Chapter 2 Sharing Poems and EP 2 I'm Done Being Human!

Time - Morning

Y/N's POV

I have woken up again and now I see something very unusual on my way to school. The pervert named Hyoudo has been asking about someone named Yumina. Her real name is Raynare. How do I know this well let's just say an old dusty "Crow" told me so. It would seem that Issei has begun to suspect that she is not able show proof that Yumina is not real. Also as for the bird I gave her what she wanted. Fair work for fair pay. Not the adult payment I'm talking about a job payment. You know when you work in a location to make money. Me and Sayori are kinda surprised to see her expression and the way she is acting. I'll admit not something that I'll expect but I suppose she has many reasons not to understand straight off the bat but meh she'll learn soon enough.

Y/N: This is just very strange.

Sayori: ...

Y/N: ....

Sayori: ...

Y/N: ....

Sayori: ...

Y/N: ....

Sayori: ...

Y/N: ....

Sayori: ...

Y/N: Let's get to class.

Sayori: Yeaaaaah...

Small Timeskip
Time - After school

After school had finally finished I put my school work away and now I can focus on one of my main goals.

Monika: Hi again, Y/N! Glad to see you didn't run away on us. Hahaha!

Y/N: Nah, don't worry. This might be a little strange for me, but I at least keep my word.

Well, I'm back at the Literature Club. I was the last to come in, so everyone else is already hanging out.

Yuri: Thanks for keeping your promise, Y/N. I hope this isn't too overwhelming of a commitment for you. Making you dive headfirst into literature when you'te not accustomed to fit...

Natsuki: Oh, come on! Like he deserves any slack. Sayori told me you didn't even want to join any clubs this year. And last year, too! I don't know if you plan to just come here and hang out, or what... But if you don't take us seriously, then you won't see the end of it.

Monika: Natsuki, you certainly have a big mouth for someone who keeps her manga collection in the clubroom.

Natsuki: M-M-M...!!

I think she's stuck between saying Manga and Monika or was it Monika and Manga? Whatever she's just got stuck between saying one of two.

Natsuki: Manga is literature!!

Swiftly defeated, Natsuki plops back into her seat.

Sayori: Don't worry, guys~ Y/N always gives it his best as long as he's having fun. He helps me with busywork without me even asking. Like cooking, cleaning my room...

Yuri: How dependable...

Y/N: Sayori, that's because your room is so messy it's distracting. And you almost set your house on fire once.

Sayori: Is that so... Ehehe...

Y/N's Mind: "You literally set you're house on fire when you were trying to heat up a can of soup."

Yuri: You two are really good friends, aren't you? I might be a little jealous...

Sayori: How come? You and Y/N can become good friends too!

Yuri: U-Um...

Y/N: S-Sayori—

Sayori: Hmm?

Y/N: ...

As usual, Sayori seems oblivious to the weird situation she just put me into.

Sayori: Oh, oh! Yuri even brought you something today, you know-

Yuri: W-Wait Sayori...

Y/N: Eh? Me?

Yuri: Um... Not really...

Sayori: Don't be shy~

Yuri: It's really nothing...

Y/N: What is it?

Yuri: N-Never mind! Sayori made it sound like a big deal when it's really not. Uuuuh, what do I do...

Sayori: Eh? Im sorry, Yuri, I wasn't thinking...

I guess that means it's up to me to rescue this situation...

Y/N: Hey, don't worry about it. First of all, I wasn't expecting anything in the first place. So any nice gesture from you is a pleasant surprise. It'll make me happy no matter what.

Yuri: I-Is that so...

Y/N: Yeah. I won't make it a big deal if you don't want it to be.

Yuri: Alright... Well, here.

Yuri reaches into her bag and pulls out a book.

Yuri: I didn't want you to feel left out... So I picked out a book that I thought you might enjoy. And we could, you know... Discuss it...if you wanted...

Th-This is... How is this girl accidentally being so cute? She even picked out a book she thinks I'll like, despite me not reading much...

Y/N: Yuri, thank you! I'll definitely read this!

I enthustastically take the book.

Yuri: Phew... Well you can read it at your own pace. I look forward to hearing what you think.

Now that everyone's settled in, I expected Monika to kick on some scheduled activities for the club. But that doesn't seem to be the case. Sayori and Monika are having a cheery conversation in the corner. Yuri's face is already buried in a book. I can't help but notice her intense expression, like she was waiting for this chance. Meanwhile, Natsuki is rummaging around in the closet. Man... It looks like no one wants to be bothered today. How am I supposed to occupy myself with something literature-related by myself like this? I guess I could always read some of the book Yuri gave me... ...But I'm feeling a little too tired to read. I could probably fall asleep right now. I close my eyes and end up listening in on Sayori's conversation with Monika.

Sayori: We're probably gonna seem really lame compared to all the other clubs, though..

Monika: Hmm... Well, we can't give up. The festival is our chance to show everyone what literature is all about. The problem is that the idea of a literature club sounds too dense and intellectual... But its not like that at all you know? We just need a way of showing that to everyone... Something that speaks to their creative minds.

Sayori: Mmmmmmmmm.... That doesn't solve the problem, though!

Monika: Eh? What do you mean?

Sayori: Even if we come up with the most fun thing ever... Nobody will come in the first place if it's a literature event. So it's more important to figure out how to get people to show up in the first place, you know? And after they come, we can do the thing to speak to their creative minds.

...What's this? Sayori is taking this really seriously. It's rare to hear her deliberating like this.

Monika: Huh, that's a good point... In that case, do you think food will do the trick?

Sayori: W-What kind?!

Monika: Ah.. Well, I guess we could—

Sayori: Cupcakes!

Monika: Ahaha. Good thinking. Natsuki would love to do that.

Sayori: Ah! You're right! Natsuki makes the best cupcakes! That works out perfectly~

Monika: That wasn't why you suggested it...?

Sayori: Cupcakes speak to my creative tummy~

Monika: ... Cupcakes it is, then.

Sayori: I'm hungry...

Monika: Anyway, we still need to work out the details of the event itself...

I find myself smiling. In the end, Sayori is still her usual self. But therein lies the unexpected reason I admire her. Unlike me, who has trouble finding any motivation at all... Sayori can put her mind to things and make them come to life. I suppose that's why I end up letting her get on my case about things. I cant help but wonder what it would be like to see the world through her eyes...

Y/N's Mind: "I am envious of her to be honest. I don't know why but I just do."

Y/N: Uwaa—

I open my eyes to find Sayor's face filling my vision. I nearly fall out of my chair.

Sayori: Ehehe, sorry~ Wait! Actually, I'm not sorry at all! It's your fault for sleeping like that! This isn't the napping club!

Y/N: Does our school have a napping club...?

Y/N's Mind: "Is there literally such a thing as the Napping Club?"

Kurome and Nepgear: 'Shrug their shoulders' "We don't even know."

Sayori: You're staying up late again, aren't you? Now that you're in a club, you're gonna have less time for anime, you know! You'll need to get used to it!

Y/N: Don't say that so loud...!

I glance over my shoulder to see if Monika overheard.

Sayori: Its true, though...

Y/N: Yeah... I know, I know. You're always looking out for me, Sayori.

Sayori: Ehehe~ It's what I do best!

Y/N: ...That's a problem! What about you? You look out for me better than you look out for yourself! You're still oversleeping every day, aren't you?

Sayori: Eh? N-Not every day!

Y/N: That's not very convincing... How many days this pest week have you gotten up on time?"

Sayori: That's... ...It's a secret!

Y/N: I knew it...

Sayori: C'monnnn! At least give me the benefit of the doubt...

Y/N's Mind: "No."

Kurome and Nepgear: "We are not giving you the benefit of doubt either."

Y/N: I can't even do that. Look, Sayori, it's witten all over you.

Sayori: Eh...?

Sayori glances around at herself.

Sayori: How is it written all over me?

Y/N: You were clearly in a rush this morning... Look, your hair is sticking out all around here.

Sayori: Ah—

I run my fingertips down the side of Sayori's hair trying to straighten it out.

Y/N: Man, you really need a brush for this...

Sayori: My hair is just really hard to get right..

Y/N: I won't fall for that. There's more than just your hair. Look your bow isn't straight, either. And there's a toothpaste stain on your collar right here.

I try to wipe off the stain with my finger.

Sayori: B-But nobody would ever notice that...

Y/N: Of course they would. Nobody's gonna tell you about it because they don't want to embarrass you. Fortunately, I really don't care about that.

Sayori: Hey you meanie...

Y/N: And you don't even keep your blazer buttoned up. Seriously, Sayori... Why do you think you don't have a boyfriend yet?

Kurome and Nepgear: "Pffft!"

Sayori: Eh?? That's super mean!

Y/N: Sorry, but you'll thank me later...

I start to button her blazer from the bottom.

Y/N: Once you see how much better it looks, you'll change your mind.

Sayori: Ehehe~ This is so funny.

Y/N: What is?

Sayori: Well... I was just thinking how weird it is to have a friend who does these kinds of things.

Y/N: Eh? D-Don't say that! You'll make me feel weird about it, stupid...

Sayori: It's okay, though. I'm happy we're like this. Aren't you?

Y/N: Ah— I-I guess...

Sayori: Hey, be careful... The button might come off!

Y/N: Why is this one so hard to close...?

I struggle to fully close the button near her chest.

Y/N: Does this thing even fit you properly?

Sayori: Ehehe~ It did when I bought it.

Y/N: 'Sighs' ... If you ever buttoned it you would have noticed sooner that it doesnt fit you anymore. What are you smiling about?

Sayori: It means my boobs got bigger again!!

Kurome and Nepgear: "That's not something to be said out loud!"

Y/N: D-Don't say that out loud!!

Sayori: Ehehe~

Y/N: Anyway... You look much better now, so... Ah...

...Why does it feel strange to see Sayori's blazer buttoned up like that?

Sayori: But it's so stuffy... Uuu... It's not worth it at all!

Sayori hastily unbuttons her blazer once more.

Sayori: Phew! That's so much better~

Sayori puts her arms out and twirls around.

Sayori: So if I keep it unbuttoned then I won't get a boyfriend, right?

Y/N: What kind of logic is that? And why are you saying that like it's a good thing?

Sayori: Because... ...If I had a boyfriend, then he wouldn't even let you do things like this! And you take care of me better than anyone else would, anyway... So that's why Im keeping it unbuttoned!

Y/N: Stop saying all these embarrassing things!

Sayori: Eh? I didn't say anything embarrassing...

Y/N: Jeez... Well anyway, just focus on trying to wake up a little earlier...

Sayori: Only if you focus on going to bed earlier!

Y/N: Fine, fine... It's a deal.

Sayori: Ehehe~ I guess we really are better at taking care of each other than we are at taking care of ourselves.

Y/N: Yeah, I guess so, huh...

Sayori: So maybe you should come wake me up in the morning!

Y/N: You're doing it again, Sayori.

Sayori: Aw, but I was joking that time!

Y/N: Man, it's impossible to tell with you sometimes.

Monika: Okay, everyone!

Y/N: Eh?

Monika suddenly calls out.

Monika: Why don't we share the poems we wrote now?

Sayori: Yay~! Y/N, I can't wait to read yours!

Y/N: Yeah, same...

I fall to sound enthusiastic, but Sayori still trots away to retrieve her poem.

Monika: By the way, did you remember to write a poem last night?

Y/N: Y-Yeah...

My relaxation ends. I can't believe I agreed to do something so embarrassing. I couldn't really find much inspitation, since Ive never really done this before.

Monika: Well now that everyone's ready, why don't you find someone to share with?

Sayori: I can't wait~!

Sayori and Monika enthusiastically pull out their poems. Sayoris is on a wrinkled sheet of loose leaf torn from a spital notebook. On the other hand, Monika wrote hers in a composition notebook. I can already see Monika's pristine handwriting from where I sit. Natsuki and Yuri reluctantly comply as well, reaching into their bags. I do the same, myself. Who should I show my poem to fist?

================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================

[Sayori]
[Natsuki]
[Yuri]
[Monika]

[Sayori] <
[Natsuki]
[Yuri]
[Monika]

================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================

I'm definitely most comfortable sharing it with Sayori first. She's my good friend, after all.

Sayori: ... ...Oh my goodness! This is sooooo good, Y/N!

Y/N: Eh?

Sayori: I love it~! I had no idea you were such a good writer!

Y/N: Sayori... You must be seriously overreacting. I'm not a good writer at all. I honestly have no idea what Im doing.

Sayori: Well... Maybe that's why! Because l have no idea what I like, either! Ahahaha!

Y/N: Jeez...

I'm sure Yuri's opinion has to be a little more constructive than this. Maybe even Natsuki's.

Y/N: Are you sure you don't like it just because I wrote it?

Sayori: Eh? Well, Im sure that's part of it. I think I understand you better than a lot of other people, you know? So when I read your poem... It's not just a poem... It's a Y/N poem! And that makes it feel extra special! Like I can feel your feelings in it~

Sayori hugs the sheet against her chest.

Y/N: You're so weird, Sayori..

Sayori: Ehehe... I'm really happy just that you wrote one. It just reminds me of how you're really a part of the club now~

(Not to mention the fact that I'm standing in front of you in the clubroom...?)

Y/N: Er...well, of course. I'm not really into it yet, but that doesn't mean I'll break my promise.

Sayori: See? It's like I said before, Y/N... Deep down, you're not selfish at all you know? Trying new things like this for other people... That's something that only really good people do!

Y/N: Thanks...Sayori.

...I'm not sure if Sayori sees the full picture of my motive here. Then again. I can't deny that she's part of the reason I joined. Knowing how much this means to her and all...

Sayori: Yeah. And I'm gonna make sure you have lots of fun here, okay? That will be my way of thanking you~

Y/N: Alright, I'm going to hold you to that, then.

Sayori: Yay~! Now you'll read my poem too, right? Don't worry, I'm really bad at this. Ehehe...

Y/N: We'll see about that.

Sayori's Poem
Dear Sunshine
The way you glow through my blinds in the morning
It makes me feel like you missed me.
Kissing my forehead to help me out of bed.
Making me rub the sleepy from my eyes.
Are you asking me to come out and play?
Are you trusting me to wish away a rainy day?
I look abore. The sky is blue.
It's a secret, but I trust you too.
If it wasn't for you, I could sleep forever.
But I'm not mad.
The way you glow through my blinds in the morning
It makes me feel like you missed me.
Kissing my forehead to help me out of bed.
Making me rub the sleepy from my eyes.
Are you asking me to come out and play?
Are you trusting me to wish away a rainy day?
I look abore. The sky is blue.
It's a secret, but I trust you too.
If it wasn't for you, I could sleep forever.
But I'm not mad.
I want breakfast.

[Continue]

Y/N: Sayori... This is just a guess, but... Did you wait until this morning to write this?

Sayori: No! J-Just a little bit!

Y/N: You can't answer just a little bit to a yes or no question...

Sayori: I forgot to do it last night...

Y/N: Well, at least that makes me feel a little better about myself...

Sayori: Don't be mean! I still tried my best...

Y/N: Ah, yeah... I didn't mean to say that it was a bad poem. It came out nice...or how should I put it... It sounds just like you.

Sayori: Really?

Y/N: Yeah? Especially that last line...

Sayori: I made eggs and toast!

Y/N: Even though you were late to school...?

Sayori: It's bad to skip breakfast! I get all cranky...

Y/N: Well, I guess there's no point in arguing... Anyway, thanks for showing me.

Sayori: Ehehe~ This was so much fun. Monika's the best!

Y/N: Ah...yeah.

Sayori: But next time, I won't forget. And Im gonna write the best poem ever!

Y/N: Well, I guess I look forward to it.

Who should I show my poem to next?

================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================

[Natsuki]
[Yuri]
[Monika]

[Natsuki] <
[Yuri]
[Monika]

================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================

Natsuki: ...

Y/N: ...

Natsuki: ...Well, it's about what I expected from someone like you.

Y/N: That's a little blunt...

Natsuki: Well, excuse me. It's not like I said it was bad. It just didn't evoke any emotions.

Y/N: So basically, it's not cute enough for your tastes?

Natsuki: Do you want to get smacked?

Y/N: I'll pass...

Natsuki: 'Sighs' ... Well anyway, I guess I need to show you mine. Not that you'll like it.

Natsuki's Poem
Eagles Can Fly
Monkeys can climb
Crickets can leap
Horses can race
Owls can seek
Cheetans can run
Eagles can fly
People can try
But that's about it.

[Continue]

Natsuki: Yeah... I told you that you weren't gonna like it.

Y/N: I like it.

Natsuki: What? Just be honest!

Y/N: I am. Why are you so convinced that I wouldn't like it?

Natsuki: Well— Because! Everyone in high school thinks that writing has to be all sophisticated and stuff... So people don even take my witing seriously.

Y/N: But isnt the point of poems for people to express themselves? Your witing style wouldn't make your message any less valid.

Natsuki: Yes! Exactly! I like when it's easy to read, but it hits you hard. Like in this poem. Seeing everyone around you do great things can be really disheartening... So I decided to write about it.

Y/N: Yeah, I understand.

Natsuki: But the other nice thing about simple writing is that it puts more weight on the wordplay. Like I set up for a rhyme at the end, but then made it tall flat on purpose. It helps bring out the feeling in the last line.

Y/N: So you did... I guess more went into it than I realized.

Natsuki: That's what it means to be a pro! I'm glad you learned something. Didn't expect that from the youngest one here, did you?

Y/N: Yeah...guess not.

I decide to humor her with that last comment. I don't really care how old everyone is, but if Natsuki is feeling proud then I won't take that away from her.

Who should I show my poem to next?

================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================

[Yuri]
[Monika]

[Yuri] <
[Monika]

================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================

Yuri: ... Mm... ...

Yuri stares at the poem. A minute passes, more than enough time for her to finish reading.

Y/N: Um...

Yuri: Oh! S-Sorry...! I forgot to start speaking... U-Um!

Y/N: It's fine, don't force yourself.

Yuri: I'm not... I just need to put my thoughts into words. Hold on... ...Okay. This is your fist time writing a poem, right?

Y/N: Er, yeah... Why do you ask?

Yuri: I'm just making sure. I guessed that it might be after reading through it.

Y/N: Ah, so it's that bad.

Yuri: No!! ...Did I just raise my voice...? Uu, I'm so sorry...

Yuri buries her face in her hands. I couldnt help but notice that it's been several minutes and we really haven't gotten anywhere. It might take Yuri a while to get used to new people...

Y/N: It's fine, I really didn't notice. What were you saying?

Yuri: Right...um... It's just that there are specific writing habits that are usually typical of new writers. And having been through that myself, I kind of learned to pick up on them. I think the most noticeable thing I recognize in new writers is that they try to make their style very deliberate. In other words, they tend to pick a writing style separate from the topic matter, and they form fit the two together. The end result is that both the style and the expressiveness are weakened.

Once Yuri finds her train of thought, it's as if her demeanor totally changes. Her stammering is completely gone, and she sounds like an expert.

Yuri: Of course, that's not something you can be blamed for. There are so many different skills and techniques that go into writing even a simple poem. Not just finding them and building them, but getting them to work together is probably the most challenging part. It might take you some time, but it all comes with practice, and learning by example, and trying new things. I also hope that everyone else in the club gives you valuable feedback. Natsuki can be a little bit biased, though...

Y/N: Biased? How?

Yuri: U-Um... Well... Never mind... I shouldn't be talking about people like that... Sorry...

Y/N: It's fine.

I'm not sure if Yuri is apologizing to herself, to me, or to Natsuki.

Y/N: Do you mind if I read your poem now?

Yuri: Please do! Id love to share my thought process behind it...

Yuri smiles dreamily, as if that's a care opportunity for her. Which itself is kind of funny... ...After all, isn't this supposed to be a literature club?

Yuri's Poem
Ghost under the light
The tendrils of my hair illuminate beneath the amber glaw.
bathing
it must be this one.
The last remaining stretlight to have withstoad the test of time.
The last yet to be replaced by the sickening blue green hue of the future.
I bathe. Calms breathing air of the present but living in the past.
The light flickers.
I flicker back.

[Continue]

Yuri: ... I...I'm sorry I have such terrible handwriting!

Y/N: What?? I wasn't thinking that at all...

Yuri: But it took you a long time to read...

Y/N: Ah— Well, I just donit read script very often... I actually think your handwriting is pretty.

Yuri: Eh? Thats...a relief...

Y/N: Also, I liked the poem. Even though it's short, it was really descriptive.

Yuri: It wasn't too short? I usually write longer poems...

Y/N: Not at all.

Yuri: I'm...really glad you like it. I'll be honest... Since it's our first time sharing, I wanted to write something a little more mild. Something easy to digest, I suppose.

Y/N: Are you into ghosts, Yuri?

Yuri: Huhu. Actually, the story isn't about a ghost at all, Y/N.

Y/N: Really? I must have totally missed the point...

Yuri: Well, I suppose you did only glance over it, after all... But remember that poets often express their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences in their work. They usually do more than tell a simple story, or paint a picture. In this case, perhaps the subject of the poem is only being symbolically compared to a ghost. Lingering in her last remaining place of comfort, unable to let go of the past. And soon to be left with nothing...

Y/N: ...That's a lot more solemn. putting it that way. I hadn't even thought of that... That's impressive.

Yuri: It's nothing, really... Well...it makes me happy that you think that. Just remember that it wont be long before you pick up on these things, too.

Y/N: Yeah, maybe you're right. I guess I'll have to keep trying. I'm counting on you.

Who should I show my poem to next?

================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================

[Monika]

[Monika] <

================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================

Monika: Hi, Y/N! Having a good time so far?

Y/N: Ah...yeah.

Monika: Good! Glad to hear it! By the way since you're new and everything... If you ever have any suggestions for the club, like new activities, or things we can do better... I'm always listening! Don't be afraid to bring things up, Okay?

Y/N: Alright...I'll keep that in mind.

Of course I'll be aftaid to bring things up. I'm much better off just going with the flow until I'm more settled in.

Monika: Anyway... Want to share your poem with me?

Y/N: It's kind of embarrassing, but I guess I have to.

Monika: Ahahaha! Don't worry, Y/N! We're all a little embarrassed today, you know? But it's that sort of barrier that we'll all learn to get past soon.

Y/N: Yeah, that's true.

I hand Monika my poem.

Monika: ...Mhm! I like this one! It makes me think of something Sayori would like.

Y/N: Is that so?

Monika: You and Sayori are really good friends, right? I wouldn't be surprised if you had those sorts of things in common.

Y/N: Ah, well... We may be good friends, but Sayori and I are actually really different.

Monika: Hmm.... Well, that may be the case. But maybe there are also some similarities that you wouldnt expect. The way she talks about you... It sounds like the two of you really care about each other's well-being. Even if you show it in different ways, it ends up being more similar than you'd think...? So I think that's the kind of vibe I get when reading your poem.

Y/N: Hmm... You sure you're not reading into it too much?

Monika: Ahaha! I could be! Oh gosh, I sound like Yuri... ...But in any case, Sayori's writing has kind of a gentle feel to it. I can tell that she likes exploring with emotions, like happiness and sadness. Who knew that someone so happy would enjoy sad things, too?

Y/N: Yeah... That's totally unexpected.

Monika: Well, to each their own~ And you shouldn't be aftaid to experiment a little bit, either.

Y/N: I'm sure I'll end up trying different things a lot. It could take a while before I feel comfortable doing this.

Monika: That's okay! Id love to see you try new things. That's the best way to find the kind of style that suits you. Everyone else might be a ltle bit biased toward their own kinds of styles... But I'll always help you find what suits you the most! So don't force yourself to write the way everyone else wants you to write. It's not like you have to worry about impressing them or anything. Ahaha!

Y/N: Ahaha...

Monika: Anyway, do you want to read my poem now? Don't worry, I'm not very good...

Y/N: You sound pretty confident for someone who claims to not be very good.

Monika: Well that's cause I have to sound confident. That doesn't mean l always feel that way, you know?

Y/N: I see... Well, let's read it, then.

Monika's Poem
Hole in Wall
It could t have been me.
See, the direction the spackle protrudes.
A naisy neighbor? An angry boyfriend? Ill never know. I wasn't home.
I peer inside for a clue.
No! I can't see. I reel, blind, like a film left out in the sun.
But it's too late. My retinas.
Already scorched with a permanent copy of the meaningless image.
It's just a little hole. It wasn't too bright.
It was too deep.
Stretching forever into everything.
A hole of infinite choices.
I realize now, that I wasn't looking in.
I was looking out.
And he, on the other side, was looking in.

[Continue]

Monika: So...what do you think?

Y/N: Hmm...it's very...Freedom, if that's what you call it. Sorry, I'm not really the right person to ask for feedback...

Monika: Ahaha. It's okay. Yeah, that kind of style has gotten pretty popular nowadays. That is, a lot of poems have been putting emphasis on the timing between words and lines. When performed out loud, it can be really powerful.

Y/N: What was the inspiration behind this one?

Monika: Ah... Well, I'm not sure if I know how to put it... I guess you could say that I had some kind of epiphany recently. It's been influencing my poems a bit.

Y/N: An epiphany?

Monika: Yeah...something like that. I'm kind of nervous to talk about deep stuff like that, because it's kind of coming on strongly... Maybe after everyone is better ends with each other. Anyway... Here's Monika's Writing Tip of the Day! Sometimes when you're writing a poem or a story your brain gets too fixated on a specific point... If you try so hard to make it perfect, then you'll never make any progress. Just force yourself to get something down on the paper, and tidy it up later! Another way to think about it is this. If you keep your pen in the same spot for too long, you'll just get a big dark puddle of ink. So just move your hand, and go with the flow! ...That's my advice for today! Thanks for listening~

Y/N: Phew...

I guess that's everyone. I glance around the room. That was a little more stressful than I anticipated. It's as if everyone is judging me for my mediocre writing abilities... Even if they're just being nice, there's no way my poems can stand up to theirs. This is a literature club, after all. I sigh. I guess that's what I ended up getting myself into. Across the room, Sayori and Monika are happily chatting. My eyes land on Yuri and Natsuki. They gingerly exchange sheets of paper, sharing their respective poems. As they read in tandem, I watch each of their expressions change. Natsuk's eyebrows furrow in frustration. Meanwhile, Yuri smiles sadly.

Natsuki: (What's with this language...?)

Yuri: Eh? Um...did you say something?

Natsuki: Oh, it's nothing.

Natsuki dismissively returns the poem to the desk with one hand.

Natsuki: I guess you could say it's fancy.

Yuri: Ah— Thanks... Yours is...cute...

Natsuki: Cute? Did you completely miss the symbolism or something? It's clearly about the feeling of giving up! How can that be cute?

Yuri: I-I know that! I just meant... The language, I guess... I was trying to say something nice...

Natsuki: Eh? You mean you have to try that hard to come up with something nice to say? Thanks, but it really didn't come out nice at all!

Yuri: Um... Well, I do have a couple suggestions...

Natsuki: Hmph. If I was looking for suggestions, I would have asked someone who actually liked it. Which people did, by the way. Sayori liked it. And Y/N did, too! So based on that, I'll gladly give you some suggestions of my own. First of all—

Yuri: Excuse me... I appreciate the offer, but I've spent a long time establishing my witing style. I don't expect it to change anytime soon, unless of course I come across something particularly inspiring. Which I haven yet.

Natsuki: Nn...!

Yuri: And Y/N liked my poem too, you know. He even told me he was impressed by it.

Natsult suddenly stands up.

Natsuki: Oh? I didn't realize you were so invested in trying to impress our new member, Yuri.

Yuri: E-Eh?! That's not what I... Uu... You... You're just...

Yuri stands up as well.

Yuri: Maybe you're just fealous that Y/N appreciates my advice more than he appreciated yours!

Natsuki: Huh? And how do you know he didn't appreciate my advice more? Are you that full of yourself?

Yuri: I...! No... If I was full of myself... ...I would deliberately go out of my way to make everything I do overly cutesy!

Natsuki: Uuuuuu...!

Sayori: U-Um!! Is everyone Okay...?

Natsuki: Well, you know what?! I wasn't the one whose boobs magically grew a size bigger as soon as Y/N started showing up!!

Yuri: N-Natsuki!!

Monika: Um, Natsuki, that's a little—

Natsuki and Yuri: This doesn't involve you!

Sayori: I-I don't like fighting, guys...!

Suddenly, both girls turn towards me, as if they just noticed I was standing there.

Yuri: Y/N...! She— She's just trying to make me look bad...!

Natsuki: That's not true! She started it! If she could get over herself and learn to appreciate that simple witing is more effective... Then this wouldn't have happened in the first place! What's the point in making your poems all convoluted for no reason? The meaning should jump out at the reader, not force them to have to figure it out. Help me explain that to her, Y/N!

Yuri: W-Wait! There's a reason we have so many deep and expressive words in our language! It's the only way to convey complex feelings and meaning the most effectively! Avoiding them is not only unnecessarily limiting yourself...it's also a waste! You understand that right, Y/N?

Y/N: Um...!

Natsuki and Yuri: Well??

Y/N: ...

How did I get dragged into this in the first place?! It's not like I know anything about writing. But whomever I agree with, they'll probably think more highly of me! So, of course that's going to be...!

================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================

[Natsuki.]
[Yuri.]
[Help me, Sayori!!]

[Natsuki.]
[Yuri.]
[Help me, Sayori!!] <

================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================

Y/N: N-Natsuki...

Natsuki glares at me, drying up any words I had in my mouth. So instead, I turn to Yuri.

Y/N: Yuri...

But Yuri's expression is so defenseless that I can't bring myself to say anything to her.

Y/N: ... ...Sayori!

Sayori: Eh?!

Y/N: ...Yeah! Everyone's fighting is making Sayori uncomfortable. How can the two of you keep fighting when you know you're making your friend feel like this?

Sayori: Y/N...

Natsuki: Well... That's her problem! This isn't about her.

Yuri: I-I agree... It's unfair for others to interject their own feelings into our conflict.

Natsuki: Yeah, unless Sayori wants to tell Yuri what a stuck-up jerk she's being.

Yuri: She would never...! It's your immaturity that's made her upset in the first place!

Natsuki: Excuse me? Are you listening to yourself? This is exactly why... Exactly why nobody likes—

Sayori: Stop!!

Natsuki and Yuri: ...

Sayori: Natsuki! Yuri! You guys are my friends! I-I just want everyone to get along and be happy! My friends are wonderful people... And I love them because of their differences! Natsuki's poems... They're amazing because they give you so many feelings with just a few words! And Yuri's poems are amazing because they paint beautiful pictures in your head! Everyone's so talented... ...So why are we fighting...?

Natsuki: Be-Because...

Yuri: Well.

Sayori: Also! Natsuki's cute and there's nothing wrong with that! And Yuri's boobs are the same as they always were! Big and beautiful!

Natsuki: ...

Yuri: ...

Y/N: Sayori...

Sayori stands triumphantly. Monika stands behind her with a bewildered expression.

Yuri: I'll...make some tea...

Yuri rushes off. Natsuki sits down with a blank expression on her face, staring at nothing.

Y/N: So, this is why Sayori is Vice President...

I whisper to Monika. She nods in return.

Monika: To be honest... I might come off as a good leader, and I can organize things... But I'm not very good with people... I couldnt even bring myself to interject. As President, that's kind of embarrassing of me. Ahaha...

Y/N: Nah... It's not like I can blame you. I wasn't able to say anything, either.

Monika: Well... I guess that just means Sayori is amazing in her own ways, isn't she?

Y/N: You could say that. She might be an at head, but sometimes it's weirdly suspicious that she knows exactly what she's doing.

Monika: I see~ Take good care of her, okay? I would hate to see her get herself hurt.

Y/N: That makes two of us... You can count on me.

Monika smiles sweetly at me, causing my stomach to knot. Such a genuine person really does make a good President, regardless of what she says. If only I could get the chance to talk to her a little more...

Monika: Okay, everyone! It's just about time for us to leave. How did you all feel about sharing poems?

Sayori: It was a lot of fun!

Yuri: Well, Id say it was worth it.

Natsuki: It was alright. Well, mostly.

Monika: Y/N, how about you?

Y/N: ...Yeah, Id say the same. It was a neat thing to talk about with everyone.

Monika: Awesome! In that case, we'll do the same thing tomorrow. And maybe you learned something ftom your friends, too. So your poems will turn out even better!

Y/N: ...

I think to myself. I did learn a little more about the kinds of poems everyone likes. With any luck, that means I can at least do a better job impressing those I want to impress. I nod to myself with newfound determination.

Sayori: Y/N! Ready to walk home?

Y/N: Sure, let's go.

Sayori: Ehehe~

Sayori beams at me. It truly has been a while since Sayori and I have spent this much time together. I can't really say I'm not enjoying it either.

Y/N: Sayori... About what happened earlier...

Sayori: Eh? What do you mean?

Y/N: You know, between Yuri and Natsuki. Does that kind of thing happen often?

Sayori: No, no, no! That's really the first time I've seen them fight like that... I promise they're both wonderful people. You don't... You don't hate them, do you??

Y/N: No, I don't hate them! I just wanted your opinion, that's all. I can see why they'd make good friends with you.

Sayori: Phew... You know, Y/N... It's nice that I get to spend time with you in the club. But I think seeing you get along with everyone is what makes me the happiest. And I think everyone really likes you, too!

Y/N: That's—!

Sayori: Ehehe~ Every day is going to be so much fun~

Y/N: 'Sighs' ...

It looks like Sayori still hasn't caught onto the kind of situation I'm in. Sure, being friends with everyone is nice, but... ...Does it really need to stop there?

Y/N: We'll just have to see what the future holds, Sayori.

I pat Sayori on the shoulder. I said that more to myself than to her, but it's easy to use Sayori as an internal monologue sometimes. Yeah. Let's do this!

Timeskip
Time - Night

[Time for you to make another poem for your Literature Club. Failure to do so will cause problems and you will not be viewed as they expected you to be. Make your poem idiot.]

Y/N: Hmmm... I made a poem about Shadow. I need to make something different.

Hope... Hope... HOPE! That's it I'll write a poem about hope. This should somewhat show I'm different than just a shadow.

Y/N's Poem:
Hope
"Hope" is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I've heard it in the chillest land
And on the strangest sea,
Yet never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

{Thank you Emily Dickinson}

I would repeated my routine from last time except I went outside and found Issei being attacked by a Stray Fallen Angel. I turned into my true appearance than I intervened with the Fallen Angel's Light Spear that was about to hit her again.

Y/N: Nah ah ah. Stray Fallen don't get to decide how the lives of innocent die. I'm not very fond of that.

Fallen Angel: What the heck?

Y/N: 'Pulls out a pistol' You know I've been meaning to test this gun and it looks like I found the thing I was looking for. 'Points the pistol at the fallen Angel' Nighty night bitch. 'Shoots the fallen Angel in the head'

Okay so the gun works and this Fallen Angel is dead. I checked on the Hyoudo girl and healed her quickly but it wasn't fully finished I healed her to an extent to where she'll need to be healed by her master. After that I quickly got out of here by teleporting and appeared at my home. I cleaned myself up and went to bed.

Tomorrow is another day.

[End of Day 2]

End of Chapter 2 and Episode 2

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]