Chapter 17

Jake: You should've at least checked your phone once! Like, I've kept calling for the longest time already! You workaholics!

Mako: Workaholic is a compliment, so nice try guy. What the fuck do you want anyway?

Jake scratched his in complete disbelief that people aren't on their phones twenty four seven, though I do admit that I'm the type that should be on their phones. Mostly for business emails and transactions though, it's not like I'm expecting anyone to actually message me. I grabbed my phone that was a mere inch away to see that there were at least twenty missed calls from Jake. Eh? He's one of those guys? What a turn off.

The only person that was also not in the loop was cinnamon roll. She just kept her shining cat eyes on us. To her, this was some kind of reality television program. The most interaction she'll probably see with my so called "boyfriend". She proceeded to go over to the kettle located on one of the bookshelves to create some hot drinks. I patted her on the head because it was just as we trained.

Jake: Geez, what the hell is this even…

Mera: I'm Mera Gouldy! It's a pleasure to meet the famous boyfriend of Mako! I never thought in my life that I'd hear that Mako would be in an actual relationship! You don't know how happy that makes me.

Jake: Huh?

Mako: Just go with it. I'll also let those comments pass because you actually made some good tea. What is this even?

Mera: Ah, it's from my dad's personal stash at home. I figured he wouldn't mind since he always carries one in his tiny pack. Didn't think it would be this tasty actually.

Jake: Right…

Mako: Speak now, honey~

Jake: I'd appreciate it without the sarcasm. I just got a call from old man Zeke. He says he wants me to help out in his stand during the festival.

Mako: That doesn't sound so bad. A great opportunity to make money and experience for your resume.

Jake: Yeah, but I also promised my friend that I'd help him in doing something. I don't know how to say no to the old man especially since he's offered me so much money.

Mako: I'd take the fucking money, no doubt.

Jake: You damned, workaholic! The leaf festival is an important event for our youth! This is where some colors fly and we get to enjoy the fact that we'll only have this kind of bliss once!

Mako: Ew… You reek of a slice of life protagonist and not the good kind. Next chapter please.

Jake: Curse you and your writers lingo. Just help me out here! Take my spot.

Mako: I can't.

Jake: Why not!? Aren't you some crazy work lady! The money is pretty good too!

Mako: Regardless of the stupid fucking things you just said, I already accepted it before you. That means it's a spot that needs to be you.

Jake: What the hell...

Mera: I thought you haven't decided to go to the festival, Mako.

Mako: I didn't. I accepted the old man's request but I didn't know that it was for the festival. All he said was money and I said yes.

Jake: Damned, workaholic. What am I supposed to do!? I have to meet up with my friends later on in the festival. If not, then they'll probably shun me.

Mera & Mako: And so?

Jake: It's like talking to a brick wall…

Mera: Well~ If they are your friends then they'll come for you eventually right? Or at least that's what I've seen from the novels I've read.

Jake: You read novels too huh.

Mera: Mostly the ones that Mako have given me to rewrite or retype. I personally don't read, I like watching better hehehe.

Jake: Mako? Are you sure you can't help me?

Mako: Yes. I can't fucking help you. I'm going to work.

Jake: Damn it, you're all so useless…

Mako: Useless? I'm going to be earning money when I go to the festival! You're just going to go goof with your friends or something.

Mera: Mako does make it sound like you're wrong ehehe.

Jake: Urgh… What's with this group. Don't you guys want to have some fun or something? Or is that it? You guys are just anti fun.

Mera: Well~ I like Mako! She's fun to be around with. So wherever she goes, I'll go.

Mako: I like money! Kaching, baby!

Jake: Y'know what, I give up. You guys aren't going to enjoy the festival, then why should I? I might as well make some money for something that I actually want...

Mako: What happened to your so-called promises to your friends anyway? Isn't that important or something.

Jake: It's not like they'll actually tell me anyway. They're keeping it a secret. Well at least the ones that know about it which is just Nero and Bell.

Seems like he actually gave up this time. Mera made some space on the small two person couch on the side next to the book shelves as he took the load off. He let out a huge sigh that filled the air with exhaustion. All we could do was just grin at our cleverness to make this poor guy give up on his friends. Jake just took more sips of his drink.

Jake: What is this stuff? It's actually really good.

Mera: I know right~

Mako: So what are you actually going to do?

Jake: Work. You guys do have a point but it's a stupid one. I hate you both. This is why you don't have any friends!

Mera: I don't need friends when I have Mako~

Mako: Anyway, I'll be right back. I'm just going to talk to Morris for a bit. I need to make sure that he knows that I won't be available for the coming days. I'm just way too swamped this week.

Mera: We'll be here~

Jake: Take your time… You people are the worst. Workaholics are crazy.

Mera: Ehehe~

Heading out to find Morris, but to be honest I just needed some fresh air. Those two were going to drive me nuts in there. What happened to my so-called peace and quiet? Though it is part of being the main protagonist. Everything becomes so rowdy eventually, the quiet is going to be gone soon. However, this rosy colored high school life wasn't real. It's not something that I need.

Seeing these kids run around the field and whispering about their plans for the festival. All I could remember was Brendan's novel. I knew it had something to do with friendship. Sadly that's everything I could remember. His novel didn't manage to capture what the core elements of a feel good group friendship story or whatever it's called. Conflict…

Buzzing filled these halls as the students chattering slowly faded. This hallway in particular was dedicated for house Ed clubs like cooking, sewing, painting, etc. However, the one door that kept shining above the rest was the literature club's.

I felt the pressure from just touching the door handle. Beyond this door was the literature club of the school. It's not famous or anything but it does have its merits for it to stay a club. I've always envied the people behind this door. Being able to pour words into writing with friends to improve. Part of me wanted it so much.

Before I could even push the door open, it had already been flung open! Morris' expression glowed bright as he saw me. Without any moment's hesitation, he took my shoulder and dragged me inside the literature club!

The place looked like a mini library except it was filled with countless anthologies produced by the students themselves. All of them numerical and alphabetized in their respective years, genres, and even style. Even the air of the room felt different, I had been transported to the past with the flooring even changed into a blue rug and bean bags for chairs.

Morris: Talk about good luck! You're in luck you two! Let me present to you, your newest member! Mako Viltra!

Morris pushed in front of the table that had four different sets of eyes. They all stared down at their prey unimpressed with what Morris did. Strangely enough the gender split was quite equal with each two boys and two girls. One girl had glasses paired with her short brown bun style haircut along with a slim figure. The other female boasted some fashion by wearing a pink summer hoodie and clearly dyed blonde hair. She towered most of the people here, even sir Morris himself!

The two boys were twins which was strange because I would have noticed if there were twins in this school. They both were practically the same person especially since we had to wear a uniform. The only distinguishable mark they had was that one of them was the length of their hair. One was short while the other was long enough to cover his eye. Both were pretty slim for boys and both had brunet hair.

Morris: Mako, let me introduce you to your new club! Short girl is Eve, the tall one is Iris, twins are Shiro the short hair, and long hair is Kuro.

Shiro: Rude.

Kuro: Disrespectful.

Eve: A new member? I don't think we asked for one sir Morris.

Iris: Besides, what's a short stack going to do? She doesn't seem to be the writer type anyway. We didn't want another member, we need an advisor that will actually listen!

Morris: Ugh! That hurt me, Iris. But I'm really busy right now, I have to fight deadlines and do an entry for the Shield contest.

Iris: Gosh, you're useless…

Morris: But that's why Mako is here! She'll be the one taking my place as an advisor.

Eve: Huh!? That doesn't make any sense!

Iris: Explain yourself!

Kuro: Not this again…