Author's Note: Ten chapters! It's only been a week and I've already gathered so much support in this project! I'll try to post these notes more often. I like to keep my readers informed! By the way, the Base64 in the last chapter can actually be viably translated! And one more thing, a lot of people have been mentioning that Xavier is a self-insert, I just want to assure you he's not. I'm not sure why you'd come to that assumption, though… After all, I'm a girl! I should clarify that too, since there has also been some confusion on my actual gender. Nevertheless, thanks for all the support, and I'll keep posting new chapters as often as I can!

Chapter 10 - Sayori

Having a lot of time until I have to be at school, I walk over next door and let myself in. I don't want anyone dying, after all…

Pictures flash in my head as Markimoo screams at the sight of Sayori's death.

I don't want to live that firsthand.

I knock on the door to Sayori's room. There's no response. I open the door to Sayori's sleeping body. She looks so peaceful, but I have to do this.

"Sayori… Sleepyhead." I try to give off that childhood friend-mood.

I throw a pillow at her.

"Hah…" Sayori manages a giggle. "Xavier, what are you doing here?"

"Just wanted to make sure you were up."

"Ah. Thanks!" She smiles.

It's time. "Also… Sayori…"

"Yes, Xavier?"

"I know about your depression."

She gasps.

"H-how? I tried so hard to keep it from you… You were the last person I wanted to know!"

"Listen… You're not useless. You've always been a great friend to me, Sayori. Your depression doesn't change my feelings toward you at all."

Well, if I'm gonna be stuck here forever, I may as well help where I can.

This is my world now.

I turn my focus toward Sayori. She's in tears. Her head slams onto my shoulder.

"Sayori… It's okay." I gently pat the back of her head as she sobs into my uniform.

"B… But… Do-don't you…" She weeps with sniffles in between her words. "Aren't I a b-b-burden? What… What benefit do I serve to this planet?"

"C'mon, Sayori. You know that's not true." I reply reassuringly. "You're my best friend. I wouldn't trade you for anything."

Except maybe Monika.

"Sniff…" Mucus droops out of her nose as she cries.

I turn to a full-on hug now. She immediately hugs back with compassion.

Even though I've only been here for a few days, I still feel a lifelong bond with Sayori. Memories of me and Sayori spending time together.

That's not me… That didn't happen…

Nevertheless, I cherish these sweet memories of Sayori as I enjoy a hug with her.

I've realized something.

Life here is better than my life in the real world.

I don't have to worry about money, education, friendships.

I've got everything now.

I was barely getting by before. Barely getting by with my old life. But now I have everything I've ever wanted.

Before I was mad at whoever threw me here.

But now all I can do is thank them.

Thank you!

Suddenly, an unwelcome thought comes into my head. A foreign thought.

You're welcome.

I don't think I've ever been happier.

"Let's start walking, Sayori." I say proudly.

"Okay!" She can sense my newfound happiness and follows suit.

We walk out the door.

Together.

Off to the start of my new life.