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Chapter Text

The brown-haired girl was trapped, alone,

Sealed between walls of pale white stone. 

She waited and waited- 

Minutes into hours, hours into days. 

The one beyond the wall was gone, 

Her cries, her screams, her wails unanswered. 

Silence echoed back, heavy and vast, 

Until-a flicker, a spark at last. 

A speck of light from the other side, 

A hand reached out, a chance to change, 

To mend, to heal, to make things right. 

She faltered, knowing the weight she bore, 

The sins she'd sown, the grief she wore. 

But this was the only path to peace, 

And so, she took their hand- 

And fell to her knees.

Chapter Text

It was a brand new day. The bright sun shone down from the blue sky, and white clouds floated along, letting rays pass through. The neighborhood was starting to stir, with the distant hum of cars and soft chatter of morning walkers. A brown-haired boy walked along the pavement, breathing in the morning air.

Meiji Chizu. An average boy-so unassuming you probably wouldn't notice him in a crowd of high schoolers. His brown hair is a bit messy, and his eyes have a glint of topaz. He's an underachiever, usually playing games and watching anime, and he barely has any friends.

Well, that was before he joined the literature club.

A small smile crept onto his face. Finally, a peaceful day, he thought.

"MC! Meiji Chizu! Wait for meee!"

Or maybe not. Why did I even try to predict anything?

Letting out a sigh, he turned around. There was a girl, her coral-pink hair bouncing as she sprinted, frantically waving her right hand in the air, oblivious to the stares around her. When she caught up, she panted before pouting at him, hands on her hips.

"MC! What do you have to say for yourself? You left for school without me!" she huffed.

He gave her an exaggerated bow. "Forgive me, Princess Sayori. You were so deeply enjoying your royal slumber, I had not the strength—nor the nerve—to wake you."

Her pout melted into a laugh. "Fine, fine, you shall be forgiven. You may rise."

Straightening, he met her beaming face. "Good morning, MC!" she chimed.

"Good morning, Sayori," he returned, mirroring her smile.

Sayori Fujioka. A cheerful and upbeat girl-she's practically a ball of sunshine. Her coral-pink hair is adorned with a large red bow, and her eyes are the color of the bright blue sky. She stands a few inches shorter than MC. Her presence can lift anyone's mood, though she can be clumsy at times. She's also MC's neighbor and childhood friend.

"Hang on, Sayori, let me just..." MC said, reaching to straighten her crooked bow. It must've gotten jostled from her running. Once fixed, he smiled. "There. Much better."

Giggling, she said, "Mhm, thanks, MC! I'd be a mess without you."

Shaking his head, he replied, "No kidding."

She took her place beside him, and together they continued on their way to school. Cars zipped by as they walked, and neighbors exchanged waves. It was just another lively day in the neighborhood.

"Say, MC," Sayori spoke up, "have you thought of any activities we could do for the upcoming school festival?"

Oh yeah, the school festival. He had totally forgotten about it. Scratching the back of his head, he replied, "Uh... no, I haven't. Have you?"

She grinned. "Oh, I have so many ideas! We could do a poetry workshop, a poetry slam, a poem-sharing session, poetry-"

"By any chance, are all your activities based on poetry?"

Seeing her blush, he guessed her answer.

She laughed, connecting her index fingers nervously. "Ehehe... How'd you know?"

He rolled his eyes, smirking. "Just a hunch."

"Well, the point is, poetry can attract new members for the club! Don't you remember your early days in the literature club? We had a poem-sharing session for a few days, and that was enough to get you to stay!" she explained.

I stayed because I could be friends with cute girls, but sure, he thought. "I guess you've got a point."

"Exactly! Also-oh, we're already here!"

MC looked up and realized they were already passing through the school gate, his thoughts still on Sayori's poetry schemes as they stepped into the school's entrance. The bell had already rang and student were rushing to their respective homeroom classes.

"I won't be able to join you during break since I have an appointment with my math teacher," Sayori told him. "But you'll be fine, right? Natsuki will be with you, so I don't have to worry too much about you-"

"Sayori," he cut her off, "I'm 18, y'know?"

She blushed, nervously connecting her index fingers. "Ehehe, sorry... I just worry about leaving you alone."

He leaned down and flicked her forehead, making her flinch. "Worry about yourself, dummy."

She pouted briefly, then her expression softened into a smile as she waved and headed to her class. "Bye, MC! See you in the clubroom!"

He waved back and then made his way to Class 3-B. Inside, his classmates were absorbed in their own conversations. Taking his usual seat at the farthest desk in the back, he gazed out the window. Poetry, huh? he mused. I wonder what I could do for the festival.

"Cupcakes."

"Cupcakes?"

"Cupcakes." The pink-haired girl crossed her arms, smirking confidently. MC sat across from her, a sandwich halfway to his mouth.

It was lunch break, and students bustled around the cafeteria, getting meals and chatting. The two of them had found a quiet table tucked away in the corner.

"And how exactly do cupcakes relate to literature?" MC asked, taking a bite of his sandwich.

She shrugged. "They don't, really. The cupcakes are just to lure people into our clubroom. Besides," she added with a proud smile, "it's the perfect excuse to show off my baking skills."

MC chuckled. "Sometimes I think you should be in the baking club instead of the literature club."

"Don't tell me where I belong!" she snapped, slamming her fist on the table. He flinched, startled, as several students turned to look.

Realizing she'd drawn attention, she lowered her voice and sighed. "Look, I know I don't contribute much to the club. The only thing 'literary' about me is my manga collection, and Yuri still doubts that even counts. Baking is the one thing I can do to actually help. Just this once, I want to feel like I'm useful."

MC nodded, his expression softening. "It's nice to hear you care about the club, Natsuki."

She blushed, quickly turning her head. "Y-yeah, whatever! I just don't want to be some deadweight, okay? Don't go reading into it!"

He shook his head, amused. Of course, he thought.

Natsuki Muramoto. She is tough and defensive, often quick to snap back, but beneath that prickly exterior is someone who cares deeply about her friends. Her short pink hair is tied into two small ponytails, and her eyes have a color as sweet as cotton candy. Her short stature causes her to always be mistaken as a first-year student. With a fierce love for both manga and baking, she won't hesitate to defend either passion if anyone dared to insult them.

MC slid his bento over to Natsuki, who blinked in surprise. "Go ahead," he said, "I can tell you skipped breakfast by the way you're eyeing my food."

"Psh, what? I'm not hungry. Really, you can keep it-"

Growl

He raised an eyebrow. "You were saying?"

Her cheeks flushed a deep red. "...shut up." She snatched the bento, mumbling, "But thanks."

They chatted as they ate together, the casual banter lightening the mood. When the bell rang, signaling the end of break, they stood and exchanged quick goodbyes.

"See you at the club, Natsuki."

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Later, MC."

With that, they headed to their respective classes, a faint smile lingering on each of their faces.

MC gulped as he gazed up at the towering bookshelves, which loomed over him and made him feel smaller than usual. 

"Seriously, why do the library shelves have to be so ginormous?" he grumbled under his breath.

He was on a mission to find biology reference books. His teacher had informed him that his grade in the subject was slipping and had tasked him with locating a specific book in the school library.

"Let's see... 'Anatomy of the Human Body,' 'An Insight into Cells,' 'Life as a Microorganism'... Ah, there it is."

He pulled out a book titled 'The Study of the Human Brain' and gave it a quick glance before heading toward the exit of the biology aisle.

Just as he turned to leave, he collided with someone and fell to the floor. The girl he bumped into was carrying a large stack of books, which now lay scattered around them.

"I-I'm s-so sorry! I-I didn't m-mean to bump into y-you! P-please forgive m-me!" she stammered, her voice laced with panic.

Though he winced in pain, he brushed it off and replied, "It's fine, really. I wasn't paying attention either. Here, let me help you."

Together, they gathered the books, quickly restoring order to the chaos. As MC picked up one of the titles, he felt a sense of déjà vu; 'Portrait of Makarov'. Where had he seen that before?

They both stood up and bowed apologetically to each other. "I-I'm so s-sorry for my mistake!" the girl said, her head still lowered in embarrassment.

"It's okay; we've all been there-wait, Yuri? Is that you?"

Upon hearing her name, the purple-haired girl looked up at him, her expression one of surprise. "M-Meiji? What are you doing here?"

He smiled when she recognized him. "I've told you, just call me MC."

"R-right, MC," she stuttered, her cheeks flushing with nervousness. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be heading to the clubroom by now?"

"I could say the same for you. My biology teacher asked me to find a book here in the library. What about you? What's with those?" He gestured to the stack of books in her hands.

"O-oh, those..." Averting her gaze, she headed for the counter. "Let's borrow them first, and we can talk as we walk."

He nodded and followed her. After completing the necessary procedure, they left the library and began making their way to the clubroom.

So... what is it, Yuri?"

"W-well, you see, my idea for an activity we could do for the festival involves these books," Yuri began. "The participants would use them as references for writing their own short stories. Then we would have a storytelling session where they could share their stories with the other participants. That way, they could improve their pronunciation, fluency, self-confidence, and writing skills all at the same time."

Once she finished, she let out a heavy breath and glanced at MC, who was staring at her with a stunned expression. "E-eh? Did I say something wrong? Or is it a terrible idea?" she stammers.

Shaking his head, MC replied with a smile, "Quite the opposite, Yuri. I think that's a fantastic idea."

"Y-you think so?" A soft smile spread across her face.

"Absolutely! Sayori has a similar idea, but for poetry. Maybe we could run both activities at the same time?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, that sounds brilliant!"

Yuri Yoshika. A quiet and shy girl; you have to listen closely if you don't want to miss her words. Her long dark purple hair reaches her waist, and her eyes are a striking shade of lavender. She stands taller than most girls her age, even a couple of inches taller than MC. She finds comfort in the world of novels, especially those in the genre of horror. Although it might not seem like it at first, she enjoys discussing her interests.

"MC, Yuri!" 

A familiar voice yelled out their names. They turned to see Sayori waving and running toward them, with Natsuki following close behind.

"Speak of the devil, we were just talking about you," MC said, to which Yuri nodded in agreement.

Sayori looked at them suspiciously. "Really? You weren't talking nasty things behind my back, were you?"

Shaking her head, Yuri replied, "No, no, only good things, in fact."

Natsuki joined in, "Well, whatever. We should head to the clubroom now. Monika is probably waiting. I don't plan on getting a scolding from her today."

The other three nodded and continued their walk. Sayori and Natsuki offered to help them carry the books, which they gladly accepted. After a few minutes of walking, they finally arrived in front of the clubroom. 

MC hesitated for a moment, a strange feeling settling in his stomach as he approached the door. He knocked a few times, but the silence that followed felt heavy, almost suffocating.

For Monika to be late, that is rare, he thought. He exchanged glances with the others.

"What if she hasn't arrived yet?" Sayori suggested.

Natsuki frowned. "Yeah, but she usually tells us if she's running late."

MC looked back forward and gently opened the door...

His eyes widened as he took in the scene before him. 

The room was eerily quiet, and an unsettling feeling washed over him. The sound of books being dropped could be heard from behind him as the girls gasped, their faces reflecting shock and confusion.

Monika sat there in the chair, her body lifeless. 

MC's heart raced. What happened here? The air felt thick with tension, and he could sense the worry building among his friends. He took a step forward, instinctively wanting to reach out to her, but fear held him back. 

"Monika?"

Chapter Text

What?!" the four of them exclaimed in unison.

Alright, they were all being a bit melodramatic. But to be fair, Monika's expression at that moment was reminiscent of a corpse. They were now sitting in a circle, tension hanging thick in the air.

Monika Asano. A girl who embodies both brains and beauty, she is often seen as the epitome of perfection. Her thigh-length brown hair is tied up in a high ponytail adorned with a large white bow, and her emerald eyes has the power to mesmerize anyone. Everything about her is remarkable, from her stellar academic performance to her achievements in sports. Naturally, she is popular among the students, but her club... not so much.

Now, Monika had her head lowered, an unprecedented sight for her friends. "I'm sorry," she said in a quiet, apologetic tone. "I just found out. The school festival has been postponed for a number of reasons."

Sayori looked at Monika with concern, while Natsuki’s mouth hung open in shock. MC stared blankly into the distance, lost in thought. 

Yuri was the first to break the heavy silence. "U-um, Monika... at least the festival is postponed and not canceled, right?"

Monika lifted her head and sighed, the weight of the situation evident on her face. "I wouldn't be too concerned if this year isn't our final year here. A postponed festival means it will happen later this year. Yes, we'll have more time to prepare, but we’ll also have less time to attract new members for the club."

"If we can't find at least four more members who aren't third-years by the end of this year, we might end up being the first and last generation of the literature club." Monika looked at each of her members in turn. "None of us want that, right?"

No one said a word, but they all knew she was right.

She leaned back in her chair and murmured, "And here I am, thinking we could do something extravagant for the festival. I'm such a failure as president..."

An uneasy silence settled over the room until Sayori raised her hand. "Mmm... everyone, if I may?"

The others turned to her as she took a deep breath and began. "So, the festival has been postponed. What an annoying setback, right? But so what? Are we going to let ourselves be dragged down by one unexpected obstacle? No, we won't!

"I believe that with everyone's cooperation, we can take the initiative ourselves and find the members we need to keep this club alive. Who's with me?" Sayori smiled encouragingly as she looked around the room.

After a few moments, the MC raised his hand. "I'm with Sayori. The festival is just one way for us to recruit new members. If I remember correctly, none of us even joined the club during a school festival, right?"

Yuri nodded and raised her hand. "I... I agree. There are many ways we can attract members to the club. I'm sure with the right approach, students will be more interested in joining."

"Well, since everyone’s on board, I guess I have to agree too," Natsuki said, raising her hand. "What's done is done. We can't force the school to hold a festival just because we want one. But we can focus on what we can control and go from there."

The others turned to Monika, who looked to be deep in thought. Finally, she sighed and smiled. "You guys are right. I shouldn't be so pessimistic." Standing up, she clapped her hands together and declared, "Alright, everyone! Let’s lift our heads, look to the future, and get brainstorming!"

With smiles all around, they nodded and eagerly began sharing ideas, suggestions, and plans. They were determined to work hard to ensure the literature club’s survival.

Well then!" Monika said, smiling as she wrote on the whiteboard. "Here’s what we have so far: Sayori suggested handing out flyers to students during lunch break."

"That's right!" Sayori beamed, her coral-colored hair bouncing as she nodded.

Monika continued, "And Natsuki's idea is to hang a poster on the school’s main notice board."

The pink-haired girl shrugged. "Makes sense. Everyone passes by there at least twice a day, so someone’s bound to notice it."

"And Yuri," Monika added, "said she’ll try to reach out to the school library’s committee to help us promote the club."

"Well, the library is closely connected to literature," the purple-haired girl replied. "I'm sure they'd be more than happy to help us out."

Monika nodded. "I agree. Besides, you're one of their most active members." She glanced at MC, who looked a bit lost.

"Hm? Yeah, sorry. I spaced out there. What do you need?"

Shaking her head, she continued, "You’ll be our main source of manpower, seeing as you’re the only guy here. Got it?"

He gave a thumbs-up. "Got it."

"Alright, that's our plan! With that, today’s meeting is adjourned. Club dismissed!" Monika announced with a bright smile, her mood completely lifted compared to when the meeting began.

Sayori jumped up excitedly. "Let’s all do our best!"

The others smiled and nodded in agreement.

[1 unread message from Doki Doki LIT-erature Club!!!]

[Monika: Good evening, everyone! Do you have any plans for the weekend?]

[Sayori: I’m free on Sunday! :D]

[Natsuki: Other than staying home and reading manga, nope.]

[Yuri: I’m visiting the library on Saturday, but I should be free on Sunday.

[You: Nothing in my schedule. Why?]

[Monika: Since everyone is free on Sunday, come to the park at 9 in the morning! I have a surprise for you~]

[Sayori: Woah, I can't wait! :O]

[Natsuki: K.]

[Yuri: I'm curious about this "surprise."]

[You: Alright.]

MC set his phone beside his head as he stared up at the ceiling of his bedroom. It was funny to think that he wouldn't have this friendship if he hadn't let Sayori drag him to the literature club. Before this, the coral-haired girl was his one and only friend.

If it wasn't for her, he would still stick with his unhealthy lifestyle of reading mangas, binge-watching anime, and playing games every day after school.

He closed his eyes, a small smile was on his lips. As exhaustion took over him, he drifted off to the realm of dreams.

Chapter Text

MC opened his eyes, momentarily disoriented as he took in the cream-colored walls around him. Rows of desks filled the room, and after a second, he recognized the setting.

This is the literature clubroom, he realized, his brow furrowing. But... why am I here?

He pinched his cheek, expecting a jolt of pain, but felt nothing. A dream, he thought, a little thrill running through him. A lucid one, too.

Lucid dreams were rare for him, and he felt a flicker of excitement at the control he'd just gained over this strange, nostalgic setting. Wandering around the familiar room, he couldn't help but wonder why, of all the places in his mind, he'd found himself here.

"MC."

A voice, familiar and unmistakable. Sayori's voice.

He turned, smiling in anticipation of the coral-haired girl's warm, cheerful face, but the smile froze as he took in what was really in front of him.

Half of the clubroom was gone, replaced by a jagged cliff that dropped into a dark void. Sayori stood at the very edge, her back to him, her shoulders slumped. When she turned to face him, her eyes were bloodshot, her gaze empty and cold.

"S-Sayori? What are you doing?" he stammered, trying to step closer. But his legs felt like lead, refusing to move. "Please... don't stand there. It's dangerous."

"But that's what everyone wants, isn't it?" she murmured.

A chill ran down his spine. "What are you talking about?"

"It hurts, MC." Her voice was barely a whisper, hoarse and raw. "To know that everyone's just... putting up with me. That I'm dragging down everyone's happiness."

"N-No, that's not true!" he shouted, his voice breaking. "You're not a burden, Sayori! Please, just come back."

A faint, sad smile tugged at her lips. "It doesn't matter anymore."

She took a step back, her foot hovering over the cliff's edge, her expression softening as a single tear traced down her cheek.

"Now... everyone can be happy."

His eyes widened, panic flooding him as he ran toward her, his hand outstretched, fingers reaching, desperate to grasp hers before she slipped away.

"SAYORI!!!"

MC jolted awake, gasping for air, his chest heaving as he tried to steady himself. His body was drenched in cold sweat, and his hand was still outstretched as if trying to reach someone. Blinking, he took in his surroundings: his bedroom, the morning sun shining through the window. He was safe, sitting on his bed.

He covered his face with his hands, inhaling deeply, forcing himself to calm down.

"It was just a dream... just a dream..." he whispered, his voice shaky.

But it had felt so real, so vivid, more like a memory than a dream.

After a moment, he lowered his hands and grabbed his phone, glancing at the time.

[7:37 a.m., Sunday.]

Right, he'd stayed up late playing games the night before. Setting his phone aside, he lay back, hoping to drift off again. Maybe he'd just sleep in today.

Yet, the image of Sayori falling off the cliff replayed over and over in his mind.

He opened his eyes with a sigh, realizing it would likely haunt him all day.

Come to think of it... wasn't he forgetting something?

Suddenly, his eyes widened in realization.

Monika's surprise!

He scrambled out of bed, rushing to get ready, but his left foot caught in the blanket, sending him face-first onto the floor.

"Ow..." he groaned, as his nose throbbed with pain.

What a great way to start the day.

Beep Beep Beep

Be quiet.

Beep Beep Beep

Shut up.

Beep Beep Be-

Sayori grabbed the alarm clock and hurled it against the wall. It shattered into a million pieces, adding to the chaos of her already cluttered bedroom. She panted, her eyes widened as she realized what she had just done.

"Oh no, oh no no no..." she murmured, struggling to get out of bed. She stumbled toward the scattered shards of the clock, desperately trying to piece them back together. "Please... please..."

This is what you are— problem. You break and ruin everything that's close to you.

Tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm sorry... I-I didn't mean to... I'm so sorry..."

What a mess. You're worse than useless. Everyone would be better off if you just disappeared.

She dropped the broken pieces and covered her face with her hands, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I'm sorry... I mess everything up... I'm sorry..."

Everyone would be happier if you were gone.

The rain clouds had returned again-those relentless, nagging thoughts that suffocated her.

Knock Knock Knock

The sudden sound startled her. She turned toward the door, wondering who it could be.

"Sayori, are you up?"

MC. It was his voice.

Panic set in. She quickly wiped her tears with her sleeves. "Y-yeah, MC! Don't come in yet, I'm not ready!" she called, forcing a cheerful tone. Once she felt ready, she put on a bright smile and opened the door to greet him. "Hiiii, MC!"

"Hey, Sayori," he replied weakly. "Did you sleep well last night?"

"Y-yep! I did! How about you-" she began, but then noticed something was off. "MC, are you okay? You look kinda gloomy..."

"Hm?" He looked at her, confusion in his eyes. "Ahh... it's nothing. I just... had a nightmare."

To his surprise, she wrapped her arms around him in a comforting hug. Looking up at him, she grinned. "A hug might chase that nightmare away!"

He stood there for a moment, taken aback, before a small chuckle escaped him. Pulling away from her, he smiled. "Your eyes are swollen. Are you alright?"

She was taken aback by his question. Had she really failed to hide her feelings? You made him worried about you, you worthless bitch.

"Ehehe, I kinda stayed up late last night..." she replied, forcing a lighthearted tone.

"That makes two of us," he said, glancing behind her. "And I can see your room is as messy as ever."

"I promise I'll clean it up soon!" she insisted, a hint of desperation in her voice.

Shaking his head, he gently guided her out of the room. "Go wash up. I'll take care of your room. We have to leave soon."

"E-eh, why?"

"Monika's surprise."

Her eyes widened in realization. Of course you'd forget about such important thing. Unbelievable. "I-I'll get ready then!" she exclaimed, rushing to the bathroom. She closed the door behind her and locked it, letting out a deep sigh.

He almost saw through her lies.

Slowly, she peeled off her clothes. Once undressed, she twisted the shower knob, letting the cold water cascade over her.

Burden.

That was who she is. A burden. To him. To everyone.

Monika hummed to herself, gazing out the window from the backseat of a car. She had done what she needed this morning. Now, onto her next plan; showing what she had prepared for her friends.

"You seem to be in quite a lively mood, Asano-san," her driver remarked, glancing at her through the rearview mirror.

Nodding, she replied, "Of course. I can't wait to see my friends and show them the surprise."

"If you ask me, that's a pretty huge surprise. I'm shocked that Asano-sama even agreed to your request."

"Ahaha, I guess you could say I have the privilege of being an only child," she said with a smile.

Looking back out the window, she hoped that the plan will work. It should be. If not...

She won't know what she'll do to repent..

Today is going to be a wonderful day, she's sure of it.

MC and Sayori walked side by side on their way to the park. MC glanced over occasionally, watching her hum cheerfully, a wide smile lighting up her face.

"You’re in a good mood today, huh?" he teased, smirking.

"E-eh? Is it that obvious?" She blushed, fiddling with her fingers. "I’m just happy to spend the day with everyone, you know?"

He nodded, smiling. As they looked ahead, they saw a familiar pink-haired girl sitting on a bench near the park entrance.

"Natsuki! Good morning!" Sayori called, dashing toward her with her arms open.

Natsuki’s expression shifted from calm to alarm as Sayori lunged toward her. She quickly slid sideways on the bench, leaving Sayori grabbing thin air and pouting in disappointment.

"Aww, why’d you dodge?" Sayori sulked. "I just wanted a hug—"

"No thanks," Natsuki said, pressing a hand to Sayori’s forehead to hold her back. Then she turned to MC and gave a nod. "Morning, MC."

"Good morning, Natsuki," he replied, smiling back. Glancing around, he added, "Wait, where are the others? I thought Sayori and I would be the last to get here."

Natsuki shrugged. "Beats me. I didn’t expect to be the first, either."

Just then, a soft voice came from behind them. "G-good morning, everyone..." They turned to see Yuri approaching shyly, nervously twirling a strand of her hair.

"Yuri! Good morning!" MC greeted her warmly.

Seeing Yuri, Sayori ran over and hugged her instead, still sulking. "Yuriii... Natsuki doesn’t want to hug me..."

Yuri’s cheeks flushed as she returned the hug hesitantly. "O-oh, really? I... I’m sorry to hear that."

Natsuki rolled her eyes, crossing her arms as she looked around. "Now all we need is Moni—"

"Hey, guys!"

"WAHHH!!!" The four of them jumped as Monika suddenly appeared beside them.

Monika laughed at their reactions. "Did I scare you guys?"

"Yes," Natsuki grumbled, shooting her a glare. "Where the heck did you come from?"

"Sorry, sorry." Monika chuckled, then motioned toward a sleek white car parked nearby. "Come on—my driver’s waiting over there."

They nodded and followed her to the car. Monika took the passenger seat up front, while the others piled into the back. Once they were settled, the car started moving toward their destination.

"So…" Sayori spoke up, glancing at Monika. "Where are we actually going?"

"I-I'm curious too," Yuri added. "What kind of surprise do you have planned for us?"

"Same here," MC said, nodding.

"This better not be anything weird, Monika," Natsuki added, eyeing her suspiciously.

Monika looked back at them through the rearview mirror with a mischievous smile. Giving them a playful wink, she said,

"You’ll see soon enough."

Chapter Text

The car drove away, leaving five high schoolers standing in stunned silence on the pavement. Four of them gazed up in awe, eyes wide and mouths agape, while Monika strolled confidently ahead. Turning back to face them, she put her hands behind her back, leaning forward with a grin.

"Surprise! I bet none of you saw this coming!"

"M-Monika..." Sayori was the first to find her voice.

"How…" MC stammered, still in shock.

"..." Yuri was speechless, eyes fixated on the sight in front of them.

Finally, Natsuki burst out, "Monika, how the hell did you buy a literal HOUSE?!"

Yep, the surprise was an actual house. In front of them stood a large, modern home, with sleek metal gates and a well-kept lawn. The white-painted walls gleamed in the sunlight, and the maroon-tiled roof cast a comfortable shade over the entrance.

“Well,” Monika shrugged with a playful smile. “I asked my dad if he could rent a place for the literature club, and he went ahead and bought one instead.”

“Seriously, how much did he pay for this?” MC asked, still processing the shock.

“About... 100 million yen, I think?”

“A hundred mil… Wow, Monika, I knew you were well-off, but this is next level!” he said, impressed.

“T-to be honest, buying a whole house for a small school club is a bit much, isn’t it?” Yuri murmured, running a hand along the wall.

Monika laughed. “Yeah, but when my dad gets enthusiastic about something, there’s no stopping him.”

Yuri nodded, smiling softly. “W-well, we’ll have to thank Mr. Asano, then.”

“What are we waiting for?” Sayori suddenly piped up. “Hand over the keys, Monika!”

Monika tossed them to her, and Sayori caught them with a cheer. “Let’s go, everyone!” she called, unlocking the front door and charging in.

The others followed, taking off their shoes as they stepped inside. They were greeted by a living room, its wooden floor gleaming beneath their feet. A medium-sized couch and an armchair sat across from a sleek, mounted television, and the whole space felt spacious and stylish.

“Let me guess—you furnished the place too?” MC glanced over at Monika, who merely gave a knowing shrug.

“Ohhh, I’ll check out the kitchen!” Natsuki exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

“I-I’ll come with you,” Yuri added shyly, and the two girls made their way into the kitchen, eager to explore.

Meanwhile, Sayori’s voice rang out from upstairs. “Monika! MC! You have to come see this!”

Exchanging curious glances, Monika and MC headed up. The second floor had a long hallway with doors lining either side, leading to what looked like bedrooms. One door on the left was open, and they peeked inside to find Sayori sprawled across a large, comfortable bed.

“Mine! This is my room now!” she announced with a grin, glancing over at them with pride.

Laughing, Monika and MC stepped inside to examine the room. A queen-sized bed sat in the middle, with Sayori happily bouncing on it. A wardrobe stood to one side, perfect for storing clothes, and a desk with a chair occupied the other. The decor was simple, but the new furnishings gave everything a fresh feel.

“The other rooms are probably similar,” MC remarked, opening the wardrobe and inhaling the scent of new wood. Turning around, he noticed Monika joining Sayori on the bed.

“Not too soft, not too hard,” Monika said, giving the mattress an approving pat. “Just the right amount of bounce.”

Sayori laughed. “This bed is way bigger than mine at home!”

“Same here,” MC added with a chuckle.

Meanwhile, Natsuki was curiously opening cupboards and drawers in the kitchen, inspecting their contents. Yuri stood nearby, taking in the kitchen’s sleek, modern look, with its white cabinets and dark brown accents.

"Whoa! This kitchen is stocked with ingredients!" Natsuki exclaimed, quickly pulling out several items and setting them on the counter—eggs, flour, vanilla extract, baking powder, vinegar, salt. "Yuri! Check the fridge—see if there’s any milk!"

Yuri nodded, walking over and opening the fridge. It was packed with fresh groceries, including a carton of milk. *What doesn’t this kitchen have?* she thought, impressed.

She grabbed the milk, closed the door, and placed it on the counter. "So, um… Natsuki, what are you planning to make with all this?"

Natsuki flashed a grin. "I’m pretty hungry, so I figured, why not make pancakes?" She grabbed a mixing bowl and a whisk. "And I’ll make extra just in case the others are hungry too."

Pancakes, huh? Yuri thought, smiling softly. "That’s very thoughtful of you, Natsuki."

Natsuki’s cheeks turned pink, and she quickly looked away. "W-well, don’t get any ideas! I’m just hungry, okay? If there’s extra, maybe the others can have some… or maybe not!"

Yuri blinked, momentarily taken aback. Did I say something wrong?

"A-anyway," Natsuki stammered, trying to cover her embarrassment, "you can handle the drinks. I think there’s a set of teacups in that drawer, and a box of tea sachets."

Yuri nodded and walked over to the drawers, opening them until she found a set of elegant teacups and a box of assorted tea sachets. She selected a blend of lavender, thinking it would complement the pancakes nicely. Setting everything on the counter, she began to heat water in the electric kettle.

As she worked, she couldn’t help but watch Natsuki, who was expertly cracking eggs and measuring out flour with a precision that surprised her. There was a sense of confidence in Natsuki’s movements, and Yuri found herself admiring how natural and relaxed she looked in the kitchen.

After a few moments, Natsuki glanced up and caught Yuri watching her. "What’s up? You look like you’ve never seen someone cook before."

Yuri quickly looked away, her cheeks warming. "O-oh, sorry… I didn’t mean to stare. You’re just… very skilled at this."

Natsuki gave a small smirk, clearly pleased but trying to play it cool. "Well, I am the best baker in the Literature Club. You've tried my cupcakes before—they’re even better than pancakes."

Yuri smiled softly. "I love them."

Natsuki’s blush deepened, and she looked away, returning whisking the batter with even more enthusiasm. Meanwhile, the kettle clicked, signaling the water was ready. Yuri poured it over the tea sachets, letting the aroma fill the air.

Soon, the smell of pancakes cooking on the stove joined the fragrance of freshly brewed tea. The whole kitchen felt warm and welcoming, and for a moment, Yuri forgot about her usual anxieties. She felt a quiet contentment, enjoying this shared, simple task with Natsuki.

A voice called out from the hallway, breaking the peaceful moment. "Whoa, what smells so good?"

It was Sayori, followed by MC and Monika. They entered the kitchen, eyes widening at the sight of the tea and the stack of fluffy pancakes Natsuki was flipping on the skillet.

“Pancakes!” Sayori cheered, clapping her hands.

MC gave Natsuki an impressed nod. "Wow, you’ve really outdone yourself, Natsuki."

Monika smiled warmly. "This is such a nice surprise! Thank you, Natsuki and Yuri."

Natsuki shrugged, trying to keep her cool. "Yeah, well… I just figured everyone might want something to eat. Don't think too much of it."

Sayori was about to hug Natsuki before receiving a glare from her, to which she pouted.

Yuri placed the teacups on the table, offering one to each person. "We thought some tea might go well with it."

Sayori eagerly took a cup and sniffed the calming aroma. "Ahh, this is so nice! It’s like a mini tea party!"

Everyone gathered around the kitchen table, chatting and laughing as they helped themselves to pancakes and tea. Although each of them have different troubles on their minds, those magically cleared away in the company of the others.

"Sayori, could you pass me the bucket? I can’t quite reach it," Monika called, glancing over her shoulder.

"Got it!" Sayori nodded, bringing the bucket of paint over and setting it beside her.

After their meal, the group decided to pick rooms and paint the walls together in their favorite colors. Monika and Sayori chose the rooms on the left, while Yuri and Natsuki took the ones on the right. MC opted for the room at the end of the corridor, deciding to keep the walls white. They had already finished painting Yuri's room in a gentle shade of lavender and Monika's in a deep emerald green.

Now, Sayori and Monika were working on Sayori's room, while Yuri and MC helped Natsuki with hers. Sayori had chosen a bright, soothing shade of azure.

The two of them painted in companionable silence, the walls slowly filling with color. Occasionally, Monika glanced over at Sayori, who was humming softly, a smile lighting up her face.

"Hey, Sayori?"

"Hm?" Sayori turned, her expression as open and cheerful as always. "Yeah, Monika? What’s up?"

Monika put down her brush, opening her mouth to speak, then hesitated. What if I make things worse? She took a slow, calming breath. But if I don’t ask now...

"Sayori… how have you been holding up? With your... thoughts?"

Sayori froze, her smile faltering. "O-oh, those thoughts? I think I'm doing okay! Really, there's nothing to wor—"

"They're back, aren’t they?" Monika interrupted gently. "They’re still there, aren’t they?"

Sayori felt her fingers go numb, and the brush slipped from her grasp. Why is she bringing this up now? "Monika, I told you, it's fine. Really, I’m fine..."

But Monika looked at her with that same, deep sadness in her eyes. Her gaze was heavy, as if she were carrying some unspoken regret. Why does she look so serious? Isn’t this supposed to be a happy day?

No, it’s because of you. You’re the problem here.

Sayori shook her head quickly, forcing a grin. "Oh, come on! You’re being silly! I told you, everything’s al—"

She stopped mid-sentence as Monika wrapped her arms around her in a warm, tight hug.

"Sayori... you might be able to hide it from everyone else, but from me? You’re like an open book." Monika's voice was gentle. "You trust me, don’t you? So tell me… I’m here to listen, not to judge, okay?"

Sayori hesitated, then slowly rested her head on Monika's shoulder, letting out a shaky sigh. "Y-yes… they’re… they’re back, Monika."

Monika held Sayori a little tighter, sensing the quiet struggle in her friend’s voice. For a moment, the sound of paintbrushes and soft humming from the other room faded, leaving just the two of them in this shared, fragile silence.

"I’m sorry," Sayori whispered. "I didn’t want to make you worry. It’s just… everyone’s been so happy lately. I didn’t want to ruin it."

"You don’t have to apologize, Sayori," Monika said softly. "This isn’t about ruining anything. We’re all here for you, you know? I’m here for you." She pulled back just enough to look Sayori in the eyes, brushing a stray lock of coral hair away from her friend’s face. "You don’t have to hide when things get hard."

Sayori’s gaze dropped to the floor, her fingers nervously picking at the edge of her sleeve. "It’s just… the thoughts... they're back..." she murmured, struggling to find the words. "No matter what I do, they're there, pulling me back. I feel like… like I’m a burden again. Everyone else is so bright and happy, and here I am just… dragging things down."

Monika listened, her expression softening even further. Her heart broke a little at Sayori’s words. "You’re not a burden, Sayori. You’re… you’re one of the kindest, brightest people I know. And you make us all happier just by being here."

Sayori blinked, a faint shimmer appearing in her eyes as she absorbed Monika’s words. "You really think so?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"I know so," Monika replied firmly. "And if you’re feeling heavy, then let me help you carry some of it, even if it’s just for a little while." She took Sayori’s hand gently, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You don’t have to do this alone."

Sayori looked down at their hands, feeling a warmth spreading through her chest. Monika’s words were simple, but they were enough to make her feel… less alone. Like maybe, for once, she didn’t have to bear everything in silence.

"Thank you, Monika," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Really, thank you."

Monika gave her a small, comforting smile. "Anytime, Sayori. And… don’t forget, I’m here. If you ever need someone to talk to, even if it’s in the middle of the night, I’ll be there."

Sayori’s smile returned, shy but genuine this time. "I think… I think I’d like that."

The two of them sat there for a moment, hands still clasped, an unspoken understanding passing between them. It was as if, in this moment, they had carved out a small corner of safety in a world that often felt overwhelming.

Finally, Monika let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding and grinned. "Alright then! Enough serious talk for one day. Let’s get this room painted so you can officially call it yours, okay?"

Sayori nodded, picking up her brush with a newfound sense of calm. "Yeah! Let’s make it the best-looking room in the house!"

As they returned to painting, Sayori felt a weight lift slightly from her shoulders. She knew. For now, this was enough. Maybe... this was enough.

Burden.

Or not.

"Sayori?" Monika suddenly spoke again, softly. "Have you… thought about telling MC?"

Sayori’s brush paused mid-stroke. Her eyes widened slightly, and she looked down, the familiar uncertainty returning to her expression. "MC?" she echoed, as if she hadn’t expected Monika to bring him up. "I… I don’t know. I don’t want him to think I’m just trying to get attention or that I’m… too much."

Monika shook her head. "Sayori, I don’t think he would ever think that. You mean a lot to him. I can see how much he cares about you." She placed a gentle hand on Sayori’s shoulder. "You’ve been friends for so long. If there’s anyone who would want to help you through this, it’s him."

Sayori’s gaze drifted, a mix of hope and worry crossing her face. "I know he cares… and I care about him too, so much. But… what if he sees me differently? What if he thinks I’m… broken? A-and... I don't want to be a burden to him..."

Monika’s expression softened, and she gave Sayori’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You won't, and he wouldn’t. Trust me, he’ll understand. And maybe… it would even help him understand why you’re sometimes so quiet or sad. I think you deserve to have someone like him know the real you, Sayori—the full you."

Sayori felt her heart flutter with both fear and a small sense of relief. Part of her wanted so much to let MC in, to let him know what she had been carrying. But the fear still lingered—fear of being judged, of being a burden, of somehow pushing him away.

Seeing her hesitation, Monika spoke up again, her tone gentle but steady. "You don’t have to tell him everything all at once. Just… start small. Maybe a little at a time, whenever you feel ready. But letting him in could make things feel… a bit lighter."

Sayori took a slow, steadying breath. "Maybe… maybe you’re right," she murmured. "Maybe I could try. I do want him to know me better, even… even the parts I’m not proud of." She managed a small smile. "Thank you, Monika. I think… I think that could help."

Monika smiled back, seeing a new determination in Sayori’s eyes. "I’m here for you, and so is he. Just remember that."

As they continued painting, Sayori’s mind wandered, now filled with thoughts of MC. Yeah, he should know. Maybe this would-

Burdening him? Wow, you're such a parasite.

Great.

Just as Monika and Sayori continued painting, a loud noise echoed from down the hall, interrupting the quiet moment. It sounded like a startled yelp followed by a flurry of laughter and voices.

"Watch out, Yuri!" came MC’s voice, a mix of surprise and worry.

"Hey! That was close!" Natsuki’s voice chimed in, clearly exasperated but with a hint of laughter.

"I-I’m so sorry!" Yuri’s voice sounded flustered, and Monika and Sayori could practically picture her blushing. "I didn’t mean to bump into the ladder…"

Sayori giggled, glancing toward the doorway with a smile. "Sounds like they’re having fun. I wonder what they’re up to?"

Monika grinned, shaking her head. "I’m not sure I want to know. But I’m guessing someone just had a little… mishap with the paint."

Before Sayori could respond, MC’s voice called out down the hall. "Hey, Monika! Sayori! You should come see this!"

They exchanged a curious glance, setting their brushes down and heading out of the room. As they reached the doorway of Natsuki’s room, they found a scene that looked like something straight out of a comedy show.

Yuri stood near the ladder, her face flushed as she held a paintbrush. A small streak of pink paint ran across her cheek, and she was looking down apologetically. Meanwhile, Natsuki was standing with her arms crossed, glaring up at MC, who looked thoroughly amused. A splatter of lavender paint was speckled across Natsuki’s hair, and a few drops had somehow made their way onto MC’s nose.

"Looks like you three got a little creative in here," Monika remarked, raising an eyebrow with a smirk.

Natsuki huffed, trying to brush the paint out of her hair. "Creative? More like clumsy! Yuri almost knocked the whole ladder over!"

"I-I didn’t mean to!" Yuri stammered, clearly embarrassed. "I was just reaching for more paint, and…"

MC chuckled, wiping his nose with the back of his hand. "Hey, accidents happen, right? Just made things more.. colorful."

Sayori laughed, her worries momentarily forgotten as she looked at the paint-speckled group. "Well, at least it looks like everyone’s having fun!"

Natsuki let out a small laugh despite herself, glancing at her paint-covered hands. "Yeah, I guess so. But next time, maybe we should keep the paint off each other and on the walls."

Monika grinned, nudging Sayori. "Looks like we should get back to work before we end up looking like them."

Sayori nodded, smiling softly as she watched her friends. She felt a little warmer, her spirits lifted by their laughter and the easygoing chaos around her.

Maybe everyone is happy anyway.

And you're dragging it all down with you.

Chapter Text

"Uwahh, I'm all spent!"

Sayori leaned against the wall of the living room, stretching her arms and legs to shake off the fatigue from a long day of painting the bedrooms. It was already late in the evening when the group finally finished their work.

Right now, Sayori and MC were in the living room, while the other three were busy in the kitchen preparing dinner. The coral-haired girl was eager to help, but they had insisted she had done enough. (Honestly, she had put in as much effort as MC, showcasing her boundless energy.) MC was more than happy to take a rest.

"Why are you on the floor? There’s a perfectly good sofa right here," MC said, sitting down onto the cushion.

"Oh yeah, I forgot."

"How did you forget something like that?"

Sayori stood up, connected her index fingers nervously, and then plopped down beside him. "Mmm... I could really use a good sleep right now..."

"And you wanted to help with dinner?"

"H-hey, I just want to be useful, that's all..."

She yawned, and MC watched her, thinking. After a moment, he sighed and pulled her closer, resting her head on his shoulder. She blushed, surprised by the sudden gesture. "M-MC?"

"You looked tired, so just relax."

For a brief moment, she was quiet, then she giggled softly.

"What’s so funny?" MC asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing, you're just such a sweetheart, you know?"

He turned away, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Don’t make a big deal out of it."

A comfortable silence enveloped them for a few seconds before Sayori broke it. "Hey, MC?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you happy?"

Intrigued by her question, he asked back, "Why?"

"Just asking."

"Well," MC said, giving it a thought, "I think this is the happiest I've been."

"Why?"

"Because now I have the literature club with me."

"Do you think everyone else is happy too?"

"I hope so."

"...have I managed to make everyone happy?"

That question triggered MC's concern. Glancing at Sayori, he could see she had the same smile she always has on her face. But for some reasons, he could feel a feeling of somber radiating from her.

"Sayori, do you have anything in your mind?"

She let out a heavy sigh and responded, "Can... can I tell you something, MC?"

He nodded, waiting for her to start.

Sayori took a deep breath a let it out slowly, finding the courage to say the words. Monika said he will understand, she thought. After a few moments, she spoke,

"I... I have depression."

MC froze upon hearing that. Sayori, his cheerful and bubbly childhood friend was suffering from such a condition? No, she must be joking. This was not something you could take lightly. "You... you're kidding, right?"

She straightened her body and turned to him, still smiling. "Do you remember when my parents died?"

"...two years ago?"

Nodding, she asked again, "Did you know how they passed away?"

Now that she mentioned it, he never did found out about the details. He only knew that her father passed away first, followed by her mother 3 months later. He heard rumours about it, but he didn't put much thought at that time since he and his family was busy taking of Sayori. Shaking his head, he replied, "N-no, I... didn't."

Taking a deep breath, she continued. "That Sunday night, my parents... got into an argument. It was just a light banter, but... things escalated quickly. Dad left the house with the car, fuming while Mom stayed at home. Usually, Dad would go home after calming his mind and made up with Mom. But that night... he didn't."

"An accident?" MC guessed.

Sayori didn't answer, and continued, "Mom... blamed herself for his death. She fell into a state of grief because of it. Skipping meals, sleeping in, crying often—she was more of a ghost than a person."

"I tried my best to cheer her up... telling her that it wasn't her fault. She'd smile at me, telling me not to worry. I did, and... we went on with our lives. I thought things would get better from there."

"Mom would always hug me before I walk to school with you. That... that day, I felt her hug was tighter than usual, as if... she didn't want to let go. I shrugged it off and went to school. Because of an appointment with a teacher, I got home later that day. When I arrived... there was no sound at all. Deafening, even. I opened the door to Mom's bedroom and found-"

MC heard Sayori's breath hitched. He glanced and realized the coral-haired girl was crying. He had never seen her cry in a long time, not even at the funeral of her parents. Last time he did, it was back when they were still children, when she fell down while playing.

"M-maybe..." Sayori spoke in a soft voice, slow, "Maybe if I went home earlier that day, she would still be with me. If only... if only I made her happy. If only I wasn't a burden. If only..."  Tears were trickling down her eyes.

"Sayori..." MC said, looking at her with concern. How could I not know this?

"And... that was when the rainclouds started to appear. Raining, pouring down on me. Drowning me in their water. Suffocating me with damp air. Punishing me for not making my mom happy." Her voice cracked. "I know... I know that they're not true. But what if they are? What if I am a burden? What if I am just taking away everyone's happiness away? What if I couldn't make people happy like how I couldn't with my mom?"

He didn't know what to say. He had never experienced whatever Sayori was experiencing right now. For the first time in his life, he felt helpless for not being able to say anything. How could he?

Sayori looked at MC and smiled somberly, "You don't understand, do you?"

That sentence from her was like a stab to his heart, a brick thrown to his face. He opened his mouth, trying to say something that would comfort her, but nothing came out.

She looked away and sighed, frowning at her own words. "See? I only hurt the people I care about. I should just d—"

She froze when she felt MC's body close to her. His arms wrapped around her body, pulling her into an embrace. It reminded her of earlier, with Monika.

"MC?" she asked, surprised. This was unusual for him to do.

He felt the same uncertainty. Why did I do this? But he couldn't--No, he musn't pull away now. Slowly, the words formed  sentences in his head and he spoke, "I guess... you're right. I... don't understand what you feel because... I never experienced those things. But, that doesn't mean I don't care about you. I do, Sayori. We all do."

"And if I can't help you by understanding what you feel, then... let me be here for you when you need someone to lean to."

All of a sudden, Sayori felt a heavy burden was lifted off of her shpulders. He was here for her, telling her that she could trust him. She was quiet for a while before suddenly giggling, contrasting her previous mood.

"Seriously, you're always laughing out of nowhere."

"You really are a sweetheart, MC."

He sighed, but let her be, his arms still wrapped around her. He heard her voice, barely above a whisper, but he heard it clearly,

"Thank you... MC."

A small smile formed on his face. After a few quiet minutes, he felt her body relaxed and heard her snoring softly. He rested her head on his shoulder and leaned back against the sofa. Slowly, he drifted off to sleep aswell.

Monika walked into the living room. "MC, Sayori, dinner's ready! Let's eat-" she exclaimed, then pause upon seeing the two sleeping on tbe couch. A smile crept to her face and she let out a soft sigh, mumbling, "She finally opened up to him..."

Natsuki took a peak beside her and grumbled, "Great, they're both sleeping. I'll wake them both up—"

"Let's just... leave them be," Monika said, holding her arm out and stopping Natsuki just in time. "We'll wake them in 10 minutes or so."

The pink-haired girl rolled her eyes. "Right. The food is gonna be cold by then."

Yuri joined in and whispered slowly, "They look so... peaceful."

Monika nodded, still smiling.

"I guess they are."

Chapter Text

"Are you sure you guys don’t need me to drive you home?"

"Monika," Natsuki replied, crossing her arms with a little smirk, "that's the fourth time you've asked since we left the house, and my answer’s still no."

"Same here," MC chimed in, smiling. "Sayori and I will walk home together anyway."

The coral-haired girl beside him nodded eagerly. "Yeah, no need to worry, Monika!"

Yuri joined in, her voice soft and gentle. "Our place isn’t too far from here either. We’ll be fine."

Monika sighed, her eyes scanning each of them, concern etched across her face. "Well, I guess there’s no convincing you guys. It’s already 10, so stay safe, okay? Don’t walk in dark areas, don’t follow strangers, and go straight home. Got it?"

"Understood, Mother Moni," they all chorused, a hint of playful sarcasm in their voices.

Monika blushed, laughing a little as she shook her head. With a final wave, she slipped back into her car. "Goodnight, everyone! I’ll see you all on Monday!" she called, her voice carrying through the night as the car pulled away. The four waved back, watching her leave with fond smiles.

Leaning back against the car seat, Monika allowed herself to relax, exhaustion settling over her. Yet, beneath the fatigue was a quiet sense of happiness. Today had been wonderful—their time together, the plans for the club, the new clubhouse waiting for all the activities and memories they’d build. She couldn’t wait to get home and tell her father everything.

And she hoped the plan would be a success.

"You’ll be alright?"

"Gee, MC, you’ve asked me that like five times already," Sayori said, letting out a lighthearted chuckle. "You’re starting to sound just like Monika!"

MC laughed softly, scratching the back of his neck. "Well, that’s good to hear."

They stopped in front of Sayori’s door, the gentle glow from her porch light illuminating her face. She took a few steps toward the door, her hand hovering over the doorknob before she suddenly stopped, shoulders tensing.

"Sayori?" MC asked, his brow furrowing in concern.

Without a word, she turned around and quickly closed the gap between them, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. MC’s breath caught as she hugged him, her hold surprisingly firm. "Uh, Sayori?"

"Just… a bit longer…" she murmured, her voice barely audible against his shoulder.

He let out a quiet sigh, gently wrapping his arms around her in return. They stood there for a few long moments, the world around them silent except for the soft hum of distant traffic. He could feel her cling to him, her grip tighter than usual, as if she were grounding herself in his presence. But he didn’t mind; he’d always known her to be a bear-hugger, and tonight, she needed that closeness. Finally, they parted, Sayori stepping back with a shy smile.

"Well then!" she said, her usual brightness returning as she gave him a little wave. "Goodnight, MC!" she called cheerfully, flashing him one of her trademark smiles.

"Goodnight, Sayori," MC replied, smiling back as he raised his hand in a wave. "I’ll see you tomorrow."

He noticed the way she froze for a second when he said those words, her smile faltering ever so slightly before she regained her composure. With a small nod, she turned, slipping inside and closing the door behind her. MC watched the door for a moment, a lingering sense of unease settling in his chest. He sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets as he headed home.

Later, after washing up and getting ready for bed, MC stretched, then collapsed onto his bed with a tired groan. The familiar softness of his mattress seemed to swallow him whole, pulling him into its embrace as he stared up at the white ceiling. A faint, soft glow from the streetlight outside his window crept in, casting long, shifting shadows that danced across the ceiling. He found himself tracing those shadows, trying to quiet his mind, but thoughts kept churning, unwilling to let him rest.

Today had been intense, in the best and worst ways. It was the kind of day he’d relive over and over, if only he could keep every memory safe and unchanged. He replayed each moment in his mind: Monika’s excitement as she showed them the new clubhouse, the endless banter between Yuri and Natsuki, and then… Sayori.

His heart clenched as he thought of her. Sayori—the bright, cheerful friend who’d always been there with a smile and a laugh. And yet, today, he’d seen beyond the facade she kept up, beyond the brightness. Learning about her depression had left him shaken, a sharp ache settling deep inside him. How had he not noticed? The signs had been there, hidden in plain sight. But he’d missed them, lost in his own world. For how long?

He turned onto his side, curling into himself as if he could shield himself from the pain he felt on her behalf. He’d thought he knew her, but there was so much more beneath her smile. From now on, he needed to be there for her, to watch over her, to make sure she knew she wasn’t alone in the shadows she faced.

Staring up at the ceiling again, he exhaled, a tired, heavy sigh. For a moment, he wondered if just being there was enough—if he could really make a difference. But he had to try. They were all precious to him, and he’d do whatever it took to protect them.

With a final, exhausted sigh, he reached over, switching off his bedside lamp. Darkness filled the room, surrounding him in quiet solitude. His mind drifted, thoughts growing hazy as sleep finally began to tug him under. His last thought, simple but steady, echoed in the silence:

Tomorrow. I’ll be there for her, for all of them. No matter what.

Burden. Selfish. Useless. Worthless. Leech. Trash. 

Sayori lay in her bed, clamping her eyes shut, her hands pressed tightly over her ears as if she could block out the relentless, echoing voices that filled her mind. Of course, it was futile; they were rooted too deep, clawing at her from the inside.

Burdening him with your problems. Selfish bitch.

She had thought telling him would ease her pain, not make it worse. But now, guilt gnawed at her, feeding the darkness. Just shut up… shut up…

Her hopes felt distant, unreachable. The ache in her chest seemed endless, a heavy weight crushing her spirit. You're nothing but a burden, a problem better off gone.

No!

She choked out the word, desperate to silence the voices. Her mind replayed MC’s words from earlier:

"I’ll see you tomorrow."

Hands still pressed to her ears, she curled into herself, clinging to that single thought, that fragile lifeline. Tomorrow would be better. She had to see him tomorrow. He wanted to see her tomorrow.

"Please… just a bit longer…" she whispered into the darkness, tears slipping down her cheeks.

Die.

Chapter Text

Beep Beep Beep

The brown-haired boy slowly opened his eyes, taking in the darkness surrounding his bedroom. A dull, lingering headache pulsed in his head. Massaging his temple, MC reluctantly got up, grabbed his phone, and turned off the alarm. He checked the time.

[6:31 a.m., Monday]

Huh, he thought, I never set my alarm this early. He could lay back down and continue sleeping, but he didn’t. Instead, he got up, headed downstairs, and trudged into the kitchen. Opening a drawer, he took out a tray of painkillers, popped two, grabbed a glass of water, and swallowed them, chugging down the water afterward.

MC stood there for a moment, hands gripping the edge of the counter, eyes closed as he considered his next move. Once the headache faded, he opened his eyes and headed back upstairs, deciding to get ready for school. 

After all, being early every once in a while wouldn’t hurt.

MC glanced in the mirror and fixed his hair, usually a mess but manageable with time today. Once satisfied, he opened the door and stepped out of the house.

After locking the door, he turned around, looking up at the sky. It was blue and clear, with the sun shining down. Taking in a deep breath of the crisp morning air, he was reminded of a certain coral-haired, blue-eyed girl. Turning to his right, he walked toward Sayori’s house.

She’s probably sleeping in again, he thought.

Upon arrival, he gave the door a few knocks. Silence. Of course, if she was sleeping in, she wouldn’t answer. How stupid of me, he sighed, twisting the doorknob. It was fine if it was locked—after all, they’d exchanged spare keys before.

The door swung open.

That’s odd, he thought. First, his alarm, now Sayori’s door. A sense of uneasiness crept over him.

He walked in carefully, looking around the house. It had been a while since he’d been here. Sticking to his purpose, he climbed the stairs to Sayori’s room. Reaching her door, he knocked. “Sayori, are you awake?” he asked.

No response.

For some reason, goosebumps prickled his skin. He knocked again. “Sayori? Wake up, dummy…”

Still no response.

He was about to reach for the doorknob when her voice came from the other side, “Y-yeah, I’m up. Why are you here, MC?”

Relieved, he let out a breath. “Well, today’s Monday, and for some reason, my alarm was set too early. Can I come in?”

“N-no, don’t,” she stammered, “I’m not ready yet.”

“Ah, alright. I’ll wait in the living room, then, okay?” He smiled and turned toward the stairs. It’s good she’s awake this early, he thought. She usually wakes up later. Just as his hand reached for the railing—

BAM

A loud noise erupted from her room. Something had fallen. Turning, alarmed, he called out, “Sayori?” Then, grasping the doorknob, he gently opened the door…

The color drained from his face at the sight before him.

Sayori hung a few feet off the ground, her neck ensnared by a noose. Her hands clawed at the rope, desperation and terror etched on her face.

“SAYORI!!!”

Without a second thought, MC rushed forward, grabbing her legs and lifting her, trying to ease the weight off her neck. Damn gravity, he thought, struggling to give her room to breathe. Hearing her raspy breaths—a sign she was still alive—spurred him on.

Scanning the room frantically, he spotted a fallen chair. He used his foot to pull it closer, setting it upright beneath her. He positioned her feet on the chair while still holding her up.

Now for the rope. His gaze darted around the room, desperately searching for something sharp. A glint caught his eye—a kitchen knife lying next to a bundle of rope. He hesitated only a moment before releasing her legs, grabbing the knife, and cutting through the rope in one swift motion. The rope fell, and Sayori collapsed. He caught her, their combined weight sending him crashing to the ground. Pain flared in his body as his bottom hit the floor, but he didn’t care. All that mattered was that Sayori was safe. He held her tightly, unwilling to let go.

The two stayed there, panting. Sayori’s ragged breathing gradually grew steadier. Neither of them spoke.

At last, Sayori pulled away. She looked down at her hands, noticing they were bloodied from clawing at the rope. Slowly, she raised them to feel her neck, and a sharp pain shot through her, followed by a stinging sensation. She winced.

When she looked up, her eyes met MC’s—filled with worry, pain, and… something else. Her chest tightened. Why? Why would he care this much… for someone like me?

Then the voice in her head returned, cruel and relentless.

He was worried for you.

He had just saved your life. Pathetic. You couldn’t even kill yourself properly. What a failure. You should have died. He’d wasted his time to save you—a worthless piece of crap. Just die. Die. Everyone would be happier once you are DEAD.

“Sayori?”

Her hands suddenly rose to her neck, pressing harder, gripping tight, as if trying to finish what she’d started. MC’s eyes widened as he grabbed her wrists and yelled, “No! Sayori, stop!”

Loosening her grip, he quickly pried her hands away from her neck, and as he looked at her, a shiver ran down his spine. The vibrant, energetic eyes he once knew were gone, replaced by lifeless pale blue.

“I’m so fucking worthless.”

Those words pierced him. Tears built up in her eyes, one trickling down her cheek. Her hollow gaze met his as a bitter laugh escaped her lips.

“I’m useless, right, MC? I couldn’t even hang myself properly.” She laughed again, chilling him. Tears now poured from her eyes as she continued, “What a joke. I’m such a failure in life. Everyone will be happier once I’m dead—”

Her sentence was abruptly silenced as her face pressed into MC’s chest. He’d pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her tightly. She could hear his shaky breaths. She could feel his body trembling.

He was afraid.

When he finally spoke, his voice was a barely audible whisper, but she heard it.

“Sayori… I’m… I’m here for you.”

He was here for her.

Everything that had happened in the last few minutes crashed over her like a sudden downpour.

She almost died. She almost left everyone and everything she loved behind.

Monika, Yuri, Natsuki, MC, the literature club.

She almost left them all behind.

Her arms found their way around him, fingers digging into his school uniform as the realization dawned. Tears flowed uncontrollably; her body trembled as she sobbed.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I am so sorry,” she cried. “I’m sorry for being a burden! I’m sorry for making you worry! I’m sorry!”

He didn’t respond. Gently, he stroked the back of her head as she poured her heart out.

“I’m so fucking worthless! I’m useless! I couldn’t even die properly! All I do is make everyone around me miserable and unhappy! I’m a pain in the ass! I’m annoying! I’m just a bother! Everyone is just putting up with me! I hate myself! I hate myself! I hate myself for existing!”

As she finished, she buried her face in his chest, crying softly. Her breaths returned to ragged gasps. MC felt his uniform getting soaked with her tears, but he didn’t care. All that mattered was being there for Sayori, showing her that everything would be okay.

The problem was… he didn’t know what to say. He couldn’t fully understand what she felt, and he was afraid he might say something wrong, something that would make things worse. So he kept quiet, gently stroking her hair. After a few minutes, her sobs began to quiet, her breathing steadied, and soft snores escaped her. She had fallen asleep, exhausted from everything that had just happened.

He took out his phone and dialed.

Tit… Tit… Tit…

“Hello, Emergency Helpline at your service. How may I assist you?”

Chapter Text

The stark white halls of the hospital seemed almost blinding under the fluorescent lights. The faint, sterile scent of antiseptic clung to the air, sharp and inescapable. MC inhaled deeply, trying to steady his racing thoughts, but each breath only seemed to remind him of where he was. Nurses and doctors passed by, their hurried steps echoing faintly.

To say he was waiting patiently would be a lie. His pacing betrayed the storm of anxiety inside him. Every few seconds, his gaze darted to the ward doors where Sayori was. He clenched and unclenched his fists, his mind buzzing with every possibility, every “what if.” All he wanted was for the doctor to walk out with good news.

And he wasn’t just waiting for that—he was waiting for someone else.

“MC!”

The voice made him turn sharply. Relief washed over him as he saw Monika, her stride purposeful and slightly hurried. She was nearly jogging.

“I came as soon as you called,” she said as she stopped in front of him, her breathing a little uneven. “Natsuki and Yuri are on their way too.”

“I’m glad you’re here,” MC replied, his voice low and strained. He gestured to a nearby chair. “You should sit down. Take a breather.”

Monika arched an eyebrow at him. “No, you sit down. You look like you’ve been through hell—and I know you have.”

“Please,” he said with a weak attempt at humor, “I’m a gentleman—”

“Not the time for jokes,” she cut him off, pressing her hands against his shoulders to guide him into the seat.

Reluctantly, he let himself sink into the chair. Monika stayed standing, her eyes flicking toward the ward doors. “Sayori… she’s in there, isn’t she?”

He nodded, exhaling heavily. “All we can do now is wait.”

A heavy silence fell between them, the kind that felt dense with unspoken fears.

“Thanks for coming, Monika,” MC finally murmured.

“No, thank you,” she said softly, shaking her head. “If it weren’t for you, things could’ve turned out so much worse. This would’ve been a nightmare for all of us.”

He leaned back, resting his head against the wall. “It was just luck. I happened to wake up early today. If I hadn’t…” He trailed off, closing his eyes. Even thinking about it made his chest tighten.

Opening his eyes again, he hesitated before asking, “Monika, did you… did you know about Sayori’s depression?”

She paused, her expression darkening. “I did.”

His brows furrowed. “Since when?”

“About a year ago,” she admitted, her voice quiet. “When I first started the club, Sayori was the first to join. As we got closer, I found out.”

“Seriously…” MC ran a hand over his face and leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “I’ve known her my whole life, and I only realized yesterday. What kind of friend am I?”

He clenched his fists, his voice breaking slightly. “What if I hadn’t noticed? What if I didn’t wake up early today? What if she…”

“MC.” Monika’s voice cut through his spiral, firm but gentle.

“What?”

“Look at me.”

Slowly, he lowered his hands and met her gaze. She had crouched down in front of him, her emerald eyes calm and reassuring. A small smile tugged at her lips.

“You did great. Sayori is safe now. That’s what matters.”

A single tear slipped down his cheek before he even realized it. Her words seemed to lift some of the weight pressing on his chest. He leaned back, his body sagging with relief. “I just… I don’t know what to say to her. How do I tell her that everything will be okay?”

Monika stood and took the seat beside him. “The truth is, MC… I don’t always know what to say either.”

“You’re lying,” he mumbled.

She let out a soft chuckle. “I’m not. There are times when I have no idea how to reassure her.”

“So… what do you do?”

Monika turned to him, her expression thoughtful but kind. “Sometimes, you don’t need to say anything. What matters most is being there for her, letting her know she’s not alone.” She glanced at the ward doors. “And right now… that’s what she needs from us.”

As if on cue, the ward doors swung open, and a doctor stepped out, clipboard in hand. Both MC and Monika stood immediately, hurrying toward him.

The doctor adjusted his glasses before addressing them. “Chizu-san?”

“That’s me,” MC replied.

“And you are…?” The doctor’s gaze shifted to Monika.

“Monika Asano,” she answered quickly.

The doctor nodded. “Chizu-san and Asano-san. You’re both friends of Fujioka-san, I assume?”

They nodded.

“How is she?” MC asked, his voice tight with worry.

The doctor smiled faintly. “She’s stable. No fractures or major injuries, though there are bruises around her neck from the rope. Her fingers were also injured, but we’ve treated them. Physically, she’s fine and recovering.”

A shared breath of relief passed between them.

“Thank goodness. Thank you, doctor,” Monika said, bowing slightly. MC followed her lead.

“I’m just doing my job,” the doctor said with a small bow.

“Can we see her?” MC asked.

The doctor nodded. “She’s asleep, but you can go in.”

They thanked him again before heading into the ward. Their eyes immediately found Sayori’s bed. She lay there, her coral hair slightly messy, her expression peaceful as she slept.

Monika approached her first, her movements quiet and careful, while MC followed, his gaze fixed on Sayori. For the first time that day, the knot in his chest loosened. She was safe.

The quiet hum of medical equipment filled the room. MC stood a few steps away from Sayori’s bed, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides as he watched her sleep. Monika sat at the edge of the bed, brushing a stray lock of coral hair away from Sayori’s face with a tenderness that made his chest ache.

“She looks...,” Monika murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She didn't finish her sentence, but MC knew what she meant.

He nodded but said nothing. He wasn’t sure what to say. The sight of Sayori lying there, fragile and vulnerable, stirred a complicated mix of relief and guilt within him.

“MC.”

He blinked, realizing Monika was looking at him expectantly.

“Come closer,” she said, patting the chair beside the bed. “You’ve been pacing all day. Sit down.”

Reluctantly, he shuffled forward and sank into the chair. His eyes remained fixed on Sayori.

“She’s going to need us now, more than ever,” Monika said softly, her gaze lingering on Sayori’s face. “This isn’t something that will just go away overnight.”

“I know.” His voice was quiet but firm. “I’ll do whatever it takes to help her.”

Monika glanced at him, her expression unreadable for a moment before she smiled. “I know you will.”

The door creaked open, drawing both their attention. Natsuki and Yuri stepped in, their expressions a mix of worry and exhaustion.

“Sayori…” Natsuki whispered, her voice trembling as her gaze landed on the sleeping girl.

“She’s okay,” Monika assured her, standing to make room. “She’s stable now.”

Yuri exhaled a breath she seemed to have been holding. She approached the bed slowly, her hands clasped in front of her. “This… This is so hard to believe,” she said, her voice shaking. “I had no idea she was struggling so much.”

“None of us did,” MC admitted, his hands tightening into fists on his lap.

“I should’ve noticed,” Natsuki said, her voice sharp with self-recrimination. “I spend so much time with her at the club, but I… I never asked. I didn’t want to pry.”

Monika placed a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t blame yourself, Natsuki. Sayori has always been good at hiding how she feels. We just need to be here for her now.”

For a while, no one spoke. The room was heavy with unspoken thoughts, each of them grappling with their own sense of guilt and helplessness.

The hours stretched on, the sterile silence of the hospital broken only by the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor. Despite the heaviness in the room, there was a strange sense of comfort in the quiet—like it was holding them together, allowing them to just be without the need for words.

Natsuki was the first to stir, glancing at the clock on the wall and frowning slightly. “It’s getting late,” she muttered, her voice tinged with reluctance.

“You should go,” Monika said softly, her gaze still on Sayori. “You need your rest too, Natsuki.”

Natsuki hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line as she looked at Sayori. “Yeah… I guess you’re right.” She sighed and adjusted her bag strap on her shoulder. “Let me know if anything changes, okay?”

Monika nodded. “We will.”

With one last glance at Sayori, Natsuki turned and left, her small frame disappearing through the door.

A few moments later, Yuri cleared her throat softly, breaking the lingering silence. “I suppose… I should leave as well. It’s quite late, and…” She trailed off, her eyes flicking toward Sayori, guilt clouding her expression.

“It’s okay, Yuri,” MC said, his voice steady despite the weight of the day. “We’ll keep you updated.”

Yuri hesitated but eventually nodded. She lingered for a moment longer, clutching her book tightly before bowing her head. “Thank you. Please… let her know we’re here for her.”

“We will,” Monika assured her.

As Yuri slipped out the door, the room fell quiet again.

Monika stood, stretching slightly. She glanced at MC, who hadn’t moved from his spot beside Sayori’s bed. His hands were holding Sayori's, his eyes fixed on her peaceful face.

“You’re staying, aren’t you?” Monika asked, her voice knowing.

MC didn’t look at her, but he nodded. “Yeah. I can’t leave her alone."

Monika smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I figured as much. Just… don’t forget to take care of yourself too, okay?”

“I’ll be fine,” he said quietly.

Monika studied him for a moment, then placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “You did good today, MC. You really did.”

Without another word, she left, the soft click of the door closing behind her leaving MC and Sayori alone.

The minutes passed slowly, the soft hum of the hospital equipment blending into the quiet. MC leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and clasping his hands together. His mind was a mess of emotions—relief, guilt, fear—all swirling together in a chaotic storm.

Then, a faint sound broke through his thoughts.

“...MC?”

His head shot up, his heart skipping a beat. Sayori’s eyes were barely open, her voice weak and hoarse, but she was awake.

“Sayori…” He leaned closer, his chair screeching softly against the floor. “You’re awake.”

She blinked slowly, her gaze unfocused. “Where… am I?”

“You’re in the hospital,” he said gently, his voice steady despite the lump in his throat. “You… You scared us, Sayori.”

Her eyes flickered with recognition, and her expression crumpled. Tears welled up in her eyes as she turned her head away. “I… I’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “I didn’t mean to—”

“Don’t,” MC interrupted, his voice trembling. “Don’t apologize. Please, just… don’t.”

She didn’t respond, her shoulders shaking as quiet sobs wracked her fragile frame.

MC hesitated for only a moment before reaching out, gently taking her hand in his. “Sayori, listen to me,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “You’re not alone in this. I’m here for you. We’re all here for you.”

She sniffled, her fingers curling weakly around his. “But I’m… I’m such a burden. You shouldn’t have to—”

“You’re not a burden,” he said firmly, cutting her off again. “You’re my best friend, Sayori. You’ve always been there for me, even when I didn’t deserve it. Let me be here for you now.”

Her tears fell harder, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she gripped his hand tighter, as if anchoring herself to him.

“I… I don’t know if I can do this,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“You don’t have to do it alone,” MC said, leaning closer so she could see the sincerity in his eyes. “One step at a time, okay? We’ll get through this together.”

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, a faint, fragile smile tugged at Sayori’s lips. It was small and fleeting, but it was there.

“Okay,” she whispered.

And in that moment, as he sat by her side, MC felt a flicker of hope. It was small, but it was enough. For now, that was all they needed.

Chapter Text

"Are you sure it'll be okay for us to stay here?"

Monika glanced at MC before shifting her gaze back to the clubhouse. The building stood quiet and still, nestled in the soft glow of the afternoon sun. After a moment, she turned to him with a gentle smile.

"Of course. Until Sayori gets better, it’s important for her closest friend to stay with her. I’m just... afraid something might happen again if we leave her alone."

MC nodded, his eyes lingering on the house. Only a few days ago, Sayori had been in the hospital, receiving treatment for her injuries. Since his family was the closest thing she had to relatives, his parents had stepped in to handle all the paperwork and procedures on her behalf. Once she was discharged, she’d been scheduled for weekly therapy sessions to help her recover.

His parents had even offered to let her live with them, but Sayori had politely declined, insisting they had already done enough. That was when Monika came up with an alternative plan: Sayori shouldn’t be left alone, and the clubhouse was quiet, comfortable, and familiar. Monika had suggested that MC and Sayori stay there together for the time being. Sayori had initially resisted, reluctant to impose further, but Monika’s gentle persistence eventually won her over.

Now, the two of them stood on the lawn, watching as Sayori knelt in the small garden, inspecting the flowers with an almost childlike focus.

"I asked my father to help move your and Sayori’s things," Monika said, breaking the silence. "The truck should be here in a few minutes."

MC turned to her, a sigh escaping his lips. "Monika, seriously. I don’t even know how to thank you. There’s no way I—or we—can ever repay you for everything you’ve done. At this rate, I’ll be in your debt for life."

Monika chuckled softly, waving a hand as if brushing away his words. "Don’t worry about it. I’m just doing what I can to support Sayori. Besides..." She glanced toward Sayori, her expression softening. "This is the least I can do after... everything I’ve done to her."

MC’s brows furrowed at her words. Her calm demeanor remained intact, but he caught a fleeting shadow of regret in her eyes. What did she mean by that? What could she have done to Sayori?

"What do you—"

"Monika!"

Sayori’s voice rang out, cutting him off. Both he and Monika turned just in time to see her bounding toward them, a bright smile lighting up her face. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms tightly around Monika, pulling her into a hug.

"Thank you," Sayori said, her voice soft but brimming with emotion. "You’ve done so much for me."

Monika hesitated for a fraction of a second before returning the hug. "Thank you too," she murmured. "For everything you’ve done for us."

MC watched the scene with a small smile. Whatever tension had been building in his chest melted away at the sight of their shared embrace.

After a moment, they parted, and Monika straightened, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Take a few days off from school, both of you," she said, her tone firm but kind. "I’ll talk to the teachers. Right now, what matters most is that you rest—especially you, Sayori."

Sayori grinned and gave her a thumbs-up. "Don’t worry! I’ll rest lots!"

Monika let out a soft laugh and turned to leave, heading toward her car. Just as she reached the driver’s side door, she paused and glanced over her shoulder. "MC," she called, gesturing for him to come closer.

He approached, curious. She leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"Take care of Sayori for us, okay?"

MC nodded without hesitation. "I will."

Monika smiled, the warmth in her expression tinged with something deeper—something unreadable. She straightened, waved goodbye, and slipped into her car. They watched as the vehicle rolled down the road and disappeared around a corner.

"Well then," Sayori chirped, tugging at his hand. "Let’s wait for the truck inside!"

MC sighed, shaking his head but letting her pull him along. "Yeah, yeah. Let’s go."

As they stepped into the clubhouse together, a quiet sense of hope lingered in the air.

As the car turned the corner, the clubhouse disappeared from Monika’s view, leaving only the soft hum of the engine and the rhythmic flicker of passing streetlights. She sank deeper into the backseat, her posture composed yet stiff, her hands folded neatly in her lap.

Sayori’s voice lingered in her mind, a quiet echo that refused to fade.

“Thank you. You’ve done so much for me."

A bitter laugh bubbled in her chest, but she swallowed it before it could escape. If only Sayori knew the truth. If only she knew that Monika was the reason she’d been broken in the first place.

Monika glanced out the tinted window, the familiar streets blurring into shadows against the evening light. Her chest tightened, her carefully practiced calm threatening to unravel. She had always prided herself on maintaining control, on being the composed leader everyone could rely on. But here, in the solitude of the car, her mask slipped, revealing the raw, festering guilt beneath.

How could I have done that to her?

Her hands curled into fists, the faint sting of her nails digging into her palms grounding her. The memories came unbidden, vivid and cruel, replaying in her mind like a relentless loop...

Monika shivered, nausea rolling over her in waves.

She squeezed her eyes shut, the phantom sound slicing through her like a blade. It was different now, she told herself. She was different now. It was gone, everything had been wiped away. But the memories—those she carried with her, vivid and raw, burned into her very being.

I don’t deserve this.

Monika’s gaze drifted to the driver, who seemed blissfully unaware of her internal struggle. His eyes stayed fixed on the road, his demeanor calm and professional.

“Everything okay, Miss Monika?” he asked suddenly, his voice cutting through the silence.

She blinked, caught off guard, before offering a practiced smile. “Yes. Just tired.”

He nodded, and the car fell back into quiet.

Monika exhaled slowly, letting her head fall back against the seat. Tired wasn’t the half of it. She was exhausted in a way that sleep couldn’t fix.

Her phone buzzed on the seat beside her, pulling her from her spiraling thoughts. She picked it up, her fingers trembling slightly as she read the message from MC.

[MC: The truck just arrived. Sayori seems excited. Thanks again, Monika.]

A small, bittersweet smile tugged at her lips. She typed out a quick reply, her hands steadying with the action:

[You: Of course. Let me know if you two need anything.]

As she hit send, Monika glanced up at the rearview mirror, catching her faint reflection in its frame. Her carefully composed mask was back in place, but she could still see the cracks in her eyes.

The car slowed as the gates to her family’s estate swung open, the soft glow of the house’s lights casting long shadows on the driveway. The driver parked smoothly and stepped out to open her door.

“Here we are, Miss Monika,” he said, offering her a polite nod.

Monika hesitated for a moment, her fingers brushing the edge of her phone. The words she’d spoken to MC earlier echoed in her mind:

“This is barely enough to compensate for what I’ve done to her.”

Would MC ever understand the weight behind those words? Could anyone?

Shaking the thought away, Monika stepped out of the car, the cool evening air brushing against her skin. She stood there for a moment, watching as the driver returned to the vehicle and drove off into the night.

Turning toward the house, she inhaled deeply, letting the crisp air fill her lungs. She couldn’t change the past, no matter how much she wished she could. But she could control what happened now.

That’s why she had pushed so hard to bring Sayori and MC to the clubhouse. Sayori deserved to be surrounded by people who cared for her, people who could help her heal. And Monika...

Monika would stay in the background, where she belonged, quietly cleaning up the mess she’d made.

Because deep down, Monika wasn’t sure she could survive losing them again.

The air inside the clubhouse felt warm and still as MC closed the door behind them. Sayori hummed a soft tune as she skipped ahead, her footsteps echoing faintly in the open space. The sunlight streaming through the windows painted golden patches on the wooden floor, giving the room an inviting glow.

"Okay!" Sayori declared, spinning to face him. "Let's unpack everything and make this place feel like home!"

MC chuckled, setting down a box labeled with Sayori's loopy handwriting. "It already feels cozier with you here, Sayori."

She beamed at him, her cheeks tinting pink. "You're such a charmer, you know that? But seriously, let’s get started!"

The sound of a truck rumbling outside marked the arrival of their belongings. MC and Sayori worked together to carry in boxes, laughing and joking as they did. Soon, the clubhouse was a maze of cardboard containers, each one promising a treasure trove of memories.

"Let’s sort through this one first!" Sayori plopped onto the floor beside a particularly large box marked MEMORIES.

"Memories, huh?" MC teased as he sat across from her. "Sounds important."

Sayori giggled, opening the box with an almost ceremonial flair. Inside were an assortment of items: photo frames, small trinkets, and notebooks bursting with old drawings. MC picked up a framed photo of the two of them as kids, standing in front of a playground slide, covered in mud but grinning ear to ear.

"Wow, this is a throwback," MC said, smiling at the memory. "We got in so much trouble that day."

"Mom made us take a bath outside with the garden hose," Sayori added, laughing. "You were so embarrassed!"

"I wasn’t embarrassed!" MC protested, though his reddening ears betrayed him. Sayori only stuck her tongue out at him in reply.

As they continued sorting through the box, MC’s hand brushed against a thick, cloth-bound album buried beneath the other items. Curious, he pulled it out and opened the cover.

It was an old photo album.

"What's this?" MC asked, glancing at Sayori, who was busy untangling a string of fairy lights. She froze mid-motion when she saw what he was holding.

"Oh... that," she said softly, her smile fading ever so slightly. "That’s just something I made a long time ago."

MC noticed the faint change in her tone but didn’t push. Instead, he opened to the first page. A wave of nostalgia hit him as he saw a picture of Sayori as a toddler, her hair in messy pigtails, holding a stuffed bunny almost as big as she was.

"You were adorable," MC remarked, glancing at her with a grin.

Sayori fidgeted with the lights, her cheeks flushing. "Don’t tease me! Keep flipping—there’s more."

He turned the pages slowly, each one revealing snapshots of Sayori’s life. There were pictures of her riding her bike, baking cookies, and playing at school. The album seemed to span her entire childhood.

But the further MC got, the more he noticed something unusual.

The later pages contained fewer and fewer pictures. Instead, they were filled with small, handwritten notes in Sayori’s familiar scrawl:

"I hope tomorrow is better."

"Smiling makes everything easier."

"Don’t let anyone see you cry."

MC’s chest tightened as he read the words. He glanced at Sayori, who had gone quiet, her eyes fixed on the fairy lights she was still untangling.

"Sayori..." His voice was soft, hesitant. "These notes—"

"I know what you're going to say," she interrupted, her voice light but strained. "I was silly back then, wasn’t I? Writing things like that in an album."

MC set the book down, leaning closer to her. "It’s not silly. It’s... honest. And brave."

Sayori blinked, finally meeting his gaze. Her eyes shimmered with unspoken emotion. "I didn’t want anyone to know how I felt," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Even back then, I thought... if I kept smiling, no one would notice. But sometimes I needed to write it down, or else I’d feel like I’d explode."

MC’s heart ached as he reached out, placing a comforting hand on hers. "You don’t have to keep it all inside anymore, Sayori. I’m here. You can talk to me—about anything."

She stared at him for a long moment before a small, wobbly smile broke through. "You always know what to say to make me feel better, don’t you?"

"It’s not about saying the right thing," MC replied, squeezing her hand gently. "It’s about being here for you. Always."

Sayori’s smile grew steadier, and she let out a soft laugh. "You’re such a sweetheart."

He rolled his eyes. "Only for you," he teased, earning a playful nudge from her.

They spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking, the photo album resting on the table nearby. MC couldn’t stop glancing at it, the weight of Sayori’s words lingering in his mind. He made a silent promise to himself: no matter what, he would help her fill the next pages with happy memories—ones where her smile wasn’t just for show.

Chapter Text

MC's eyes cracked open, greeted by the familiar darkness of his room. The steady pounding in his head returned, as expected. It's a routine he had grown weary of. With a sluggish motion, he sat up, pressing his thumb against his temple in an attempt to ease his throbbing brain. 

A quiet sigh escaped his lips as he reached for his phone. The screen lit up, casting a faint glow across his face.

[3:47 a.m., Friday]

The time stared back at him, cold and unrelenting. Another day had begun.

It had been a few days since he and Sayori had settled into the quiet refuge of the clubhouse, though "settled" felt like too generous a word for the lingering unease that clung to the air.

The days following their move into the clubhouse had been quiet—almost too quiet. There was a certain stillness to the place, one that should have brought comfort but instead left behind an unspoken tension neither of them wanted to address. MC had tried his best to keep things light, filling the silence with idle conversation, silly jokes, and gentle reassurances. Yet, despite his efforts, the clubhouse often felt like a space suspended in time, untouched by the outside world.

Sayori, for her part, was trying. She would flash him those bright, familiar smiles and fill their days with chatter about small things—the flowers in the garden, the way the afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, her memories of the old days when the club had been full of laughter and poems. But every so often, MC would catch her trailing off mid-sentence, her gaze distant, her smile faltering for just a second before she shook it off like a fleeting thought she didn’t want to share.

At night, it was worse. They had agreed to sleep in adjoining rooms, close enough to hear each other, but far enough for some semblance of privacy. Sayori had insisted on that much. “It’s better this way,” she had said, though her tone suggested it wasn’t better for her. Instead, just less of a burden on him.

It was in these late hours, when the house grew impossibly still, that MC would find himself lying awake, listening to the faint creak of the old floors, wondering if Sayori was still awake too. Sometimes, he thought he heard her moving around or whispering softly to herself, though he wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination. Other times, he was certain she lay as still as he did, caught in the same restless quiet.

MC rubbed his eyes, the faint glow of his phone screen already beginning to irritate them. He let the device drop back onto the mattress beside him and slumped forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

What am I even doing?

The thought crept into his mind before he could push it away. He was here to take care of Sayori, to make sure she was okay, but most of the time, he just felt helpless. Sayori smiled and told him she was fine—so he told himself that too. But deep down, he knew better. He’d seen the empty look in her eyes a few days ago, when she’d sat on the clubhouse couch staring blankly at the album he had found.

MC’s jaw tightened at the memory.

The album now sat tucked away on a small table near the couch, its presence a constant reminder of how fragile all of this was. MC wasn’t sure why it unsettled him so much. Maybe because it felt like staring at a version of Sayori he couldn’t bring back, no matter how hard he tried.

MC sighed deeply, his breath breaking the heavy stillness of the room. The dull ache in his chest wouldn’t go away, no matter how many times he told himself he was doing his best. Sitting there in the dark, feeling the hours crawl by, he realized sleep wasn’t going to come. Not tonight.

With a quiet groan, he pushed himself off the bed, the wooden floor cool under his bare feet. He moved carefully, not wanting to disturb the fragile peace that hung over the clubhouse. He cracked open his door just enough to step into the hallway, greeted by its familiar darkness.

But then he heard it. A soft, muffled sounds drifting through the stillness. He froze.

Sobbing.

It was faint, but unmistakable, coming from Sayori’s room. MC’s heart sank, a cold weight settling in his stomach. His feet moved before he could think, carrying him to her door. For a moment, he hesitated, hand hovering just above the handle. He didn’t want to intrude or push her too hard. But the quiet, broken sobs on the other side made his decision for him.

“Sayori?” he called softly, giving the door a gentle knock.

The crying didn’t stop, though it grew quieter, as if she was trying to stifle it. “Sayori, it’s me. Can I come in?”

There was no response, just the faint rustle of movement. Taking her silence as permission, he turned the handle slowly and stepped inside.

The room was dim, bathed in faint shades of blue from the moonlight seeping through the curtains. Sayori sat on the edge of her bed, hugging her knees tightly to her chest. Her blanket had slipped onto the floor, forgotten. She was trembling, her face buried against her arms to hide the tears still falling freely.

MC’s chest tightened at the sight. She looked so small, so fragile. A shadow of the girl he remembered.

“Sayori...”

She flinched at his voice but didn’t lift her head. “I—I’m sorry,” she whispered hoarsely, her voice broken and uneven. “I didn’t mean to wake you up.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” MC said gently. “I just... I couldn’t ignore it.”

Carefully, he approached the bed and sat down beside her, leaving a small space between them. For a while, he didn’t say anything. He just sat there, his presence quiet but steady.

Sayori’s sobs began to slow, though her breaths still came in uneven gasps. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely audible. “I’m so tired, MC. I try so hard to smile, to act like everything’s okay... but it’s not. It’s not, and I don’t know what to do anymore.”

MC swallowed hard, the ache in his chest growing sharper. He wanted to fix it, to take her pain away, but all he could do was be here.

“Sayori,” he said softly, “you don’t have to act like everything’s okay. Not with me. You don’t have to carry all of this by yourself.”

She shook her head slightly, her tears dripping onto her knees. “But I do. I don’t want to be a burden. You shouldn’t have to deal with someone like me.”

“You’re not a burden,” MC replied firmly, his voice steady. “I’m here because I want to be here. I care about you, Sayori. You don’t have to pretend to be okay just to make me feel better.”

Sayori sniffled, lifting her head just enough to glance at him with red, swollen eyes. “But I don’t know how to stop. I don’t know how to make it go away.”

MC’s heart broke at her words, but he forced himself to stay calm, his voice soft and gentle. “You don’t have to figure it all out right now. It’s okay to take it one step at a time. And when it’s hard, I’ll be here to help you—no matter what.”

For a moment, Sayori stared at him, as if searching for any sign of doubt in his words. When she found none, the tension in her shoulders seemed to ease ever so slightly. Without saying a word, she leaned toward him, resting her head gently on his shoulder.

MC froze for a second, surprised, but then he relaxed. Carefully, he shifted to wrap an arm around her, holding her close. Sayori didn’t say anything—she didn’t need to. Her breaths were still uneven, but the tears had slowed, and the trembling in her body began to settle.

They sat there in the silence, the weight of the moment heavier than any words he could have offered. MC rested his chin lightly against the top of her head, his voice a quiet murmur.

“It’s going to be okay, Sayori. I don’t know how long it’ll take, but we’ll get through this. Together.”

Sayori didn’t respond, but he felt her nod faintly against his shoulder.

The minutes slipped by, and slowly, the room began to brighten. A faint glow crept in through the curtains, soft and golden, casting the first light of morning across the small room. MC turned his head slightly, watching as sunlight filtered through the window and bathed Sayori’s face in warmth.

It felt like a quiet promise, a subtle sign that maybe, just maybe... things could get better.

Sayori shifted slightly, her voice small but steady. “Thank you, MC...”

MC offered her a faint smile, his arm still resting protectively around her.

“Always, Sayori... Always.”

And as the sunlight continued to spread, driving away the lingering shadows of the night, MC allowed himself to hope. For both of them.

Chapter Text

"We weren’t expecting you today."

MC blinked in surprise as Monika stepped through the front door, her usual confident grin lighting up her face. "That’s the point," she said with a playful glint in her eye. "We wanted it to be a surprise for you two."

Before MC could respond, a sudden, high-pitched voice rang out.

"Let go of me! I can’t breathe!"

Monika and MC turned toward the commotion. Sayori had Natsuki locked in a bear hug, squeezing her so tightly it was almost comical.

"I’ve missed you so much, Natsuki!" Sayori chirped, her beaming smile radiating joy as if completely unaware of Natsuki’s flailing arms.

Natsuki’s face had turned as red as her bow, and she shot a desperate glare at MC. "Help me, you idiot!"

MC smirked, folding his arms. "You’re on your own, Natsuki."

"Traitor!" she squeaked, her voice muffled against Sayori’s shoulder.

Yuri stood off to the side, her hand covering her mouth as she tried—and failed—to suppress her laughter. Finally, she stepped forward, her voice soft but steady.

"Um, Sayori, maybe you should let her go now," Yuri said gently. "She… really does need to breathe."

Sayori blinked, her grip loosening as realization dawned on her. "Oh! Sorry, Natsuki!"

Natsuki stumbled back with an exaggerated gasp of relief, smoothing out her rumpled blouse as she glared at Sayori.

"Geez, Sayori! You’re gonna kill me one day," she grumbled, though there was no real anger in her voice.

Sayori’s smile only widened. "I’m just so happy to see you!"

Yuri gave a small, relieved smile, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I’m sure she’s happy to see you too... though maybe in smaller doses."

Monika chuckled, glancing at Yuri. "Nice save, Yuri."

Yuri’s cheeks flushed slightly as she nodded. "I just didn’t want anyone to get hurt."

MC shook his head with a smile, watching Sayori as she practically bounced with excitement while Natsuki muttered something under her breath, still fussing with her bow.

"Looks like things are already lively here," Monika said, folding her arms as she watched the scene unfold.

"You have no idea," MC replied with a laugh.

The other members of the Literature Club had decided to pay a surprise visit to the clubhouse. It's a welcome distraction after the tense and emotional days Sayori and MC had endured. The sight of their friends instantly brightened the once quiet space, filling it with a warmth that had been missing for far too long. It was as if their arrival had brought a piece of normalcy back into their lives, reminding Sayori and MC that they didn’t have to face everything alone. 

Monika stepped further into the room, her gaze sweeping over the cozy space. "I’m glad to see you both doing okay."

Sayori turned, her grin as bright as ever. "Better now that you’re all here!"

Yuri nodded, glancing around with a faint smile. "It does. The clubhouse has a certain... charm to it."

"It’s a bit quiet," MC admitted, scratching the back of his neck, "but that’s not necessarily a bad thing."

"Well, don’t worry about quiet," Natsuki huffed, crossing her arms. "With me here, I’m pretty sure I’ll fix that."

Sayori giggled. "I wouldn’t have it any other way!"

The tension in the room lightened, and for the first time in days, the clubhouse felt alive.

The gentle hum of activity filled the clubhouse kitchen as MC stood at the counter, a whisk in hand and a puzzled expression on his face. Natsuki was beside him, intently focused on piping frosting onto a tray of freshly baked cupcakes, her movements swift and precise.

MC frowned, glancing down at the batter in the mixing bowl. "Are you sure I’m doing this right?" he asked, pausing mid-whisk to look at her.

Natsuki sighed, her hands momentarily stilling as she gave him a side-eye. "It’s not rocket science, MC. You just whisk it. Like this." She mimicked the motion in the air, exaggerated and with a distinct touch of impatience.

"I am whisking it," MC replied defensively, giving the batter a few stirs with barely any effort.

"No, you’re stirring it," Natsuki shot back, stepping closer to peer into the bowl. "You’re supposed to whip some air into it. Here, give me that." She grabbed the whisk out of his hand and demonstrated with quick, fluid motions. "See? You need to go faster and make sure you scrape the sides."

MC raised an eyebrow. "And what’s the difference between stirring and whisking again?"

Natsuki rolled her eyes, handing the whisk back. "One of them doesn’t ruin the cupcakes. Now try again and don’t mess it up this time!"

MC pouted, taking the whisk and mimicking her motions as best he could. "Yes, ma’am."

Satisfied for the moment, Natsuki returned her attention to the frosting, carefully piping delicate swirls onto each cupcake. Her brow furrowed in concentration, and for a brief moment, her usual sharp demeanor softened.

"Y’know," MC said, glancing over at her while still whisking, "you’re really good at this."

Natsuki froze for a second, then shrugged, her cheeks faintly tinged pink. "Of course I am. I’ve been baking for years. What did you expect?"

"No, I mean it," MC said sincerely. "The frosting looks professional. You could probably sell these if you wanted to."

Natsuki’s hands faltered slightly, and she ducked her head. "It’s not a big deal," she muttered, but her voice lacked its usual edge. "It’s just... something I like doing."

MC watched her for a moment, noting the way her expression softened when she focused on the cupcakes. "Well, I think it’s awesome. You’ve got real talent, Natsuki."

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, her blush deepening. "Stop saying stuff like that," she mumbled, "You’re gonna mess up the batter if you don’t pay attention."

MC chuckled, returning his focus to the bowl. "Yes, ma’am," he repeated, his tone playful.

As the two of them worked, the warm scent of vanilla and sugar filled the air, blending with the quiet sound of their banter. For a moment, the kitchen felt like its own little world, separate from the worries that had weighed on them so heavily in recent days.

"Alright," Natsuki said after a while, stepping back to admire her finished cupcakes. "The frosting’s done. How’s the batter coming along?"

MC gave the whisk one last vigorous turn before holding up the bowl. "I think it’s ready, Chef Natsuki."

She leaned over to inspect his work, nodding grudgingly. "Not bad. For a beginner, anyway."

"High praise coming from you," MC teased, earning a light smack on the arm.

"Don’t push it," Natsuki muttered, though her smirk betrayed her amusement.

As they continued, the sound of laughter and lighthearted conversation began to drift in from the other side of the kitchen. Sayori’s cheerful giggles, Monika’s melodic voice, and Yuri’s soft chuckles blended together, filling the clubhouse with a warmth that hadn’t been there in days.

MC glanced at Natsuki as she carefully slid the next tray of cupcakes into the oven. "You know, this isn’t so bad."

Natsuki raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Baking? Or hanging out with me?"

"Both," MC said with a grin.

For a moment, Natsuki just stared at him. Then, to his surprise, she let out a small laugh. "Well, don’t get used to it. I’m not gonna go easy on you just because you managed to whisk the batter properly."

MC chuckled. "Wouldn’t dream of it."

BOOM

The sudden boom of an explosion echoed from behind them, startling MC and Natsuki.

They both spun around, eyes widening at the scene before them. A small, flickering fire had erupted on one of the counters in the kitchen—a sight that might’ve been alarming if it weren’t so absurdly comical.

Standing in front of the miniature disaster were Monika, Yuri, and Sayori.

Sayori’s face was frozen in wide-eyed shock, her hands clasped over her mouth as if trying to contain a scream. Yuri looked equally horrified, her eyes darting between the fire and the items strewn across the counter—a kettle, some teacups, and what looked like a suspiciously burnt dishcloth.

And then there was Monika.

Despite the chaos, her ever-confident smile was still plastered on her face, though her eyes betrayed an emotion bordering on panic. Tears of laughter... or possibly despair... welled up at the corners of her eyes as she stood holding a spoon in one hand and a completely melted plastic utensil in the other.

"I… I don’t even know what happened," Monika said, her voice a mix of strained laughter and sheer disbelief.

"WHAT did you DO?!" Natsuki shrieked, rushing toward them.

Sayori flailed her arms, pointing frantically at the fire. "W-we were just making tea! And then—poof! Fire!"

"How does TEA catch on fire?!" Natsuki snapped, grabbing the nearest towel and racing toward the counter.

"I—I tried to help!" Monika stammered, though her words sounded more like a half-hearted excuse. "Yuri was teaching me, and I thought I’d be fine!"

Yuri was still staring at the fire, her voice soft and trembling. "I—I just asked her to warm the kettle. I didn’t think she’d put it on the burner without water…"

"I didn’t think it needed water!" Monika wailed, her smile finally faltering as the absurdity of her mistake hit her.

MC was by Natsuki’s side now, watching as she furiously batted at the flames with the towel. "Natsuki, do we have a fire extinguisher?" he asked, though he was already scanning the room.

Natsuki growled in frustration. "Why would we need a fire extinguisher for TEA?! This shouldn’t even be happening!"

Meanwhile, Sayori had grabbed a small cup of water and hesitantly inched closer to the counter. "M-maybe this will help?" she said, her voice small and unsure.

"No, don’t—!" Yuri started, but it was too late.

Sayori tossed the water onto the counter, extinguishing the flames with a loud hiss but leaving behind a smoky mess. Everyone froze for a moment, the scent of burnt fabric and melted plastic filling the air.

The room was dead silent, save for the faint crackle of what was left of the dishcloth.

Monika sniffled, wiping at the corner of her eye as her smile made a cautious return. "Well… at least the fire’s out?"

"YOU’RE BANNED FROM THE KITCHEN," Natsuki barked, pointing an accusatory finger at Monika.

Monika looked down, letting out a heavy sigh. "That’s fair."

Yuri sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "I think I’ll just handle the tea from now on…"

Natsuki groaned, staring at the mess. "Great. Now I have to clean this up. And finish the cupcakes. Monika, I swear if you touch anything else—"

"I promise I won’t!" Monika interrupted, raising her hands again like a culprit caught red-handed . "I’ll just… supervise!"

"You supervise nothing," Natsuki snapped.

As the others slowly began to laugh, the tension in the room melted away. The ridiculousness of the situation left them all smiling, even Yuri, who finally allowed herself a soft chuckle.

MC glanced at the group as they began cleaning up the mess, the warm sound of their laughter filling the room once more. The fire may have been an unexpected hiccup, but it was exactly the kind of chaotic energy that reminded him why they all worked so well together.

And even as Natsuki grumbled under her breath, there was a small, unmistakable smile tugging at her lips too.

Chapter Text

“What do you think?”

MC looked up from the flyer in his hands, meeting Monika’s hopeful gaze. She leaned forward slightly, her eyes shimmering with anticipation, as though his reaction meant the world to her.

After finishing the cupcakes, Sayori had whisked Yuri and Natsuki away to her room for some “fun,” leaving MC and Monika alone in the clubhouse's cozy but slightly worn living room. The calm air between them carried an expectant weight.

“This is... the flyer?” MC asked, holding it up for emphasis.

Monika nodded, a flicker of pride lighting her smile. “Sayori’s idea for promoting the club. I helped polish it up a bit. So? Honest thoughts.”

He glanced at the neatly handwritten text again, carefully choosing his words. He’d learned long ago that Monika had an uncanny knack for sensing when he wasn’t being completely truthful.

“Well...” MC hesitated. “It’s definitely... something.”

Monika’s smile faltered just enough for concern to creep in. “That doesn’t sound good,” she said, leaning back slightly. “It’s not bad, is it?”

MC scratched the back of his neck, stalling. “Not bad, exactly. But maybe you should hear it for yourself.”

Clearing his throat, he shifted his posture, mimicking Monika’s cheerful tone with exaggerated precision.

“Hi, Monika here!
Welcome to the Literature Club! It’s always been a dream of mine to make something special out of the things I love. Now that you’re a club member, you can help me make that dream come true!

Every day is full of chit-chat and fun activities with all of my adorable and unique club members:
Sayori, the youthful bundle of sunshine who values happiness the most,
Natsuki, the deceivingly cute girl who packs an assertive punch,
Yuri, the timid and mysterious one who finds comfort in the world of books,
MC, the sole male of the club who is an absolute sweetheart,
...And, of course, Monika, the leader of the club! That’s me!

I’m super excited for you to make friends with everyone and help the Literature Club become a more intimate place for all my members. I’m certain you’ll find happiness here!”

He lowered the flyer and glanced at Monika. She was frozen, her cheeks flushed pink as she groaned softly and buried her face in her hands.

“Okay, okay,” she muttered through her fingers. “I know it’s cheesy. I had to write something! Sayori’s usually great at this kind of thing, but I was flying solo this time.”

MC chuckled, resting the flyer on the coffee table. “Flying solo, huh? You really leaned into... enthusiasm.”

Monika peeked at him through her fingers, her blush deepening. “I was trying to channel Sayori’s energy! But it’s harder than it looks.” She sighed, letting her hands fall to her lap. “Yuri and Natsuki were no help either. They’ve been bickering all week, and honestly? It’s exhausting.”

“Well,” MC said, reclining into the couch, “it’s definitely memorable. But maybe tone down the part about me being an ‘absolute sweetheart.’”

Monika let out a genuine laugh, the tension between them dissolving. “Oh, come on. That’s not a lie, is it?”

“Flattery won’t fix the flyer,” MC shot back, though his smile softened as he caught the glint of amusement in her eyes.

She shook her head, still smiling, and folded the flyer neatly. “I’ll rework it. Thanks for being honest, though. I really do appreciate it.”

“Anytime,” MC said, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “But next time, maybe don’t go so hard on the introductions.”

Monika laughed again. “I’ll keep that in mind."

Before either of them could say anything more, the muffled sound of laughter drifted in from upstairs. MC glanced toward the ceiling, raising an eyebrow.

“Sounds like Sayori’s ‘fun’ is in full swing,” he said.

Monika sighed, shaking her head with a small smile. “It’s probably chaos up there. Sayori means well, but when she gets excited...” She gestured vaguely, as though the rest of the sentence didn’t need to be said.

“Maybe we should check on them,” MC offered, standing up and stretching. “You know, make sure the house is still standing.”

Monika smirked. “And here I thought you were enjoying this one-on-one time with me.”

MC blinked, caught off guard. Her tone was playful, but there was a flicker of something deeper in her eyes—a hint of mischief. He quickly recovered, chuckling. “Well, you did make me read that flyer out loud. I think I’ve earned a break.”

Monika laughed, standing up as well. “Fair enough. Let’s go see what kind of mess they’ve made.”

The two of them made their way upstairs, their footsteps creaking against the wooden steps. As they approached Sayori’s room, the sound of voices grew louder—Sayori’s bubbly laughter, Natsuki’s sharp protests, and Yuri’s quiet attempts to mediate. MC and Monika exchanged a knowing glance before Monika gently knocked on the door.

“Hey, everything okay in there?” she called.

The door flew open almost immediately, and Sayori appeared, beaming. Her face was slightly flushed, and her hair was a little messier than usual. Behind her, Yuri and Natsuki were seated on the floor, surrounded by an assortment of markers, glitter, and paper. Natsuki looked annoyed, her arms crossed, while Yuri appeared faintly apologetic, her hands clasped neatly in her lap.

“Monika! MC!” Sayori chirped. “Come look at what we made!”

Before either of them could respond, Sayori grabbed MC’s hand and practically dragged him into the room. Monika followed, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity.

“What... is all this?” MC asked, taking in the scattered craft supplies and partially completed projects.

“Posters!” Sayori announced proudly, holding up a brightly decorated sheet of paper. “We’re going to hang them up around school to get people excited about the Literature Club!”

“Excited or blinded?” Natsuki muttered, earning a light nudge from Sayori.

“They’re wonderful, Sayori,” Yuri said softly, though her gaze flickered to Natsuki nervously. “Very... vibrant.”

MC leaned closer to inspect Sayori’s poster. It was filled with colorful doodles, glittery borders, and an overwhelming amount of stickers. The words Join the Literature Club! were written in bold letters across the top, slightly crooked but undeniably cheerful.

“It’s very... you,” MC said with a smile, handing the poster back to Sayori.

“Thanks!” she said, beaming. “Natsuki made one too! Show them, Natsuki!”

Natsuki huffed but reluctantly held up her own poster. In contrast to Sayori’s chaotic design, Natsuki’s was neat and minimalist, with clean lines and carefully chosen colors.

“Wow, Natsuki,” Monika said, her tone genuinely impressed. “This looks great.”

“It’s okay, I guess,” Natsuki replied, though she couldn’t hide the faint blush creeping up her cheeks.

“What about you, Yuri?” Monika asked, glancing at the quiet girl.

Yuri hesitated before reaching for a poster of her own. It was intricately detailed, with elegant calligraphy and a subtle color palette. Each element seemed to flow into the next, creating a sense of harmony.

“Yuri, this is amazing,” MC said, admiring the delicate craftsmanship.

Yuri smiled shyly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Thank you. I wanted to create something... inviting.”

“Looks like everyone did their best,” Monika said, her smile warm. “These will definitely catch people’s attention.”

Sayori clapped her hands together excitedly. “We’re going to be the most popular club in the whole school!”

Natsuki rolled her eyes, but there was a small smile on her lips. Yuri nodded, her expression softening, and even Monika looked more relaxed. For a moment, the room was filled with a shared sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.

“Well,” MC said, glancing at the clock, “if we’re hanging these up tomorrow, we should probably clean up. Otherwise, Monika’s going to have a heart attack.”

Monika laughed. There was no weight of burden in her voice.

“You’re not wrong.”

Chapter Text

The soft pitter-patter of rain filled the air as droplets tapped rhythmically against the umbrella. The sun lingered faintly in the sky, partially obscured by streaks of gray clouds. Two childhood friends walked side by side on their way to school. One of them, a boy with brown hair, held the umbrella aloft, shielding them both from the gentle spring shower. Beside him, a girl with coral-colored hair beamed with delight, her locks bouncing lightly with each step.

After nearly a week away from school, Sayori had finally decided it was time to return. MC agreed and supported her decision. The two had much to catch up on, especially Sayori, who had struggled academically even before her absence. Missing an entire week had only added to her challenges. Thankfully, their friends Monika and Yuri had generously offered to help them get back on track.

As they walked, MC glanced over at Sayori. Her radiant smile and buoyant energy seemed to cut through the dreary morning, as if she carried the sun within her. Despite the rain, there was something undeniably uplifting about her presence.

A small smile crept onto MC's face. It was a comfort to see Sayori improving. Slowly but surely, one step at a time.

"Uwaah! MC, look over here!"

Sayori darted to the school’s notice board the moment they stepped into the entrance. Her coral-colored hair bounced as she excitedly pointed at the board, a bright smile lighting up her face. MC followed her gaze and immediately recognized the poster she had worked on last Saturday.

It was unmistakable—filled with colorful doodles, glittery borders, and an overzealous amount of stickers. Across the top, in bold, slightly crooked letters, the words Join the Literature Club! stood out.

"They put up your poster right at the school’s entrance," MC said with a smile.

Sayori nodded enthusiastically. "Natsuki and Yuri's must be in other parts of the school!"

"Good morning, you two!" 

"WAHHH!!!" The two of them jumped as Monika suddenly appeared behind them.

Sayori clutched her chest dramatically. "Monika! You scared us!"

"Yeah," MC added, narrowing his eyes playfully. "Do you have the ability to teleport or something?"

Monika laughed, her calm demeanor never wavering. "That’s absurd. Sorry about that. How are you two doing? From the looks of it, you’re much better compared to the last few days."

MC nodded, glancing at Sayori. "Especially Sayori here. We’re finally back at school, right?"

Sayori nodded enthusiastically, her radiant smile never faltering. "Mhm! It feels great to be back!"

"That’s wonderful to hear," Monika said warmly. "It’s nice to see you both looking so cheerful." She gestured towards the notice board. "And I assume the two of you have seen this?"

"Yeah! Whose idea was it to put up my poster here?" Sayori asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Monika smiled knowingly. "Mine, of course. I do have to give credit to my sweet vice president, don’t I? Gotta put the best one at the entrance for everyone in school to see."

Sayori blushed, waving her hands dismissively. "Oh, stop! You’re making me blush!"

MC rolled his eyes, glancing between the two. "Speaking of, where are the other posters?"

"Natsuki said she’d put hers up on the notice board in the cafeteria," Monika replied. "Yuri, on the other hand, planned to place hers in front of the library."

"I see..."

Monika adjusted her bag and checked her watch. "Well, I’d better get to class. I’m in charge of class duties today. See you both around!"

"Bye, Monika!" Sayori waved enthusiastically. "Ooh, I want to head to my class now, too! It’s been a while since I’ve gotten there this early."

MC smiled at her excitement. "Go ahead. I’ll see you at the club later."

Sayori nodded energetically. "Bye, MC! See you soon!"

She darted off, her cheerful presence lingering even as she disappeared down the hall. MC stood there for a moment, taking one last look at Sayori’s poster. Its bright colors and cheerful design seemed to reflect her personality perfectly.

With a satisfied nod, he turned and began walking toward his classroom, ready to face the rest of the day.

As MC made his way to class, he was unaware of the silent figure observing him from across the hallway. The boy’s exceptional height and broad frame made him an imposing presence, a figure who naturally drew attention... though not the kind anyone wanted.

Nearby, two girls walked past, chatting animatedly about their weekend. Distracted by their conversation, one of them brushed against the tall boy’s arm.

"Ah! I’m sorry," the girl said, her voice quick and apologetic. She glanced up, only to freeze mid-breath. Her wide-eyed stare was filled with shock.

Her friend, confused by her reaction, followed her gaze. The moment her eyes landed on him, she too went rigid.

The boy stared down at them, his features sharp and intense. Three scars clawed down the side of his face, slashing across his left eye like the remnants of a violent story untold. His expression was unreadable at first, but then—slowly, deliberately—a grin spread across his face. To the girls, it was a cruel, chilling smile, a predator reveling in his dominance.

The air felt heavy with unspoken tension.

"Ah…!" The first girl made a tiny sound, but neither dared to speak further. Instead, they hastily bowed in unison. "W-we’re sorry!" they stammered, their voices trembling as they turned and fled down the hallway, their footsteps echoing behind them.

The boy’s grin faded into a frown as he watched them go, a flicker of something—disappointment? frustration? He turned his gaze back to the notice board, his sharp eyes narrowing on the colorful poster pinned at the center.

He muttered under his breath as a his lips curved upward again,

"There you are… Chizu."

It was already late in the afternoon. MC strolled through the empty halls of the school, making his way to the literature clubroom. He was a bit late today, since the teacher in his last subject had asked him to help her carry her things. The others must have been waiting for him. But for some reason...

...he couldn't shake the feeling that somebody was following him.

Which was odd because every time he glanced over his shoulder, no one was there. I feel like I’m in a horror movie, he thought.

Once he arrived at the clubroom, he quickly slid the door open and walked inside. Closing the door behind him, he turned back around and was greeted with Sayori's cheerful face.

"MC! Took you a while!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him.

He smiled and let her be. Looking around, he noticed that there was no sign of the other girls.

"Sayori?"

"Mm?"

"Where's everyone else?"

Letting him go, she thought for a few seconds. "Well, if I remember correctly, Monika was 'borrowed' by the student council for something that I'm not sure about.

"Yuri had library duties today, so she won't be attending today's meeting.

"And Natsuki was held back for sleeping in class. She'll be here once our teacher stops lecturing her.

"Oh! And Monika will swing by to check up on us once she's done with her stuff."

"You know a lot," MC responded, giving her a small nod, to which she replied with a smile. "What have you been up to?"

Sayori pointed towards a desk. There were a few papers on it. "Just organizing a few things about the club. Monika sure had it rough without me. Plus, Yuri and Natsuki continue bickering..."

MC chuckled. "I can see that. So, what are we—"

Knock, knock.

Sayori turned to the door, her expression curious. "Oh! Someone's at the door."

"I’ll get it," MC offered, walking over. But as his hand reached for the handle, a sudden unease swept over him. He couldn’t explain the feeling. It felt like something heavy lingered on the other side. He slid the door open cautiously.

"How may I—"

His voice caught in his throat.

Standing in front of him was someone familiar.

The figure had spiky, wild blonde hair, its jagged strands pointing outward like bursts of lightning. His tall, muscular build filled the doorway, his presence commanding and intimidating. The grin on his face was sharp, almost predatory, and the three scars clawing down the side of his face, slashing across his left eye, made him look like a battle-hardened warrior.

"Yo," the student finally said, his voice low and confident.

He towered over MC, his height and broad frame making the smaller boy look almost insignificant in comparison. MC said nothing, frozen in place as if rooted to the ground.

Sayori peeked from behind MC, her bright smile faltering as she took in the stranger's presence. Her eyes widened, and for once, she was at a loss for words.

The tension in the air was palpable, a silent weight that hung over the three of them.

Sayori finally managed a soft, almost hesitant, "Who… are you?"

But the boy's sharp grin only widened. He didn’t answer her question, his gaze flicking back to MC.

And for Sayori, the cheerful energy in the room seemed to drain away, replaced by something darker and much more unsettling.

"Meiji Chizu, isn't it?"

Chapter Text

"Meiji Chizu, isn't it?"

The tall boy asked, his voice calm yet cutting.

The silence between the three was thick. Sayori glanced back and forth between the towering figure of the unknown boy and MC. The way they stared at each other felt electric, like an unspoken battle was raging between their eyes.

Sayori wasn’t the type to judge someone by their appearance, but something about this boy’s energy sent a shiver down her spine. The way he carried himself, the scars, the grin—it all screamed trouble.

"Umm, do you need any—" Sayori started hesitantly, her voice unsure.

"Stay out of this, Sayori," MC interrupted, his tone sharper than she’d ever heard it.

Her eyes widened, stunned by his sudden change in demeanor. "MC…?" she said softly, her voice trailing off in both confusion and worry.

The tall boy’s grin widened, his sharp teeth flashing like a wolf closing in on its prey. "Why?" he asked, his gaze flicking briefly to Sayori. "You don’t want to introduce me to your new girlfriend? Too bad."

"She’s not my—" MC began but stopped himself, his focus never leaving the boy. "I suggest you leave."

"Or what?" the boy challenged, stepping forward, his height and muscular build making him seem larger than life. "As if you can do anything to me."

MC’s eyes narrowed. He took a deep breath, rolling up his sleeve. "I can try."

The tension in the room exploded as both boys stepped toward each other, their movements deliberate and synchronized. Sayori could only watch in horror as the tall boy loomed over MC, the height difference stark, yet neither backed down.

Both raised their hands, their fists cocked back as if ready to strike.

"NO, DON’T!" Sayori screamed, throwing out her arms to intervene.

But instead of fists colliding, the sound of a loud slap echoed in the room. Sayori blinked in confusion.

The two boys’ hands were clasped together in a firm handshake, their faces breaking into wide grins as they burst out laughing.

Sayori stood frozen, her mouth hanging open. "Eh?" she squeaked, her voice barely audible. "What… what just happened?"

"Ah, it’s good to see you again, Meiji-senpai!" the tall boy exclaimed, clapping on the shoulder.

"Yeah, same goes to you, Kenji," MC replied, his laugh genuine now.

"S-senpai?" Sayori muttered slowly, confused. Her head whipped back and forth between them. "Wait! You… you two know each other?"

The boys only laughed harder, leaving Sayori more confused than ever. "WHAT IS GOING ON?!" she finally yelled, throwing her hands in the air.

The tall boy, apparantly named Kenji, finally calmed down, wiping a tear from his eye as he turned to Sayori. "Relax, little miss sunshine. Meiji-senpai and I go way back."

"Way back," MC echoed, smirking.

Sayori crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks. "You two are mean! I thought you were going to fight!"

Kenji chuckled. "Nah. I was just messing with him. You should’ve seen your face, though."

Sayori’s pout deepened. "Not funny!"

MC shook his head, still grinning. "C’mon, Sayori. Let’s just say this guy and I have a… complicated history."

"Complicated is one way to put it," the Kenji said with a sly smile, leaning against the wall.

Sayori, still flustered, narrowed her eyes at the both of them. "You two better explain everything." She turned to MC. "Especially you."

MC chuckled, his expression softening. "Fair, fair."

After the earlier interaction, the three of them sat down in a loose circle, each taking a chair from around the room. The atmosphere had finally settled, though Sayori still seemed cautious about Kenji, and MC was clearly trying to manage the situation.

"So, Sayori, this is—" MC began, only for Kenji to cut him off.

"Kenji Takada!" the tall boy announced proudly, placing a hand on his chest and giving a slight nod. "Good to be meeting you, Meiji-senpai's friend."

Sayori, now more relaxed than before, smiled back. "Same for me. I'm Sayori Fujioka, MC's friend since childhood."

Kenji Takada. His blonde hair is styled upward in sharp, irregular spikes, giving him a wild and intimidating appearance, and his eyes are the color of that of coal. He towers above most people his age. His presence itself causes others to be intimidated by him, even though he sometimss doesn't mean it.

Kenji turned to MC with a look of disbelief. "Woah! I didn’t know you’ve been friends with such a cutie all this time."

He groaned, already dreading what was coming. "Seriously?"

Sayori blushed slightly, caught off guard by the comment. "That’s sweet of you. Thank you."

Kenji grinned. "No problem. Seriously, though, why do you stick with this guy? He should be shooting his shot by now. You two aren’t a couple, ri—"

"Kenji," MC interrupted, his tone carrying a warning.

Kenji laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "My bad!"

Sayori waved her hands slightly, her blush deepening. "No, not at all! We’re not… um…" Her voice trailed off, her gaze shifting to the floor as Kenji’s words lingered in her mind.

The tall boy smirked, clearly amused, but Sayori quickly tried to move the conversation along. "A-anyways," she started, looking back at Kenji. "What’s your history with MC? You two seem close, though I don’t remember seeing you before."

Kenji leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he chuckled. "Oh, that’s a long story. You sure you wanna hear it?"

Sayori nodded eagerly. "Of course! It sounds interesting!"

MC sighed, rubbing his temple. "You don’t have to tell her everything, Kenji."

Kenji grinned wider. "Oh, but where’s the fun in that, senpai? Sayori deserves to know what a wild past you’ve had."

"Wild?" Sayori repeated, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "MC had a wild past?"

"You’d be surprised." He winked at her.

MC groaned again, leaning back in his chair. "This is going to be a long afternoon..."

"That's for sure. " Kenji let out another laugh. 

"So, Sayori," MC began, not letting the tall boy maintain his control over the conversation, "I think the first thing you should know is that.. I was Kenji's middle school senior."

"Middle school senior?" Sayori asked, tilting her head as she looked at the brown-haired boy.  

MC hesitated, contemplating to continue his words. He scratch the back of his neck. "Well… I guess you can call it that?"  

Kenji, ever the dramatic one, burst out laughing. "Senior? Hah! He was way more than that! Meiji-senpai was my mentor, my teacher, my savior, my—"  

"Kenji." MC’s voice cut through the room, sharper than usual.  

The tall boy immediately paused, then grinned sheepishly. "You get what I mean, don’t you, Sayori-senpai?"  

Sayori blinked, slightly surprised by Kenji’s exaggerated tone but nodded. "Though, if you were his junior, then I should’ve seen you around. MC and I went to the same middle school."  

Kenji waved a hand, dismissing the thought. "Oh, that’s because I went to a different school! We met when—"  

"Kenji, don’t," MC interrupted again, this time his voice lower, a hint of warning in his tone.  

Kenji froze, realization dawning on him. "Oh yeah, I shouldn’t say that." He chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.  

Sayori frowned, her curiosity now officially piqued. She turned to MC, her tone accusatory. "Shouldn’t say what?"  

MC met her gaze, a faint, almost apologetic smile spreading across his face. "Secret."  

Sayori pouted, crossing her arms. "Hey! No fair!"  

Kenji laughed, clearly enjoying the situation. "Meiji-senpai, you’re no fun. Sayori-senpai deserves to know, don’t you think?"  

"She doesn’t need to know everything," MC replied, shooting Kenji a pointed look.  

"Fine, fine," Kenji relented with a shrug, though his mischievous grin remained. "Still, Sayori-senpai, you should’ve seen him back then. Meiji-senpai wasn’t just any middle schooler. He was… awesome."  

Sayori’s eyebrows lifted in intrigue. "Legendary? MC?"  

"Don’t listen to him," MC interjected, shaking his head. "He’s exaggerating."  

"Am I?" Kenji countered, leaning back in his chair with a sly smirk on his face.

MC groaned, leaning his head back as if trying to escape the conversation. "Kenji, seriously."  

But Kenji wasn’t about to stop. He turned to Sayori with a look of mock seriousness. "He’d never admit it, but Meiji-senpai basically saved my life. I was a mess before I met him."  

Sayori gasped, her eyes wide. "Wait, so you were like a… hero?"  

"It’s not a big deal," MC muttered, avoiding her eyes.  

Kenji grinned. "Oh, it’s a huge deal."  

Sayori turned her attention back to Kenji, curiosity burning brighter than ever. "So, how did you two meet? If you went to different schools, how did MC end up helping you?"  

Kenji opened his mouth to respond, but one look from MC stopped him in his tracks.  

"Don’t," MC said firmly.  

Kenji paused, then sighed dramatically. "Right. I guess that story’s off-limits."  

Sayori pouted again, frustration creeping into her voice. "Why? What’s the big deal? What happened?"  

MC finally looked at her, his expression softening. "It’s complicated, Sayori. Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a pleasant situation and leave it at that."  

"But—" Sayori started, only to be interrupted by Kenji’s easygoing laugh.  

"Don’t worry, Sayori-senpai. One day, I’ll tell you all the juicy details. Just not today."  

MC shot him a glare. "Kenji."  

"Okay, okay!" Kenji raised his hands in mock surrender, though the grin on his face never faltered. "I’ll behave. For now."  

Sayori sighed, clearly unsatisfied, but she decided to let it go—for now. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Fine. But you better tell me someday, MC. No more secrets."  

MC chuckled softly, offering her a faint smile. "Yeah, sure. Someday."  

Kenji leaned back, watching the exchange with amusement. 

MC sighed, rubbing his temples as he tried to steer the conversation back on track. "Now, before we get off track again… Kenji, aren't you enrolled in a different high school? Why are you suddenly here?"

"Oh, I got transferred here for some reasons. I'd rather not go on about the details though," Kenji replied, shrugging.

"Right..." MC nodded, thinking of another question. "Why did you come here?"  

Kenji snapped his fingers, as if remembering something important. "Oh yeah! A few reasons, actually. The main one is… I want to join your literature club."  

Sayori’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?! You’re not kidding?"  

MC raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Yeah, are you sure? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you touch a book even once."  

Kenji laughed, leaning back in his chair with a confident grin. "Well, since I'm new here, of course I need to join a club. And recently, I’ve started getting into a lot of books. You know, to balance out the brain and the brawn. And I’ve taken quite the interest in the romanc genre!"  

Sayori tilted her head, looking at him curiously. "Romance? I thought you’d prefer action or sports."  

Kenji waved his hand dismissively. "Nah, too predictable. Romance is where it’s at! The drama, the tension, the passion—it’s like a battlefield of emotions!" He placed a hand on his chest, as if making some grand declaration.  

MC pinched the bridge of his nose. "Of course. Should’ve guessed you’d turn this into a soap opera."  

Sayori giggled, her initial surprise melting into amusement. "Well, if you’re serious, then you’re more than welcome to join. Our club could always use new members!"  

Kenji gave her a thumbs-up. "Thanks, Sayori-senpai! I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations."  

MC sighed, still unconvinced. "This isn’t some dating service, Kenji. We actually discuss books, write poems, and share ideas. You can’t just show up and wing it."  

Kenji smirked, leaning forward with a playful glint in his eyes. "Oh, come on, Meiji-senpai. Have a little faith in me. Who knows? I might surprise you."  

MC crossed his arms, his expression still doubtful. "We’ll see."  

Sayori clapped her hands together, her enthusiasm infectious. "This is going to be so much fun! I can’t wait to see what kind of poems you’ll write, Kenji!"  

Kenji chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Poems, huh? Well, I guess I’ll have to put my heart and soul into it." He shot a glance at MC. "Don’t worry, senpai. I’ll give you a run for your money."  

MC groaned, already bracing himself for the chaos that was bound to follow. "This is going to be a long semester…"

BANG

The door suddenly slid open with a quick bang, and Monika stepped into the room, her usual composed self somewhat hindered by the rush in her movements. She was out of breath.

"Afternoon, Sayori, MC!" Monika greeted quickly, her voice light but hurried. "I am so sorry for being late! The student council dragged me out of nowhere to make me deal with their problems and all that. I'm sure Sayori already told you, MC. I’ve got Natsuki with me—"

"Yeah, I’m here," Natsuki interrupted as she appeared from behind Monika.

"So I apologize again, and we can finally begin our meeting proper—" She stopped mid-sentence as her gaze fell on Kenji, who was leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, looking far too comfortable for someone new.

"Oh," Monika said, blinking in surprise. "Who do we have here?"

Kenji stood up from his chair, his towering figure casting a shadow over Monika and Natsuki. His ever-present grin widened as he placed a hand over his chest dramatically.

"Kenji Takada, second-year student. I'm a new member of the Literature Club!" he announced with a flourish.

Monika blinked, her sharp gaze flicking over Kenji’s appearance—his rugged build, the evident scars on the left side of his face, and the confident air he carried like a second skin. Her skepticism was evident as she turned to MC with a raised eyebrow.

MC sighed heavily, slouching slightly in his chair. "Yeah, he’s joining. Don’t ask."

Monika tilted her head slightly, considering, before she returned her attention to Kenji. "Oh, well then," she said with a polite smile, extending her hand toward him. "Welcome to the Literature Club, Kenji. My name is Monika Asano, the club’s president. A third-year."

Kenji took her hand with a firm shake, leaning down slightly as if to share a secret. "Oh yeah, I’ve heard about you before." His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Do you know you’re pretty popular with the boys? And I can kinda see why!"

Monika blinked in surprise before letting out a soft chuckle. "Really? I had no idea," she said, her tone laced with just enough sarcasm to hint she wasn’t entirely flattered. She gestured toward Natsuki, changing the subject. "This is Natsuki Muramoto, another member of the club. Despite her small stature, yes, she is a third-year."

Natsuki glared at Monika after she made that comment of her. She glanced back to Kenji, looking at him up and down critically. She crossed her arms, her lips curling into a slight scowl. "Are you sure you fit into this club? From what I see, you look like you belong in a gang."

"Natsuki!" Sayori gasped, her voice filled with reproach as she turned to her friend. "That’s so rude!"

Kenji, however, didn’t seem fazed. If anything, her comment seemed to amuse him. He scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "A gang, huh? Well, I guess I can’t blame you for thinking that. But I promise I’m here for the books. Literature, romance, poetry—the works!"

Natsuki narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "Yeah, sure."

"Give him a chance, Natsuki," Sayori said, her tone pleading. "Kenji’s just a little… rough around the edges, but I think he’s nice!"

Kenji beamed at Sayori, giving her a thumbs-up. "Thanks, Sayori-senpai! You’re already my favorite."

Sayori giggled, while Natsuki groaned. "Great. Another flirt," she muttered under her breath.

Monika watched the exchange, her eyes glinting with curiosity. "Well, Kenji, if you’re serious about joining, we’ll need to see your commitment. This club is more than just a hangout. We write, we share, and we discuss."

"That's what I said," MC added.

Kenji nodded eagerly, his grin never faltering. "I’m all in, Monika-senpai. You won’t regret it."

MC sighed, already feeling the headache brewing. "You better not make me regret this."

Kenji smirked, throwing an arm around MC’s shoulders in a mock show of camaraderie. "Come on, senpai. When have I ever let you down?"

MC gave him a deadpan look. "Do you really want me to answer that?"

The group chuckled—except for Natsuki, who still looked skeptical. 

"Before I forget to mention Kenji," Monika added, "There's one more member you haven't met yet. Her name is Yuri Yoshika."

Kenji tilted his head. "Really? I'll look forward to meeting her in the next meeting then."

Monika gave him a small nod before clapping her hands, shifting the energy in the clubroom. That signalled the start of their meeting.

"Okay, everyone!" Monika said, her tone bright and authoritative. "Let’s get started with today’s activity. It’s time to dive into some writing prompts!"

Kenji's grin widened. "Bring it on."

MC sighed again, muttering under his breath, "This is going to be a disaster."

As the hours passed, the tense atmosphere from Kenji’s arrival began to soften. Surprisingly, he adapted to the club's activities with ease, diving into the writing prompts with unexpected enthusiasm. His contributions, while unconventional, carried a raw energy and humor that added a fresh dynamic to the group.

Sayori was the first to warm up to him completely. She giggled at his witty takes on the prompts and was quick to praise his creativity. "Kenji, I didn’t expect you to be so good at this!" she said, beaming at him.

Kenji leaned back in his chair, grinning. "What can I say, Sayori-senpai? I think I'm just born for this."

Monika observed him with interest, noting his unpolished yet heartfelt writing. "Kenji, your poem has a certain charm to it," she remarked, a genuine smile on her face. "It’s rough around the edges, but it feels… authentic. Like it came straight from your heart."

Kenji shrugged, a faint hint of bashfulness breaking through his usual bravado. "Well, I figured if I’m going to do this, I might as well put some effort into it."

Even MC, despite his initial doubts, found himself grudgingly impressed. Kenji’s ability to keep everyone engaged and entertained lightened the mood of the entire meeting. At one point, the two shared a brief, silent glance, and MC gave him a small nod of approval.

Natsuki, however, remained skeptical. While she participated in the activities, her responses to Kenji’s antics were more muted. She did, however, acknowledge his effort when Monika asked for everyone’s thoughts.

"I mean… it’s not terrible," Natsuki said with a shrug, her tone indifferent. "But let’s see if he can keep it up."

Kenji shot her a playful grin. "Challenge accepted, Natsuki-senpai."

She rolled her eyes, muttering, "Don’t call me that."

Finally, Monika clapped her hands to signal the end of the meeting.

"Alright, everyone," she said, her voice warm and welcoming. "That’s it for today! I think we had a wonderful session, and I’m proud of all of you for your hard work."

She turned to Kenji, her smile softening. "And Kenji, welcome again to the Literature Club. You’ve certainly made quite an impression."

Kenji stood up, giving Monika a small bow. "Thanks, Monika-senpai. I’ll try to live up to the high standards of this club."

Sayori chimed in, her voice bright. "We’re so happy to have you, Kenji! I think you’re going to make things a lot more fun around here."

MC smirked faintly, shaking his head. "Just don’t go overboard."

Kenji winked at him. "No promises, Meiji-senpai."

As the members began to gather their things, Monika lingered for a moment, her gaze thoughtful as she watched Kenji interact with the others. As if he wasn't someone she expected.

As everyone began filing out of the room, the soft hum of the evening settled into the empty space. Natsuki was the first to leave, her bag slung over her shoulder as she muttered something about needing to get home for dinner. Monika followed soon after, waving politely to Kenji and MC before disappearing down the hallway.

Sayori was the last to linger, waiting by the door with her characteristic cheerfulness.

"Come on, MC!" she called out, rocking back and forth on her heels. "Let’s go back!"

MC smiled, shaking his head lightly. "Yeah, yeah. I know." He turned to Kenji, giving him a small wave. "See you in the next meeting, Kenji."

Kenji stood by one of the desks, his usual grin gone, replaced by a pensive look. As MC and Sayori moved toward the door, his voice broke the quiet.

"Meiji-senpai."

MC paused, looking back over his shoulder. "Yeah?"

Kenji hesitated for a moment before his expression hardened, more serious than it had been all evening. "Can you stay back for a bit? I have something to talk about."

MC raised an eyebrow, initially considering declining, but something in Kenji’s tone stopped him. It wasn’t like him to be so... serious. He glanced at Sayori, his voice softening. "Sayori, can you wait for me by the entrance?"

Sayori looked between the two, curiosity flashing in her eyes, but she decided not to press. "Okay! See you soon, Kenji!" She waved enthusiastically. "Today was fun!"

Kenji waved back, his grin returning briefly. "It was. See you, Sayori-senpai!"

As soon as she left the room, he chuckled. "What a cheerful girl, huh?"

MC smiled fondly. "She is. I’m surprised I never told you about her."

Kenji tilted his head, pretending to think. "Nope, don’t remember her."

"Or you just have a bad memory," MC teased. "Reminds me of back in middle school."

The two of them laughed, but the moment quickly gave way to silence as Kenji’s expression darkened once more.

"They’re still looking for you, y’know?" Kenji said quietly, his tone low.

MC’s face stiffened slightly, his gaze sharpening. "...Is that the only reason you joined this club? To warn me?"

Kenji shook his head, his voice firm but sincere. "No, of course not. I’m genuinely interested in literature. But..." He glanced at MC, his concern evident. "Your safety is a priority to me, senpai."

MC’s shoulders relaxed, and he let out a soft chuckle. "Do you feel responsible because of what happened that day?"

Kenji didn’t respond, his silence speaking volumes.

MC gave him a light punch on the shoulder, a reassuring smile spreading across his face. "I’ll be fine. I’m your senior, after all."

Kenji tried to smile back, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Slowly, MC walked towards the door to leave the clubroom. Kenji watched before speaking out, "But… if they come here and hurt other people? Your friends? The club members?"

MC froze mid-step, standing in the doorway. He turned slightly, his gaze soft yet unwavering. "You’re here with me now, right? There’s nothing for me to worry about."

Before Kenji could reply, MC stepped through the door and disappeared into the hallway.

Kenji stood there for a moment, reaching out as if to stop him, but his hand faltered. He sighed, letting his arm drop before shaking his head with a laugh that was more self-deprecating than amused.

"Senpai, senpai… always acting so cool for no reason, huh?" he muttered to himself, the empty room echoing his quiet chuckle.

Kenji walked over to the window, the faint glow of the setting sun casting long shadows across the room. He rested a hand on the windowsill, his other hand slipping into his pocket as he stared out at the empty schoolyard below.

"They’ll be here..." he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes narrowed slightly, the usual lightheartedness in his demeanor completely gone. The distant hum of the city beyond the school grounds seemed almost ominous in the stillness of the clubroom.

For a moment, his reflection in the glass caught his attention—a faint image of a boy trying to appear calm but unable to mask the storm brewing beneath the surface.

Kenji clenched his jaw, his grip on the windowsill tightening. "I won’t let them hurt anyone... not this time."

Chapter Text

Three years ago...

A dreary middle school courtyard, with gray skies looming overhead, stretched out like a scene from a bad memory. The faint sound of shouting echoed in the distance, but no one intervened. The place felt rough, unkind—a breeding ground for bullies and delinquents.

Kenji Takada, a tall but skinny first-year middle-schooler, sat alone in the shadows of the building. His spiky blonde hair was slightly unkempt, his expression void of emotion. A loner? Yeah, something like that. He was the type of kid who stayed out of everyone’s way, but in this school, that didn’t mean he was safe.

Bullying was as common as school bells ringing. Kenji had seen it countless times—kids being shoved into lockers, their lunch money stolen, their spirits crushed. He had never cared to step in, never cared to notice. That was, until the tables turned.

BUK

“So? You really don’t have any money?”

Kenji sat silently on the cold ground, cornered by three older boys. One of them leaned over him, smirking like a predator playing with its prey.

His voice was quiet but firm. “I don't—”

Before he could finish, a sharp punch landed in his stomach.

“Did I ask you to answer?”

Kenji doubled over, clutching his stomach, but his voice somehow managed to come out. “Y-you asked a que—”

The boy punched him again, harder this time. “What the fuck did I just say?”

Kenji fell silent, his body trembling from the pain.

The boy pulled his fist back again, preparing for another strike.

“Quit it,” the leader said calmly.

The bully immediately stepped back, letting Kenji go as if on command. “Sorry, boss.”

The leader, a larger boy with a cruel grin, stepped forward. His presence was different—cold and calculating. He crouched down, staring into Kenji’s eyes. “You’ll break him too much. If you keep this up, he might kill himself.”

Kenji said nothing, his breath shallow as he sat slumped on the ground.

The leader grabbed a fistful of Kenji’s hair, yanking his head back so their eyes met. His voice was low, almost mocking.

“Make sure you have your money next time, okay?”

Kenji glared up at him but didn’t answer.

The third boy checked his watch and spoke up, “Boss, school’s about to start.”

The leader let out a disgruntled sigh before letting Kenji go.

He clicked his tongue in annoyance. “As if we’re going there anyway.” He spat on Kenji before standing up. “Let’s hang at our usual spot.”

The group walked off, laughing among themselves as they left Kenji sitting in the dirt.

Kenji remained there for a moment, his hand on his stomach, his eyes narrowing as he watched them leave. The humiliation burned inside him.

The gang of bullies’ laughter stopped when they saw a figure standing at the end of the alleyway.

The boy standing there wasn’t tall or particularly intimidating, but there was a calm confidence in his posture that instantly drew attention. His brown hair slightly ruffled with the wind. His school uniform was neat, and he was holding a phone in one hand, the screen faintly glowing.

The first boy stepped ahead, scowling. “Who the hell are you?”

“Boss, I think he saw everything,” the third boy suggested.

The leader’s grin returned, his demeanor shifting to feigned friendliness as he took a step closer to the boy.

“Why don’t we make a deal, eh? You turn around and walk away like nothing happened, and we’ll forget you were even here. Sounds good?”

The boy didn’t flinch. Instead, he smirked, raising his phone slightly so they could see the screen. “Too bad, man. I’ve got it all recorded right here.”

The leader’s expression faltered.

“Oh, and I’ve already called the police. Been hearing about your group for a while now.”

For a moment, there was stunned silence. Then, the leader’s face twisted in rage.

“Get that damn phone!” he yelled as he pointed towards it.

The two lackeys lunged toward the boy without hesitation, their footsteps echoing in the narrow alleyway. But before the fight could even start, a faint sound cut through the tension.

Police sirens.

The leader froze, his head snapping toward the alley’s entrance.

One of the lackeys panicked, still struggling in pain. “Boss, we’ve gotta go!”

The leader clicked his tongue before looking back at the boy. “This isn’t over.” He spat on the ground before turning to leave, dragging his lackeys with him.

Kenji watched as the three bullies ran off, their bravado gone. The boy exhaled, brushing off his uniform as he turned his attention to him.

He extended his hand out to him and smiled. “You alright?”

Kenji hesitated, staring at the hand before reluctantly taking it. The boy pulled him to his feet, steadying him.

Kenji spoke quietly. “Why did you… help me?”

The boy shrugged, slipping his phone into his pocket. “Because someone had to. Those idiots have been getting away with this for too long."

Kenji looks down, unsure of what to say. He stood frozen, his legs weak and his mind racing with everything that had just happened. He stared at the boy in front of him, the boy who had stepped in without hesitation to save him. The way he carried himself, calm and confident, was unlike anything Kenji had ever seen.

The boy tilted his head slightly, studying Kenji as if trying to read him. "So, what are you going to do now?" he asked, his tone even but direct. "Go back to school and pretend nothing happened? Wait until they find you again and do things much worse than today?"

Kenji felt a lump form in his throat. The truth of those words stung because deep down, he knew the boy was right. If he didn’t do something, this would only keep happening. But what could he do? He lowered his gaze to the ground, his fists trembling at his sides.

"I... I can’t do anything," he muttered, his voice barely audible. "I’m too weak."

The boy didn’t respond right away. Instead, he Kenji carefully, his expression unreadable. Then, a small smile curved his lips.

"What’s your name?" He asked, changing the subject abruptly. "You look younger than me."

Kenji hesitated for a moment before answering. "Kenji… Kenji Takada. First year in middle school."

He nodded, his smile softening slightly. "I see." Extending his arm, he smiled as he introduced himself.

"My name’s Meiji. Meiji Chizu."