I couldn't believe it.
The protagonist's best friend was lying on my bedroom floor!
While my mind wrestled with itself on how this could even be possible, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread for what was to come.
Another adorable, fictional young woman just popped into our reality from my computer.
Once I told Monika, her eyes went wider than I had ever seen.
"S...Sayori? She's...here?"
"S-See for yourself…" I weakly reply, opening the door for Monika to see.
Once her eyes laid upon the unconscious, or heaven forbid, dead girl lying within the walls of our home, she shared in my shock and awe.
Hesitantly, I slowly step towards Sayori, unsure whether what was in front of my eyes was even real.
"Uh...S-Sayori?"
Suddenly, the coral pink haired girl twitched her head, her face tightening into an uncomfortable state.
"Christ, shes alive!" I exclaim, crouching down to her level. "Monika, she-"
My words are cut in half as I look upon the rather peculiar look on my girlfriend's face.
Rather than a happy, hopeful face, Monika looked upon the lying girl with a furrowed brow and clenched teeth. Her dagger-like eyes looked like they could cut through even iron.
What the hell kind of face is that!?
"U-Uh, Monika?"
All of a sudden, a small moan could be heard from the pink-haired girl, which garnered my attention.
Then, slowly but surely, her eyes started to open, blinking to adjust to the light illuminating the room. Once they were fully open, the half-asleep Sayori surveyed her surroundings quizzically.
As soon as they fell upon my face, however, her eyes shot wide open, visible shock and fear within them.
"Uwahh!" She screamed, before frantically scrambling away from me. Just like me, she hit the back of her head against the wall while doing so.
It would have been almost funny, if not for the fact she was completely bewildered and terrified of the situation.
"W-Whoa, hey, are you alright?" I raise my hands in an attempt to calm the frantic pinkette.
"W-Who are you!? A-And where am I!?" She asked with a frightened and confused tone.
In that moment, I had just realized I had never heard the sound of Sayori's voice. The only girl who had a semblance of one was Monika, reserved only for her song at the end of the game.
The funny thing was it sounded exactly like I thought it would. Cute, high-pitched, and completely fitting with her character.
"S-Sayori, please, just-"
"H-How do you know my name!? What's going on!?"
Christ, she had to be the most terrified I have ever seen in a person! I couldn't figure out what to do at all!
"M-Monika, help me out here!" I plead, looking back at the young woman behind me.
The pinkette's head turned away from me, fixated on Monika. "M...Monika? Is that you?" Her voice had calmed at the sight of a familiar friend.
Her expression softened since last I looked upon her, the club president then slowly approached the frightened girl. "Y...Yes, Sayori." She said, her words soft and assuring.
"W-What's going on? Where are we, and...who is this man?" She asks.
Monika opened her mouth to speak, but no words could be heard. Instead, she bit her lip, unsure of what to answer back with.
"There's...a lot to explain…" She said, looking down to the floor. "...But I think introductions are in order, first."
She walks to my side, prompting me to stand to my feet. "This man's name is Cecil." She introduced, while wrapping her arm around mine.
"And he's my boyfriend."
Sayori's face dropped into a look realization and embarrassment. "Y-Your...boyfriend?"
"Yes, he is. And this is his home."
"B-But...where exactly are we? I-It doesn't feel like...anything I know…"
"Er, well…" I stammer. "To make a long story short, uhm...you were created for a video game, and...have now crossed into the real world?"
"I what!?" Sayori exclaimed, rising to her feet, not knowing her sudden ascension crashed her head into the bottom of my desk.
"H-Hey, easy there!" I say, scooching myself towards the keeled-over girl, who held her head in pain.
I offer a hand to her. "Are you okay?"
She seemed hesitant at first, but slowly, the frightened young woman took my hand, which I used to help her to her feet.
"Sayori, I'm sure you have a lot of questions, but we will explain everything in the other room." Monika stated. "Cecil?"
I nod in confirmation, and guide Sayori out of the room, into the living area by hand.
Suddenly, I see that her clumsiness is apparently true to her name, as she tripped on her own feet. Luckily, I was able to catch her before she fell to the floor.
"W-Whoa, are you okay?"
"Y-Yes, thank you…"
I look back towards Monika, who was just watching over us, looking angrier than before.
Knowing the risky situation I was in, I quickly helped Sayori to her feet, and offer her a seat onto the couch.
"I'll, er...go get us some drinks." I say, thinking of whatever I can do to make her comfortable. "Did you want anything specific?"
After a shy shake of her head, I take a defeated sigh.
"Tea it is then."
While I made my way to the kitchen, my mind went back to its usual overclocked state as I prepared more of the Earl Grey tea leftover from Saturday.
I still couldn't believe it!
She actually crossed over into this world, just like I had thought!
She's finally free from that digital hellscape, and can live her life liberated from her doomed fate!
...But...
If she's able to cross over along with Monika, does that mean Natsuki and Yuri can as well?
And... if what I know about Sayori is true…
Will I have to fear for her taking her own life?
And just what the hell kind of face was Monika making once we discovered her?
It's almost as if she was angered by her sudden appearance-
"You're awfully calm about all this."
The sudden flat voice me jolted me out of my thoughts, as I looked behind my shoulder to see Monika standing, arms crossed in the doorway.
"W-What does that mean?" I weakly ask.
"You freaked out when I first came here, like I was some kind of monster that crawled out of your computer screen." Her voice was stern, confronting, almost. "You're treating her like a lost puppy."
"H-Huh? That's why you're upset?"
"Oh, don't you give me that!" Monika exclaimed, walking up to me to close the distance between us.
"M-Monika, I don't understand why you're so upset. I thought you'd be happy…" I timidly croak.
"I-I am, it's just…!" Monika snapped, before stopping herself. "It's just concerning, alright?"
"Now you're worried? Sheesh, where was this skepticism yesterday?" I ask in an exasperated tone. "Look, I don't know how it happened either, but right now, Sayori needs to be taken care of. She's confused, scared, and has no idea what's going on."
"I know, I know, it's just…" Monika stammered, unable to find the words to say. "I had to ease you into accepting me, and now you're caring for her as if you're an expert on all this."
I raise an eyebrow in suspicion.
Is she jealous?
"Monika, are you...worried shes going to take me from you?"
My words hit her hard, as she flinches in at the sudden, sharp turn with my words.
Bullseye.
Her cheeks flare a bright red as she puffs her face into a pout. "W-W-What? W-Where did that-"
I raise a hand, cupping her soft, tender cheek within my palm. Her pouting face relaxed into a more calm, collected look at my touch.
"I'm not that dense, you know."
Her eyes widen in realization, before slowly relaxing. She knew I had her pinned.
"I-Its just...she…"
I cock a sly smile. "You don't have to worry about anything." I say, pulling her close to me. "I'm not going to leave you a day after confessing, after all."
Her emerald eyes look within mine.
"How...are you being so calm and collected right now?" She asks.
I take a moment to make an exasperated laugh at her incorrect choice of words.
"Oh, don't get me wrong, my mind is still twisting at how you two even got here." I reply. "But, I do know that we need to be supporting of our new guest."
Monika seemed indecisive at my request. "I'm still worried, though…a-about how the people playing the game will react, at least..."
I can't help but sigh at her words. "I know you are. I am too." I explain. "But all we can do right now is help her while shes adjusting."
Holding the serving tray of piping hot mugs of tea, I look over to the young woman with me in the room.
"...But, you have to tell her, you know."
Monika's head perks up at my words.
"T-Tell her what?"
A sigh leaves my lips as I turn to face her.
"You have to tell her what you did to her and the others."
Monika freezes solid at my words, her expression dropping to a sad frown.
I look into the young woman's somber, emerald eyes. "You can't have 'they weren't real' as your excuse anymore. The proof is currently sitting in our living room."
No words of clever rebuttal came from the young maiden this time. She's absolutely speechless.
I take a sympathetic sigh at Monika's conflicted expression. "I know it will be hard, and will take time…" I say, my words a tad softer. "But you'll have to do this eventually."
My words seemed to upset Monika, as she suddenly turns away from me, her eyes dropping to the floor.
"...But...how can I tell her something like that?"
She raises her head, bringing her hands together.
"How do you tell your good friend they suffered because of you?"
I shrug my shoulders in return. "I.. don't think I can answer that for you."
Seeing Monika clueless and clouded with guilt tugged at my heartstrings, but she had to realize it sooner or later.
"Look, you don't have to do it now, but you have to in time."
I walk over towards the guilt-ridden girl, placing the tray of mugs onto the counter. I wrap my arms around her waist, resting my head on her right shoulder.
"It's alright. I know you can do it."
My bold action seemed to calm Monika, as she lowers her arms to lovingly hold onto my wrists.
"What did I do to get a man like you…"
My girlfriend's flattering words cause my face to flare in flattery. "Same reason I get to have you." I chuckled.
She turns her head to give a loving peck on my cheek, as I release her from my grasp.
I reach over and grab the tray of fresh mugs of tea. "Shall we go welcome her into the world?" I say, extending my elbow to her.
Luckily, she knew my signal, and wrapped her hands around the base of my forearm.
"I guess I'm having an effect on your confidence after all, huh?" She says, looking from the floor to me. "You were a stuttering mess when we first met."
"No one else really can but you." I smile, as Monika's face flushed into a red, embarrassed mess.
But she's not completely wrong.
Ever since yesterday, I really havebeen feeling more confident in myself.
My friends think I'm some sort of smooth-talking stud for having a girlfriend as beautiful and loving as Monika, and I finally garnered respect from my tyrannical manager after two years of slogging through other people's mistakes for her.
And I've been as happy as a clown ever since I told Monika my true feelings.
Why wouldn't I be confident? I'm getting more respect and love than I think I've ever had in my life!
And it's all thanks to the wonderful girl holding my arm right now.
Counting my blessings, I walk out of the room, with Monika following after. She kept her grip on my arm; even until we reached the living room, where a confused Sayori sat, observant of the room around her.
"It might not taste that well, I usually don't make tea...but, would you want one?" I ask, taking a mug and offering it to the girl.
Sayori seemed hesitant to take the beverage offered to her, but seemed much more willing once she got a whiff of its scent. "T-Thank you…" She thanked, which I couldn't help but cop a small smile at.
It's great to see she still has manners, even when stuck in a situation where she's lost and clueless.
I sit on the couch across from her, joined shortly by Monika.
"Ok, there's a lot to explain…" I quickly chimed in, in an attempt for Sayori to become more calm. "But, there's one big thing we need to get out of the way, first."
"O-Ok, u-uhm...Cecil, was it?" she asked, in which I nodded in return.
I take a deep breath before finding the words to say.
"Alright...oh christ, where to begin…" I say.
Just how the hell do you tell someone their entire life is a lie, meant for the entertainment of others?
"You know your life of being a schoolgirl, going to club with Monika and the others, right?"
"R-Right, but how do you know that?"
"That's… the harder part to understand." I reply, scratching the back of my neck. "What you know about your life, your home, most of the people you know...are all fake."
Sayori's blue eyes grew to the size of golfballs at my words. "F...Fake?"
"Y-Yes, Sayori…" Monika said, tagging in to the conversation. "Our lives at school, blissfully attending school and going to our club, are nothing more than a game for the people here."
Sayori placed her tea down, a small thud resonating from the cup. "W-What does that mean!?"
"How do I say it…" Monika started. "The world we know is nothing more than a video game to Cecil here, and everyone in this world. And for whatever reason, we have crossed into this reality, which is the true one."
The situation seemed to hit Sayori all at once, at the girl squirmed and scrunched herself in confusion.
"Y-You're saying our lives at home are...all a lie? and that..this is the real world…?" She asked.
I sigh in a small fit of despair for her. "I'm sorry to say, but yes. This is the real world, where our world was constructed. Whatever you know about your life was constructed for the sake of a story."
"B-But that can't be! What about Natsuki and Yuri? Are they lies as well?"
"I don't know if we can answer that right now, but…" I reply, unable to find the right words to say.
I bring a hand to my head, thinking of whatever I could say.
"Ok, look. Do you know anything about your childhood friend?"
The mere mention of the Protagonist catches her attention, her head raising to return my gaze. "Huh? Of course I do!"
I raise an eyebrow. "Then...what's his name?"
"Oh, that's easy. It's…" She says before stopping. "Its...Its…" She narrows her eyes, trying to dig as much into her mind as she could to recall the Protagonist.
But, of course she wouldn't know his real name.
He's meant to be a faceless character representing who was really playing the game, after all. If there was any name attached to him, it would be the name of those who saw the world through his eyes.
She brought her hands to her head in frustration and confusion. "W...Why can't I remember!?"
"Because he's not real, Sayori." Monika intervened. "Whatever you may know about him was reflected from Cecil's actions."
"W-What does that mean!? Then who was the one I walked home with after school everyday!? Who was the one that joined the Literature Club from my recommendation!?"
Figuring actions speak louder than words, I slowly raise my hand. "That...was me." I weakly answer. "Though, not all actions were mine."
Sayori looked at me with her big blue eyes in a confused manner. "Y...You?"
"Your childhood friend was nothing more than a soulless husk, allowing players like Cecil here to project themselves into the game." Monika explained, taking a sip from her tea. "Whatever you know about him... was Cecil the whole time."
God damn. I think you can let it on her just a tad bit easier.
"E-Easy, Monika. I'll just show her." I slip my hand into my pocket, pulling out my phone.
I search for any kind of official artwork of the game, knowing Monika would still be absent from them.
I'm able to find a substantial amount of fanart and illustrations of her and the other girls, and handed my phone to her.
"Though it came out last year, your game still has quite the cult following. Some still argue over which of you is the better girl." I explain.
As Sayori browsed and looked through all of the pictures and drawings, she returns my phone with a conflicted face.
"I...its...gosh, it's just so much to take in…" I hear her mutter. "I-I feel like I'm in a dream I can't wake up from…"
"I know, but it will be alright soon." I say, flipping through more of the art myself. "I mean, well have to let...you...adjust…"
The sudden change in tone to a weak croak for my voice was due to one piece of official art I found.
I look towards Monika with fearful eyes."Monika, I need a word with you real quick."
"Huh? Why can't you say it-"
"Now,Monika."
Confused at my sudden request, she joins me in excluding ourselves from Sayori, away from earshot.
She approaches me with a quizzical look on her face. "What's wrong?"
I pull out my phone, showing her the exact problem.
On my phone, laid one of the official banner artworks for the game.
With Sayori missing as well.
"S-Sayori...s-shes…"
"Gone...just like you said." I flatly say.
The reason for my tone was I knew the fact that news of Sayori's disappearance would go about as well as when they found out Monika was missing.
Great. Just when I thought everything was figured out.
"What are we going to do?" Monika asks.
"I-I don't know, she's a lot harder to hide. People could recognize her hair or personality from anywhere."
"Should we find a different place for her to stay?"
"N-No, we can't. Too risky. We'll just have to lay low until this blows over."
"But when will that be?"
"I don't know, alright!?" I hiss back, scaring Monika. But before I know it, I am suddenly embraced by her, who dug her face into my chest.
"Calm down, please…" She said, almost as if she was begging.
My heart fell into my stomach at the reaction my anger caused her.
She's just about as clueless as I am, after all.
"I-I'm sorry, I just-"
"Its okay."
Monika raised her head from my chest to look at me.
"We can get through this."
I quietly nod at Monikas words, which she replied by giving another peck on my cheek.
"I love you."
I feel my heart leap out of my chest at the sweet and loving words from my girlfriend.
"I-I...love you too…"
She releases me from her grasp, and holds my hand within hers.
"Shall we return to our new-but-good friend?"
"Y-Yeah, sure…"
After a radiant smile from my answer, the young beauty guides me back to the living room.
Once we turned the corner, I notice Stevie sitting on Sayori's lap, again indulging in the attention she was giving him. She had a sad, but calmed and satisfied look on her face while she brushed the blind cat's untamed fur.
Monika and I both share a small chuckle at the sight.
"Quite the ladies man, isn't he?" I joke, Sayori's attention pointing to us.
"H-He's really fluffy and friendly…" She timidly replied. "How long have his eyes been like this?"
"Heh, he's been like that ever since I first found him at the pound. Stole my heart in an instant." I say as Monika and I take our seats.
"I-I see…" Sayori says, her expression warming up a bit.
"Isn't he wonderful?" Monika brags, grabbing my arm.
"W-Who, me or the cat?" I stutter.
Monika nuzzles her nose into my neck affectionately. "Both of you, silly."
My face flares instantly at Monika's cute and flattering words. Even so much so, even Sayori couldn't help but giggle at my embarrassment.
"You two seem really close...how long have you been together?"
My face runs a pale white at the sudden question.
"E-Er...three days now?"
The eyes on the pinkette turn wide and surprised at my answer.
"O-Oh, uh...I see…" She says, her expression unchanging.
I knew that she thought it was strange.
Hell, I thought it was strange.
To break the awkward silence, I stand from my seat. "I-I think I'm gonna walk to the gas station real quick for...uhm, snacks and whatnot. A-Anyone want anything?"
Monika tilted her head in confusion. "Oh, should I come with you?"
"A-Ah, it's okay, I can go by myself." I reply, waving my hand.
Sayori looks up to me, hesitant to get a word out. "E-Erm…"
My ear perks at the maiden's fidgeting. "Hm? You say something, Sayori?"
"I-I was just wondering if...I could come with you…?"
My eyes widen at the young maiden's request. "Uh, a-are you sure? I mean, I would decide against it, but...I don't want to force you or anything…"
Sayori dismissively shakes her head. "...I just...need some fresh air to take everything in…" She replied. "And it would give me a chance to see where I guess I'll be living now…"
Huh. That's...actually a good point.
"O-Oh, uh, sure thing then." I reply.
I look towards Monika, who had her arms crossed.
"So, anything you wanted us to pick up?"
"No. I'll be alright."
A chill ran down my spine at the sudden hostility from the young woman.
"H-Huh? A-Are you-"
Monika stands from her seat beside me, her face turning into an instant smile towards Sayori. "Let's go get you a new outfit, Sayori. You're too noticeable in that."
"H-Huh? D-Do we need to be kept a secret?"
"For the most part. Here, I'll explain it in the room." Monika replied as Sayori followed after her into my bedroom.
Meanwhile, I'm left alone with the chilling thought about the reaction Monika gave me.
What the living hell was that about? Why would she seem so upset over me wanting to help Sayori?
I thought she'd be more happy at the sudden situation…
I sink myself back into my couch, my stress getting the better of me.
Just how could I have ended up in this mess?
I was just enjoying my weekend, until two beautiful and cute young women from a video game appear into my life.
It's like my life turned into a corny slice-of-life manga in a few days.
But, I really shouldn't be feeling so scared and skeptical right now. After all, I have Monika trying her best for my affection, and Sayori liberation alone is cause for celebration.
In the end, however, something just keeps wriggling into the back of my mind, hopelessly picturing whatever repercussions could befall us.
But, I could just be paranoid. It kind of comes with the lack of self confidence.
My thoughts are suddenly interrupted by the sweet, melodic sound of Monika's voice.
"She's ready~!"
My head turns to the hallway, where I see Monika step from around the corner.
She looks into the hall, out if my peripheral view. "Come on, Sayori!"
Then, slowly, the coral pink haired girl emerged into my view, revealing what Monika had changed about her.
My eyes widen, and my mouth opens at the sight of her.
Monika had replaced her uniform with one of the shirts we purchased at the clothes store for her, but she kept the skirt and shoes, the same as her.
Her bow was missing from her hair, which I felt conflicted about. I kind of felt it suited her character.
Well, the smiling mask she wears, at least.
"D-Do I look weird…?" The timid girl asked, her shoulders tightened in embarrassment.
"N-No, no! In fact, it looks great on you!" I exclaim in an attempt to alleviate her bashful and shy demeanor.
A small smile stretched Sayori's lips, as her relaxed expression told me she lowered her guard towards me by a small amount.
"I told you it looked fine." Monika said, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder.
I can't help but smile as well.
I'm glad to see that we can make Sayori feel comfortable, despite her feeling more scared and confused she has ever been in her life.
She's really no different than any human.
I look to the time, realizing it was a later time than I anticipated. "It's getting late. We should go while there's still some sun out. Are you ready?" I ask the blushing young woman.
She gently nods, and walks over towards the front door, myself following after.
"Hold it."
I am halted by Monika, which my attention points to.
She places my face within her hands, cupping my cheeks. She leans her head closer to me, planting a loving and wet kiss upon my lips.
"Muah~! See you when you get back~"
My legs turn to a viscous jelly, and my cheeks burn a bright red at the flirtatious way she spoke.
"B-Be back soon.." I croak, promoting a small giggle from the coral brown-haired girl.
I turn my head to see Sayori was watching the whole time, her face just as red as mine.
"W-What?" I timidly croak.
God, I must look like a lovestruck schoolboy to her right now.
Looking upon my reddened face, a smile forms across her lips. "It's nothing." She said, her voice a tad more calm than last she spoke.
"Lets… Let's go then…" I reply, walking past Sayori out the door. "We'll be right back."
"Ok, see you soon!" Moniks chirped as I closed the door behind Sayori.
It was just Sayori and I from that moment, outside the closed front door of my home.
"Well...shall we go then?" I ask, receiving another small nod from the girl.
Mere minutes pass, as I walk down the sidewalk with Sayori, the cool nightly air breezing.
At least, it would be better if the girl wasn't following several paces behind me.
"You know, I don't bite." I say, leaning my head back towards her while keeping my eyesight forward.
Nothing was heard from the young woman following behind me but a small squeak.
I can't really blame her for being nervous. She has no idea who I am or what this world even is.
I just wish she wasn't so afraid of me…
"Not one for conversation, are we?" I nervously ask, hoping to dispel the tense atmosphere between her and I.
Once again, nothing but silence from the young maiden.
A pained, defeated sigh pushes itself out of my lungs.
I don't know what to do anymore.
Regardless, I maintain my walking pace, up until I hear the sound of her footsteps stop.
I turn my head to see Sayori staring off into the distance, a curious look upon her small face.
I look towards whatever she had her attention pointed to, and could see a small group of children playing in a nearby park.
I turn myself, and walk towards the still young woman.
"Looking at those kids over there?" I ask.
My sudden question garnered her attention to me, before her eyes quickly fell to the ground. "They...just look like they're having fun is…"
I look towards the small group of children, and could count five of them. Two girls, and three boys, to be exact.
Two of the boys were playing around with one another, as one of the girls seemed to be laughing from the fun.
The remaining boy and girl were cutely enough, holding each other's hands, talking amongst themselves.
I look to the distant-eyed girl, taking a deep breath.
"Sayori, whatever's on your mind, you're in a safe place to tell." I sternly state. "We're friends after all, right?"
Her shining blue eyes pointed to me, before becoming filled with uncertainty as she looked down again.
"I-I just...don't know how to react to any of this…" She replied, before crossing the fingers within her hands together.
My eyes point towards the two children holding hands, then back to Sayori.
Now why would Sayori have such a downtraughten face after seeing that peculiar image?
The thought then came to me.
"It's about him, isn't it? The protagonist?"
Sayoris eyes widened in surprise, showing my question was right on the mark, before sadly falling to the ground again.
"He...its…"
I take a step closer towards the fidgeting girl.
"If anything is on your mind, Monika and I are more than willing to listen." I say, my lips curling into a smile. "Or...do you not trust us?"
"N-No, no, it's not that at all…" She nervously stuttered.
"Well, the way I see it, you're free to make your own choices now. You're no longer bound to some programming script for the sake of others." I explain, shrugging my shoulders.
Hesitantly, Sayori spoke in return, facing the ground. "B-But, that's just the thing…" She said. "Even though you say I was trapped, I never felt like I was bound to anything…"
My eyebrows raise in a flash at her words. "What do you mean?"
Sayori raises her head to look at me.
"I already thought I had free choice…so how can you tell someone they only now have something they thought they already had?"
I was left speechless at the young woman's answer. I never thought of it that way.
"A-And about...him…" Sayori continued, speaking of the Protagonist. "While I can't remember his name, or even what his face looked like...I can still remember that we would play when we were younger…"
I bring a finger to my cheek, lightly scratching with guilt. "A-And I guess us bringing the news that he wasn't real was...more than jarring…"
Sayori shook her head at my reply. "It's...just something I need to get used to…" Her frown grows into a sad smile. "He made me feel so special sometimes...I feel like we had our own special relationship, since we grew up together…"
Saddened by her words, scratch the back of my neck. "W-Well...for what it's worth, I remember those last couple of days with the club through the game."
Her head perks at my words. "W-What?"
I take this chance while I have her attention. "Y-Yeah, heh… I remember when you hit your head, at least."
Sayori's face turns a light pink at my words. "O-Oh...that time…"
I chuckle under my breath at her embarrassed face. "I might have taken the role of your friend, but I'm more than willing to be your friend in the real world as well."
Her expression raised after hearing my words. "I-It...makes me feel a bit better to hear that…" She replied. "Thank you, Cecil."
I could feel my face burn a bit pink after hearing those words, from the Sayori nonetheless.
"N-Not a problem." I stutter. "S-Sorry, we should get back on track…"
She shakes her head once more. "No, it's alright. Lead on."
After our tender little moment, we continue on our journey to the gas station, the lights inside and street lamps around the store illuminating all that was within range.
Following a bit closer to me, I lead the young woman into the interior, where the groceries and libations resided.
Sayori seemed a little lost though, but can be understandable. Some aspects her are a lot different from hers, after all.
We browse through the isles, finding ourselves unable to choose from the assortment of goodies and snack foods with an absolute decision.
"So, uh, did you want anything?" I ask, keeping my eyes to the displays.
"N-No, I'll be fine…"
Suddenly, a small growl could be heard from the young woman. "...Well, maybe just...one little snack…"
I chuckle to myself at the adorable sight before me. "Oh come on, I know how much of a foodie you are. Go on, get whatever you want."
"H-Huh? How did...A-Are you sure?" Sayori stuttered.
"Yeah, go ahead. My treat."
Taking no time at all, Sayori immediately snatched bag after bag of junk food, to the point she had to carry a small pile of assorted snacks with both hands.
I never realized she would have worked that fast, as I stand frozen at the sight before me.
Sayori's excited expression dropped after seeing my reaction. "I-Is this too much?"
"U-Uh, no no, not at all. I said it was...my treat after all." I say with a regretful sigh.
"I-If it is, I can just-"
"No no, it's fine, just...surprised me is all."
First Monika drops me a few hundred for some clothes, and now Sayori just might eat me out of my grocery bill.
But, I can't help but keep a gleeful smile across my face. I'm the only one able to see Sayori in her natural habitat, and in person nonetheless.
She's the kind of person who would make you happy by just being happy.
After gathering our groceries, and hauling them to the cashier, we leave the building, both of us carrying a bag each.
"I-I still feel it's a bit too much though…" Sayori nervously murmured, as she looked upon the filled bags I was carrying.
"Hey, whatever you need to adjust, I'm more than happy to help." I say, a sense of pride enveloping my mood.
A smile formed across the maiden's lips after hearing my words. "W-Well...thank you...for everything so far…"
"My pleasure, Sayori." I reply with a wide, satisfied grin.
We continue on our pathway back home, until we come across a crosswalk across the street. A red light shined from the opposite side, signaling us to remain still. Looking both ways, I couldn't see any cars coming at all from either side.
We wait until the light blinked green, and start crossing over to the other side.
"S-So...how did you know Monika anyway? Wasn't she...wherever we were before all this?" Sayori asked, in an effort to break the silence between us.
I scratch the back of my neck, unsure of what to say. "She...er, apparently grew autonomy all of a sudden. I thought it was all fake as well, so imagine my surprise when I…" I say, my words cut short from a sight to our left.
A set of headlights could be seen from the distance, driving towards us from down the road.
The only scary part about it was that it wasn't stopping for us!
"S-Shit!" I exclaim, before suddenly wrapping my arms around Sayori and jump to the side, taking the full force of our combined weight hitting the ground, with the incoming car speeding past us just in time.
Once the dust settled, I take a few deep breaths to myself.
"J-Jesus Christ, that was close…" I say, holding the protected maiden within my arms. "A-Are you alright, Sayori?"
"Y-Yeah, I am…" She replied, standing from our position.
I pick myself up after, wiping off the dust and dirt off my shirt. "Crazy bastard…"
Sayori approaches me slowly. "I'm more worried about- ah!"
Suddenly, Sayori nearly falls to her knees, if not for the fact I caught her again just in time.
"H-Hey, what's wrong?" I ask, helping her to her feet.
She brings a hand to her left foot, trying her best to stand. "I-I think you pushing me like that twisted my ankle…"
Shit.
"O-Oh, I-I'm sorry…" I guiltingly apologize, feeling more like an oaf than a sterling savior.
"N-No, it's fine, I can just -Ah!"
Sayori trips herself from her injury, prompting me to catch her once again.
She won't be able to walk home like this. I'm gonna need to think of something.
Taking a deep sigh to myself, I crouch down to the girl, my back facing her.
"Here, you won't be able to walk on that. I'll just carry you home."
A surge of red blanketed the young woman's cheeks, as she frantically replied to my offer. "E-Ehh? N-No, you don't have to do that!"
"Are you sure? Because I don't think you can walk on that."
"N-No, no, I don't want to trouble you-"
"The sooner you do this, the sooner we can get home, alright?"
Only a few moments after hearing my words, the young woman slowly mounts my back.
"Hold on." I say, stopping the girl.
I then take off my work shirt, revealing the plain t-shirt underneath. I hand it to the young woman, much to her confusion. "Here, wrap this around your waist."
"E-Eh? But...why?"
"So no one will see under your skirt."
After a flare of red across her cheeks, Sayori sheepishly wraps the shirt given to her, covering her waist.
"Ready?" I ask, preparing myself to carry another human being.
"M-Mhm…" Sayori nods, before looping her legs within my arms.
I then piggy back lift her from the ground, and much to my surprise, she had a bit of weight to her, despite her slender figure. "How's your ankle?"
"I-I-Its fine…"
After another quick smile, I adjust the grip on the bags of snacks and continue on our way back home, carrying Sayori behind me.
"I-I'm sorry you have to do this…" She apologized, the light tone in her voice dropping.
"Its alright, I don't want you to walk on a hut ankle."
"I-I know, I just...feel like a burden right now…" She sulked.
Hearing her voice drop to a somber murmur reminded me about just what made her so interesting to begin with.
Sayori, has a severe case of depression. A mentally and spiritually taxing disorder modern science can't even diagnose, let alone cure.
She lives her life carefree and happy, at least she would show so.
Underneath that smiling mask is a feeling some would say "feels like an emotional anchor.".
And that's just the thing that scares me.
Sure, I've been depressed before, but never clinically. I have no idea how to handle sadness and self-loathing of that kind of scale.
Neither does anyone else really, not even those who are depressed.
Some will say "It's just all in their heads" or, "It's nothing more than a chemical imbalance in the brain", but from my experience, it's just so much more than that.
From what I know from those who tell stories of their depression, they feel a lead weight anchoring their happiness and emotions. They are unable to enjoy even the most exciting of activities, their emotions weighing them down like a ton of bricks.
Dare I say, it could be similar to paranoia, where there's always a little voice in your head telling you all the negativity in your ideas and actions.
There's no medical cure for it, and any instance in trying to cure it can sometimes only made the case worse than before.
But.
"H-Hey, Sayori?"
"..."
"I...I know about your depression. And how serious it is."
I do believe it is possible to cure.
The young maiden flinched after hearing my words. I guess I hit a really sensitive subject."B-But, I'm...not going to think of you any less for it."
The girl remained silent.
"I won't tell you to 'just be happy' or, 'don't think about the bad stuff', because I know that's not how it works." I continue. "But what I will say…"
I swallow the saliva in my throat before continuing. "You don't have to do it alone."
Her silence only made me more nervous as time went on. I hoped she would say something after that.
"Monika and I will always be there to listen whenever you feel the world's against you. O-Only when you're ready, of course…"
Even though I can see her face, I know she's feeling uncertain of how to take my words.
"...Do...Do you mean it?"
"Of course, Sayori. I wouldn't lie about something like that."
In that moment, I feel Sayori relax herself more, slumping her body against my back.
"...Okay...I...I believe you…"
And in that moment, a grin flashed across my face.
Though slow, hell, it's only beginning, I feel like I can really break through to her over time.
Hopefully, we could even-
"Yooo, Cecil!"
A familiar voice suddenly came from behind me, cutting my thoughts.
I stop and turn myself to see the muscle-man neighbor himself Daniel following after me, with someone else following him.
"Danny? What are you doing out here?" I ask, perplexed as to why he's not at some gym or running a 10k marathon.
"Ah, I'm just going out for a walk with my girlfriend." He replied, moving to the side to show the young woman behind him.
My eyes widen as I realize I know the woman behind him.
"Hey, it's you! The cashier at that clothes shop a few days ago!" I say, smiling.
The woman looks upon me, realizing from that day we shopped in her store. "O-Oh! It really is you!" She replied.
Daniel raised an eyebrow at our exchange of words. "You know him?"
"Yeah, he and his girlfriend Anna were shopping at my store not too long ago." The woman explained.
"W-Wait, girlfriend?" Daniel asked, flabbergasted at the words he heard. "Just when the hell were you going to tell me this, man?"
"O-Oh, you know, just n-never got around to it…" I sheepishly reply.
"Well, I guess I was wrong about you then! You can get a date after all!" He chuckled while crossing his arms. "Ah, this is Stacy, by the way. Sorry, I never introduced you to her either."
"A-Ah, nice to meet-...er, well, I've already kind of met you at the store, but it's nice to know your name, at least... I never got it at the store…"
"Likewise." Stacy replied, smiling. "But, who is this girl you're carrying?"
Shit.
"U-Umm...well…" I stammer, finding myself suddenly on the spot.
"Anna? Who's that?" Sayori whispered into my ear.
"It's still Monika, she just came up with a name on the spot."
"Ohhh…."
"Yo, Cecil, you alright?" Daniel asked, suspicious of our whispering.
"Y-Yeah, j-just...er, this is-"
Suddenly, Sayori interrupts me. "Caroline. I'm a distant cousin of his. It's nice to meet you!" She chirped.
"Er, likewise." Daniel flatly replied. "May I ask why you're carrying her, Cecil?"
"O-Oh, uh, there was this speeding car, and it nearly hit us. She accidentally twisted her ankle when I pushed us out of its way…."
"Seriously!? That asshole nearly hit you too!?" Daniel groaned in frustration. "He's been doing this all week!"
The young woman approached the two of us. "Do we need to call someone at all for you?"
"U-Uh, no no, we're fine. I was just gonna carry her back home." I reply.
Daniel cocked his head to the side quizzically."You sure? Our building is still like, a couple hundred meters away."
I shake my head. "N-No, I'll be fine. Besides, maybe I can build some muscle this way…"
Daniel laughed with a proud, hearty chuckle. "Now that's what I'm talking about! You need to work on those noodle arms, man!"
Was... that encouraging, or insulting?
"Y-Yeah." I nervously chuckle. "A-Anyways, we need to be getting back home."
Daniel gave a confirming nod, while Stacy crossed her arms, her face still unsure.
"Should we at least follow you just to make sure you get home safe?" She asked.
"N-No, again, were fine." I reply. "I appreciate your concern for us, though."
Stacy gave a defeated sigh, shrugging her shoulders.
"Well, if anything happens, I'm right next door, bro." Daniel promised with a smile.
A smile crept upon my lips at Daniel's kind words. I'm always a sucker for flattery.
"Sure thing, Danny." I nodded.
Daniel and Stacy then take their leave, talking amongst themselves away from earshot.
Thank god Danny doesn't play games too often.
Meanwhile, I turn my head towards the relieved Sayori, who was slightly taken aback by my gaze.
I raise my eyebrow at the young woman. "'Caroline'?"
"W-What? I-I think it's a cute name…"
I turn my head forward, the name "Caroline" echoing through my mind.
"...Yeah, you're right. It suits you in a way." I feel Sayori wriggle and fidget in embarrassment across my back.
I adjust my grip on the groceries and the maiden riding across my back.
"Come on, let's get home."
After about twenty minutes of carrying one hundred fifty's worth of snacks and pure, fragile fluff in human skin, I finally reach the door to my apartment, my arms about ready to give out.
"A-Are you alright?" Sayori asks, obviously feeling my arms shaking through my grip on her legs.
"O-Of course!" I say as I barely manage to open the door.
Entering through the doorway and closing the door behind us, we are greeted by Monika wearing her cooking apron from around the corner of the kitchen.
"Welcome home! I just got started on-" Her face instantly drops to a shocked expression at the sight of Sayori and I. "What's… going on here?"
I groan as I carry Sayori back over to the couch, my tired arms getting the rest they deserved. "She hurt...her foot...on the way back…" I say between panting breaths.
"I...see." Monika replies, her face growing a small smile. "Well, you go get some water. You look exhausted."
"Arms...so...tired…" I say as Monika pats me on my back in congratulations.
"Good job, big guy. I'll handle Sayori from here." She giggled, her sudden flattery flaring my face a light pink.
I tiredly shuffle towards the kitchen, the smell of Monika's cooking permeating my senses as I walk.
I enter the kitchen, finding a pot set on the stove and fresh vegetables cut across a cutting board close by.
Looks like she's making that pasta after all.
After grabbing a cup from the cupboard and filling it with water from the tap, I almost drink the entire glass with the thirst of a man that just traveled through a desert.
Feeling the water taking effect, I curiously walk over towards the cutting board, looking upon a pepper halfway cut already.
I extend my hand to take a cut piece of pepper, taking a small morsel to sample what's to come for dinner.
As I chew upon the crunchy bit, a peculiar sight catches my eye.
I look closer at the cutting board, noticing a rather deep cut into the wood. If it had gone any further, it looked like it would breach the other side.
It's almost as if someone stabbed the poor thing with the knife next to it.
Huh. Has that always been there? Weird.
Shrugging off the little detail, I walk back out of the kitchen, peeking past the corner into the living room.
There, I see Monika tending to Sayori's hurt ankle, going as far as propping her leg on the couch.
I am unable to hear their conversation, however, as they speak to one another, unaware of my presence.
Taking my chance to quietly observe, I lean into the wall, looking upon the comforting sight before me.
It might take some time, but I'm positive Sayori can come to terms with what Monika's done to her and the others. If they are as close of friends as I imagine, I'm sure they'll work everything out.
Monika has no reason to be malicious, after all. I'm already all hers, so she won't have to worry about the others taking me away from her.
...
...
...At least, I hope so.