Chapter 10: An Invitation

"Y-YOU'RE GETTING M-M-MARRIED?" Monika and I both shrieked. Our screams were loud enough to create another scene inside the cafe.

"Ehehe, yes you heard it right!" Clarice cheerfully responded.

The entire cafe overheard it as they began clapping once hearing the shocking news while most of the customers responded with congratulations. Clarice's face turned bright red as she completely covered her face with her hands, and shaking her head aggressively.

"Ah, everyone heard it, it's so embarrassing," Clarice fumed.

"Don't be too shy about it, congratulations!" Monika consoled while approaching and hugging Clarice tightly. I only stared in awe, speechless on what I've heard.

"Aww, thank you Nikki, I still can't believe it myself, ahaha," Clarice said.

"Wow! This is really big news!" I uttered and I still cannot believe it. Although, Clarice is always this sweet and kind girl I knew during my childhood, hearing her getting married makes me feel a bit too proud and myself. She's pretty young as well!

"...so how long have you been engaged?" I continued.

"A-almost two months," Clarice answered. "I know it's almost recent but I still can't contain myself even though months have passed."

Monika's interest on the situation suddenly peaked as she began interrogating Clarice regarding the upcoming wedding ceremony.

"So how long have you been in a relationship with your fiance?" Monika asked.

"Oh, it's over 3 years, haha," Clarice answered.

"Wow, that's relationship goals, Clarice!" I cheered. "So what does your fiance look like?"

"Haha, I thought you'd never ask, but he is so gentle and really kind, not only that but he is also understanding and will be always supportive and caring for whatever things you do," Clarice calmly answered. "Of course, he's also really gorgeous and rich like a prince, but that's only a bonus for me, hahaha!" Clarice further added in a proud manner.

"Oh my, you're so lucky, aren't you?" I commented while laughing.

"I bet your fiance is very lucky, too!" Monika added.

Clarice was flushed as her face continued to blush uncontrollably, "You think so?! Thank you so much, Nikki!" Clarice answered as she started freaking out covering her cheeks with her hands.

"Hey hey calm down a little bit, haha," I said as I wave my hand up and down, trying to cool down Clarice. This lovey-dovey feeling might actually make her explode. Monika started to giggle beside me.

Our table was filled with a very lively atmosphere as our giggles circled around simultaneously making us feel enjoyment with the presence of one another. It continued for several minutes and once the entire table started to calm down slowly, Clarice started to speak once again in a serious manner.

"I'm so glad I found you here, Rex,"Clarice stated. "I've already visited Auntie a few weeks ago and she told me that you moved to a different town to get a job!" Clarice continued narrating. "I was suppose to catch the train tomorrow to go to the address she gave me but I'm so lucky that I met you here in the cafe."

"Oh, well that's too convenient, hahaha," I commented.

"I was also quite shocked knowing that you have a girlfriend! I hope I did not interfere with your date, I'm really sorry about that, Rex and Nikki," Clarice bowed her head to apologize.

"Ah ah! It's not a problem at all, everything was just fine," Monika assured. "Besides traveling from your town to here probably cost you a lot of time and effort," she cheered.

"Aww, you're too sweet Nikki," Clarice commented. "I already like you a lot, haha," she flirted and started to glare at me. That glare sent somewhat sends me shiver as I reacted with a gulp. "Take note Rex, you are really lucky you met this girl, don't let go of her, she's a keep!" Clarice covered her mouth towards Monika as she whispered in my direction in which I nodded firmly in response. Monika lets out an adorable giggle. She probably heard what she said, regardless.

"Anyway, moving on…"Clarice firmly stated as she formed a fist in front of her mouth and cleared her throat. "How's the life here in this town Rex? It's really massive and wonderful!" she wondered.

"Eh, not bad, it's pretty cozy in here, wonderful place and lots of people dwelling the streets," I answered. "My lifestyle is not so bad either, I got a decent job, enough for me to pay my bills and spend it on the things I need…"

"That's so great to hear! Yeah, I can really tell with these loads of shopping bags beside me, ahaha," Clarice jokingly said as Monika and I looked at each other and responded with a chuckle.

"I guess you could say that… at least I'm enjoying my job as a photographer…" I responded.

"Photographer? Really?" Clarice immediately cut my statement off as she screamed with delight. "Oh my God, I'm so proud of you, finally doing what you wanted since we are kids!"

"Ahaha, thank you, if it wa-"

Clarice slammed the table with force as she began inching her face closer to mine and shouted. "I have an idea! Be the photographer for my wedding ceremony, I'm inviting you two for the grandest day in my life! I want to see how much you excelled being a photographer since back then…" Clarice expressly recommended. Monika and I were both shocked at the sudden change of her volume.

"Oh yeah, that's a great idea! Rex accept the offer!" Monika supported immediately. "I want to see how you showcase your skills at this grand event as well!"

"W-wa-wait seriously? Hey calm down I wasn't ready for this opportunity…" I nervously said as I wiped the sweat coming out of my body. Well, this was intense, giving me this kind of responsibility for her very special day and the fact that she puts all her trust in me, despite not meeting for a long time. Ah well, it's just a simple photography task and I'm glad Monika is supporting me, it makes me fill my heart with joy.

"Fine, but you should probably hit up my company as well, since I'm not technically a freelancer," I informed.

"Well, that would be a bit of a problem," Clarice rebutted with a concerned face. "You see, my fiance have already called a studio that will primarily be conducting our ceremony," Clarice worriedly looked sideways. "Why don't you take a week-long leave to the company or so?" she suggested.

"Ah that won't be really easy, that action alone can cost me a cut-"

Clarice sighed, "I know you'd say that, I'll be giving you a large sum-"

"Sure, why not!" I beamed while my eyes started sparkling like stars so bright whilst giving her a huge thumbs up as a sign of a deal to her contract. I heard faint sounds of Monika giggling as she looked at me with a huge smile in her face.

Her smile gave me more power and more motivation to do this. I swear I haven't felt this motivated in doing my passion just by looking at someone's face. I can see what she wants to say to me just by looking at her face, the words of "You can do it!" Is this what falling in love means, giving you more strength in doing the things you want to do everyday? If so, I want more!

"Hmm, maybe my fiance was right, money can really do anything to other people," Clarice nonchalantly muttered.

"Hey! That's not the point!" I rebutted. "Besides I'm doing this to rekindle our sweet childhood days, and because this is a very important day for my friend," I argued as I gave her a warm smile.

"Aww, I'm so touched by those words," Clarice responded as her eyes began to become wet and tears started falling through her cheeks. Is she crying again?

"Yaay Rex! I'm so so so proud of you," Monika began jumping on my arm to embrace it tightly and she looked to my eyes with an enlightened glare.

"Haha, thank you guys as well, I'll be doing my best for both of you," I stated. Yes! I can do this, for my friend and for my girlfriend, I'm so excited on the day she gets married. Wait, when will she be married again?

"Ah, Clarice…. by the way, when will you get married?" Oh how dumb of me to not know that sooner…

"Oh, yeah right, ahaha," Clarice chuckled. "I got too excited on giving you a task without giving you my invitation card," Clarice then grabbed her bag as she pulled out her invitation card and handed it over to us.

The invitation card is so wonderful, the designs are so lovely and the graphics makes you feel like you're going to have an eternal bliss during the event! I love it! This couple really know how to throw an event with this card alone. Hmm, let's see, June eh, that's a few months away from now!

"Oh June, huh? So you're going to be a June bride, how traditional!" I remarked.

"I know, haha, by the way, I recommend you two go to the venue as early as two to three days before the ceremonies as I'll already check in some hotel rooms for you two to stay," Clarice informed. "Aaaand also June is a good day for weddings right, the seasons of spring and summer mesh well at this time, and the weather gives you vibes of a blissful paradise! If you two are going to get married hopefully sometime, I recommend you choose the month of June, just saying," she teased.

Monika and I just went silent and stared each other with a blush on our faces, as we awkwardly chuckled.

"Oh come on you two, you're just too cute, let me pinch your cheeks, come here," Clarice jokingly approached.

"Ow, ow, ow, stop it!" Monika and I said in unison.

The conversation between us suddenly became calmer as we finished the last sip of our beverages. Both Clarice and I shared a couple of our experiences throughout the years while Monika gave us a fair share of her reactions and interests between the subject matter. The time we spent together were a fun ride, I never thought this weekend would be much happier than my expectations, starting from my shopping galore with Monika and our eventual first date dipped with a special treat from Clarice. This might be my best day ever, although this is just the beginning of the days to enjoy with her, with Monika.

Once we we were about to fix our things and leave the cafe, Clarice halted us, "Hey, hey you have a camera right, Rex?"

"Huh, oh yes, why so?" I answered. Confused.

"Let's have pictures of us together!" Clarice blissfully requested.

"Oh sure, why not? Everybody is having a fun time and all!" I responded. "All we need is someone to-"

"No need, just take a selfie from that camera!" Clarice immediately commanded.

"Wouldn't it be too difficult?" I reasoned out.

"We don't need some good angles, as long as we can be seen, just point it toward us all," Clarice continued bickering with a slight annoyance in her voice.

"Okay fine fine," I surrendered. "Don't blame me if its too horrible," I said. I pointed the camera to us even though I can't see what we look like and captured it. I call this the "guess capture." I looked at the picture with me being the closest in the camera while Monika embracing my shoulders and Clarice posing out a peace sign. Hmm, not bad.

"Wow, it's pretty good for a guess shot," Monika commented.

"See, it still turned out well!" Clarice cheered. "Capture more selfies!" she continued commanding.

So I then obeyed Clarice's annoying commands and continuously took a shot from my camera while the two girls at my back keep on changing poses per shot. As I looked to my photos, I cringed at some shots being blurry but oh well, at least there are pretty ones in here. After a few shots, Clarice started putting her palms together and bowed in front of Monika. Huh, I wonder what's happening.

"I know Nikki, this is too selfish for me and I'm too shy to ask but can you please take a picture of Rex and me," Clarice nervously pleaded. "I mean it's been years and all-"

"No problem to me," Monika answered with a smile. "Why wouldn't I? You're friends after all, haha," she resumed.

"Really? Oh my God, thank you! You're so kind and pure!" Clarice beamed up. I just smiled on the side, oh Monika you're such a sweetie.

"Okay, so how do I do this?" Monika asked as she stared while holding the camera weirdly.

"Alright, let me help you with that," I helped out as I slid closer to Monika. "Okay, so first off…" As I continued assisting Monika, I can't help but look at her face when she is determined to learn something with her eyes focused on the parts of the camera. As I drew nearer to hear, I can't help but smell the sweet fragrance of Monika's hair, she is totally perfect. I drew in too close while still trying to focus to teach her basic camera skills, I inched too close that I can almost kissed her hair….

"Kyaaah," Clarice faintly squealed from the other side.

"Huh? What's wrong Clarice," Monika panicked.

"Nothing… nothing," Clarice answered as she blushed and looked sideways while pointing her index finger together. "It's just that… you two are so cute when you are so close together! Kyaah!" Clarice covered her face as she started giggling.

My face started to turn red as Monika started to blush as well. I looked at Clarice with a slightly irritated look, "Hey, stop being too excited on trivial things,you make me feel scared with all of your stupid screams" I scolded as I let go of the camera on Monika's hold.

"Oh come on, I was just playing around," Clarice said. " Oh and I'm also serious on what I said," she resumed only leading for me to get confused.

"Okay everyone, put out a smile on your faces and say cheese," Monika commanded preparing the camera.

"Oi, wait I wasn't ready yet, hahaha," I said.

I hurried to sit down beside Clarice and started smiling. As Monika captured us continuously, Clarice started posing stupid things beside me forcing me to do the same. Letting me do stupid faces, stupid smiles,weird wacky poses, and uhhh… the dab. Geez, how childish.

Clarice and I started looking at the pictures Monika took. I'm surprised she did a pretty well job. Clarice's face started smiling as she looked further and further.

"Wow, nice work on this one Nikki! I like the shots!" I complimented.

"Really? Thank you, ahaha," Monika blushed.

"Ahhh, thank you so much, Nikki! These look better than what Rex captured earlier!" Clarice said with gratitude.

"Hey, that's because I can't see the angle of my photos I'm about to take!" I replied furiously.

"Okay, okay, stop the salt, Mr. Photographer!" Clarice said with both her hands up in front of me. "Now, it's my turn to take photos of you two!"

Monika and I started to look each other. Monika started smiling at me. She seemed pretty excited about this but why is my heart beating so fast and why am I so nervous? It's just a picture with your girlfriend, get over yourself. No, but this is my first time! Oh come on, what are you even thinking, Rex!

"Hey, what's with the uncomfortable aura that I am feeling. It's not like this is your first picture together," Clarice said nonchalantly.

"Actually, you're not mistaken Clarice," Monika answered innocently. "In fact, this is our first date!" she resumed with a smile.

"EHHH?" Clarice shrieked. "Oh my God, sorry for interrupting your first ever date, it's so rude of me, please don't forgive me…." she said while still panicking.

"Oh don't be hard on yourself Clarice, what has been done is done, and you actually made this date more fun, ahaha," Monika stated.

"No, this is supposed to be special! Punish me, like tie me in a rope or something!" Clarice stated.

I immediately jumped in surprise. This is so weird all of a sudden, "Oi, what's with the low spirit, just take this camera and take a picture of us," I said while handing over the camera. "Then you are forgiven." What am I saying? Please let this weird stuff be over…

"Of course!" Clarice immediately took the camera off my hand and started preparing it. Monika started to inch closer to me. My heart is getting warm once again.

"Okay say cheese!" Clarice said. After the first photo, Clarice suggested different poses for Monika and I to do. It's kind of a bit weird, but I somehow enjoyed doing it. Forming a heart with our hands, embracing each other, Monika's head slumped against my shoulder, I gotta say these poses while very embarrassing to think of, it's quite cute.

"Kawaii desu!" Clarice shouted as she handed back the camera to me.

"Hey, what's that weird thing you're blabbering about? Is it a spell?" I coldly asked as I grabbed the camera once again.

"It means, it's really cute in Japanese," Monika responded. I replied with an 'oh' in my face. "Let's look at our pictures together Rex!" Monika said with excitement.

Monika and I started looking at our pictures together, Clarice is right it's really cute. Though the further I look at these images, my face gets redder and redder, how embarrassing! My smiles are also way too large on these pictures! The pictures are well-taken too, props to Clarice!

"We are so cute together here, right Rex!" Monika said lightheartedly.

"O-o-oh yes, definitely," I responded awkwardly while gaining back my composure.

"Rex, it's your turn to take some shots of us, I really love Nikki, you know!" Clarice requested.

"Haha, okay fine, okay here I go, say cheese!" I commanded as I click capture.

Clarice yawned while stretching her arms outside the cafe, "Ahh, that was a really fun time, I really enjoy meeting you guys here, my trip all the way here is so worth it!" Clarice complimented.

"Oh we enjoyed your stay here, too," I answered. "So are you coming back to your town again, Clarice, it's almost night time."

Clarice glanced at her wristwatch and immediately jumped in surprise. "Oh my, it's almost 6! I can't believe we spent almost 2 hours inside that cafe!" Clarice said in shock.

"Well, you can stay in our apartment for a night-"

"No, no, don't ever say that, I already feel rude for intervening in your sweet day together, I guess I will check in on one of the hotels here for the night, I have some cash in here with me," Clarice shouted.

"Yeah, we can tell, like you already gave a $200 tip to the cafe," I coldly uttered.

"Clarice, are you sure about giving up $200 to the cafe, that's like five times the price that we spent there," Monika worriedly asked.

"Oh, don't worry about it, we at least had a fun time there!" Clarice answered carelessly. "Well then, I guess I'll be going," she said with a smile.

"Okay bye, Clarice," I said. "See you at the wedding ceremony," Monika continued.

"Oh Nikki, may I have a word with you?" Clarice approached Monika as the two started whispering with each other.

"Oh come on, leaving me out of the conversation!" I pouted as the two ladies started to giggle. I put out a huge frown in my face.

Clarice approached and hugged me as she began whispering to me, "Take care of Nikki, okay? I like her already… please don't break up before my wedding, I want to see her again, ahaha," Clarice teased as she let go of the hug.

I put up a smirk in my face, "Hey now, of course I will take care of her! Don't underestimate our relationship," I proudly answered back.

"I won't," she smiled. "Okay guys, see you soon, don't forget to text me some time!" she started walking away waving her hands to us.

"Bye!," Monika and I said in unison as we looked at each other again and proceeded to go to the train station bringing lots of shopping bags.

As we walk on a crowded street going to the train station, I overheard Monika humming a melodic tune. As sweet as it sounds, it made me feel at ease even though I've been carrying several shopping bags on our way home. At last, I can finally take a rest after this strange yet lively day. I let out a sigh. Monika stopped humming.

"Getting tired, Rex?" Monika asked.

I glanced over her as I answered back, "Yeah, kind of, this day gave me a lot of workout… physically and mentally."

"Are those shopping bags too heavy for you?" Monika asked worriedly. "I can help you by carrying a couple more myself," she offered.

"Nah, it's good, I still have the strength to carry these," I answered with a smile. "No need to worry about it."

"Oh… sorry about that," Monika gloomed.

"Hey, this is nothing, don't mind it Monika. I offered to go shopping today, this is for you as well!" I consoled.

"No, I'm not pertaining to that…" Monika said.

"What do you mean?" I asked confused.

Monika started looking away from me and began to brighten up, "Ah, nevermind that, ahaha."

I pouted in response of her sudden contradiction until suddenly I understood what she meant. I started to breathe slowly as I think of what words to say. I know she is talking about the early incident about me and Clarice and how she acted on certain things. I really wanted to know if her actions were intentional and was she jealous on the entire interaction between me and Clarice. I can't let this thoughts slip up and get ignored so it's best to ask her all about these.

"Ah… You mean that?" I stated monotonously as Monika immediately gasped. She started to look at my face and I started to look back. I began to smirk as Monika reacted with a blush.

"So Monika, did you get jealous earlier between Clarice and I?" I asked with a stupid grin in my face. Monika widened her eyes with her mouth gaped. She suddenly looked away and began giggling.

"W-w-what if I said yes?" Monika stuttered. I held my laughter because of her weird reaction.

"It would actually hurt me more if it was a no," I answered back jokingly as I let out a chuckle.

"Stop messing around Rex!," Monika squealed.

"Okay, okay," I consoled. I sighed gaining my composure once again. Well, I guess Monika's actions weren't intentional and I think she understands the situation, that means there's no reason for her to be jealous. Despite that, I guess I should be more cautious anytime I would be around girls. I wouldn't want to see Monika feel like an outcast everywhere I go, wouldn't I?

"Yes… yes, I guess I was jealous Rex," Monika calmly answered. She bowed down staring at the ground while we are walking. I suddenly looked at her, surprised.

"Monika…"

"I tried not to Rex, s-she is your childhood friend and you've known each other for quite a long time. Who knows what may happen when it suddenly escalated… maybe you… maybe…" Monika stuttered as she mumbles and try to continue finishing her words.

"Maybe you will replace me… and w-what will happen to me now and I…" Monika panicked as I try to relax her down.

"Hey Monika, hey, slow down," I calmly said. "Don't try and think about all those negative thoughts…" I stated to calm her breakdown.

She slowly glanced up at me and stared with a serious look in her face. "Answer me Rex, if that thing happened…" Monika uttered in a serious manner. "Will you choose me or her?"

We suddenly stopped our stroll as the twilight breeze started blowing against us. It felt like the world ceased to move and the time stopped and only the two of us are active in this situation. Monika's face is full of anticipation waiting for a word to leave out of my mouth, her eyes shaking and her breathing starts to get heavier as if her life was at stake when she asked me that question. In response, I started to chuckle as the mood started to get less intense.

"What kind of question is that, Monika?" I asked as I started to laugh. Monika reacted with a confused look in her face. "Of course, it's going to be YOU!" I answered cheerily. "Besides, Clarice was an odd fella, she is loud, energetic, humorous, and at times, eh… an airhead. We might know each other for a very long time but we treat each other like siblings when we are young. I even told her back then that she wouldn't be my type and she answered back, why would I be her type, too?" I continued as I laughed harder forming tears in my eyes.

I began pulling Monika closer by my side with my arms wrapping the back of her waist. "You want to know what my type of girl is?" I asked her.

Monika bowed once again blushing, "Uhm, tell me…" she said in an embarrassed tone.

"My type of girl is extremely charming, fun to be with, supportive, not just intelligent but also wise, and can always make you feel at ease, I also love the girl that is stoic and calm, acts as a good leader, and can still be brave and strong whenever she is faced with unfavorable circumstances…. and I think I found that girl right beside me," I romantically stated with an overly cheesy tone. As much as I cringed the time I uttered those words, I find it more hilarious that Monika started to feel more and more flushed as she started shaking anxiously.

I coughed as I started to continue my statement, "And uhh.., a girl with some pretty good uhhh… pretty good thighs," I jokingly said as I glared to Monika with a perverted look. I saw Monika's face figuratively exploded and steamed as she started screeching back at me.

"What the heck, Rex, stop toying with me!" she shouted as she started hitting me with some shopping bags that she is carrying, trying to push me away as I started to laugh hysterically.

"What? I'm serious! Hahaha, well except for that last one," I joked. "I was worried you're acting all weird when I told you my type of girl so I have to break the ice, y'know…"

"Oh Rex, I'm so glad you're my boyfriend!" Monika cheered as she started hopping towards me and grabbed my right arm tightly. "I swear, you're such a cheesy romantic, ahaha!"

"Hey, what was that supposed to mean?" I asked in a somewhat annoyed manner.

"It's a compliment, that's what I like about you so much!" Monika answered back joyously.

"O-o-ohh," I replied as I am thoroughly delighted. "Oh Monika, I'm so glad you are my girlfriend," I continued as we both simultaneously giggled.

Monika slid her hand from my arm to meet mine as she started holding it, I gripped her hand in return as we walked towards the sunset with birds majestically chirping by our sides and the breeze passing by through us. It was such a romantic sight to see… Could have been more romantic without these heavy shopping bags and these crowds of people being a huge burden…

"Hey Rex, let's talk about a lot of stuff when we are in the train, okay?" Monika requested.

"Ah… I guess I have to pass on that one, I might take a nap on the train…" I courteously declined.

"Oh-" Monika responded as her face gloomed but immediately brightened again. "Ahaha you must be really tired then, I guess I have to take a nap beside you on your shoulder then," Monika replied sweetly.

"That's sweet! I would love that!" I smiled back at her.

"Uh… Rex, I guess we walked straight too much we missed the turn on the way to the station," Monika informed.

"Oh crap…"

"Ahahaha~"

Author's note:

Thanks for reading! This story just hit 10 chapters and also over 40 follows, isn't that amazing? Stay tuned for more events and stories that are about to happen between Monika, Rex, and probably the others as well.

Rex: Hey, did Monika really attempted to stab Clarice's hand with a fork?

Go home Rex, chapter is over. We might find that out soon, actually don't count on it, let the readers decide.