Stomachache

The only person that didn't know about the club was Yuri. When Monika offered for people to join, Natsuki had a gloomy expression and looked down at the desk silently. Though Yuri didn't understand, she similarly felt a little estranged.

Monika was still smiling brightly, though she showed some concern in her eyes.

"Was it bad that I mentioned a club? Perhaps there's a reason you can't join one?"

Natsuki pouted, holding her head down even lower, and mumbled.

"I won't join..."

Yuri looked at Natsuki like that was the only thing in this world left. For some reason, I felt like she desperately wanted to say something to Natsuki, but wasn't able to get the courage to do so.

And for some reason... it made me feel weird.

Before I could think about it any longer, Monika spoke up.

"If you can't join, then it's alright. But if you are ever available, I'd like for you all to join. It's a literature club! I get it sounds a little plain, but it will be so much fun!"

I saw that Yuri shivered the moment the word "literature" was said. Excitement welled up in her eyes for just a split second. It looked like she really wanted to join, probably because she was reading all the time.

But then, her eyes dulled in sadness.

Monika gave her a glance. She stood up in her seat and called out to her.

"Hey, do you want to join Yuri?"

Yuri grabbed onto the end of her hair and began twisting it back and forth. She took in a shaky breath and looked away. With all the courage she could muster, she spoke.

"U-Um... sorry, I won't be joining."

Monika's eyes widened.

"Ah, really? I thought you would be the type to join! Aren't you always reading all the time?"

Yuri froze up, like she was caught guilty by a police officer.

"N-No... I just... I can't go because of arrangements at home! Y-Yeah, because of things at home."

Monika let out a soft sigh. Despite the clear strange inflections in Yuri's voice that showed that was probably a lie, she didn't point it out. Instead, she kept her smile, but the way her eyes narrowed ever so slightly showed her disappointment.

"If that's the case, then it can't be helped. Thank you for hearing me out anyway."

With that, she took a seat once more and began eating. Yuri responded hesitantly.

"Y-Yeah..."

I couldn't help but feel a little sad for Monika. I looked over at Yuri and wondered why she wasn't going to join the literature club. Was it really because of something at home? But the way she said it was so weird...

Maybe I'm overthinking it.

I tilted my head to the side in curiosity.

"So um, how did Yuri and Natsuki become friends?"

Yuri trembled when she heard that. She looked away nervously.

"W-Well that is- Um, see I..."

Yuri continued to fumble over her words and eventually covered her face with both hands like she really wanted all of this to be a dream and that she would wake up any time now.

Natsuki put an elbow on the table and held her chin up.

"It's not that crazy or anything. I just saw her sitting on the stairs, then yelled at her for blocking the way to the cafeteria. Then... I sat with her on the stairs to eat lunch."

Monika couldn't help but laugh.

"Eh? But doesn't that make you a hypocrite Natsuki?"

Natsuki blushed fiercely after hearing that and slammed on the desk with one hand.

"N-No!"

I just smiled awkwardly and scratched my cheek with my finger.

"Ehehe..."

Yuri, though still quite embarrassed, spoke up.

"It's not Natsuki's fault!"

Everyone turned to look at her. It seemed as though Yuri was surprised at how loud she got herself and began running two fingers through her hair like she wanted to straighten it out. Her voice dialed down to a sheepish whisper.

"I was... the one t-that forced her to go to the steps and... be my friend."

Natsuki crossed her arms and puffed her cheeks up in anger.

"Ehhh? Since when did you force me to be your friend? I was the one that offered!"

Yuri blushed and looked to the side.

"A-Ah, I just... It was because I tripped on the stairs, but you came to save my life. I-I guess when you saw me like that, you forced yourself to be friends with a person like me because I was so pitiful..."

Natsuki's eyebrow twitched. She took a second to process everything she said before suddenly getting up and leaning over. Her two tiny arms reached over to Yuri, but were just barely out of reach.

"Get over here!"

Yuri trembled before leaning over, after which Natsuki grabbed onto her shoulders resolutely.

"First of all, I hardly saved your life. I was the one that made you trip in the first place. Secondly, how dare you imply I became friends with someone just because I felt pity! That's humiliating!"

Yuri was originally looking away in fear, but after hearing those words she slowly turned to look Natsuki in the eyes. Her face was beet red from blushing while her lips moved ever so slightly as she spoke.

"Natsuki..."

She seemed... to get lost in Natsuki's eyes. Natsuki suddenly blushed before pushing her away and getting back in her seat normally.

"S-So yeah. That's it... Don't say that anymore."

Yuri put both hands on her lap. She had her head lowered to try and hide her smile, but it didn't work all that well.

"Y-Yeah..."

Monika put the tips of her fingers in front of her before letting out a soft laugh. Yuri squirmed uncomfortably, while Natsuki glared at her harshly. With her lips pressed together, Natsuki spoke fiercely.

"What are you laughing for?"

Monika smiled brightly and slowly lowered her hand. With a somewhat dreamy and silky voice, she spoke.

"I just thought it was funny that while the two of you don't speak much normally, if it's for the other, then you get so heated!"

Natsuki blushed harder.

"W-What did you say!"

Yuri raised her shoulders and buried her face in her hands.

I looked down and began picking my nails somewhat forcefully. I didn't really understand why, but Monika's words almost made me want to throw up.

My stomach hurt.