in literature except for me. Yuri and Nat get in a short argument about whether or not it was okay for her to speak for everyone in the club. Let's get to the good bit~ -Monika <3

"You don't understand at all!" I shouted, then took a breath to recompose myself. "I just...I just want a place that feels nice to hang out with a few friends. Is there a problem with the club being that for me? There aren't...there aren't many other places like that for me...And now Monika wants to take it away from me!"

Ive interrupts. "She's not taking anything away--"

I interrupt his interrupting. "No, Ive. It's not the same. It won't be the same with the direction she wants to take it. If I wanted that, then I could have just joined any other stupid club. But this one...I mean...At least for a little bit of time...Things were nice." I started to pack up my things.

"I'm going home," I said. "I feel like...I don't belong here right now."

"Natsuki..." Yuri reached out a hand to place on my shoulder. I shrugged it off and walked right out of the classroom. I didn't feel like talking. My brain was scattered, and I held back my tears until I left the clubroom so they wouldn't see me cry. I've cried a lot this week. That makes me weak. That's what Papa says. I need to learn how to control my emotions so no one sees me upset anymore.

I wipe my tears away. No. No one will see me upset ever again.

I will control myself from here on out.