Humming happily to herself, Monika gently wrapped her snow-white bow around her brown hair, then gazed at herself in the mirror. In regards to her physical appearance, there was nothing out of the ordinary. However, a glint of courage was visible in both her eyes and her smile. Today would be the day she would win MC's heart; she just knew it.
"You got this," she told her reflection, steeling her resolve all the more. "How can he resist such a smile from such a pretty girl? He can't, that's how!"
Ding-dong!
Monika's gaze shifted away form the mirror as her peppy demeanor faltered into mild confusion. Though it was not the first time that, for a change, a visitor had rang her doorbell, it was the nevertheless a role-reversal she had yet to grow accustomed to. Who could possibly have a reason to visit her so early?
What if MC has finally returned my feelings?
Such a thought, wishful thinking as it may have been, was the first to cross Monika's mind. She gasped, scrambled out of her bathroom, and bolted for the front door. She flung it open, her mind now convinced beyond all doubt, and wrapped the body in front of her in a crushing hug.
"Oh, MC!" Monika shouted blissfully. "I knew this day would come! Of course I accept your confession, silly!"
"M-Monika," the voice, a distinctively female voice, choked out. "P-please, let me go."
Monika's smiled curled into a confused, disappointed frown. When she opened her eyes, she found her head buried in a mound of pinkish locks. Instantaneously, her grip slacked, and when Natsuki could finally breathe again, she eyed Monika with a strange synthesis of smugness and anger.
"Thank you," Natsuki uttered, taking a moment to straighten out her uniform.
Monika's entire face was overcome with a fiery hue. "S-sorry, Natsuki. I just. . . I just got a little excited, I guess," she tried to defuse the uncomfortable situation with an awkward chuckle, but it only made things worse.
"I can see that," Natsuki replied. "How's your day been so far?"
Monika cocked her head. "What do you mean, Natsuki? The day has just started. Why are you even hear so early, anyway?"
"I came over to ask a couple of questions, but you've already answered one of them," Natsuki answered, crossing her arms and flashing a knowing smile. "Tell me, Monika: How good of a kisser is MC?"
"What makes you think I'd know such a thing, or care, for that matter?" Monika questioned as dismissively as she could appear, but her heated face betrayed her facade.
Natsuki merely raised her eyebrows in conspicuous amusement. "C'mon, Monika, don't lie to me."
Knowing that there was no point in hiding what was clearly the truth, Monika drooped her head in defeat. "Darn it," she muttered. "I wouldn't really know, Natsuki. He doesn't exactly like me back."
Natsuki frowned. "Of course he doesn't, Monika. If what just happened to me has any indication, you're too clingy for your own good."
"What are you talking about?" Monika questioned.
Natsuki groaned. "It's the first rule of dating, Monika: never chase the guy. No matter how much you want it, no matter how you might feel for him, you have to make him earn it."
Monika was silent for a moment, allowing the idea to swish around in her mind. Ultimately, she shook her head. "What if he doesn't want to earn it?" she questioned, slightly dejected. "I don't think he's fallen for me like I have with him."
Natsuki grabbed by Monika by her shirt collar and yanked her rather forcefully. The two of them locked eyes with each other, and Monika noticed a fierce, fiery determination within Natsuki.
"Then you gotta make him," was all she said through gritted teeth. "And I am just the person to help you with that."
As quickly as she had grabbed Monika, she let go, causing her to step back a little bit. "Wow, Natsuki, for someone of your size, you sure do have a strong grip."
"Call it a talent of mine," Natsuki quipped.
"So, make him come to me," Monika muttered aloud. "How exactly do I do that?"
Natsuki smirked. "Come on, Monika. I'm going to give you a makeover."
As Natsuki stepped into the house, Monika followed. "Why do you want to help me out, here?" Monika questioned. "What do you get out of it?"
Natsuki skidded to a halt. "Well, friends help friends out, don't they?"
Monika eyed Natsuki suspiciously. "Somehow, I don't buy that."
Natsuki groaned. "Alright, I'll come clean. Do you remember how I said I came over to ask two questions?"
Monika nodded wordlessly.
"Well, I want an answer for my second question, too. Do you remember popping into my room, yesterday? How did you do that? I want answers."
Monika's eyes widened. "Natsuki, you don't want to know."
Natsuki raised an eyebrow. "No, I'm pretty sure I want to know."
Monika grabbed Natsuki's shoulders and stared deep into her very soul. "No, Natsuki. I know things that would break your very concept of reality. Trust me, I'm telling this for your own good: you do not want to know."
But Natsuki's resolve did not dissolve. If anything, it seemed to grow stronger. "Alright, Monika. We're doing this now, whether you like it or not."
"Nope," Monika protested. "I refuse."
Natsuki, however, utilized her small frame to expertly maneuver herself out of Monika's grip. Within half a second, she had Monika by the arm, dragging her to the bathroom with a surprising amount of strength. "I don't care if you refuse; you're going to win MC over, the right way, and I'm going to find out what you know."
"Natsuki, stop it!" Monika yelled. "Help! I'm being held against my will by a pink midget! Somebody, save me!"
Unfortunately for Monika, nobody came.