Happiness in Simplicity

Author Note: After my Sayori story, I decided I wanted to branch out with writing for a) another Doki and b) in a different kind of style. Given the previous story was very emotion heavy and had themes of suicide, depression and hope, I decided to write a much more wholesome, cheerier type of fanfic. This is essentially just an idea I had, wondering how a weekend between MC and Monika would go. It's not overly romantic, but that doesn't mean romance will be entirely absent... (I also know that Monika likes the player, not the MC, but for the sake of simplicity, let's just put that aside here!)

Doki Doki Literature Club and its characters belong to Team Salvato. Nothing is owned by me.

Saturday, eh? As a school student, I've always found myself looking forward to this day the most. While Friday was good and all, you still have to contend with the actual school day, and Sunday…well, no one really likes Sunday, do they? Sure, it's still part of the weekend, but knowing Monday comes right after it puts a real dampener on it.

I yawn, sitting up in bed. Fumbling for my phone, I blearily check the time. Wow. 9:12 am. For me, that's pretty early, especially given I'm a bit of a night owl. Briefly contemplating going back to sleep, I can't help but notice the faint rays of the sun shining through my window. I've never really been one to notice nature, but I have to admit the golden glows in my room do look quite nice. Walking over to the window, the view in front of me is lovely. Clear blue skies, not a cloud in sight, the rays permeating the suburbs, basking them in a pleasant golden shine. Nah, I can't sleep in when it's this nice outside, can I? I laugh softly to myself, imaging Sayori's reaction if she found out I considered sleeping in.

I have to admit, it's been a nice couple of weeks. Wouldn't have guessed that finally relenting to Sayori's nagging would have lead to me finding a new group of friends and discovering a new hobby. See, I've never really been a literature person. Sure, I used to read the odd book here and there, and I didn't mind reading in my school's English classes, but I never really made a conscious effort to find books of my own. Yuri recommending Portrait of Markov was pretty much the first proper book recommendation I pursued in a while. It's an…odd read, but I'm strangely enjoying it. Maybe she was right about how fascinating a novel can be.

I smile to myself, thinking about how all the club members welcomed me with open arms. Well…apart from Natsuki, but I think that sour attitude of hers is just a front. Wonder why, though? Hmm…can't win them all, I guess. Monika was really friendly, though. It's strange; she reminds me a lot of the typical 'popular girl'' stereotype that exist in high schools, the kind of stereotype people think negatively of, as they assume all the popular kids are just superficial and vain. Yet at the same time I feel like she's really genuine and down to earth. Of course, I'd known her prior to joining, but our contact was pretty minimal, and our friendship surface level at best. It was nice to see her again. It's not like we didn't get along, and it's always nice seeing a familiar face, especially in an unfamiliar environment. Still, it does feel nice being included in a new group, especially one as friendly as this one. I've never been much of a poet, but over time I really feel like I've got better, nonetheless due to the girls' input and advice. The festival itself went really well; by all means a moderate success. Sure, we didn't attract tons of new members, but we at least had a fair few people come and watch us perform, and I'm really proud of Yuri and Natsuki especially for coming out of their shells and reciting their poems in front of an audience. It can't have been easy for them, and I know how much Monika appreciated what they did for her. The club means ever so much to her as well, and it was just so wholesome to see everyone cheering eachother on and enjoying all the positive reception that the club got from the spectators.

Ah…what a lovely start to the weekend. Beautiful weather, a happy reflection of the past few days. Although…it still doesn't help me figure out how to spend the rest of the day. Normally I'm not out of bed until around noon, so having these extra hours in the morning is a little foreign to me. Hmm…well, guess I'll freshen up and eat, then see how I'm feeling.

One warm shower later and I'm munching on my breakfast with my phone in my other hand, idly scrolling through some music. Nah…nothing's coming to mind. I sigh, wishing my parents were home. At least then the house wouldn't feel so lonely, and I've have someone to talk to. They've been away for a while…no idea when they're coming back. Hope it's soon…

My phone flashes, giving me an update about a video game I've been playing for a few months now. How did I not think of that? It's not I haven't been a gamer for as long as I can remember…hah. But the question is, which one? Do I feel like firing up my consoles, or playing on my computer? Tough one. I laugh to myself, remembering how people actually argue over which one's a better medium for gaming. Some of kind of 'master race'? Never saw why you couldn't just enjoy both. Now…do I feel like playing some survival horror, a shooter, or some action adventure? I ponder, scrolling over the titles on my Steam library. Nah, can't say I'm really in the mood to repair a bunch of generators while being stalked by some psychopathic knife-wielding murderer, so that's horror scratched off the list. What about Blizzard? Tempting. Between the futuristic cowboys and space gorillas, their characters always made me smile. Although...probably not, too early in the morning. Don't think I'll be sharp enough for it.

Thinking about it, I don't think I'm really in the mood for any games at all. Although I had a good night's sleep, it's rare for me to be up so early, and my body clock is still adjusting to it. God, how is it possible I have so many games but don't know what to play? If this isn't the epitome of first world problems then man I have no idea what is. Maybe I should've just gone back to sleep after all…

An unexpected buzzing snaps me out of my reverie. What could this be? I've got most of my notifications turned off, so it has to be a text or call from someone I know. Well, whoever it is, thank you, I guess...talk about a timely save against this boredom. Ooh, it's Monika. Wonder what she could want? Please don't just be asking me to write a poem or something…I might enjoy the Literature Club, but I don't think I'm a Shakespeare just yet.

'Hiya! I'm hoping you're awake, Sayori tells me you're a bit lazy, ahahah. Anyway, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out today? After all, you're our newest member, and I barely know much about you! I was thinking we could chill at yours, or we could go into town or something? Let me know what you think! Monika x'

I have to admit, that text is in typical Monika fashion, isn't it? Direct, to the point. Wish I had that kind of confidence…well anyway, talk about a rescue. Thinking about it, why hadn't I thought of messaging any of the girls? I can be such an idiot sometimes. As I type a response back to her, I can't help but notice my hands are shaking a little. When did my heart start racing a little bit? No MC, you've overthinking this. You're just gonna hang out with your friend Monika, what's there to be nervous about? Don't have any silly thoughts, there's no need to overthink this…

'Hah, well surprise surprise, I am indeed awake. Sure, that sounds great. You can come over if you like, then we can figure out what to do from there? I'm pretty much ready, so come over whenever.'

Man do I wish I had that sort of confidence in a face to face situation. It's so easy saying stuff over text…

'Ahaha, a surprise indeed! I'll make my way over now then, I'll see you soon!'

Well. This isn't nerve wracking at all.