Hey-ay-ay-a-ay, what's going on?! Another chapter is here!

Last one was a little sad, but this might be worse, so prepare the tissues.

Enjoy!

Chapter 12: The Cinnamon Bun

I sat alone in the living room. Yesterday, Natsuki left a hole in my heart, so I had little-to-no motivation to do anything.

My phone started playing What Does the Fox Say? as a ringtone. I picked up.

"Hey, Sayori," I said, near monotone. "What's up?"

"I... need a little company," she replied, her voice even but not monotone. "Could you come over?"

"Uh, sure." I regained my consciousness and got up to put on a few articles of clothing appropriate for visiting an old friend.

15 Minutes Later

"Hey, Dana," Sayori greeted, looking a little down. "C'mon in."

I obliged and looked around. Her parents weren't around, and neither was her weekend partner.

"I thought Monika was supposed to work on pamphlets with you." I stated.

"She did. Yesterday."

I nodded as I removed my boots and jacket. Sayori seemed... awfully blank.

"What's wrong, 'Yori?" I asked.

"Nothing. Just... I need someone I trust."

"OK?"

She walked over to her chair, sitting with her knees under her chin. I sat in the chair next her.

"I have depression," she finally said. "Not just general sadness. I mean crippling depression. I feel like I mean nothing to the world, or anyone."

"Sayori, you know that's not true."

"I know, but it's what my head keeps telling me. I feel so selfish, wanting Taro all to myself."

"What?"

"I'm in love with Taro, Dana. I think I have since we first met, and that was a long time ago. I just can't push the rainclouds away."

"Rainclouds?"

"They tell me I'm selfish for wanting to be with him. That I'm not worth his attention, or anyone's. That I can't be a burden for anyone."

"Sayori, they're lying."

She looked at me with tearful eyes. She looked so helpless.

"Friends are never burdens. You're worth everyone's attention. And you're not selfish for being in love with your childhood friend."

She was on the verge of crying. I walked over to her and held her as she broke into tears.

"It's OK, Sayori. We all care for you. Even Taro."

"I know. But I don't want to be rejected. How do I know he feels the same way?"

That was a question I couldn't answer affirmatively. I didn't know how Taro felt about her, but I had a good feeling that he wouldn't reject her.

"I don't, you don't, the girls don't, but he does. And if he doesn't feel the same way, I'll help you get through it."

"I want to tell him so badly, but I don't have the courage."

"Tell you what: Tomorrow, at the Festival, you're going to confess to him. I'll be there the whole time, and you won't be alone."

She looked up at me. Her baby blue eyes were so innocent.

"Thank you, Dana."

"Anything for the Cinnamon Bun." I hugged her tightly. Her tears soaked into my red shirt. "Wanna watch a movie?"

"Sure. What do you want to watch? Godzilla: King of the Monsters?"

"You know me too well."