Holding On

by Enigma2187

The Main Character befriended Sayori early in his childhood, but what if Monika took her role as his childhood friend? How would things be different between the two? Will they fall in love or will they be each other's "dearest friend"? Even if they wanted to be together, an outside force will find a way to interfere with their relationship, testing their bonds to the very limits.

13. Feelings

Chapter 13 has been uploaded. It is right below this review response. Please pay attention the warnings above the start.

AN: Hey what's up guys? I just want to say that there are around 3-4 chapters left for this fic. I am focusing on finishing off the fic mainly because of how much I have written for this community. In my time writing, I have drastically lessened the amount reading I usually do for any sort. Coupled with the fact that I have college, work, and reserve Marine training, I have a lot of on my plate. I guess this is all a challenge for me, see if I can manage my time properly with everything I am juggling.

As usual, the deadline for this fic is Christmas Eve, and I will be leaving this site for an indefinite amount of time. Maybe I'll come back to writing, but who's to say?

Anyway time for reviews, starting from the earliest to latest.

TheForgottenRune, I figured it was time to actually let them talk instead of frustrating any readers so far. That way I can keep writing with a clear mind. I can agree that Haru is a yandere-ish and will make an appearance in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing, there might be more cuddling, maybe...

BragPug, Hey! Yeah, I have noticed that everyone was doing self-inserts in the DDLC community back in the day. To me, I thought it was cliche, so I decided to put a hybrid of an OC/MC (Some realism and yet some of the character of the MC) into one character. At first, I didn't know what direction I wanted to take the story in, at first I wanted to go for a horror story, but I soon found out I was drifting away to the romantic and drama side, so I scrapped the idea and went for a full on "harem" despite it not being official. In the end, I thought Monika should have the spotlight because of the chemistry the two characters shared and me being a sucker for perfectionists with a rotten/gold core inside. (All dokis are best dokis, btw) By being unsure, I guess I made it original, at least in your eyes. I feel that I have stayed more in tune with the meta at the time. Anyway, thanks for leaving that review. I hope you enjoy the story.

Apex, I saw your review in both my other fic and here, and might I say it is very much appreciated. Being original and creating these scenarios in my head and at the same time write them in a coherent way... it's sometimes difficult and it takes me hours to actually write it down properly. Though if you reviewed when I was writing Letting Go, I would have said this fic isn't much... but I guess now it is a something(?) idk. Still, I have a lot to learn and want to improve as a writer, since I only find this as a hobby and not a serious pursuit. I am also very humbled that you stay up to read my mess, but I don't approve you staying up to read. Everyone needs their rest. That's the big brother in me speaking, sorry. Anyway, thank you for the kind words. It is much appreciated.

Saggyboy27, The saying goes: Don't be sad that it ended, be happy that it happened. Or something like that. But holy shit! I was actually planning that all along! I really, really like that you know what I am planning and an extra voice of support makes me more willing to write that! So yeah, Monika is going flirt with him but with a little bit of the tsun-yandere touch I already introduced in the fic. But since MC is a bit of a dense idiot, same applies to Val, I am going to have to make it frustrating for y'all. But I am planning on making some parts where he has moments of clarity. And for your suggestion for Val going after another girl is gold and I am definitely going to write that down! It's going to be pretty intense and fun for me to write that lol. Also I am glad that it melted your heart, I will try to do the same for Monika and Yuri. Thanks for the review, your suggestions are metal dude.

TitanSolracar, Haha, I doubted myself there a bit honestly. And yeah I saw a clip of Arrow where Green Arrow and some other guy was fighting their counterparts(?) in a construction yard. It was something like that honestly. Good on ya for liking it, I wasn't sure it was going to be well-implemented. Also Monika behaving both Tsun-yandere is pretty fun to write. If Monika didn't have those "locks" and wasn't self-aware, I am sure she would behave something like that.

And... FUCK I have a feeling it was going to get harder. It just makes me wonder how people get up 590 light, like god damnnnnnnn. Dreaming City looks interesting and another place to get seeds of light. I gonna use my next seed of light for Voidwalker cause it is so badass. Thanks for tip, I think I have a helmet that is given to me at the end of warmind and I using it rn, it is good and i am planning to upgrade it once i get a higher light helmet.

Thanks for the review, and happy late Thanksgiving to you too.

SRGanon, Yup, it's a good way to convey how someone might be feeling in truth. I aiming to do that for later chapters but to a bit of a lesser degree, since most of the ice between the two is now gone. Thanks for the review.

That's all for now. The next chapter should be out Sunday, provided I don't get burdened by college. Have a nice day.

Be advised! This chapter is rated M for some nudity and sexual content! Reader discretion is advised!

Additionally, please read my notes in the end of this chapter.

---

I sighed, relieved that our mission was coming into an end.

"Good work team. Are we going to play another round?" I asked.

Hiro reared his head to me.

"Hell yeah. I can stay for another."

He turned his head to Dan and Tom.

"What about you guys? Are you all gonna stay for another round?" He asked.

Dan sighed.

"I'm getting a little tired, but sure. I don't mind another round of this game." He muttered, readying his gun.

Tom shrugged going along with our plans.

"If you guys are gonna play, then I will too. Let's head back inside."

We then started to walk back to the game hub to choose our next mission.

That is until I noticed a red laser on my chest.

"Huh?" I let out, causing my friends to look back at in confusion.

"What's wrong?" Dan asked, looking down at my chest. "Hey... Why do you have a laser on your chest?"

If there's a red laser in this game...

That means there is a sniper!

"Ambush!" I yelled, backing into cover.

*BANG*

"Watch out, sniper! He's one o'clock high!" Hiro exclaimed, completely surprised by the shot.

With the threat of a sniper, my friends scrambled into cover as well.

"What the Hell? I thought we finished the game! How are there more enemies?!" Tom pointed out, readying his gun for more action.

I ejected the old magazine and popped in a new one, thinking that we missed a few.

"They are probably some stragglers the game forgot to get rid off! We can take this!" I rallied.

As soon any one of us was about to give orders, there was a feminine giggle that resonated the game room.

"That's a weird way of saying new players, baka."

Baka?

That voice...

I popped my head to confront the sniper.

"Wait... Natsuki? Is that you? What are you doing here?!"

Before I could get a proper response, she fired another bullet, forcing me to retreat into cover.

Damn it!

Another voice piped into our communications.

"Hey, Val~! You did say that we could join anytime we would like right? So.. we decided to join the game you were in. And not to mention... we got infinite respawns!" Monika stated in a playful tone.

How did they even manage to get into the game?!

More importantly...

Infinite respawns?

"We? That means..." Dan trailed off.

Monika giggled.

"Yep! It's the cute girls of the Ainu Academy versus the sweaty guys of Dokisai!" She mocked.

"I'm not cute!"

Sweaty?

"Hey, wait a minute! Their gear looks familiar!" Hiro tensely shouted, peeking out of cover.

Natsuki fired another round, almost shooting him in the head.

"The calibrations on this scope is little off! Hmm... there we go!"

She fired another shot at the peeking Tom, nearly missing him as well.

"Mother of all things holy! Sayori did you give our setup to Monika?! Actually, how did you even copy our stuff?!" He exclaimed.

Another voice piped in.

"Ehehe... Sorry, Tommy. I couldn't help but look at what you had for this game, so we just copied it!" Sayori nervously said.

"I must say... it is all balanced. Each member excels in one field only... Interesting." Yuri muttered.

It's a four versus four!

We are out of respawns...

There's a slim chance to survive this...

But we have to try!

"Guys! We have to pull through! We are not letting some girls get the better of us, are we?" Tom urged, reading my mind and trying to keep the team level-headed.

We all gave our approvals and awaited command.

"Alright!" I stepped in. "Since we are out of respawns, keep tight! Do not spread out! Otherwise, we are going to get picked off one by one!" I ordered, causing them to reorganize.

I looked at Dan and motioned him to throw a flashbang.

He flung the flash grenade overhead, causing the girls to spout excuses that their headset was all white.

*PANG*

"Go, go, go! We have to punch a hole in their defenses! Push, push, push!" I yelled, moving up.

And so, the fight to survive began.

You're probably wondering how all this happened.

I could say the same thing...

Well, don't worry.

It will all make sense later.

---

I held onto Val's chest tightly as we walked home.

No one said anything or pointed at us when he carried me, but I didn't mind that, however.

All I cared right now was him carrying me.

And I couldn't be even happier.

"Finally... we made it," Val muttered, walking down our street...

I smiled and rested my chin on the crown of his head.

"You sound tired. I thought enjoyed groping my butt." I teased.

He turned his head to me.

"Argh! Now, hold on a minute! I am not groping your-"

He was cut off by a gasp.

"Onii-chan! How dare you!" A girl exclaimed, apparently shocked.

I focused my gaze at the young purpler haired girl.

Is that...

Yuri?

"Out of all the people your grope, it is her! The so-called perfectionist of Dokisai! Blah! I wouldn't mind if you touched me!"

And...

Just like that, I don't like her.

Wait a minute...

Who does she think she is?

From the looks of it, she can't be older than ten years old!

Is she trying to get Val arrested?!

Why is she so "thirsty"?!

"Oh uh... Hey, Haru. Fancy meeting you here, how's it going?" He greeted, swatting aside the strange comment.

The young girl still wasn't happy.

"Answer me, my dear Onii-chan! I see how you are groping her butt! Is there something wrong with mine? Huh?!" She retorted, growing more and more agitated by the minute.

Eugh...

If she is related to Yuri in any way, then she is the polar opposite.

But the look in her eyes...

It was like razor-sharp and focused, just like how Yuri was back in the club when they...

About to kiss.

I decided to stand up for him.

"Excuse me! Val never said anything about your butt, and he isn't groping me! Not to mention but, aren't you young to think about your body like that?" I yelled, not liking the personality she gave to him.

The girl gritted her teeth.

"From this angle, he looks like he is enjoying it! So don't try to be sassy, sassy-pants!"

S-Sassy-pants?!

Why you little-

"Stop it! Both of you!" Val yelled.

He shook his head.

"Jeez, Louise! It's a rerun of last time, Haru. Monika is a great friend of mine, or rather... my quote on quote, the sister I never had. And I don't appreciate how you are talking to her!"

He's defending me...

Why is he so lovable~?

...

Hey!

He called me his sister again!

Haru played with her hair in same fashion Yuri does.

"But aren't you groping her...?" She muttered.

He sighed.

"No, I am not Haru. I would not grope Monika, like come on! I am not that much of pervert..."

You are groping my butt!

I can feel your hands holding them up!

The girl lightened up in excitement.

"If that's the case, then would you grope me?"

I felt Val's body recoil from her question.

"No! Gosh no! There's so much wrong with your demand!"

She pouted.

"Like whaaaaat?!"

Seriously?

Did she not take my "sass" into account?

"Well like Monika said, you're too young to be thinking about that. Kids your age should be thinking about Dokemon and Top-Tarts." He stated.

I couldn't help but snicker from his analogy.

The girl sighed, giving up in her efforts to get Val arrested.

"Alright fine... whatever you say Onii-chan." She said, walking off.

The girl stopped and turned her head to us.

"But mark my words! You aren't going to be one that Onii-chan will carry! He will carry me and enjoy holding me!"

Haru stuck her tongue at me and walked away.

"Hmm... I can't understand that girl at all. Her vibe is otherworldly..." He muttered.

Val then turned his head to me.

"Anyway, sorry for not handling the situation a little better. I never thought that Haru would do such a thing again."

I raised an eyebrow.

"She did this before?"

He gave a nervous and uncomfortable smile.

"Yeah... she did. It was right after Natsuki gave a cookie."

Natsuki gave Val a cookie?!

How come I didn't know about this?!

"So when I got the cookie, Haru came out of nowhere and-"

"Why did Natsuki give you a cookie?" I asked, cutting him off mid-sentence.

He was disorientated by my question.

"W-What?"

I frowned and moved up to his ear.

"Why. Did. Natsuki. Give. You. A. Cookie?" I slowly asked again.

Who does she think is to give cookies like that?

If I could bake, then I would have given him all cookies he could have ever wanted!

...

...

...

It's that same feeling again!

That sharp poking sensation in my heart...

I should apologize for behaving so...

Possessive.

"Um, nevermind that. I am sure it's because she wanted to do. Whatever... Anyway, what were you saying about Haru coming out of nowhere and stuff?"

Val deadpanned at my sudden switch of subject.

And so, I felt a pinching sensation on my thighs.

"Hey! Ow, ow, ow! Stop that!" I complained.

He held onto my thighs for a little longer until he stopped.

"I don't like the way how you ask things like that. Knock it off." He warned.

There was something in his eyes that I couldn't comprehend.

It was something that I saw when he was with Yuri and...

Back when he saw my panties...

I remember how his eyes looked when he peeked at me...

What is that strange mist around his black eyes?

It makes it all...

Focused.

I pursed my lips and looked away.

"Okay... I won't. But if you do anything stupid, then you're gonna get it."

Val stared at me, trying to comprehend my words before starting to move again.

"Like I was saying... Haru clung onto me when I was trying to get class right after the first period. I had no idea who she even was, so I panicked and tried to pull the girl off to me. But no matter what I did she kept dodging and squeezed tighter."

I scoffed at him.

"So she managed to hold you down, despite all the progress you did? How do you expect me to believe that?"

He shrugged.

"I don't know. The girl is full of energy and life. It's hard to believe that she is the younger twin sister of Yuri's."

Knew it...

"So yeah, when I was trying to get Haru off me, Yuri came in and swooped in for the kill. She tried to fight off Yuri's grasp, and she clung onto me again. Natsuki got annoyed from how she kept hugging me, so she pointed out how she uh... held onto me."

I felt him shiver, causing me to also feel the cold sensation down my spine.

"Yeah... Haru said something along the lines of how Natsuki is short and could be her younger sister..."

I hissed from the cutting remark she gave.

"Natsuki didn't take that so well, did she?" I asked.

He merely shook his head.

"Nope. I had to tell Haru to apologize to her but, I saw how much she didn't want to do it." He muttered. "But fortunately, she did, and everything played out somewhat okay, I guess. Never thought she would do it again."

I played with his hair to distract him.

It was evident that he didn't like talking about all that.

"I get it, Val. But since she is still a teenager, she has time to change and think about her actions. The worst feeling is to go through what you did and how much you regret it. That's punishment enough." I stated, hoping to make him feel better.

And it was a success.

"Maybe, maybe. Sometimes there are things I wish I hadn't done when I was a teen."

I felt a cruddy sensation swelling inside of me.

Somehow he sensed it.

"Ah, I am not talking about that day. I am mostly talking about the things back at Lotus. More specifically your time as The Lady That Knows Everything."

Are you kidding me?!

I gave him a righteous smack on the head.

"That's for bringing up those memories! You know how much I hate reminiscing about that!"

I gave him another smack.

"Ow!"

"That's for pinching my thighs! Augh, you make me want to get thigh surgery to make it leaner!" I stated, pouting from the insecurity of having such features.

Those comments that guy in class makes are starting to get to me...

"Aw, I thought you were going to keep the title of Thunderous Thighs of Dokisai too! Why would you want to do that?" He teased.

I didn't retort to him.

"Monika?"

Maybe I should get rid of these thighs...

Damn it, why did I inherit so much of Mom's genetics?!

"Should I get thigh surgery?" I quietly asked.

Val stopped walking all of a sudden.

"Did someone say something about your body?" He asked back, a frigid tone covering his voice.

Is he...

Upset?

"Not really, but everyone is attracted to my thighs for some reason. It makes me feel... self-conscious." I muttered, looking away.

He reared his head to me.

"Don't be. Don't be subconscious about your thighs; they are great just the way they are. Luscious, attracting, and best of all, suffocation-worthy." He proudly stated.

My face burned from his compliments.

He always reminds me that my body is beautiful...

Even if it's something weird like thighs, Val always finds a way to make them lovable.

"Jeez, I sound like such a pervert."

I giggled.

"Yeah, you are. But you're my pervert, and no one else's!"

That sounds like a weird thing to say though...

He continued to our walk home.

It didn't take long until we made it to my home.

"Okay, Monika. It's time for you to go. Are you able to walk?"

He lowered himself so that I can get off.

My legs shakily touched the ground, struggling to gain balance.

I missed the warmth of his body around my legs.

Or the hard chest I held in my arms.

It was growing more and more difficult for me to stand my ground.

And so, I lost my balance.

But I felt the warm hands caress my back to keep me stable.

I looked up to him, the distance our faces shared were less than a few inches.

His lips look so kissable, like it's inviting me to finally give it to him...

If I only lean in...

Then I can-

"Are you okay?" He asked.

No, I am not Dork!

You looked so kissable at that moment!

And like always, you ruin it!

"Y-Yeah... I am."

Why do I sound so nervous?!

And why are my cheeks so hot all of a sudden?

Val brought me to a stable footing and took a few steps away from me.

"Should I help you to your room?" He asked.

The burning sensation spread all across my face.

D-Does he really want to come to my room ?

M-Maybe not as friends but...

"You know... help you go up the stairs and stuff? Maybe I can-"

...

I hate when I think that something more will happen.

Why can't it be just something romantic?!

It's always platonic! Always!

And I can't help myself whenever he thinks about it!

That's it!

I had enough!

"Why can't it be more?" I swiftly cut off.

He blinked a couple of times.

"What? I don't understand..."

I turned around so he couldn't see my burning face.

"Maybe help me get my clothes off since I have a bandage on! Remember?!"

No, I can't say that...

It will just lead to more disappointment.

Val will never do take my clothes off, that's something a "brother" can't do...

"You know what? Forget it." I mumbled, turning around slowly. "But let me at least give you a reward for carrying me all the way here."

I couldn't help but tap my fingers on what I was about to do.

"Reward? I don't need a reward." He replied, smiling like he always does.

That damn smile...

It always melts my heart.

I love it so much.

With a smirk, I rolled my eyes.

"Come on, don't be like that! You did a lot for me. Way more than some ordinary guy would do..."

It's true...

Who else would carry me bridal style, put me down on some bench to check my scrape?

Not only that, apply the proper treatment to it and carry me all the way back home?

What we are doing isn't what a close friend does.

It's...

Something more.

"Monika, you are my... the closest thing I can have to a sister or a... gosh, I don't know. Look, Monika, the bond we share goes beyond what best friends have. Maybe what siblings have, and I glad that you are on my side. I will do anything for you."

H-He stuttered!

Does that mean there is more to his feelings?!

Oh my gosh...

My heart is pounding so hard!

"Val, whatever I am to you... I will always treat you as something more than a brother or best friend. This time, I will never let go of you. And I will do anything to keep our bonds together."

Was that a confession?

No...

Not quite.

I never said anything that I liked him there...

But I implied it.

Wait...

Then did he imply it as well?

I mentally shook my head and stared into his warm onyx eyes.

"Just don't call me your sister, even when we are out in public. You know what I said last time right?" I warned.

Val nodded vigorously.

"Yeah, yeah! I do... I never thought you could be so scary..." He nervously muttered.

I smiled and brought my hands to his cheeks.

He was surprised by my move.

"M-Monika?"

I felt an overwhelming sense of confidence in me.

Was it from the semi-confession we had or...

Is it something else?

"You always looked cute whenever you are surprised, Val."

I leaned in to seal my fate.

---

Oh nooooooo!

Is Monika going to kiss me, right here and right now?!

B-But I don't see her like that!

Do I?

She's closer than any siblings I had...

B-But...

I felt her warm lips on my nose.

My cheeks rushed with blood as she delivered the kiss.

She pulled away and smiled, closing her eyes from the glee she's experiencing.

"I hope you liked your reward."

That was my cue to leave.

"Ahaha... yeah."

I took an awkward step back, which almost made me fall.

Monika giggled from my retreat and watched me go home.

Her eyes judged every step and movement I did as I went home.

She waved at me, to which I returned with a great deal of lethargy.

As soon as my door opened, I rushed in.

Oh my gosh...

What was all that?!

W-When did I feel so...

Weird all of a sudden?!

It's like my heart was about to explode by...

Something!

I moved my hand close to my heart and noted how fast it was beating.

Monika called me cute...

She did call me cute before, but that was when we were kids!

Being described as cute when we are adults is entirely different!

Kind of like sleeping together...

ARGH!

Now I realize this?!

Damn it, damn it, damn it!

This never happened before!

It's like she cast a spell on me or something when she kissed my nose!

Like since when was Monika so hot?

I resisted the urge to yell at the top of lungs from the rush of thoughts in my head.

Calm down, Val...

It's probably just my hormones acting up...

Even though I went through puberty...

Maybe a cold shower could fix all this.

Yeah, that'll do.

I ran up the stairs to my room and tossed the bag towards my bed.

With a towel in hand, I walked into the bathroom and entered my shower.

I then turned on the shower head, spraying cold water on my body.

My head's finally starting to cool down.

That's good.

Now I can plan out what happens tomorrow.

Monika said that we are going to meet up for the last time on Friday...

So I can write my poem tomorrow right after hitting the school's gym.

Saturday and Sunday I am relatively free.

That reminds me...

I have to talk with Monika's dad about her plans.

She didn't have much of choice last time.

And because of me not showing up to convince him otherwise...

No.

This time it will be different, and I'll make sure to change things.

My head and body were now cold, so I stopped the shower head.

After rushing into the shower and letting the cold water beat down my skin, I got out.

Ahhh...

Much better.

No more weird thoughts clouding my judgment.

The next time I see her, I am going to ask her about that.

Seeing her right now would make those "weird" thoughts come back again.

"Val!" I heard someone call.

Monika?

Right now?

Oh no...

I need some time away from you!

Especially now, since I don't have any clothes on!

"Val! Are you there?" She called.

I dashed to my drawer and opened it.

Shit, shit, shit!

Where are my clothes?!

Did I take them to the laundry today?!

I heard knocking on my balcony window.

"Val? I know you are in there! I only have a quick question for you!"

Fuck!

I am running out of time!

"Yeah, I am here! Just give me a few more seconds!"

I vaulted over my bed and checked under the bed for any signs of extra clothes.

Nothing!

Where are my clothes?

...

The bathroom!

It has to be there!

I dashed to the bathroom and saw neatly packed clothes on a basket, ready to be put inside the laundry.

There it is!

I grabbed the basket and placed it on my bed.

Fuck!

My towel's loosening from all the running I am doing!

I have to make this quick!

"Whatever you are doing, it can't be that important!" She exclaimed, pushing the door to side.

"Wait, no-!"

...

Monika stood at my balcony window, her eyes bulging out from the scene.

Her emerald green eyes, slowly moved about as they scanned my body.

I shuffled to cover myself from her.

And at the worst possible timing, the towel that wrapped around my body fell to the floor.

Her shocked eyes immediately looked down to my groin.

...

"Oh..." She muttered.

Her eyes grew more and more focused on my groin.

I-Is that drool?!

I immediately covered myself from her, mortified from what she has seen.

"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" I yelled, trying to pick up my towel.

That woke Monika up from her daze, sharing the same flustered state I had.

Her face flared up to the point where it looked like she had a fever.

"THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH ME, YOU HENTAI! WHY WERE YOU EVEN NAKED IN THE FIRST PLACE?!" She yelled back.

As I covered myself up, I picked up my clothes.

"I don't know! It's probably cause I came out of the shower to put some clothes on!" I retorted.

She turned around and covered her face.

"Maybe you should get into the habit of putting on clothes before you go to your room! That way I wouldn't have seen your dick!"

...

S-She saw m-my...

"So... you took the time to look," I muttered.

She moved her hands off her face and nodded in guilt.

"I-I mean it was right there in front of me! How was I not going to look at it?!" She excused.

That's her excuse?!

"Look... I told you to wait outside. You had no reason to barge in like that!" I retorted.

Her face burned to a degree I haven't seen.

"I thought you were doing some homework or something! I didn't know you were jerking off or something!"

My face burned as well.

"I wasn't doing that! You know what...? Please look away while I put some clothes on."

She nodded slowly and turned around.

And she's calling me the pervert!

With that, I put some clothes on as quick as possible.

"Okay, done. Now, what were you here for?"

She twirled her fingers together.

"Well... maybe it's not a good time to ask that question. Since you know..."

I rolled my eyes.

"Monka, say it. You know I won't judge you."

With that said, her finger twirling grew worse.

"W-Well... I was hoping that you can... you know... Spare some of your pajamas? Your clothes are a lot more comfortable to sleep in than my usual pajamas. So I was wondering if I can borrow some." She muttered.

That was the reason why she barged in?

I sighed.

"Sorry, Monika. That's a no-can-do. I was planning to do some laundry today, so I can't spare any." I stated.

She frowned at the prospect of getting no clothes.

"Please...? Your clothes can't be that bad. They smell... well um... they smell just like you. And I like it. So I can please have some clothes?" She begged.

Monika clamped her hands together and gave me her best puppy eyes.

"Please...?"

Not those eyes again!

Her lips and eyes force me to give her what she wants!

I looked away and put my hand up.

Damn it.

"Okay! Okay! Please... stop looking at me like that! If you like how a few days of uncleaned clothes smell like, then I will give you my clothes."

I always was a neat freak...

Monika jumped onto my bed and dove into the basket that contained my clothes.

"Aaah... it smells so good." She whispered, taking my tight black shirt and blue shorts from the basket.

I squinted at her choice of clothing.

Uh-oh...

Those are my workout clothes!

"Wait, Monika... I workout in those clothes! You can't take them!"

Monika looked up to me with a puzzled look.

"So what? It can't smell that bad!"

I cringed at her obsession with my clothes.

"Yes, it does! I sweated my soul into them! Now give that back! " I demanded, reaching towards them.

Monika dodged my reach and smirked devilishly.

"If that's the case..."

She put her nose on my clothes and attempted to smell it.

I pounced on her, only to sidestep me.

"Give it back!" I demanded, reaching out for my clothes.

She giggled and jumped on top of my bed.

"If you want them, then you have to come and take them!"

Monika jumped off my bed and ran around my room.

I tried to chase her, but her speed and stamina far outmatched mine.

"Come on! This is childish, Monika! Give me the dirty clothes back!"

With a groan, I readied myself for another strike.

I pounced on her again, only for her to back handstand jump.

Holy shit!

She landed on my bed with perfection, with no traces of lousy form or unstable footing.

I smirked at her positioning.

She's on top of my bed and has nowhere where to go!

I got her cornered.

"Give up! I got you surrounded!"

Monika smirked back.

"Do you now?"

She jumped over me, in an attempt to shock and evade me.

Luckily, I saw past her, and I was able to grab her sides to hold her in place.

I made sure to lightly put her on top of my bed and pin her down by holding her wrists down.

This looks awkward...

Monika shuffled about, trying to escape my grasp but to no avail.

Only to realize that she and I were close again.

It's that weird feeling again!

What is this feeling in my heart?!

Monika was stuck.

"D-Do you yield?" I asked the helpless girl, feeling distracted by the distance we shared.

The perfectionist sighed and looked down.

"Yeah, I give up."

With that, I released my pins on her wrists and backed away from her.

Once I was comfortably away from her, she gave me smug look and jumped off my bed.

Oh no!

She ran towards my balcony door and positioned herself to jump.

The girl artfully jumped over the small ledge between our homes and twirled on her feet.

You have got to be kidding me...

Since when was Monika this playful?!

The brown haired girl turned around and blew a raspberry at me.

"These are my clothes now! I don't care if they are sweaty! Hahaha~!"

I shook my head in disgust.

"Eugh! That's disgusting... Please give them back, in return; I will give you my second most comfortable pajamas."

She pouted and took another whiff at my clothes.

Instead of recoiling in disgust, she sighed.

My jaw dropped.

"Smells just like him..."

Monika then tossed my clothes to me, and in return, I threw my comfortable clothes to her.

When she is playful...

She is also pretty creepy.

"Hey... wait a minute! I didn't get my clothes back from yesterday!" I complained.

Monika walked inside her home and yelled.

"Yeah! I know! They are pretty comfortable! Thanks!"

My mouth was agape from her reckless behavior.

"W-What?!"

---

I jumped onto my bed and held his clothes tightly.

Val's clothes are much more comfortable than mine.

That got me thinking...

I never had that much fun in years...

Val was giving me chase and it sparked something in me again.

Did I forget to have fun after I left?

Well... I did enjoy my time with my friends in Ainu.

But I didn't find it fun.

The fun I had with my friends doesn't compare to what happened a few moments ago.

Is it because I am in love again?

Maybe...

But I enjoyed him chasing me in his bedroom.

And when he finally got me...

He was so close to me.

My body felt as if it was on fire with the way he held me down.

It was like yesterday night.

I got...

Turned on.

And at that point, I wanted to reward him.

I really, really wanted to lean in and kiss him.

But I can't do that, not just yet.

He doesn't see me like that.

But today! Today is an important day!

In all my years with him, I finally made some actual progress!

He stuttered when he tried to tell me what I was to him!

That has to be something developing in him!

If that is the case, then it was all worth it.

Even if it did take eight years...

I took another whiff at his clothes and put them on.

My mind is swimming in joy right now!

I can feel my heartbeat with a new tempo.

And whenever I am around him now, everything looks brighter.

Nothing looks dull or boring now...

Is this how the world always was?

No...

It's all because of love.

I yawned from how tired I felt.

It's almost seven o'clock, and I feel like I need to sleep...

Maybe I can sleep with him again.

Given that I toyed with him and saw his...

My face burned up from what happened.

Oh no...

I...

I saw his...

I saw Val's dick!

The overwhelming guilt forced me to grab my pillow and roll around my bed with it.

I am a bigger pervert than he is!

He touched my boobs yesterday sure, but that was on complete accident, and it was kind of my fault!

However... this?!

I saw his manhood!

That's completely different from an accidental grope!

What's worse is that I stared at it!

I mean... how could I look away?

The size is pretty imp-

I screamed into my pillow.

STOP THINKING LIKE THAT!

Bad Monika!

Bad Monika!

Shame on you!

You are no pervert!

You are not thinking about his dick!

Gaaah!

It's not like it grew...

I-I mean I did peek at him only once when we were little but-

This is completely wrong!

And did I...?

I rubbed my lips clean of any dry saliva.

I drooled over him!

No...

No.

Noooo!

I am a pervert!

How could I not drool?

His body was still wet from the shower.

It provided the best view for both his body and his-

I brought a hand up and slapped myself.

Fucking Valmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

I got off my bed and marched to my closet.

If I can't get my mind of him then, I might have to bring out the big guns!

I opened the closet and out came out the body-pillow I had from my childhood.

It still had the same picture from four years ago.

It's time for an upgrade.

Although he can't pin me down and close to me...

Then I guess this will suffice.

Time to have some fun with my darling!

---

I yawned from last night and continued walking to school.

My head focused on that one moment we had.

Specifically, the moment I had with Monika last night.

Monika sure gave me a runaround for my clothes...

She wanted my gym clothes.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Pah, it's a bad thing!

That's just creepy!

Who would want someone's gym clothes?

...

Other than for emergencies where your best bud doesn't have theirs, but...

That wasn't the case at all!

"Yo, Val! What's up?" Tom greeted, running up to me.

I turned my head to greet him back.

"Nothing much. Just so you know... I have been thinking about girls." I slowly said.

He smirked.

"Girls, huh? You have your eye on some of the girls on the literature club... huh?"

I recoiled my head from his statement.

"What? No! No, I don't! I know for a fact that you have your eye on a certain girl!"

My comeback made him nervous.

"I... uh, don't know what you were talking about." He dismissed.

There we go.

If there is any sort of denial, then there is some love brewing!

"Tom-boy... come on! Why are you lying about that! I can tell from a mile away!"

He tried to play it off.

"You don't have any proof." He declared.

I sighed from the evidence I was about to present to him.

"You know... Sayori told Yuri and me to look away from whatever she was about to do. Whatever she did, it sure got your attention."

He blushed and touched his ear.

"I- uh... yeah it did."

I smirked, knowing that I got him in a bind.

"She said how you couldn't take care of yourself, but isn't it the other way around? You know... wiping off the toothbrush off her collar, brushing her hair, and... buttoning her blazer?"

Tom looked away as soon as I said that.

Bingo.

"Please don't..." He begged.

I put my hands behind my back and sped up our walk.

"Hey, you are free to go. But this is something I need to point out, Tommy-boy. It was hard to focus when you were complaining about how Sayori's blazer didn't fit her." I slyly pressed.

He groaned.

"Sorry about that. I know that you were busy with helping Yuri on her math homework. But it's hard to tell such an energetic girl like Sayori to keep quiet."

"Energetic to the point that she will say, and I quote: 'Yay! My boobs leveled up!'?" I asked.

He nodded slowly.

"Sayori had a pretty bad case of Chunnibyou back at Lotus. She called herself something along the lines of... Aurora Sunshine The Third. Gosh, she watched so many action-packed anime and manga that it bled into her delusions. I thought she given up on having that syndrome, but there are still some traces of it... Like her boobs leveling up."

Tom then sighed heavily, as if remembering the past was stressful.

"I had to deal with that until she left for Ainu. And did you know what she called me for some reason? Bahamut. Like, what the Hell is a Bahamut?"

I chuckled at his dilemma, amused on how similar it was to mine.

"You know, Tom. You weren't the only one that had to deal with schizophrenic. Monika also had Chunnibyou, you know?"

Speaking of Monika...

How is her morning?

---

The sunlight irritated my eyes, making me wake up.

I woke up cuddled next to something soft.

It was a recognizable feeling since I used it when I was young.

It's my body pillow.

I yawned and rubbed my eyes of sleep.

"Goodmorning, darling." I greeted, kissing the pillow on the cheek.

"Morning darling."

I arose from my bed and smiled.

Why am I so happy?

...

Oh yeah.

I am in love now.

The sunlight caressed my skin as I stretched the sleep away.

Ahhh~!

This feeling... I hope it never goes away.

Everything feels like as should be.

I took a whiff to my clothes that I got from Val, and sighed.

There were some traces of his scent, but it was slowly being replaced my mine.

Oh well.

I'll borrow more clothes from him if I need to.

I jumped off my bed and washing up.

The reflection of my mirror showed that I was now happier.

I didn't any eyebags that needed makeup to cover up, nor did my skin get paler.

Everything about my confusions and bitterness was gone.

Maybe it is fate that we do end up together!

I have hope that this time will be different.

My morning went smoothly and flawlessly.

I didn't have problems putting my uniform or get my hair tangled.

When it came time to put on my bow, I hesitated.

"But I managed to let go of my bow!"

"I like how you look with your hair down, Mon."

"I'm going to stop wearing my bow, just for you!"

I sighed happily from my treasured memory.

Since I love him again...

There's no point in wearing this!

With my bow in hand, I put it back in the drawer.

Just as it should be.

Breakfast was nothing special, I spread some jam on bread and took the lunch I prepared for both of us.

Crap!

No coffee!

Ah, I don't need coffee.

Val should be the one fill that role for me.

I always feel energetic around him, whether I know it or not.

Once I locked the door home, I broke into a dash to find Val.

---

He couldn't believe me.

"No way. There's no way that she had Chunnibyou! She doesn't seem to be the type of person to have it in the first place!"

I shrugged, swatting his disbelief.

"You would be surprised. Monika called herself the-"

"Called herself what?" A girl cut off.

Monika?!

I immediately took a few steps to the side.

Oh shit!

She smiled at me, the same smile she had Tuesday.

That mix of innocence and darkness!

It's horrifying!

"Uh... um... nothing!" I played off, knowing that I was doomed.

She rolled her eyes on me and grabbed my hand.

My eyes widened at what she was doing.

"M-Monika! Your hand is on mine!" I pointed out, getting increasingly nervous.

I heard a whistle from Tom.

"Hoo boy! Look like you are defying everyone's expectations by hitting it off early!" He teased.

My cheeks flushed in color.

"W-What are you talking about?! We aren't a couple!"

He scoffed at us.

"I dunno, you two holding hands means that you are one."

Knowing that I was losing the battle, I looked to Monika for support.

"Help me, will you?"

She shrugged, trying to hide her smirk from me.

"I don't see what's wrong with being a couple. Is there anything wrong with that Tom?"

He shook his head.

"Nope, I knew a couple of Lotus would make a comeback!"

That's it!

I can't take this anymore!

"Okay, first off, we aren't even a couple! Second off, I only see Monika as-"

I was interrupted by a stinging pain on my toes.

"Ow!"

Monika looked at me in shock.

"Oh my! Are you alright?" She asked.

What?

What even happened?!

I nodded in pain.

"Yeah, I am. Anyway, back to what I was saying. Monika is not my- yowch!"

This time I looked downwards to see where the pain was coming from.

It was a white sneaker with a pink tip hurting me.

Monika!

I glared at Monika.

"Hey!"

She aloofly looked away and whistled.

"Sorry." She muttered.

But before I can argue, the bell for class rang.

We made it already?!

"Sorry, Thomas. Val and I have to hurry to our first-period class. Take care, okay?"

He smirked and looked at us.

"Ha! Have fun you two!"

I gritted my teeth at him before being taken away from Monika's sweaty grip.

"I'll get you back for this!" I declared.

We broke into a dead sprint to class.

"Hey, Val!"

"Yes, my name is Val."

"Would you want to go shopping with me today? You know, hang out like old times!" She yelled while dragging my stumbling body with her.

Today?

"Sorry, Monika! No can do!" I stated. "I'm busy today."

Her sprinting came into screeching halt, almost causing to fall over were it not for her grip.

"W-What?! What do you mean you're busy?!" She asked seemingly surprised by my plans.

I rolled my shoulders on my free arm in anticipation for the gym.

"Well... I am gonna get some gains today with my buddies, the gain train never stops!" I proudly proclaimed.

She groaned and shook her head.

"Going with your friends and abandoning me like last time huh?" She kidded.

I snickered.

"Aw c'mon, Monika! It's nothing like that! I had this planned on Tuesday! Maybe next time?" I suggested.

She crossed her arms, still keeping the grip on my hand.

I couldn't help but let out a happy sigh.

Her chest...

I can feel her boobs!

It isn't as big as Yuri's, but they are warm...

Not so big and not so small.

Just the way I like them...

Argh!

I can't be thinking of perverted thoughts like that!

"Come on! I'll reward you by letting you touch me~!"

I pulled my hand away from her, grazing her chest slightly.

"Hah! That's a tempting offer, pervert. I think I'll pass!"

Monika leaned in and put her hands on her hips.

"I was kidding, moron! Why would I let you touch me?"

I smirked.

"Okay, I won't touch you. But I think you want something else to touch you." I pervertedly joked, referencing what happened yesterday.

Hehe.

...

Wait! Wait! Wait!

Since when was I confident enough to make such jokes like these?!

It just...

Slipped past my lips!

That joke is so wrong in so many levels!

We aren't even in that kind of relationship in the first place!

Damn it, and now I have to expect the worst...!

Her faces went through the cycles of confusion, realization, and then to complete embarrassment.

"ARRRGH! YOU'RE SUCH A HENTAI!" She yelled, starting to punch me relentlessly.

I anticipated her attacks and started to block them with ease.

"I didn't see anything yesterday, alright?!" She assured, trying her utmost hardest to land a punch.

Right...

"That's not what you said yesterday~!" I teased, her red face glowing brighter than ever.

Argh, it's so hard not to rattle her any further.

She is just too fun to tease.

"SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!" She demanded.

Okay, that's enough.

We are probably going to cause a scene if I continue doing this.

She upped her tempo on punching me, and in return making for quick strikes.

Because of her haste, I grabbed both wrists and brought her in for a hug.

She gasped when I did.

"I'm kidding, Monika. You aren't that much of pervert. Alright?" I said, stroking her long hair to calm herself down.

It was mildly effective in calming her down.

I pulled away to see her frowning.

And that hurt me.

"Okay... but I want you to apologize! You went a bit too far... I am not a pervert."

I sighed and smiled.

"Sorry for teasing you too much Monika. You aren't a pervert."

Her hurt eyes immediately were replaced by rejuvenated ones and bounced up.

"Good! That's what I wanted to hear. And I got one more condition!" She stated, pointing her finger up.

I raised an eyebrow and waited for what she had to say.

She looked nervous, rubbing her arm as if saying it would make her vulnerable.

"Do you... notice anything different about me today?" The girl muttered.

Notice anything different?

I scanned her face, body, and shoes, but there wasn't anything that looked out of place.

Her hair...

My eyes looked up to see her white bow was now missing.

"Y-Your bow! What happened to your bow?!" I frantically asked.

She flicked my forehead.

"Nothing happened to my bow, idiot. That's what I did differently today!"

Oh...

Her confident posture was again reduced to nervousness.

"W-Well... do you like my hair down again?"

I smiled, knowing that the old Monika was finally back.

"Yup! I love it when your hair is like that, Mon. It looks better to me!"

She gushed over my comment.

"I knew you would like it! Come on, let's get to class!"

Without much warning, she grabbed my hand, and we ran to class again.

---

I stretched upwards from the exhausting day I had.

The rest of the day simply zipped by.

There's no committee meeting today, so I texted Monika that we do some of the work at Friday.

But she didn't get it yet, mostly because she is busy.

Chances are that she is going to the room anyway.

I was now on my way to the Committee room to wait for her.

Tomorrow's the club meeting.

That means I have to write a poem for the literature club.

But that won't stop the gain train.

I need to get some work done today.

"Hey, Val!"

I turned around to see whoever was calling me.

It was Natsuki, running up to me with a small plastic container.

Can't I go one day with girls coming up to me all the time?

A few weeks ago, the only people that call me would be a classmate or even my friends at this hour...

Right now?

I can't say I miss those days...

Somewhat.

I waved at her.

"Yeah, that's my name. How's it going?"

Instead of giving me a proper reply she jumped and tackled me.

By sheer luck was I able to stand my ground and not be overtaken by the surprise attack.

I looked down to see her hugging my waist.

From the looks of it, she enjoyed hugging me.

"Hmm~, it's been going well now that you are here. Hey, speak to me in English!"

I tried to pull her away, only for her to whimper at my attempts.

Aww...

That's so cute.

Kind of how Monika and I slept during our first sleepover...

"Well... what do you want me to say?" I asked.

She detached an arm and handed me the plastic container she was holding.

Didn't I see that before?

"I made you ice cream! So say your thanks in English."

Seriously?

She doesn't understand what I even say to her!

"Alright, but if I do... can you let go of me?"

Natsuki looked up to me and smiled.

"Maybe, but it depends on how you say it."

Fair enough.

"(Thanks for the ice cream, Natsuki. I appreciate you making this treat for me.)" I thanked.

Natsuki's pink eyes sparkled from each word I said to her.

Her small smile turned into a cute grin.

"(Yoou... area... welcome, Val.)"

W-What?!

She pulled away from me and put her hands on her hips.

"You're surprised how I learned English that fast huh? Well, I put my mind into it, and it was pretty easy! Hehe!"

I crossed my arms and smiled from her accomplishment.

"Well done, Natsuki. Well done. I am impressed that managed to speak the proper words, but your articulation needs practice."

I motioned her to listen.

"(You are welcome.)" I slowly said. "Or you can say this. (You're welcome.) Either one works."

She tilted her head and tried to replicate what I said.

"(Yoou... are welcome. Yoou... are welcome. Yoou... are welcome.) She repeated.

I see the problem.

"Natsuki, it's (you), it has straight and short. (You.)"

She tried to repeat it.

(You... are welcome.)"

I nodded once she got it, causing her to spark up in excitement.

(You are welcome! You are welcome! You are welcome!) She cheered.

I chuckled from how adorable the girl was.

"Anyway, with enough practice, you can maybe some like me. Maybe. Also, I gotta say, when did you make ice cream?" I asked, starting to walk forward.

The pink haired girl walked with me.

"I made it during baking class. We had a special activity today, so I decided to make some for you. You better like it."

Why wouldn't I?

"Nat, you made this. Of course, I am going to like it. Your cookies and cupcakes are way better than any bakery I went to. So that means the ice cream isn't an exception."

She couldn't be any more proud.

"V-Valkyrie?" Another voice called.

We turned around to see Yuri hiding around the corner.

I waved at her to ease her.

"Hey, Yuri!" I greeted.

"Hi..." Natsuki greeted meekly.

She gave me a warm smile.

"Hello..."

The purple haired girl walked over to us.

She was carrying a thermos and handed it to me.

Oh right!

I still have the thermos from yesterday.

"I-I tried something new today. Instead of Jasmine Tea, I made Oolong Tea... I hope you don't mind." She muttered.

Yuri did this for me?

"Thanks, Yuri! You don't have to do this, but thank you. I had Oolong tea before, so I know I am going to like it." I assured.

Her small smile brightened.

"You're very welcome."

I felt a tug on my left arm.

Huh?

Natsuki held my arm and frowned.

Her eyes said that she was unhappy with the company I got.

I need to make it to the Committee room!

"Nat, I need to go... could you let go of me?"

She pouted and looked away.

Suddenly she smirked and looked back at me.

"Sure. But I want to know this... Which treat are you going to like more?"

In the corner of my eye, I saw Yuri tightening her focus at the sharp-tongued girl.

It's those eyes back in the literature club...

Focused and hollowed...

"What are you talking about? You gave Valkyrie something else?"

Natsuki wasn't fazed by her strange gaze.

"Yeah, I did. I gave Val some ice cream that I made for him."

This isn't going to go well.

And I have a good feeling that this is going to turn into a full blown argument!

"Ice cream...?" Yuri questioned.

"I am sure he will enjoy that, but he will also enjoy my brewed tea. Isn't that right Valkyrie?" She asked, grabbing ahold of my other arm.

Ahhh...

Her chest is massive!

I can feel my arms being cushioned by her pillows!

In an effort not to look at her chest, I dragged my vision up to her eyes.

Holy shit!

Those eyes...

Is she jealous?

About what?!

I nodded slowly, her eyes burning the back of my skull.

"Yeah, I am. But-"

"But... which one are you enjoy? Mine? Or Yuri's?" Natsuki interrupted.

The atmosphere suddenly got tense...

What's with the competition?

I haven't tried their stuff out!

My eyes darted between the two girls.

"I don't know!" I blurted out.

The two were shocked by my answer.

"What do you mean you don't know?"

I winced from their response.

"Well... how would I know if it's something I haven't tried yet, right? Natsuki, I did say your cookies and cupcakes are amazing, but I don't know how your ice cream will taste! The same applies to you Yuri, I don't know how your Oolong tea is going to taste, but I can tell you that I love your Jasmine tea!"

...

They both sighed and looked at each other.

Their eyes and facial expressions did most of the speaking.

"Truce?" Natsuki petitioned.

Yuri nodded.

"Truce." Yuri agreed.

I felt the two squeeze my arms and pull me to another direction.

"Whoa! Hey, hey, hey! Where are we even going?"

Their only response was a horrifying scowl that melted my defenses.

I groaned, knowing that I don't have a say on what's happening.

They are not going let up.

I can easily free myself from their grips, but that would probably hurt them...

Fuck.

It looks like I am at their mercy unless I can escape.

"Argh... wherever you guys are taking me, can we go to the Committee Room?" I requested.

"Is Monika there?" They both answered.

I shook my head.

"Uh... no. Monika's running late because she has some errands to take care of." I answered.

They suddenly shifted gear and headed towards the room.

This is getting a little too creepy.

I don't know what's going on and they won't respond to me!

Aaaah!

I'm freaking out over here!

Yuri opened the door to the room and made sure not to lose her grip on my arm.

Can I escape...?

Natsuki, in tandem, closed the door thus preventing me from leaving.

I am screwed.

They took me hostage and sat me down on the table.

"Listen up Val," Natsuki ordered. "I am going to feed you my ice cream and Yuri's going to help you drink her tea. Got it?"

I looked towards Yuri for any signs of mercy.

Her eyes looked interested in me and only me.

Nope.

I don't see anything.

"Wait, don't I get a say in this? Forcing me to eat and drink the ice cream and tea won't make me think favorably of them..." I muttered.

Yuri snorted, catching me off guard.

"No, you don't. I'm sure you would like our gifts. You said you enjoyed Natsuki's cupcakes and cookies; as well as my Jasmine tea. So that would mean you would enjoy these too."

...

Whooosh.

That's the sound of my point being blown over their heads.

"Now that you had your word on what's going on... Pucker up, buttercup! Here comes my ice cream!"

Natsuki, still holding my arm hostage, opened the container and scooped a mouthful of ice cream.

She brought over to me, to which I turned my head.

"Jeez, Louise! Isn't this a crime to do? I mean seriously, the fact that you two- mmph! Mmph!"

I felt Yuri's hands turn my head towards the spoon.

My Tastebuds were immediately rushed with the creamy, smooth vanilla of Natsuki's ice cream.

"Mmm..." I hummed, chewing the delicacy in euphoria. "This is great! Better than any branded ice cream!"

I gulped and enjoyed the sweet aftertaste of the treat.

Wait!

This is still wrong!

I shook my head and looked towards Natsuki, her eyes a darker shade of pink.

It was as if she enjoyed doing this immensely.

"Okay! Now that you had your fun, I want you both to let go of right- Grrk!"

Yuri had already opened the thermos and was letting the contents of her tea flood my mouth.

The sweet and floral taste of the tea combined with its unique and strong fragrance packed a punch to my sensors.

Once I drank a comfortable amount, Yuri pulled the thermos away from my mouth, allowing me to gulp it down in my own pace.

I hummed from how pleasurable the tea was.

"Wow... I knew it, your tea is always a wonderful adventure to get through." I described. "Anyway, can I enjoy these treats by myself? I am perfectly functioning human, you know."

Their grips on my arms grew tighter.

"You know, I was thinking of stopping all this, but I kinda find it fun. What do you say, Yuri? You wanna stop?" Natsuki asked, grinning happily from the situation.

Yuri wasn't grinning but had a malicious smile that made my bones rattle.

"I find this very enjoyable. I have never had this much fun before, actually. So for the life of me, no. Let's not stop this." She stated.

I groaned.

"Come on! Stop it! I had enough from the both of you! Let me take a break or something!"

They growled at me.

That's a big no from both of them.

Ah, fuck it.

I got two girls feeding me their own gifts to me.

What could possibly go wrong?

"Okay, it's my turn! Open up!"

---

I couldn't help but groan in frustration.

What... is with... this school?!

Gosh, being a perfectionist here is such a pain!

I can't go a second without letting anyone know that I hate everything around me!

Gah!

I stomped my way to the Committee room, not caring if there were any bystanders around.

Val should better be there.

Cause I am not in the mood right now...

But before I entered, I heard multiple voices behind the door.

What?

Who's there?!

"You know, I was thinking of stopping all this, but I kinda find it fun. What do you say, Yuri? You wanna stop?"

I couldn't help but feel confused.

Natsuki?

Why is even there?

And why is Yuri there too?

"I find this very enjoyable. I have never had this much fun before, actually. So for the life of me, no. Let's not stop this."

What are they even doing in there?

Wait...

Are they making out?!

...

I didn't know that they were lesbians...

"Come on! Stop it! I had enough from the both of you! Let me take a break or something!"

That voice woke me up.

V-Val...?!

Are they...

Doing it with him?!

He said to stop it.

Does that mean that it's...

A-Against his will?!

N-No!

NOOOO!

Something inside me fractured when I thought about the worst.

However, there was a little voice telling me that is was all most likely a misunderstanding.

It told me that my friends wouldn't do such a thing, after all, they were in a public area.

I paid no heed to it and followed the idea of the contrary.

My mind was on auto-pilot right now.

I swung the door open, making it bang against the wall.

They yelped from my surprise appearance.

My steps were rushed, as I couldn't contain myself anymore.

I looked up to them in black, putrid rage.

They are going to pay...

I am going to make sure them all pay!

...

Huh?

The three were looking at me, confused and terrified from my quiet and unsettling demeanor.

Right beside the Natsuki and Yuri was a plastic container and a thermos.

Oh.

This is all just a misunderstanding...

They were just feeding Val their homemade goods.

You have to be kidding me...

I sighed knowing nothing naughty was in the works.

Wait a minute...

How dare they!

His mine!

...

This isn't the best time to think about that.

I quickly readjusted myself and smiled, dismissing the horrifying image I put up.

"Sorry about that! I felt a little light headed and wandered in here. I didn't mean to interrupt what you guys were doing! Ahaha..." I played off.

Eugh...

That was a weak excuse!

The three sighed, each with varying degrees of relief.

Val was the first to speak.

"Well, um... you came to the right place. You're in the Committee room right now, Mon." He replied, walking up to me.

From the looks of it...

Val was uncomfortable by the whole ordeal.

Interesting...

"It's okay, Monika. We were uh... about to leave anyway. Right, Yuri?" Natsuki asked, her cheeks flushed with color.

I looked to Yuri and noticed how sullen she has gotten.

She had this frown that practically meant that she was...

Unhappy.

"Yes... we were." She muttered, standing up and proceeding to walk away.

But before any of them could get the chance to leave, Sayori dashed into the room.

"Guys! Guys! Guys! Guess what?!" She bounced, jogging in place to keep her excitement in.

Her lively presence broke the tense atmosphere that I brought up.

Thank goodness you're here...

"What is it, Sayori?" I asked, trying to ignore the events that occurred.

The girl was about to explode from the news she was about to spill.

"I heard that the Winter Festival has a contest of which girl is the prettiest in the school! Turns out, there is a lot of contestants!"

Natsuki rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, so what? It's not like I am going to compete."

Yuri nodded at what she said.

"I agree... I never performed well in contests."

Sayori tapped her fingers together.

"Ehehe... about that."

Seriously?!

"Sayori... did you sign all of us up?!" I asked, shocked by her impulsiveness.

The coral-pink haired girl giggled nervously.

"Well, I couldn't sign you up Monika, since you are in the Committee and all. Buuut! I signed you two up!"

The two girls gasped.

"What?! Why would you do something like that Sayori?! Why would anyone want to check me out?!" Natsuki shouted.

"I-I am not that pretty... I am sure that other girls are much more attractive than me..." Yuri nervously replied.

Val scoffed at them.

"Why are you two so insecure about your looks?" He asked.

The two looked up to him.

"I mean, come on! You two are one of the cutest girls that I have met! You guys have to compete!" He assured.

Their worried and insecure frowns turned into warm and proud smiles within a second.

Hey...

I was about to say that!

And not to mention that I don't like where this is going.

I shot Val a warning glare.

He raised an eyebrow at me.

Damn it!

Why can't you stop being so sincere to everyone!

Do it to me! And me only!

Sayori walked up to Natsuki and slung her arm on her back.

"Hehe! Maybe I was thinking that you would wear something that maybe... naughty." She suggested.

"Naughty?!" The room yelled, by her audacious suggestion.

She nodded.

"Yeah! Maybe a bikini! You know, something that can expose the nice curves from the back of your butt!"

Natsuki was mortified by Sayori's proposal and looked at her.

"W-What?! M-My butt?! W-W-Why would anyone want to see that?!"

Val was dazed from her proposal.

"Ohoho... the curves from the back of her butt?!"

That pervert!

He's trying to imagine her wearing that!

I took a step to the side and stomped his foot.

"Ow! Ow! Monika! You're stepping on my foot!" He yelled.

I pulled my foot away from him.

"Oops. I didn't mean to." I apologized, letting Sayori continue.

She jumped to Yuri and hugged as well.

"Anywaaay! For Yuri, I was thinking of a bikini too!"

The bouncy girl started to playfully massage her breasts, electing a yelp from the timid girl.

"After all, your boobs are one of the biggest in this school! Not to mention, your butt will go as well!" She stated.

Yuri hid her face in her long hair to remain conscious.

"S-S-Sayori... please stop. You're embarrassing me." She begged.

The energetic girl pouted and reluctantly stopped.

"Awww... but rubbing your boobs gives me good luck! Maybe I can grow up to yours! So why not?!"

I heard Val chuckle.

Of course, he is getting off to this...

"Yuri's boobs... in a bikini... oh man! That massage show was pretty good..." He mumbled incoherently.

Val you stupid...

PERVERT!

I stomped on his foot again.

"Yeowch! Monika! Your foot is literally crushing mine!" He squeaked.

That should stop him from getting any more funny thoughts.

"My bad, it was just out of habit. Ahaha..." I apologized.

"So what do you guys say?" Sayori asked, smiling at the two.

They looked at Val for approval.

He shrugged, now choosing his words carefully.

"Uh well, I would say go for it. It's a good way to get some exposure and to have some fun." He stated.

That's what I want to hear.

She jumped up and cheered.

"Alright! Operation Erotic Show is a go!"

I glared with the girls on the name choice.

*BUZZ BUZZ*

Val pulled out his phone and checked his messages.

"Oh yeah... I got to meet up with everybody in the school gym."

Sayori made a weird sound.

"Hooo? Does that mean Tommy is going to be there as well?" She asked, leaning towards Val.

He smiled nervously and took a step back.

"Uh... yeah. He will be. Anyway, I got to go guys."

He made his way to the exit.

"Wait!" Natsuki and Yuri yelled.

Val stopped and turned around.

The two looked at each and nodded, which in turn made me suspicious.

My womanly intuition is telling me that they are in a truce of some sort...

I want in!

Natsuki took a step forward.

"Well... I was wondering if you would want to go bookstore with me, we can buy manga!"

Yuri took a step as well.

"Or you can go with me? I was hoping that we can buy a book that we both can read together..."

T-They are asking him out!

How dare they!

"Sorry, girls. Val has already made plans with me!" I declared, now stepping in.

They gasped at my interference and looked at me.

"Don't do it, Monika... join our truce!" Their eyes said.

And give these girls a chance on hitting on him?

Fat chance!

"We... did? It's true I don't have anything plan for anything after today... but I don't recall anything about-"

I smiled at him.

Don't fuck this up now... Jones.

"Uhm... maybe we do." He muttered before turning his attention to the competing girls.

...

You just signed your death warrant.

"But if you guys want to go the bookstore, then today is not the day for me." He stated.

Yes!

His social life with his friends allowed the perfect rejection!

"W-What...?!"

"I-I see..."

"How dare you, Val! Turning down two cute girls like that! Shame on you!" Sayori chastised.

Out of all the people to say that...

Sayori would be the last.

Hey!

Don't I count?

And what about the bet?!

Val winced from the shame he got.

"Look, I am sorry. I was planning on going to the gym with the guys and hanging out with them soon after, down at the local arcade. So we can do it on any day besides today! And hey, you're free to join us if you would like." He suggested.

They looked away from him.

Ahaha!

Those two are busy!

Now I can swoop in and-

"Guys, I am running out of time. You could text me your plans and I will try to get back at ya. Speaking of which..."

He turned around and took the items the two girls gave to him.

"Thanks for treats you two! I'll make sure to finish them today!" He said, now running off to the gym.

The three of us sighed as soon as he left the room.

Natsuki and Yuri glared at me after that.

"So much for getting that dense skull getaway, Monika! Thanks for the help!"

"I only wish for a day that I spend time with only him. But apparently, that won't happen."

That confirms my suspicions!

I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall.

"So let me guess. You two wanted to have a date with him, huh?"

They looked away and blushed.

"Y-Yeah... what's it to you?"

"Yes, I am attracted to Valkyrie."

We heard a nervous chuckle.

"Um... now that I think of it, that bet I made is in danger!" Sayori piped in. "Does that mean you two like Val too?"

We all looked at the pondering girl.

Sometimes I wonder if she remembers what she even says...

I pinched my nose to prevent a headache from coming through.

"What about you Monika?" Sayori asked. "Do you like him?"

My heart stopped at that very question as I looked up to her.

No.

I don't like him.

...

I love him.

"Y-Yeah... I do." I nervously replied.

That...

That felt amazing!

My heart feels like it's flying!

Now since we all like him...

Only one of us can get him...

Wait... if they like him...

Then that means they also have a chance to get his heart.

But I deserve him!

I knew him the most and tried my utmost hardest to get his attention!

It's only until now that he notices me a little more...

That also brings up another point.

D-Do I deserve him?

I spent four years hating on him and a few days showing that to him...

He even said he knew that I didn't like him.

That's how cruel I was.

And for that...

He deserves someone else that doesn't get jealous, upset, or broken over a simple misunderstanding...

Maybe all the affection Val was showing was just his way to appreciate my presence.

Maybe I am taking all signs things all wrong.

But I would rather take a chance than give up!

I want to hear from his lips that he doesn't see me like that!

"How about this. Why don't we go to the gym and you know... peek? You guys can check out Val while I um... you know, just be around there. Ehehe..." Sayori suggested.

We all had our varied reactions.

"P-P-Peek?! We're going to be branded as perverts!"

"I-I don't think that is a good idea, Sayori..."

As for me, I happily agreed.

"Val did say he does go to the gym, and I surprised that Dokisai has the equipment for them. So if you two don't want to go, then I'll go!"

That changed their minds.

"I don't think so! I want to peek as well!"

"As do I, this might be interesting."

I couldn't help grin.

"Ladies... I got just the plan!"

---

Here we go.

Another day to get my day on.

I changed into my gym clothes and walked into the fray.

While I was changing, I made sure to do the proper exercises to warm me up.

I think we are doing some Abs only today, just to keep it light.

That way we can have more time in the arcade.

As I walked in, Hiro greeted me.

"Yo, boss!"

I smiled and brought my hand up to him.

He took and we did a one-armed hug.

"You ready for some laser tag?"

That sounds fun!

"Laser tag? But it's just the four of us." I asked.

He chuckled.

"Let me elaborate. Laser tag with VRsets that makes us fight against AI! Doesn't that sound fun."

I nodded with a small grin.

"That does sound fun. Let's get our game on!"

We walked over to where our other friends were and greeted them.

"Boss, I should mention that we should make this workout at least 20-30 minutes tops. The guy in the mask is gonna come in quick, and he is uh... a bit eccentric." He warned.

"Got it."

Dan put his hands together to get our attention.

"Alright, so I was thinking that we do some partner sit-ups along with some crunches, jackknifes, and some leg raises." He suggested.

We all agreed with his plan and went along with it.

As usual, I paired up with Tom while Hiro paired up with Dan.

Tom smirked at me.

"(What's going on... Brooklyn boy?)"

When we were in the gym we would greet each other in English before starting our workouts.

"(Nothing much... Hill-top.)" I replied, giving light to his west coast heritage.

We lied down on the floor and curled our legs together to support each other.

One!

I got off from the ground and reached out my hand to Tom.

Tom smacked my hand and we went down.

Two!

"(Brooklyn, I got something that was going on in my mind for a while now...)"

It was rare for Tom to speak his mind, so I gave him the green light.

"(Sure, Hill. What's going on?)"

Three!

"(Uh... Well, it's about Sayori. She's been acting a bit weird lately. More specifically when she came back.)

When she came back...?

Is it the same case for him as well?

Did they leave in bad terms?

"(Is she... cold whenever you two are alone?) I asked.

Four!

"(No, no. It's nothing like that, almost the exact opposite. Sayori gets a little pervy whenever we are alone. Remember our first club meeting? She insisted that we go to the bathroom together, even though I specifically stated that they were two different bathrooms for us to use! And I can only use one!")

Five!

"(Haha! Yeaaah, I do! I thought you were intentionally trying to get her to leave you alone! But yeah, I get your point. There's a good reason why she behaving like that.)"

Tom slowed down in his sit-ups very slightly.

"(A good reason?)"

Six!

"(Yeah, man. Didn't you notice? She misses you.)"

Seven!

"(Oh, I didn't really think much about that... I did miss her when she went to Ainu, but I never thought it would push to the point of you know... It's kind of creepy. I only see her as my dearest friend. Maybe even more than that, but I don't know.)"

I mentally rolled my eyes at Tom's density.

Eight!

"(Tell me about it. Monika is now terrifying when she came back. We did... leave on bad terms. But it was a misunderstanding and we starting our friendship up again. The weird thing is though... she's liking the idea of us being a couple! Like, come on! I-I don't know if I can take that...)"

Something in what I said welled a crummy feeling in me, but I had no idea what it was.

I heard Tom groan.

Nine!

"(What? Are you tired, already?)"

Ten!

"(No, it's nothing like that. I was thinking about how you aren't taking her before anyone else does. Especially from the way you talk about her. But I won't push you on that.)"

What?

"Aw, man... that guy in the mask is here!" Hiro whispered to us.

Shit!

---

"I think I am having cold feet about this, Monika. You sure this is a good idea?" Natsuki asked.

"M-Me too..." Yuri agreed. "Peeking while Valkyrie's around is surely going to annoy or anger him."

I scoffed at them.

"But we are going to miss out on checking him out! We are going to do some research on him! I mean come on, weren't you two curious about his claims on hitting the gym? Do you really want to miss out on that opportunity?"

"I... um..."

"Hmph..."

Before they can reply properly we heard some voices in the back door to the boy's locker room.

I motioned my friends to crouch and not make a sound.

"Damn that gas mask guy! Coming with the crap of 'If you are going to do abs, then you might as well do some upper body too!' Like, come on!"

"Heh, well you have to admit... that guy was pretty motivational to get us up from our lazy asses. I was kind of expecting a heavier workout, believe it or not. Anyway, see ya at the Arcade. I just need to take care of some stuff."

"Yeah, see you there Val."

"See ya, Tom."

Sayori tried her best not say a word.

"Guys..." She whispered. "My target's getting away! I must go! I am needed someplace else! Maybe somewhere IcanlookatTombetter! Bye!"

"Your... target?" Natsuki asked in a hushed tone.

Uh oh.

Without much of a warning, Sayori ran across the hallway, making a lot of audible footsteps.

"Huh?!"

Shit, shit, shit!

"Hmm... must be the wind."

Phew.

We took a few seconds before moving in for the win.

"We really shouldn't be doing this..." Yuri muttered.

"Yeah, I doubt he even goes to the gym much," Natsuki added.

"Shhh... he's only there!" I reprimanded.

We were inches away from at looking our crush's bare body.

I can't wait to see his chest again!

Actually, I want to see his-

My thoughts were cut off from the boy's, no, man's body.

He was only wearing a towel to cover his lower half.

His upper half was bared for all to see.

We were seeing him doing some stretches, which allowed for a greater view of his body.

"What was I looking for again...? Oh yeah, my backpack... Let's see here."

What Val didn't notice was the ever loosening towel wrapped around his mid-section.

Yes!

Yes!

Drop!

*Fwoop*

The towel was on the white floor, meaning that...

H-H-He's naked!

Again!

My eyes immediately focused on the groin area as a result.

T-That's...

Oh.

Oh my gosh...

"Gah! You have got to be kidding me! My towel!"

*CREAK*

"Huh? It's that sound again!"

We immediately backed away from the door.

I felt my heart pound from the idea that we were about to be caught.

Please don't catch us!

Please don't catch us!

Please don't catch us!

"Stupid door... I should get a move on. Everything's in check."

We heard footsteps leaving the locker room.

All three of us put our backs against the wall and sighed heavily.

"He's... he's bigger than any doujin I have read..." Natsuki marveled, her face on fire.

"I never thought that his 'pen' would be... Hnggggg..." Yuri incoherently mumbled, looking off at the distance in a dazed state.

My breathing was heavy from looking at his crotch again.

And this time it was for a generous amount of time.

I'll admit...

I drooled a little.

---

"So are we going to capture the objective? That sounds fun." Tom suggested.

"Eh... I was thinking more about the bomb defusal mission." Dan counter-suggested.

There's a lot of choices to pick from...

"Boss, what do you think we should do?"Hiro asked.

I tapped my chin from the long list of game modes in the virtual reality system.

One that caught my eye was "Reach the extraction zone".

"Let's try 'Reach the extraction zone.' I am feeling the need to run a little." I proposed.

My friends looked at each other and shrugged.

"Alright, we can do that game mode," Tom said. "I have a good feeling about this."

Dan and Hiro gave their approvals, allowing us to proceed to our loadouts.

"Wow! They even got individual loadouts! You can basically be anything you want to be! This is going to be fun!" Hiro stated, unable to keep his excitement.

I have to admit I am also a bit excited too.

"Hmm... I was thinking that we can specialize in one specific area in combat. You know, having a sniper, an automatic machine gunner, a grenadier, and a squad leader. You know?" Dan recommended

I seconded Dan's recommendation.

"Yeah, that sounds like a great idea! By working together, there will be nothing that can stop us!" I cheered.

"You got that right, boss."

"That's how a squad works, Val."

Once we got our equipment, we were instructed to put our headsets on.

It was a VR system, allowing us to see the barren simulation room as an actual war zone and with real enemies.

"Whoaaa! This looks so cool!" I yelled in complete awe.

*WHIZZ*

"The gunfire is cool too!"

It didn't take long for us to get used to the mechanics of the simulation and before we knew it, we were at the end of the mission.

And before long, we were fighting Monika's group as well.

So yeah...

Here we are.

Fighting against uneven odds.

And we gotta say, we are doing pretty good.

"Val! Target next to the green building behind a refrigerator!" Tom called out.

My eyes saw Monika hiding behind a refrigerator, unaware that she was open to my line of fire.

"Got it! Target acquired!"

I pulled the trigger to hear her whine.

"Seriously?! How did you even shoot me?! You're such a hacker! I bet you deleted some of the props here as well, huh?" She shouted frustrated by how they were losing.

I chuckled at her poor sportsmanship.

"I had the perfect sightline on you, Monika. Nothing else!" I assured, before retreating to cover.

With an annoyed groan, she walked to the next respawn zone.

"Hey, Sayori..."

"Hello!"

*BANG*

"Aw, come on! Did I get shot? From where?!" Dan bemoaned, putting his gun down.

Natsuki giggled.

"Hehe! That would come from your's truly! Not to brag but, I have the same eyes as my dads! So being a sniper is way easier than I-"

*BANG*

"Gotcha!" Hiro called, remarking his accomplishment.

And just like that, Natsuki let out an aggravated yell.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"

Tom motioned Hiro to move up and revive Dan.

"Urg, they got me good..." Dan commented, to which Hiro eye-rolled.

"Just... get up." He muttered.

The last one in the game was Yuri and she was an avid hunter.

"Aww, man... Yuri's the last one alive!" I stated, now watching my back.

I couldn't count how many times I was taken by surprised by the girl.

By only sheer luck, I was able to win the exchange.

But she learns from her mistakes, making her deadly everytime we spot her.

"Valkyrie..."

My blood petrified at the tone of her voice.

I was somewhat separated from the group, which made me an easy picking.

"I see you~..." She sang.

Uh... I get the feeling that she enjoys this.

"Well... I don't."

There was a sudden shift in the air, allowing me to turn to whatever caused it.

"Raah!" She jumped out of nowhere.

*Beep Boop*

I brought the muzzle of my gun and blew on it.

"Don't bring a knife to a gunfight, Yuri. Hehehe."

She sighed and walked to the respawn center.

That's how the majority of the game went.

Despite having numerous disadvantages, we managed to win the game.

We cheered from how difficult the game was and applauded each other's work, while the girls silently, yet furiously stomped outside.

"Hey, that was pretty fun! We should do this more often!" Tom suggested to everyone.

We agreed, however, the girls didn't see it that way.

"You are all cheaters." Monika declared.

"Yeah! Like how do you have better aim than us?! That's not fair!" Natsuki added.

"I kept dying in like the first few minutes..." Sayori muttered, pouting from her performance in the match.

"Perhaps they were indeed cheating."

I rolled my eyes.

"Hah! We weren't the ones to have infinite respawns!"

"Yeah, we ran out of respawns and had to depend on revives!" Hiro pointed out.

"It's called teamwork. Teamwork can get through any challenge. From the looks of you were all very uncoordinated." Dan stated, trying to hide smirk the frustrated girls.

Natsuki shook in anger.

"Your face is going to be 'uncoordinated'!"

Tom acted as the mediator for the two groups.

"Guys look, we had a fun time. I think that's something we can agree on, right?"

The girls sighed and looked at each other.

"Yeah... I guess." Monika finally muttered.

"I suppose so."

"Just a little."

"I didn't know what was even going on!"

We continued to chat a little on what happened in the game, before heading our separate ways.

As usual, I walked with Monika home.

"I don't forgive you for winning the game." She said, crossing her arms at me.

Sheesh...

Monika is a really competitive girl.

"Look, I am sorry. I guess I can contribute to how in-sync we were because of how much we play together online." I apologized, still confused by her irritated state.

She turned her head away from me and offered me her hand.

"I don't care. Now let's hold hands and forget that you won." The perfectionist bargained.

With a small laugh, I took her hand and started to walk home together.

---

AN: This chapter may be a little off in quality, and I apologize for that. I do want to say that this fic has 4 more chapters left. The next chapter will provide some romantic tension between the girls and the chapter after that will start with the plot again.

Until then, the next review response may come out a bit late, due to tests coming up this week. But I'll try to manage. Until then, have a good night.