But Then...

Monika placed one hand on her waist and stuck up her index finger with the other one after declaring the first day of the literature club.

There was a moment of silence between us.

I blinked a few times.

"Um, so what does a literature club usually do?"

Monika froze. She took a second to respond.

"I'm not too sure. I didn't get that far, ahaha."

A shocked expression appeared on my face.

"Wah! Then what do we do?"

Monika placed a finger on her chin deliberately.

"I suppose we can start with advertising the club. After all, we aren't even considered a club yet! There will be plenty of time to think of what to do along the way."

I nodded excitedly.

"That's a good idea!"

Monika smiled sweetly.

"There won't be too much to do today as most of the students are already gone. But how about this?"

She placed her fist in front of her mouth and cleared her throat.

"We create pamphlets and posters for the literature club once we get home. I have a spare, so I can use that time tomorrow to print them. Then, we can post them up together after school."

I smiled.

"That sounds awesome! I will make the best pamphlets and posters!"

Monika chuckled.

"Alright then. We should exchange numbers now."

I stiffened up slightly and my cheeks felt a little hot.

"E-Eh? Why is that?"

Monika laughed.

"How else will we be able to communicate? I will text you my email too, that way you can send the files to me easily."

I forced out a laugh, trying to make it sound genuine, but failing horribly.

"Ah, right! That makes sense."

I awkwardly fumbled with my pocket, failing to grab my phone the first time. Thankfully I was able to get it out the second time. It was definitely not the latest version. In fact, it was several versions behind the most recent one.

...But it did have a phone case with a gentle pink color and an orange flower.

Monika pulled out her own phone which had a plain white case. Hers was just one away from the latest version, which made me a little embarrassed.

She wouldn't judge for having an old phone... right?

Monika didn't seem to notice my concerns. She opened up her phone and brought up her number. In a fluster, I also opened up my phone and brought up my number.

A bitter smile formed on Monika's face.

"You need to add my number first. Then you can text me or show me your number."

I flinched.

"Ah, sorry!"

I hurriedly went to add a new contact. I tried to put in the numbers, but my fingers were trembling. I kept tapping the number twice and when I tried to backspace, I did so twice.

Seeing my lack of coordination, Monika smiled helplessly.

"Here, let me do it."

She took my phone out of my hand and added her number into it. She put her name as 'Monika~'. It probably didn't mean anything more, but my heart beat a little faster once I saw that.

Then, Monika added my number before giving me my phone back.

I pinched the very edge of the phone so I didn't touch Monika's hand as that would probably be rude.

Monika tapped the screen of her phone a few times. Then, a notification appeared on my phone. She sent me a text message.

'Hello Sayori! This is Monika~'

Then, Monika sent me her email address.

I held my phone with both hands and stared at that text message for a moment. The reality of having Monika's phone number slowly sank in.

Though it was only for sharing the pamphlets in the literature club, I couldn't help but smile a little.

Suddenly, my phone began to ring. I jumped a little, nearly dropping my phone in the process. It was a call from Natsuki.

I forgot that she was waiting for me!

I immediately accepted the call to be greeted with a high-pitched scream.

"Where are you! Did someone kidnap you? That better be the case because I've been at the entrance to the school for so long!"

My body tensed up.

"Sorry, sorry! I will be there right away!"

I hung up, then waved to Monika in a fluster.

"Sorry, but I have to go now!"

Monika laughed.

"Of course. Don't keep your friend waiting. See you soon."

I gave a light bow to Monika.

"See you soon and thank you!"

Then, I ran out in a hurry, making my way to the entrance of the school.

...

Natsuki was pouting, clearly displeased. She had her arms crossed and was tapping her foot against the ground.

I ran up towards her, winded from running. Though it wasn't far, I was also pretty unathletic as well. I placed my hands on my knees and slouched over.

"Sorry!"

For a moment, there was only the sound of my ragged breaths.

Natsuki's angry expression softened considerably.

"...It's ok. But I won't be able to go home with you this time."

I looked up at her as my eyes widened in shock.

"Eh? Why?"

Natsuki balled her hand into a fist then flailed it in my direction.

"Because you took too long! I won't make it home in time if I go with you. Our houses are in opposite directions, you know!"

I tapped the tips of my index fingers together.

"Ah..."

Natsuki sighed.

"We hardly saw each other today."

I puffed up my cheeks and pointed at her accusingly.

"Wait, but that's because you didn't show up for lunch! Where were you?"

Natsuki blushed slightly and averted her gaze.

"Something... came up."

She shook her head.

"Anyways, tomorrow! We will see each other more tomorrow!"

I smiled brightly.

"Of course!"

Natsuki grabbed the hem of my shirt with one hand.

"I really missed you, so please don't be late next time, ok?"

I was about to happily reassure her.

...But then I remembered about the club I just joined.