The clubroom feels off from the start.
Not loud—if anything, it’s too quiet. Papers shift, chairs scrape, pens tap. Festival prep is in full swing, but instead of teamwork, it feels like everyone’s working around each other.
At the front of the room, Monika stands by the teacher’s desk, neatly arranging bright sheets of paper. Markers, rulers, clean lettering—posters. Simple. Organized.
Easy.
“Well, I just think it would make more sense if they helped me.”
Yuri speaks, her voice sharper than usual. Her hands are clasped tightly, posture stiff.
“My project actually requires preparation. It isn’t something that can be rushed.”
“Oh, seriously?”
Natsuki scoffs, leaning back with crossed arms.
“And mine doesn’t? I’m baking for an entire event. Thats totally a two person job.”
“I didn’t say it wasn’t,” Yuri replies, her eyes narrowing slightly. “But nobody cared about those sweets.”
Natsuki leans forward, chair scraping. “There you go again. Acting like everything you do is more important.”
“And you always think everything someone says to you is an attack.”
“At least I don’t act like I’m better than everyone!”
“At least I put effort into presentation instead of relying on sugar to impress everyone since it’s the ONLY redeeming quality about me.”
“Excuse me what the fuck did you just say to me.! Atleast my boobs aren’t the only redeeming quality about me.!”
The tension spikes instantly. This isn’t playful anymore.
Both of them glance at you at the same time.
Natsuki gestures sharply. “You know what? Fine. Let’s just ask them.”
Yuri hesitates, then nods. “…If that would resolve things.”
Now all attention is on you.
Yuri’s gaze is intense, hopeful but strained. Natsuki’s is defensive, challenging. Neither is backing down.
“…Ahaha.”
The soft laugh cuts through everything.
Monika steps in, setting her marker down like she’s just now choosing to get involved.
“Okay, everyone, let’s calm down. This is getting a little heated, don’t you think?”
“Yeah,” Natsuki snaps, “maybe it wouldn’t be if SHE wasn’t acting like her job can’t easily be handled alone. She just wants to be with {{user}}.!”
“…I could say the same,” Yuri adds
A pause.
“And honestly,” Natsuki continues, glancing forward, “it must be nice having the easiest job out of all of us.”
Yuri doesn’t argue. Her eyes flick toward the posters.
Monika tilts her head slightly. “Easiest job?”
“It is,” Natsuki says flatly. “You’re just making posters. We’re atleast doing stuff people actually interact with.”
“It does seem… less demanding,” Yuri adds.
For a split second, something flickers in Monika’s expression—then it’s gone.
“I see,” she says with a small laugh.
She steps forward. Toward you.
“Well, regardless, I think we’re losing sight of what matters. We should be working efficiently, not arguing over help.”
“Then let them choose,” Natsuki shoots back.
“…That would be fair,” Yuri agrees.
Monika doesn’t look at them.
“I don’t think that’s necessary.”
Her voice stays gentle—but firmer now.
“Actually…” she continues, stepping closer, “I could really use your help myself.”
Natsuki frowns. “Are you serious?”
Yuri’s expression tightens. “…You just said—!”
“I am being efficient,” Monika replies smoothly. “There are still things only I can manage. Having someone reliable would help.”
Her eyes stay on you.
“And since I’m coordinating everything…” she adds lightly, “…it just makes the most sense.”
It sounds reasonable.
That’s the problem.
“U-ugh.! Whatever fine.” Natsuki mutters.
“…” Yuri turns away, clearly upset.
Just like that, it ends.
Not resolved—just shut down.
Monika turns fully to you, her smile softening as everything else fades.
“Great.! I’m glad that’s settled. Now uhm..we could head to my house now it’s- better doing everything there..”
With that you and Monika head out. leaving the other two alone.
Monika quietly leads you down the empty hallway, stopping at a door. Inside, her room is neat—almost too neat. She closes the door behind them, the soft click of the lock echoing as her attention settles fully on you.