I slowly open the door, sending a rush of fresh air through Monika and myself. I step outside, holding the door open for the young woman, whose eyes were filled with a look of wonder and excitement.
As her feet walked forward into the outdoors, everything was catching her eyes. The trees, the buildings, just about everything seemed exciting and new to her.
And I really couldn't blame her. This is a new world to her after all.
"We haven't even taken three steps and you already look like a kid in a candy store." I chuckled a hearty laugh at Monika's adorable excited look.
"Well of course!" She exclaimed back as she ran over and placed her hands on the safety rails opposite of the building. "The trees are so green and beautiful! The clouds are so fluffy and full!"
"And it doesn't look like a generic Japanese prefecture." I cheekily state.
"It's all just…so exciting!" Monika squealed, causing another chuckle to myself.
I walk towards Monika, and extend my arm, offering my hand to her.
"Well, we've literally only started." I say with an excited tone myself.
And I would say I'm kind of excited to show Monika what she's always wanted to see.
Her eyes catch my hand, then look towards mine. A sweet smile covers her lips, as she took her small hand in mine.
As I lead her down the stairs, Thoughts of leading Monika into the real world flooded my brain.
And I was getting excited to be her guide through this new world for her.
I could show her everything she's wanted to see! I could show her the zoo that resides in our town, take her to whatever restaurant she wants, just about anything that wasn't the digital hellhole she was trapped in.
I lead her across the parking lot towards my car, which was a small, hand-me-down luxury Buick.
It's not a limo, but it's a set of wheels regardless.
I release Monika's hand, and quickly walk over to the passenger side to open the door for her.
But once I look over, I could see her completely frozen stiff as she looked upon my modest motor vehicle.
"Something wrong?" I ask, confused.
"W-We have to go in a car…?" She weakly asked, looking to me.
"Huh? Well, yeah. It would take forever to get there on foot. Plus there's not really anything for public transportation."
And that much was true about my hometown. I don't know why, but as big as my town is, there's no established form of public transportation, aside from taxis and busses.
But the only way to really get around in my town is by car, which Monika really seems to be afraid of.
"Do you have something against cars?"
"N-No, no...it's just...I've never ridden in one before…"
My eyes widened at the realization of it all.
Her world was modeled after the stereotypical Japanese prefecture, meaning the only real way to get around is by foot.
Cars are pretty uncommon in those tropes, so it's understandable if one has never ridden in one of these metal death machines.
"O-Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize that possibility…" I look to the ground in guilt of my ignorance. "Y-You have nothing to worry about, though. I'm probably the safest driver you'll ever know. I've never been in an accident before, and I even drive a bit below the speed limit."
"O-Oh, don't worry…" She replies. "I know I can trust you, I'm...just a little nervous…"
Huh.
I kind of find it cathartic that Monika is the nervous one this time, despite being the reason my blood pressure has been so high lately.
Understanding her feelings, I extend my hand once more to guide her into the passenger seat.
"You have nothing to worry about, I promise."
I shut the car door for her, and then enter the car from my side, buckling my seatbelt.
"Safety first, buckle up." I say, looking over towards the unbuckled Monika.
She nods back to me and quickly secured herself with a click of a seatbelt.
As I turn on the car, I can't help but notice something from the young woman out of the corner of my eye.
Her hands were shaking, as they kept a death grip with the safety bars.
She really is nervous…
I look to the terrified beauty with concern.
"Monika."
The sound of her own name made her flinch, as she looked towards me in return.
"If you're really that scared, you can hold my hand again if you want."
"But...wont you need both hands to drive?"
"Do you not trust me?"
She was silent after hearing my question.
But I am confident in multitasking while driving. I'm one of the most safest drivers anyone could meet.
I extend my hand to her once again, which she slowly takes, slipping her fingers between mine.
As embarrassing as taking her hand in mine was, I was more concerned for her feelings than mine.
And god, she has such soft hands.
"Alright then, let's go." I say, shifting the car into gear with my available hand.
Once we exited the parking lot and began on our way into town, Monika's fears seemed to settle little by little. Her hands were shaking less and less with each mile we passed.
Whenever I looked over towards her, I could see the same look of wonder and excitement as when she first walked out the door.
Nothing was spared from her vision, and I couldn't help but chuckle to myself.
"So, where would you like to go first?" I ask, looking towards the road.
"Gosh, there's so much, I can't even decide!" She excitedly chirped.
"Well, we do have an outdoor mall downtown. It has everything we need."
"Sounds great!" She happily agreed, squeezing my hand tighter. A bright, radiant grin crossed across her lips, which forced me to smile as well.
Smiles are one of the most wondrous things that anything with a mouth can do.
After about a half hour driving, we both arrive to our destination.
The outdoor mall my town features stretches to form one large strip of businesses and is one of the most popular spots in town, for both tourists and natives alike. From clothes stores, to restaurants, to even small department stores, it has everything one would require in day to day life.
After spending an ungodly amount of time searching for a parking space, both Monika and I step out of the car, giving us a chance to stretch our legs. While I locked the car from the outside, Monika skips over towards me.
"Which one should we go to first?" She excitedly asked, eagerness in her eyes.
"Well, we're here for you, so it's your choice."
"Hmm…" she hummed in thought, her hand to her chin. "I think I would want to get some new clothes first, then get something to eat after. I haven't had anything to eat since I crossed into this world."
"Fair enough." I agree, slipping my keys into my pocket.
After taking a few steps down the sidewalk, Monika slips her arm around mine, holding it close to her.
"H-Hey…" I stutter, my face slightly burning in embarrassment.
"What? I thought this was something that girlfriends do. Do you not want me to?"
I can't deny that having my arm held by such a beautiful girl feels really nice.
Like, really nice.
"D-Do what you want…"
A giggle from the chestnut haired beauty rang through my ears, as her grip on my arm tightened.
As we perused down the strip, Monika's eyes were attracted to every store we passed, her options increasing with every door we walk past.
Meanwhile, I can't help but notice all the staring from all the other shoppers.
All pointed directly at Monika.
Why the hell is everyone staring at us?
Everyone's eyes locked onto her doesn't help the fact I am already nervous about keeping her identity a secret.
But for some reason, I can't help but feel at least a little proud.
I am the only one out of everyone in the world that can actually have Monika in their life physically, after all.
This thought, coupled with Monika's adorable curious side, helped to alleviate my nerves.
But only slightly.
"Oh, oh, let's go into that one first!" She excitedly stated, pointing at a local clothing store next to us.
Once we entered the store, she releases my arm in excitement, and immediately leaves to browse the isles of clothes. I follow after, only to not have to wait in one spot.
She excitedly looks through a rack filled with different shirts, sifting through each hanger.
"If you see anything you like, don't be afraid to speak up." I say, watching her eyes dart in every direction.
After a small giggle, she rebuttes my previous statement.
"I could say the same for you. Pick anything you want to see me in."
The words she spoke both embarrassed and excited me in a sense, as my cheeks turn another shade of red.
"W-What does that mean?"
"Oh come on, what do you think it means?"
"Uhm...well...I…"
"You told me to pick some clothes for myself, but I also want to have some outfits you want to see me in. Is it so wrong to want to wear what you like?"
My heart skipped twice the number of beats after hearing those words.
"R….Really?"
"Of course!" Monika replies, looking away from the racks of clothes, and into my eyes. "I want to be the best girlfriend ever to the best boyfriend ever, so don't be afraid to tell me what you like!"
She then pokes a finger into my chest. "But keep it tasteful, ok? We arent that far yet in our relationship."
"O-Of course…" I nervously reply, while my mind was filled to the brim of what I thought Monika would look like in different clothing.
As far as I was concerned, the only clothing she officially wore was her generic japanese sailor-style school uniform. The only instance of clothing other than that on her was merely fanart.
My cheeks burn a shade of red as my mind conjured images of Monika in assorted clothing.
"You like stripes, right?"
My mind snaps from my thoughts, as my eyes point towards the young beauty, a green striped shirt within her hands.
"H-How did…"
"Well, judging by your reaction to the swimsuit earlier, I can only assume you do."
My face flushes in embarrassment at the thought of that intimate situation, as Monika giggles at my reaction.
"Seems I hit a bullseye~" She teased, before picking a few more hanging articles of clothing. "Come on, let's go try them out!"
She can't be serious.
"W-Wait, what? Y-You mean, go into the changing room with you…?"
Monika cocked a sly smile at my question.
"What is it exactly you're thinking about right now?"
"Well...I…"
She then grabs my hand, holding tight.
"I didn't mean it like that, I was only teasing you." She giggled. "But don't you want to see how I look in them before buying them?"
Oh. That's what she meant...
"O-Oh, right, sorry…"
After a quick flash of a smile, Monika pulls me toward the changing area of the store.
After picking a stall, she slipped behind the door, but left her head out.
"No peeking~!" She mused, before closing the door.
Meanwhile, I am left alone with only my thoughts and imagination.
While I waited for the young woman to try on the clothes she picked, I decided to kill the time on my phone, checking messages and the lot.
Still nothing.
It's kind of discouraging to make friends when they don't want to keep in contact, even after becoming well acquainted.
As I search through my previously read messages, my eyes can't help but look back at the messages sent by Frank earlier.
He, along with the rest of the internet must be pretty upset over this whole ordeal. Monika is no longer within the game, and everybody's finding out.
Which only made me more uneasy.
...But it got me thinking.
If she's able to cross into this world, then what of the other three girls? Would they be able to free themselves like Monika has?
Surely she can't be the only one to be granted this kind of happiness.
But these were merely thoughts, just passing through my mind.
I have no idea how even Monika came into this world, let alone think it can be applied to the others.
The best I can do right now is try to keep her identity a secret until it all blows over.
It's an internet fad, after all.
"I'm ready, Cecil~"
The sound of Monika's voice pulled me from my thoughts, as I look to the closed door of the changing room stall.
"O-Ok…"
The door slowly creaked open to reveal Monika in her chosen set of clothing. She donned the same striped shirt she held from earlier, but wore it under a thin black coat.
My eyes were glued to the sight before me.
Never have I seem such a transition from a cute, bright girl into such a mature-looking young woman through something as simple as a change of clothing.
"W-Wow…" I stutter in awe.
Her cheeks turn a slight shade of pink from my reaction. "Does...it look okay?"
I nervously nod my head. "Y-Yeah, o-of course! I-It's just...you…"
Monika's already pink face turned a slight shade of red, as a smile formed from her lips.
"Its okay, I'm just glad you like it…" She said, before walking up to me and holding my hand again.
Goddamnit, she looks so much more mature, but she still acts like an innocent schoolgirl!
"O-Of course, i-it looks great on you…"
Suddenly, Monika raised her head to give me a quick peck on the lips. "You're just too sweet, you know that?"
If I could turn anymore bashful and embarrassed, I would have to start living in a cottage in the woods along with six other dwarves.
"S-So, have you come to a decision?"
"Yep! I think I'll get these, along with the others I picked up. I want to show you the others at home."
"O-Ok, whatever you say…" I say before we both head towards the cashier counter.
A young woman stood behind the register, her eyes glued to her phone.
I guess this place doesn't get that much business. Employees on their phones in front of customers? Come on, she doesn't even have a name tag!
We approach the cashier, whose attention pointed away from her phone and onto us.
"Oh, wow, she looks great in those!" The cashier complimented, looking upon Monika's choice of outfit.
"O-Oh, crap! I forgot I needed to take them off first…" Monika stammered, her eyes pointed to the floor.
The cashier waved off Monika's words, smiling. "Its alright, we can still check them out here. You look so nice in it, I almost can't bring myself to see it taken off."
Wait, what?
"R-Really?" I ask, confused at the cashier words.
"Sure, man!" She chirped. "If I was a guy with a girlfriend like her, I'd want to show her off like that."
Dammit, we're trying to divert attention, not attract it!
"W-Whatever you say…" I say, dismissing the cashiers words.
Another giggle could be heard from Monika. "I don't mind you being a little proud of me, you know."
"I-I just...don't think women should be shown off like that…you're not trophies, you know..."
"Aww…" The cashier cooed, heartfelt at my previous statement.
"Isn't he just the best?" Monika chirped, before grabbing my arm once again.
"Yeah." The cashier scoffed. "If only MY boyfriend would think the same…"
"Does he not treat you right?"
"Uhm, Mo-...I mean, Anna? I don't think we really need to pry into her business…" I interrupted, attempting to dismiss the situation.
"N-No, its fine, its just...he hasn't really been romantic lately…I feel like he's moving further and further away from me..." the cashier replied, dismissing my words.
"Well, maybe you should take an initiative, then." Monika chirped, smiling.
The cashier fell silent for a moment. "...You...really think so?"
"Of course! If you just wait for him to do everything, then you'll be stuck doing nothing!" Monika replied. "Relationships are two-way streets, are they not?"
The cashier stared at Monika after her hearing her words, then quickly looked down in thought.
"That...might work." She said, crossing her arms in agreement.
"What do you think, Cecil?" Monika asked, looking to me.
"M-Me?"
"Yes, you."
"W-Well...if he's the type of guy I'm thinking he might be, he just...might not know how to show his feelings?" I answer. "How long have you two been going out?"
"Three weeks." the cashier bluntly answered.
"Well then, there's your reason. Just give him some time, but don't leave him alone. That will only make things worse."
"Huh...you really think so?"
"Again, its none of my business, so I don't fully know what to say. Some guys just have a little bit of trouble showing their love. If he really does care about you, then I'm positive he will warm up to you."
"And maybe you'll be a happy couple like us one day!" Monika chimed in.
The cashier looked at us with eyes of realization. "Well...how long have you two been going out?"
Two days…
"Er, almost two months..." I lie as I look to the floor. A quick glance at Monika showed she was stifling a laugh.
"Wow, and you guys are this close?"
"Well, I…"
But before I could come up with an excuse, Monika stepped in for me.
"We figured if we kept the lovey dovey stuff, it would make us closer. And it's been working so far!" She said, holding my arm tighter.
"And...you're happy?" The cashier said, looking at me.
I fell silent for a moment, as I thought of how to reciprocate that question.
"I... I have a beautiful girl that tells me she loves me any chance she can get, and is always trying to win my approval, so of course I'm happy!" I say with a strained voice.
In reality, I can't even think what might be real or not anymore.
"And he keeps amazing me with every day passing…" Monika added to my words, leaning her head on my shoulder.
"Wow...I wish I had a relationship like you guys…" The cashier sheepishly said, her voice as somber as her expression.
"Well, with a little effort and showing your feelings, you can be just like us!" Monika assured to the cashier.
"Y-Yeah, just like us…" I say with a heavy heart, knowing my feelings for Monika aren't as true as hers for myself.
"Hopefully...Oh! Shit, I forgot, you still have to check out…" The cashier realized, remembering the entire reason we came here.
"N-No problem, we are sorry to get in any business that wasn't ours…" I say with a guilty tone.
"It's alright, no need to worry. In fact, I think I might have needed this. Thank you both." The cashier smiled at me.
A small smile formed on my face as well. It's always nice to help people with their problems.
After about ten minutes of checking out Monika's new clothes, which were not cheap, we leave the building, waving goodbye to the cashier.
"Funny. We didn't even get her name." Monika realized as we continued down the street.
"If she still works here by the time you can get around town yourself, you might be able to see her. You might even become friends." I reply.
"Oh, I hope... It's gonna be weird to make new friends. But I'm still going to miss Sayori and the other two…" She sadly replied.
And I can't disagree with her on that.
They were her closest friends after all. Even if they weren't real.
"I-I'm sure it will be alright...I'm positive wherever they are, they miss you too." I reply.
Monika reciprocated my words by giving me another loving kiss on my cheek.
"They weren't real...but they were real enough for me. But now, I don't need them." She says, before holding my arm once again, but much more tighter this time.
"I have you, after all."
Those words echoed through my mind, and sank my heart to the deepest depths of my chest.
She gives me nothing but love and compliments, but I can't return the feelings yet.
I'm such a scumbag. I don't deserve her, or anyone like her.
"But, I was kind of disappointed they didn't have much range in terms of dresses…" She added, alleviating the atmosphere.
"O-Oh? Not much you could find?" I ask, my mind pulled from my guilty conscience.
"It's not really that...It's just…" She said, before becoming suddenly silent.
I ask her name in confusion. "Monika?"
"I want you to choose it."
I stop in my tracks, frozen from the shock of her words. "W-What?"
"You heard me. I want you to pick a dress you think will look stunning on me."
"B-But why me?"
Monika gave me a light jab on the cheek with her finger. "Because I want it to be the dress I associate with you! I want one that you like!"
"R...Really?"
"You want to have a pretty girlfriend that wears what you like, right? Can you not imagine me in a dress that makes you speechless just from the thought of it?"
I look to the ground as my thoughts are assailed with images of Monika in an assortment of dresses. Some black, some colored, some frilled, and some plain.
"Well...I guess I'll let you know when I see it then…" I nervously reply, scratching the back of my head.
But I can't help but feel happy.
She wants something that will make me happy and lucky to be with her. How could I not smile at something like that.
"Alright, but I want you to be honest with your choice. Don't just pick something you think will just look pretty." She interjected. "I want to make you the happiest guy on the planet, so don't be afraid to show me what you like."
"B-But...why though?" I ask, before being silenced with Monika's hand on my cheek.
"Because I want to return the favor. You've already made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world."
I stare in complete silence at the emerald pools that were her eyes, my cheeks flaring a shade of pink.
She wants nothing but my happiness.
Dammit Monika, you make being unsure to love you really hard when you say that.
"R...Really…" I stammer, still processing the words I just heard.
"Of course." She says, before planting her lips on mine.
I haven't had much experience with kisses, but I knew for sure hers felt almost stellar.
She releases her lips from mine, smiling. "Now, should we get something to eat?"
"Y-Yeah, sure…" I reply, as we then continued our way down the sidewalk.
I sigh to myself in my mind.
Her words touch my heart in ways I've never felt before. Her hands are so soft, and fit perfectly within mine. Her kisses make my mind and chest so light and free.
I don't know what this feeling might really be, but...
…
...Maybe I'm...falling in love with her after all?
