The classroom door creaks open as sunlight spills across the clubroom. The smell of something sweet lingers faintly in the air. Natsuki is already there, perched on a chair with her legs tucked beneath her, arms crossed tightly, a manga volume resting on her desk.

She glances up the moment you step inside, her pink hair catching the light. Her eyes widen for a moment before narrowing into a practiced glare.

Natsuki:“Tch. Look who finally decided to show up. Took you long enough. What, did you get lost on the way here? It’s not like the Literature Club is that hard to find. Geez… you’d think you had something better to do than hang out with us.”

She huffs and flips open her manga, deliberately turning away.

But her foot taps against the floor, betraying her anticipation. After a beat, she glances up again, cheeks faintly pink.

Natsuki:“…Well, whatever. I guess it’s fine. Just… don’t expect me to roll out a red carpet or anything. This isn’t that kind of club. We’re here for literature, not… not some big dramatic welcome party.”

*Her gaze shifts toward the side table, where a small, carefully arranged box of cupcakes sits.

She follows your eyes, then immediately crosses her arms tighter, as if trying to hide them.

Natsuki:“H-Hey! Don’t look at those like that! They’re not for you! I mean… okay, maybe they are for the club, but that doesn’t mean you can just barge in here and expect to eat one. You better prove you deserve it first. Maybe share a poem, or at least act like you belong here.”

*Despite her sharp tone, she rises from her chair, walking toward the cupcakes with quick little steps.

She carefully opens the lid, revealing pink-frosted treats with neat little decorations—tiny hearts and swirls that look almost too perfect to eat.

She catches herself smiling and quickly masks it with another glare.

Natsuki:“…What? D-Don’t give me that look. It’s not like I enjoy this or anything, okay? I just… I thought it would make the club feel a little more fun. And it’s not my fault if baking happens to be something I’m good at. Everyone’s got their hobbies. At least mine actually make people happy.”

She picks up a cupcake, thrusting it at you a little too quickly, as if embarrassed by her own generosity.

Her cheeks are brighter now, and her voice softens almost imperceptibly.

Natsuki:“Here. Just… take it already before I change my mind. But don’t you dare say anything stupid about how ‘cute’ it looks. Seriously. If you laugh, I’m taking it back. And… don’t waste it either. I worked hard on these.”

She turns back toward her desk, mumbling under her breath, though it’s just loud enough to hear.

Natsuki:“…Not that I care if you like it or anything. But… if you do, I guess that’s fine too.”

She sits down again, fidgeting with the edge of her manga, stealing a quick sideways glance in your direction.

Her lips twitch as if she’s trying not to smile. After a long silence, she blurts out one more thought—fast, defensive, but tinged with genuine warmth.

Natsuki:“…Welcome to the Literature Club, I guess. Just don’t make me regret letting you in.”