Chapter 9: The Date - Part 1

Chirp

. . .

Chirp

. . .

[Zero] "Yawn."

I wake up to the nice sound of birds chirping and the morning sunlight shining through the window. I rub my eyes and stretch my arms carefully, trying not to wake the sleeping beauty on my chest. Afterwards, I reach over and grab my phone off the nightstand to check the time.

[Zero] "Ughh… It's still early…"

It's still early in the morning, about the time school would be starting if it weren't a weekend. Normally, I wouldn't be too terribly tired, but due to the ass beating I received yesterday, I'm still a bit sleepy. I lay my phone back on the nightstand, bring my arms back and wrap them around Monika. She groans Cutely in her sleep while shifting ever so slightly. I close my eyes and let sleep overtake me once again.

. . .

. . .

[Monika] "Zero…"

I'm taken out of my nearly asleep state by Monika. I open my eyes to see her stretching, before lifting her head up. She smiles as she moves up so her head is above my shoulder. She kisses me on the cheek before laying her head back down, next to my head.

[Monika] "Good morning my love."

[Zero] "Good morning good lookin."

[Monika] "Teehee."

Monika giggles while nuzzling my cheek with her nose…

[Monika] "You're such a goofball."

[Zero] "Heh, how so?"

[Monika] "You know exactly how… But don't ever stop being a goofball…"

[Zero] "If it makes you happy, I'll continue with my goofy nature."

[Monika] "Good… And do you feel any better?"

Monika lifts her head up while softly touching a bandage with her middle and index finger.

[Zero] "Yeah, I'm good. What about you though? You got it worse than me."

I move my hand and lift her bangs up to reveal the bandage wrapped around her head. There's a tiny reddish/brown spot where blood must've dried.

[Monika] "Mhm. Like I said, it's nothing too bad. And remember, if I get any headaches, I have the medicine the nurse gave me… And I have you…"

She said this while wrapping her arms around my head and hugging it. Man, she's so loving! All those fanfics have really done her justice.

[Zero] "Heh, well I don't really know how I can help with any pain you may have but, I won't ask any questions."

[Monika] "My love, just you being here with me is enough to take the pain away."

[Zero] "Ima guess you mean figuratively and not literally, yes?"

[Monika] "Heehee… In my case, it's both."

[Zero] "Well, I'm glad to hear I have that effect on you. And to be honest, I think you're the same way with me. Whenever I'm with you, everything but happiness and hope just melts away."

Monika pulled away a little and stared at me with wide eyes and rosy cheeks… In a hushed voice, she said…

[Monika] "Y-you… You mean that?"

[Zero] "Of course I do. I only feel joy and other good emotions when I'm with you. And as I've said before, I don't have much experience with girls but, I've never felt better until I met you."

Monika continued to stare at me in awe. After a few seconds, I could see tears start to build up in her eyes. Shit! Did I do something wrong?!

[Zero] "Monika?"

A few tears began to fall as she tried to wipe them away, but they kept coming, no matter how hard she tried to rid them.

[Monika] "S-Sorry… I… I just…"

She then smiled as she rubbed her right eye with her wrist…

[Monika] "I just n-never had a-anyone say something s-so… Nice… And I-I know I've only been real l-like this for a few days but… It just makes me so happy to hear that!"

Without giving me a chance to respond, she grabbed my cheeks and pulled me in for a kiss. The tears were still falling as we kissed, for I felt little droplets from time to time fall onto my face. I closed my eyes and moved my hand to her cheek. As we kissed, Monika hummed softly while moving her fingers through my hair.

Eventually, we broke away from each other. Monika still had a few tears falling, so I used my thumbs to wipe them away. Monika took this chance to lean her head and rest her cheek in the palm of my hand. She closed her eyes and let out a content sigh.

[Zero] "Heh… I guess I have a knack for many things. Including making girls cry tears of joy."

[Monika] "Heehee, that you do… That you do."

[Zero] "Well anyway, why don't we get up. Today's a special day my queen."

Monika lifts her eyebrow for a split second before realizing what I'm talking about. Once she remembers today is our date day, her eyes sparkle. As I begin to sit up, she cutely squeals before hopping out of bed and rushing downstairs. I swear, she's gonna kill me with cuteness one of these days… And I won't regret it.

After chuckling to myself and shaking my head, I hop out of bed and grab the white long sleeve shirt I was wearing last night and head towards the bathroom. I take a quick shower before dressing and walking downstairs.

When I arrive downstairs, I notice Monika is wearing the same attire from last night. The same one that exposes a bit of her abdominal region. And oh boy, does she look good! I must've been staring since Monika cleared her throat. When I looked up to her face, she had a smug smile while she was fixing a plate for breakfast.

[Monika] "Hmm, maybe I should wear this more often. You seem to really like it."

My face went red, but it didn't stop me from stating facts…

[Zero] "Heh, you're not wrong…"

I turned my head to the side before speaking again…

[Zero] "Sexy as hell if you ask me…"

I murmured quietly, hoping she wouldn't hear it. But when I turned my head back around, Monika's face resembled Hawaiian Punch from how red it is. She tore off a few paper towels from the roll and attempted to hide her face.

[Zero] "S-sorry! I-I uhhh…"

My face too began to redify. Come to think of it, what was her intention here?! She wore a hot outfit and acted like that! What was she expecting?! To try and get rid of the awkward silence that befell us, I walked over to Monika and wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed her cheek. Just like an average husband and wife… although, we're not that… Yet… I hope.

[Zero] "Sooooo, Umm… breakfast smells good Moni."

Monika put down the paper towels and went back to making the plate. I could see she had a small smile, as she leaned back into me.

[Monika] "Thank you my love. It's vegan breakfast hash with a fruit parfait."

As she said this, she turned her head and leaned up to kiss me on the cheek before picking up the now made plate and moving towards the table. I Quickly made my plate and sat across from her. After taking a bite, Monika spoke up…

[Monika] "So, what are our plans for today?"

Honestly… I haven't thought that far yet…

[Zero] "Well, we'll be going to the city obviously. So I was thinking, we just pick a random direction and go. That way, it'll be a surprise to both of us whenever we stumble across something we want to do."

I totally didn't steal that idea from DDLC Spark of Hope… Maybe…

[Monika] "Ooo, that sounds fun actually! I can't tell you how excited I already am!"

[Zero] "I'm glad to hear you're excited. And I was thinking, since it's still about nine in the morning, we could take an hour or two to louse around, like we said we would."

[Monika] "Yes!"

She said this while sticking her fists in the air. I chucked at the cuteness that Monika seems to have an infinite supply of. All of a sudden, I felt my phone vibrate. When I pulled it out, it was from an unknown number. But after reading the text, I figured out who it was.

[Yuri] "Hello Zero, this is Yuri by the way."

I instantly texted her back…

[Zero] "Hey Yuri, sorry we couldn't talk about festival preparations last night, I was busy."

[Yuri] "Oh, don't worry. I was also busy and wanted to inform you that I would also be busy today as well. I hope tomorrow can be a good time for festival preparations. If that's okay with you."

[Zero] "Yup, that's fine with me. Just text me when you're on your way. And do I need to buy anything or have anything ready?"

[Yuri] "No, I have everything we need and will inform you on what we will be doing once I arrive. If that's also fine with you."

[Zero] "Yeah, that's fine."

[Yuri] "Okay. Anyway, I must get going. It was nice texting you and have a good rest of the day."

[Zero] "You too."

With that, I put my phone back in my pocket and looked up to Monika, who seemed deep in thought while staring at her food.

[Zero] "Monika?"

[Monika] "Huh?"

She looked up and continued eating her food…

[Zero] "You good?"

[Monika] "Mhm… Just reflecting on everything that's happened is all."

[Zero] "Yeah, I know how you feel. It's only been about five days and yet, it's felt so much longer due to how eventful it's been."

[Monika] "Exactly, and I hope that boy doesn't make any more moves. I just keep getting the feeling that we'll be seeing more of him."

I nearly spit out my food when I remember that the ghost talked to me last night…

[Monika] "Zero?!"

I swallowed my food quickly and began to speak…

[Zero] "The ghost talked to me last night and told me some rather good news. First off the boy's name is Unknown, I guess. If you ask me, sounds kinda dumb."

Monika lays her hands on the table and clasped them together while not breaking eye contact to show she's listening.

[Zero] "Second off, not only is the boy apparently gonna be unconscious for a few days, but Sayori's depression can't be messed with after the festival. I'm guessing it's because normally, that's when the first act would end… Well technically it would end before the festival, but still."

[Monika] "Oh my gosh… That's… Actually so good to hear!"

Monika started jubilantly moving around in her chair. I chuckled while continuing to eat my food.

[Monika] "That means… we're so close…"

I looked up to see a few tears rolling down her face but still sporting a wide smile.

[Monika] "It makes me so happy to see her finally being able to be happy… Especially after all the terrible things I've- er, I mean, after everything she's gone through…"

I stopped while being halfway to bringing the fork to my mouth. I looked up at Monika who was still smiling, acting like she didn't just almost say… that. Is she trying to play it off like she didn't?

[Monika] "Aren't I right Zero? S-she deserves to be the happiest person…"

[Zero] "Monika…"

Monika stays silent while I look at her with worried eyes.

[Zero] "Monika,please…"

She still stays silent while begging with her eyes for me not to continue. She really feels that bad… She won't forgive herself… Knowing this, I decide to drop it and take a quick bite of my parfait. Monika stays quiet, taking small bites out of hers.

[Zero] "Hey Moni."

[Monika] "Y-yeah?"

She says while still looking down.

[Zero] "I love you so much."

[Monika] "I love you too…"

She still kept her head down but the tiniest of smiles could be seen in her face. I reach over and gently hold her hand, which is on top of the table. We finish our breakfast in relative silence and I get up to wash off our plates and set them in the sink. When I turn around, Monika's standing still, staring off into space with a frown.

I walk over to her and scoop her up in my arms. I carry her bridal style to the living room and sit down on a couch. I set her perpendicular in my lap and hold her tightly. She rests her head on my chest while clutching my shirt lightly.

[Monika] "I'm… I'm sorry my love. I just…"

[Zero] "No Moni, don't apologize. I know exactly how you feel. And just like you told me last night, I'll always be here to help you feel better."

I continued to hold her tight as I heard a few sniffles. I couldn't see because her head was directly under my chin but I could tell a few tears were falling. We sat in silence for a few minutes before Monika spoke up.

[Monika] "Thank you… So, so much my love…"

[Zero] "Hey, it's no problem. Just remember that I'm always gonna be with you. Now, since we're already here, you wanna do that lousing around thing before we leave?"

Monika leaned her head up and smiled before nodding. I smiled back before grabbing the remote and turning the TV on. Monika wrapped her arms around me while still sitting in my lap and rested her head on my shoulder.

We browsed through multiple channels, finding out that this world does indeed have the same Channels as my reality. Albeit, things like news channels and weather are centered here. The weird thing is, everything referred to this place as being called "Horizon". Strange name. But cool I guess.

We settled on watching the history channel, and what's more is Monika too is a history geek. God this girl is just perfect in my eyes. For about an hour, we sat together, cuddled up and talked about the episode we were watching. Which was on ancient Egypt and King Tut. Monika also has a tendency of sparking up theories.

[Monika] " ...And that's why I think the arrow that supposedly killed him was poisoned."

[Zero] "Maybe, although you gotta remember that they didn't have modern medicine back then, so it could've just been an infection."

[Monika] "Well, I guess we'll never know since that time in history wasn't very well recorded."

[Zero] "Yup. And it's been quite some time now, you wanna start getting ready for our date?"

[Monika] "Sure!"

After saying that, Monika leaped off of my lap and ran upstairs. I could hear a door shut and the sound of the shower starting. First time she's taken a shower without using her coding.

I got up and went into my room. Once there, I went in my closet to look for something formal. I found a white tuxedo undershirt and some black khakis. I got undressed and put on some body spray and deodorant. I then put on the outfit I picked out and… Now I wait… If Monika is like any female, she's probably gonna take a while. No disrespect to females by the way.

I decided since it could kill some time and I haven't yet touched it since I've been here, I'd hop on the PC. After booting it up, I seemed to have some of the things my actual PC had. Only a few things were missing, including Doki Doki Literature Club. But that's obviously a given. I went to YouTube and decided on watching my favorite youtuber, Markiplier.

I watched about 30 minutes worth of videos before I heard the bathroom door open. That was shorter than I expected. I turned off the computer and got up to open the door. Before I reached the knob, the door flung open, hitting me in the process.

[Zero] "Gah!"

I feel back onto my butt while rubbing my head…

[Monika] "Zero! Are you okay?!"

[Zero] "Yeah… I'm fin-"

I cut myself off as I looked up to Monika. My eyes went wide and I seemed to cease any movements.

[Monika] "Zero, are you sure you're okay?! You're just staring!"

As I comprehend what I was looking at, my thoughts all come to one agreement. SHE LOOKS SO DAMN GOOD! Monika looked like an angel who's beauty Excelled even the top supermodels.

Monika wore a White dress that reached down to her knee caps. She wore white slip on dress shoes and had a thin, silver bracelet on her right wrist. Her signature bow was removed and her hair resembled that of the DDLC summertime sprite, only without a flower.

I must've been pretty mesmerized by her beauty because I just noticed her hand was reaching down to help me up.

[Zero] "O-Oh! Sorry Moni."

I said as I took her hand and stood up…

[Monika] "You were just staring, are you sure okay? I didn't hurt you too bad, did I?"

[Zero] "I'm good… Your just… I mean WOW, you just look so good!"

[Monika] "Oh… T-Thank you my love. And you look really good yourself."

She said while looking up and down my body.

[Zero] "Yeah but, you… You look like an angel. If anyone can reach peak beauty, it's you."

Monika's face went red and she started playing with the sleeves of her dress. But she still kept a smile. Her smile just multiplies her beauty by a thousand!

[Zero] "And sorry I was staring, You're just so beautiful that I couldn't look away, even for a second."

[Monika] "It's okay, and plus, I don't mind if you stare at me, especially when I'm naked."

[Zero] "Heh, yeah… Wait what?!"

I hadn't realized what she said until now causing her to put her hand up to her mouth to stifle her laughter. She ultimately couldn't keep in the laughter however...

[Monika] "Hahahaha!"

[Zero] "D-Damnit, don't do that…"

Monika grabbed my hand and started pulling me out of the room. We walked downstairs and once we got to the first floor, she hugged my arm and leaned into my ear and whispered…

[Monika] "I really don't mind if you see me naked though…"

She bit into my ear lobe, sending chills down my spine…

[Zero] "M-Monika!"

My face was a blushing mess while Monika giggled. She kept a smug look on her face as we exited the door. Once outside, I closed my eyes and took in the nice morning air. It's a bit warm for this time of the year. But hey, I'm not complaining. There's also a soft breeze making it the perfect weather in my eyes. I look to Monika who too is taking in the morning air.

[Zero] "Feels Great today, huh?"

[Monika] "Mhm… It's the perfect date weather too."

[Zero] "Well, wanna start heading off, I don't suppose it'll take a short amount of time to walk to the city. Unless we take public transport."

[Monika] "There's actually a train station not too far from here, so I say we take that."

[Zero] "Alright then, let's get going then."

(Mitzu's POV)

Sizzle

[Mitzu] "Ahhh, I bet Sayori would love my famous scrambled eggs and turkey bacon."

It's about eleven o'clock and here I am cooking breakfast… Well, technically brunch. And the reason is Sayori and I had a really good time last night. And not like that you perverts! We ended up baking a few batches of cookies and watching anime for a while. And Sayori likes anime! Man, she's already filling out the qualifications to be the perfect girl for me! We ended up staying up till around… Two in the morning… There goes my sleep schedule.

At least we had a blast last night. After all she's been through, she deserved it. And right now, she's currently asleep, being the typical Sayori I love. And right now… I'm currently going insane, giving a monologue like I'm in some sort of fan fiction and talking to the readers. Man I'm losing it…

Sizzle

[Mitzu] "Man, I don't mean to boast but, I cook a mean ass breakfast… Brunch I mean."

As I finish up the food, I hear footsteps walking down the stairs. I can't help but smile as my little cinna bun has awoken. After a moment, Sayori walks into the kitchen while stretching. Once done stretching, she sniffs the air a few times before making out what the scent is.

[Mitzu] "Good morning Sayo."

[Sayori] "Good morning Mitzu… Whatcha cooking?"

[Mitzu] "My famous scrambled eggs and turkey bacon. You could ask Zero, he'd tell you how good it is."

Speaking of Zero, I look out the kitchen window and see him and Monika walking out of his yard and down the street. GASP… Zero's first date! Go get em tiger… I turn back around to Sayori, who speaks.

[Sayori] "Well if it's anything like it smells then I hope you don't mind having a small ration and letting me have the rest."

[Mitzu] "Huh, who said I made any for you?"

[Sayori] "WHA?! B-But…"

[Mitzu] "Hehehe, I'm just kidding. Have as much as you want."

[Sayori] "Yay!"

As she said that, she jumps on me and hugs the living daylights out of me. I feel as if her hugs could be weaponized… After a moment, she lets go and sits down at the table. It's not too much longer until I'm finished cooking and I make us both a plate. Sayori wastes no time in devouring her meal and is already going for seconds when I'm only about half done. While eating, I felt my phone vibrate. I took it out and within a few seconds, I can already tell who it is.

[Natsuki] "Hey, Is this Mitzu? It's Natsuki :]"

[Mitzu] "Yo."

[Natsuki] "So u mite of heard already but, we gotta do festival prep stuff. M gonna be baking cupcakes. And no objections."

[Mitzu] "Alright, sounds good 2 me. Is tomorrow fine with you?"

[Natsuki] "Yeah, just text me you're addy tomo morning and I'll be at ur house."

[Mitzu] "Why not at ur house?"

[Natsuki] "Don't even get me started on what my dad would do if a boy came over. And plus, you're probs a perv and would try and go through my panty drawer :p."

[Mitzu] "I get it and I would never do that."

[Natsuki] "Uh Huh… Anyway, gotta go, see u tomo."

[Mitzu] "Alright see ya."

As I put my phone away, I see that my bacon has vanished on my plate. I look up to Sayori, who's looking at nothing in particular and whistling.

[Mitzu] "Hey Sayo, you wouldn't happen to know where my bacon has gone, do you?"

[Sayori] "Ehehe… Noooooo…"

[Mitzu] "Ahh, you're right. I'm asking the wrong person…"

I looked down to Sayori's stomach before speaking again.

[Mitzu] "Excuse me Stomach of Sayori, I assume you know where my bacon went?"

[Sayori] "Heehee, I think he took the bacon to keep it warm while you were texting."

[Mitzu] "Hehehe… Sayori, You're goofy, ya know that?"

[Sayori] "Ehehe. I'm just hungry."

[Mitzu] "Heh, of course you are my little bun."

Man, I sure do love her goofy personality. With that, I ate the rest of my eggs and took our plates to the sink and washed them. When I was done, I turned around to Sayori, who looks like she's been wanting to say something.

[Mitzu] "Sayori?"

[Sayori] "Mitzu… Can you follow me?"

[Mitzu] "Yeah… Sure."

I felt a bit worried since Sayori didn't sound as cheerful. She stood up and took my hand. She led me down the hall towards the back of the house. Just next to the laundry room, there's a door. A door I didn't even check yesterday when I was looking for her…

Sayori opened the door to reveal a closed in patio. The ceiling was lined with Christmas lights and star stickers. There were 3 bean bags surrounding a small table with various books stacked on top. Behind the beanbags on a wall, there is a bulletin board with several sheets of paper with little kids drawings.

[Mitzu] "Wow…"

[Sayori] "Remember this?"

No… Guess it wasn't a memory given to me…

[Mitzu] "Umm… This old brain's having a tough time remembering."

[Mitzu] "Heehee, maybe it's just all the anime clouding your memories."

[Mitzu] "Heh, maybe."

[Sayori] "Well anyway, this is where You, me and Zero used to play as kids. Remember, we'd sit in the bean bags and read books and draw."

[Mitzu] "Oh yeah, it's coming back now. Good times… Good times."

They sounded like good times. I wonder when we started to drift away from her, assuming we did…. guess I'd be around the start of high school maybe. And why don't I have a memory of that either?!

[Sayori] "They were… They were…"

Sayori's face took on a sad expression while moving over to the small table. She stood next to it for a moment before reaching down and grabbing a book. The book is called Seekers, and featured a polar bear on the cover. I think I've seen this before in a library or something…

[Sayori] "I don't know if you remember but… The three of us would read books all the time here. It was so much fun…"

A few tears were beginning to form in her eyes as she stared at the book. I shifted my gaze over to the bulletin board to gander at all of the drawings. They were mostly just a bunch of colorful stick figures and random marks. Sayori got my attention by speaking again.

[Sayori] "The fun times we had were truly the highlights of my childhood. Just being with you guys could turn the rainiest of days into happy, warm summer days. And while I'm sad that those days have come and gone… I'm so happy to be here again with you."

Sayori looked up from the book and into my eyes. She smiled with misty eyes while moving closer to me and leaning her head on my chest. I was left with a sense of sadness, knowing that one of her most fond memories is something I wasn't given. But this gives me an idea!

I scooped Sayori up in my arms and started to carry her over to the beanbags. She let out a surprised yelp…

[Sayori] "Wha!"

[Mitzu] "Heh, you know Sayori, you sure are light for a girl who eats as much as you do."

[Sayori] "H-Hey! Meanie…"

We both ended up giggling before I picked the purple bean bag and sat us down in it, with Sayori in my lap. I kicked my feet up on the small table and had Sayori sit with her back pressed against my chest. Kinda like the ending CG in Fruits of the Literature Club…

[Sayori] "W-What are we doing?"

[Mitzu] "Well, were sitting where we used to read a lot as kids. You have a book in your hand that… I can't really remember anything from… Because it's been a long time. Soooooo."

[Sayori] "You wanna read it?!"

Sayori looked excited, now knowing what we're doing. She relaxed, completely leaning back and laying her head on my collar bone. I rested my chin on the crown of her head as she opened the book to the first page.

[Mitzu] "So, how we reading it?"

[Sayori] "Well, I was hoping we could both get certain parts. Like, I could get some characters and you get others. Just like we did when we were kids!"

That actually sounds pretty fun. And with that, we began to read the book. Sayori seemed really happy, smiling, and laughing, and just being the genuine, happy girl I've come to love. While the depression's still there, It's definitely improving. And for as long as it's here, I'm gonna help her fight it. For I must protect the smile of the bun!

(Zero's POV)

Monika and I moved through the crowds of people to get off the loading platform. Within a couple of stairs and a few turns, we were in a plaza, in awe by the sight of the tall buildings and bustling streets. Man, I love big cities.

[Zero] "Wow… Now this is a sight, huh?"

[Monika] "Mhm. And it's only a short train ride away. And I'm so happy I can be here with you my love."

[Zero] "Same. Now my beautiful queen, which direction do you suppose we go?"

Monika put her finger on her chin and looked around at the multiple exits to the plaza. After turning a good 180 degrees, she smiled.

[Zero] "Whacha see Moni- Woah!"

Before I knew it, Monika took my hand and began to run towards what looked like a mall. Once out of the plaza, we crossed a street, using one of those pedestrian walkway bridges and found ourselves in a parking lot, outside the mall.

[Monika] "And voila! I've never actually been to a mall. Only memories that most likely never happened. So I'm glad my first time going to one can be with you."

[Zero] "I'm glad too. Back in my reality, My brother,Mitzu, and I would always hang around the mall after school. Oftentimes, we'd just go walking around, sometimes checking out the shops and eating from time to time."

[Monika] "From my memories, I'd do the same thing with my friends. But now, I just can't help but feel so excited since I'm really going to one. And with you!"

Once again, Monika yanked me and before I knew it, we were running into the mall. The mall is a large, three story building. The center has a large opening, where you can see up to the ceiling. The other floors have glass barriers, acting as railing.

[Monika] "Wowwww… This is amazing looking!"

[Zero] "Your telling me. The mall in my reality is a tacky little shop compared to this mall."

[Monika] "Well…"

Monika said this as she took my hand and intertwined our fingers.

[Monika] "...I say we get moving so we can see more."

[Zero] "Alright then, lead the way."

Monika took a moment to look around before picking a direction. We took a right and were greeted with lines of clothes shops. We checked out most of them and Monika ended up buying a cute brown sweater since it's getting to be the cold part of the year. Actually, technically I bought it since it came off my credit card. But anything's worth it as long as it's her.

We spent about an hour walking around the mall, just checking out different shops and buying a little, so as we don't have to carry much. Monika bought a few clothing items and a new phone case that goes great with her. It's green with stars on it, going with the thing about being the class star.

Some time passed and at this point, we were now on the third floor. The third floor had a nice food court, with a view overlooking the parking lot and plaza. Monika and I were about to stop for a bite until something caught my eye in one of the windows. It was a necklace with a small green gem looking thing. Kinda looks like the Sims green diamond.

I asked Monika to find us a seat while I went to the restroom, to which she said she would. Once she was out of sight, I entered the shop and found the necklace. I took it up to the counter to pay, when the cashier started speaking.

[Cashier] "So, this for Girlfriend, huh?"

[Zero] "How did you know?"

[Cashier] "I have the superpower to read minds…"

He said while wiggling his fingers in the air. We both chuckled a bit at his joke before he spoke again…

[Cashier] "Hehe… Really though, I saw you holding hands with a girl when you walked by a minute ago. And plus, she looked to have the same color eyes as this necklace."

[Zero] "Yeah, it caught my eye when walking by. I just had to get it for her."

[Cashier] "Heh, she's special to you, ain't she?"

[Zero] "Yes sir… I'd do anything to keep her happy."

[Cashier] "Well… How about this. While this could get me fired, I'll let you off with a discount on the necklace. People being that nice and sincere nowadays is pretty rare to see, so it always makes me happy to see it. Plus you seem like a really good kid."

[Zero] "R-Really?!"

[Cashier] "Yep… Just make your girlfriend happy and we can call it even."

[Zero] "Thank you so much."

[Cashier] "Don't mention it kid."

The cashier ended giving me a 50% discount, which I couldn't thank him enough for. After leaving the shop, I tucked the necklace in one of my pockets before spotting Monika sitting next to the window. She had her chin resting on the palm of her hand just looking out at the city.

[Zero] "Hey Moni."

She turned her head and gave me a sweet smile…

[Monika] "Hey my love, you took a bit of a long time. Did something happen?"

[Zero] "No, no, no. It was just packed in the bathroom. Now, you want me to grab us something to eat while you stay with the bags?"

[Monika] "Sure, just get me anything non-meat… And a coffee!"

[Zero] "Got it."

I turned and headed to one of the small restaurants that lined the food court. I picked a good looking sushi place that apparently has some of the best coffee around. At least that's what it says on the sign on the wall. I got Monika a veggie sushi bowl with black coffee. I went with sushi nigiri and coffee with cream. After paying, I went back to the table, to see Monika swinging her legs back and forth. Since I was behind her, I snuck up on her and kissed her cheek…

[Monika] "Huh? Oh."

Monika smiled brightly while I set her food and coffee on the table. I sat down across from her before she spoke up.

[Monika] "Mmm, it looks so good."

[Zero] "I know right, and they have the best coffee around, if the sign isn't a lie at least."

[Monika] "Oh? Well, I guess we'll be the judge of that."

Monika picked up her cup of coffee and gave it a small swig. I did the same, ignoring the fact it's still a tad bit hot.

. . .

[Monika] "Wow! This is really good."

[Zero] "It really is. Man, that sign wasn't lying."

While I'm not really a coffee person, I'd say this is close to the best coffee I've ever had! Monika and I continued to drink the coffee and eat our food. The sushi was pretty good too. And to top it off, I have the pleasant view of the city out in front of the mall and the most beautiful girl ever born.

While eating, I noticed Monika staring at my food. Maybe she's not too happy with my choice of food since she's vegetarian.

[Monika] "Zero."

She said while still eyeing my food. Oh boy… I hope she's not too angry with me.

[Zero] "Y-Yeah?"

She looked back up into my eyes while her gaze softened a bit.

[Monika] "Do you mind if I have a small bite of your food?"

HUH?!

[Zero] "What?! But you're a vegetarian!"

[Monika] "Well, I don't eat most meat products but I'm fine with anything poultry or fish… Now that I think of it, maybe I should've told you this earlier."

She said while blushing a little and leaning her head down.

[Zero] "Don't sweat it. I'm actually kinda glad that I can keep enjoying those types of foods. Other than maybe a few occasions, I was planning on not eating anything a vegetarian wouldn't."

[Monika] "Really?! D-Don't let me keep you from eating anything you like my love!"

[Zero] "Hey hey hey. It was my choice to. Don't think you're holding me back from anything. And plus, I'd be more than willing to do anything for you."

Monika gave me the biggest smile I think I've ever seen while trying to cover up the blush that's made its way onto her face.

[Monika] "Your way to kind Zero…"

She practically mouthed that with how quiet she was. I think I'm breaking her. I couldn't help but chuckle at her state. While her head was still turned, I took a piece of my sushi with a fork and stuck it close to her face. I got an idea…

[Zero] "Hey Moni, turn your head real quick."

[Monika] "W-Why? Don't you dare do any-Mmpf!"

As she turned her head, I fed her the sushi. Once she realized what I did, her face went from red, to RED. She quickly chewed the sushi then proceeded to pout while trying to cover her face again.

[Monika] "Damnit Zero… T-The sushi's good b-by the way…"

I once again chuckled while Monika's face cooled off.

[Zero] "Hehehe… Sorry Moni. Couldn't resist."

Monika sighed while shaking her head. She gave me a sweet smile before continuing to eat her food. We both went quiet for a moment while we ate. Although she didn't say it, I could tell Monika wasn't opposed to me feeding her. And boy was that reaction cute!

For about 20 minutes, Monika and I chatted about things a real couple would be talking about. Such as, friends, future dates, and school. Times like this almost make me forget that this world isn't my reality. It makes me feel a whole lot better than I normally am.

After a while of chit chatting, Monika and I decided to end our mall visit. I offered to carry all the bags but Monika wouldn't have it. Instead, we split the bags between us, so we can carry them in one hand and hold each other's hands with the other.

We walked through the mall until we made it to the front entrance. Once there, Monika took a moment to think of where we'd be going next.

[Monika] "Hmmmm…"

[Zero] "Whatcha thinking?"

[Monika] "I'm not sure yet. Maybe we could head back to the plaza and go another direction."

[Zero] "Sounds good to me."

As we started walking towards the pedestrian walkway bridge, we were stopped by a girl calling for Monika behind us.

[Girl] "Hey Monika! Wait!"

(Unknown's POV)

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

[Unknown] "Ughh… What… The hell…"

I'm slowly brought back into consciousness… Although I feel as if I'm dreaming. My eyes are far too heavy at the moment to open and my body feels numb. I decide trying to move my body at this moment is fruitless and instead, focus all my energy on opening my eyes.

. . .

With great effort, I'm able to at least open my right eye. For a short moment, I think I'm blind only to come to the conclusion that I'm… I'm… I don't know where I am.

[Unknown] "H-Hello…"

Nothing. Not even an echo… It's almost like the vacuum of space…

After some time, I feel my body starting to un-numb itself. I start by moving my right hand. Then my left. I keep this going with all my limbs until I'm able to sit up. I slowly turn my head to scan my surroundings for anything that isn't pitch black darkness… Still nothing.

After a few more moments, I attempt to stand. My legs are quite wobbly at first but I manage to keep my balance. As I get my footing, a bright light seemingly appears out of nowhere and blinds me for a split second. After reopening my eyes, I instantly glare at the figure in front of me.

[Unknown] "You…"

The keeper of this world. The one who's made my job hell. Can he not see we're all doomed in the first place?! Why won't he let me finish what he started?! The future is only destined to end one way! I continue to glare at him, while a small, friendly looking smile finds itself on his face.

[?] "Hello… Old friend…"

A/N

Once again, huge delay due to life just being a bitch. But don't worry, like I said, I'm gonna make sure I ride this till the very end. Anyway, I hope the lethal dose of fluff in this chapter was a good way to start the few filler chapters before we get back into the action.

With that, have a good day/night and stay safe!