Doki Doki Literature Club!: Normal Mode (Part 5)

by bizzyjoan

Ever wondered what Doki Doki Literature Club! would have been like if Monika wasn't self aware she is in a game and everything played out normally? In this story, you embark on an accurate depiction of what the game would have been like if it was a regular visual novel. A drama filled journey through your sophomore year and your time at the literature club awaits you. Part 5

Chapter 21:

It is now the beginning of February. Things have been going decently both inside and outside the club. Today has been decent too. I walked to school with Sayori, caught up with some of my other friends and ate lunch with Yuri. It is now time for the club to start. I arrive at the entrance of the club room with Yuri and Sayori. I try to open the door.

John: "Huh, it's locked."

Yuri: "D-Did Monika forget about the club today..?"

Sayori seems to have noticed something.

Sayori: "Monika left a note."

I walk behind Sayori to read it for myself. It says, To my club members, meet me at 124 Bridgeport Avenue after you read this. See you there~! With love, Monika.

John: "I wonder what she has planned."

Yuri: "I'm not familiar with that address…"

"I-I'll put it in on my phone so we can find it…"

Sayori: "Okay~!"

"Let's gooo!"

Natsuki appears behind us.

Natsuki: "Go where?"

Sayori: "Just follow us."

"The club is somewhere else today."

Natsuki: "Alright."

"I'm in game for that."

We all follow Yuri outside the school and into town. We end up going across town.

John: "I'm not too familiar with this area."

Yuri: "Hmmm…"

"I think we are almost there."

Natsuki: "I'm familiar with this side of town."

"I live over here."

John: "I didn't know that."

"Do you know where we are going?"

Natsuki shrugs.

Natsuki: "I'll probably know once we are there."

Soon enough, we finally arrive.

Yuri: "This is it."

Natsuki: "Oh, I do know this place!"

"Baker's Bar and Grill!"

"I used to come here often."

Sayori: "Monika is trying to take us out?"

John: "I guess so."

Sayori: "We will have to thank her for this!"

John: "Haha, yeah."

We all enter. Monika stands up from her round table and waves to us.

Monika: "Guys!"

"Over here!"

The 4 of us walk over and take seats. I end up sitting in between Sayori and Yuri, across from Monika and at a diagonal from Natsuki. Monika sits back down and smiles.

Monika: "I'm glad you all could make it!"

"I wanted to thank all of you for being great members to this club!"

"We have had a good year so far."

"Let's keep it up!"

"The bill is on me today!"

Sayori: "We wouldn't be so great without our president~!"

Yuri: "True."

Natsuki: "Agreed."

John: "Yup."

Monika blushes slightly.

Monika: "Awww~."

"Enjoy this one guys, okay?"

Y,N,S,J: "Yup!"

The waiter comes over and takes our orders and puts it back for the cooks to make our food.

Sayori: "I have never been here before."

"Is their pizza any good?"

Natsuki: "It sure is!"

"That's what I ordered too!"

John: "Why am I not surprised you ordered pizza Sayori?"

Sayori laughs.

Sayori: "Oh John…"

"You know me too well!"

I laugh.

John: "Yeah…"

I turn my head to see Yuri and Monika having a conversation about a book Yuri is reading. I smile to myself. I'm glad they are beginning to talk. I always thought they would make good friends.

Natsuki: "John."

John: "Yeah?"

Natsuki: "I am caught up on the manga now."

"The story only has gotten better."

"It is also nice to see how the characters have developed so far…"

John: "That is true…"

"I hope this series goes on for a long time."

Natsuki smiles.

Natsuki: "Same here!"

All of a sudden, I hear the waiter behind me. He has brought everyone's food and drinks. Yuri ordered some fish. Monika ordered a salad, and I ordered a burger. As I look down at my dish, my mouth waters.

John: "It sure looks good!"

Monika: "Enjoy as much as you like!"

Monika holds up her drink.

Monika: "To our small, yet strong club!"

Everyone clanks their drinks together.

Everyone: "Cheers~!"

We all take a sip and begin to dig into our food.

Sayori: "Mmmmm!-"

"Shoooo goooood~!"

Yuri: "It sure is delicious."

John: "My food is good as well."

Natsuki and Monika are also visibly enjoying their meals.

Sayori finishes her pizza in the blink of an eye.

Sayori: "Thank you so much, Monika~!"

"You're the best!"

Monika: "Haha!"

"Save room for dessert."

Sayori: "Owah?!"

Monika laughs. The rest of us finish our food.

Monika: "Hope the rest of you saved room for dessert as well!"

We nod. The waiter comes back to our table and we order dessert. He puts it back.

John: "So what did you ask for Yuri?"

Yuri: "U-Uhmmm.."

"I think you know that I am a chocolate person…"

"So I ordered the molten lava cake."

John: "Me too."

"According to Natsuki, it is good here."

Yuri: "Mhm…"

"I haven't had chocolate in a while…"

"I-I've been trying to cut back."

"I haven't eaten chocolate s-since…"

Yuri begins to blush. I blush as well. Yuri turns her head.

Yuri: "U-Uhhh…"

"N-Nevermind!"

John: "I get it."

"We all need a cheat day once in a while."

Pretending to be oblivious seems to calm Yuri down. She turns her head back to face me.

Yuri: "Y-Yeah…"

"You're right."

The waiter brings the desserts to us. Sayori got ice cream (not surprised), Natsuki got a cup cake, Monika ordered a coffee cake and Yuri and I both got lava cakes. I look at mine. It looks really good. I see Yuri take a bite.

Yuri: "I-It is rich John."

"I think you will like it!"

John: "I'll take your word for it."

I take a bite out of my lava cake.

John: "Mmm-"

"You're right!"

Everyone else also seems to be enjoying their orders. Soon enough, we are done eating. The waiter hands Monika the check. Her eyes widen.

Monika: "W-Woah…"

"That's more than I thought it would be."

Monika smiles.

Monika: "It's okay!"

"What you guys have done for me is worth more than this!"

Monika pays for the food and tips the waiter.

Monika: "Alright."

"Ready to leave?"

Sayori: "Yup!"

We stand up, thank the waiter and exit the restaurant. As soon as we exit, Yuri looks at the time on her phone.

Yuri: "S-Shoot…"

"I have to get going…"

"Thanks for everything, Monika!"

Yuri waves to us as she goes in her separate direction.

Natsuki: "I think I need to head home too…"

"Thanks for everything Monika!"

"See you all tomorrow!"

Natsuki waves and walks home. Monika looks at Sayori and me.

Monika: "I should probably get going as well."

"See you both tomorrow!"

John: "Thanks for everything!"

Monika: "Anytime!"

Sayori and I wave as we begin our trek home. Sayori uses her phone to navigate us home. Today was a good day. I'm glad Yuri and Monika began to speak privately. I'm also glad that our club seems to be more united now. In the beginning, it was more rocky. Now, we seem more like a unit.

Chapter 22:

I wake up. The date is now February 14, Valentine's Day. I usually don't care for Valentine's Day, but given my current situation, maybe it will be different? I'll see what happens today. I immediately get out of bed and do my daily routine for getting ready for school. In 20 minutes, I am outside of Sayori's house, waiting for her to emerge.

John: "Please get up today…"

A couple of minutes later, I see Sayori emerge from her house.

Sayori: "Heyyy John~!"

"Ready for school today?"

John: "I don't have a choice, do I?"

Sayori laughs.

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"When you aren't a meanie…"

"You can be funny!"

John: "I guess so…"

Sayori and I begin our walk to school.

John: "Did you have time to eat breakfast?"

By looking at Sayori's unkempt hair, I can guess the answer.

Sayori: "Nope!"

"I had to rush everything to get ready in time!'

John: "Well then…"

I reach into my bag and grab out some toast I had wrapped in tin foil.

John: "Here you go."

I hand it to Sayori.

Sayori: "Thanks John!"

"You're always so thoughtful!

Sayori consumes the toast.

Sayori: "You know…"

"Today is Valentines Day~"

John: "Yeah, so?"

Sayori smirks.

Sayori: "Do you plan on asking anyone out~?"

My face turns red.

John: "Sa-Sayori?!"

"I don't..! I-"

Sayori laughs.

Sayori: "You should see your face!"

"Ehehehe~"

John: "Grrrr…."

That girl, I swear sometimes she drives me crazy. Soon enough, we arrive at the school and it is time to depart from Sayori.

John: "I'll see you later okay?"

Sayori: "Byeee~!"

I walk to my first period class and sit at my desk.

Time passes by. It is now lunch time. I meet up with Yuri at our school's west wing cafe. I see her at our table set for 2.

Yuri: "H-Hey John…!"

"I hope your day is going well."

John: "Hi Yuri."

"Mine is bearable."

Yuri giggles.

Yuri: "I-I guess that's what matters…"

John: "Yep."

I see Yuri is using a laptop and wearing glasses (which is cute I might add).

John: "What's the laptop for?"

Yuri: "Oh, nothing really."

"I'm just observing trending f-fantasy novels…"

"T-To see if Monika is interested in reading any of them with me…"

John: "Ah-"

"So you two have been talking a lot recently huh?

Yuri: "U-Ummm yeah…"

"She's cool…"

"And she seems interested in reading with me…"

"So…"

John: "I get it."

"That's great that you two are becoming good friends."

Yuri: "Y-Yeah…"

"I think this would be a good one…"

Yuri shows me her laptop. It's about a girl who stumbles upon a hidden door in her library that leads to another world. In the real world, she is an outcast, but in the other world, she will take on a quest to defeat the devil and save the world.

John: "Woah…"

"That does sound interesting."

Yuri: "I-I know…"

"I'll talk to her about it during the club today."

John: "Mhm."

"So…"

Yuri: "Yeah…?"

John: "Do you have any plans for Valentine's Day."

Yuri blushes. I hope I didn't make her uncomfortable.

Yuri: "U-Uhhhh…."

"N-Nothing in particular…"

"...do you?'

John: "Nope."

"Normally I'm not a fan of Valentine's Day…"

Yuri: "Me neither…"

John: "But this year, it seems more bearable for some reason."

Yuri: "R-Really..?"

John: "Yeah."

Yuri: "I-I mean…"

"I kind of get what you mean…"

"I-It isn't horrible this year."

John: "Yeah."

Yuri takes a small card out and hands it to me. It has a heart on it.

John: "E-Eh..?"

"What's this?"

Yuri: "I-I was supposed to give this to you at the club...but here you go…."

"Open it when you get home okay?"

John: "Alright."

I am flattered by the gesture. I wish I got her something now. I take out my food and begin to eat to change my mind. Yuri does the same. After we finish, we look at more book ideas until the period ends. Yuri and I depart and enter our classes. The day goes by fast and soon enough, the school day ends and it's time for the Literature Club to start. I enter the room to see it decorated with hearts on the walls and doors.

Monika: "Hey John!"

"Glad to see you are here!"

John: "Haha, yeah."

"Did you decorate the room?"

Monika: "Sure did!"

John: "You did a good job!"

Monika: "Awww~"

"Thanks John!"

John: "Mhm."

"Happy Valentine's Day!"

Monika: "You as well!"

Monika hands me a small card.

Monika: "Open when you get home, Okay~?"

John: "Sure."

Sayori and Natsuki enter the room, they both come over to me.

John: "Hey girls."

Natsuki: "Hey John…"

"Please accept this...d-dummy."

Natsuki hands me a card. Sayori follows suit.

Sayori: "Open mine when we walk home, okay?"

John: "Sure thing."

Yuri enters the room.

Yuri: "H-Hey John…"

"Hope the rest of your classes went well."

John: "They did."

"Thank you."

Yuri then walks over and starts talking to Monika. Natsuki disappears into the closet.

Sayori: "Hey John…"

"I have a short story I am reading today…"

"Would you like to read it with me?"

John: "Sure!"

Sayori and I push together and sit at 2 neighboring desks. Sayori pulls the book out of her bag. The title of the book is called Living...or Dying? That name caught me off guard. The title sounds like something Yuri would read.

Sayori: "You ready?"

John: "Yup!"

Sayori opens the book. We begin to read the story in silence for the rest of the club meeting…

After we finish the story, Sayori closes the book.

Sayori: "So..."

"What did you think?"

John: "I enjoyed the book."

"I'm just surprised you liked something like this."

Sayori: "I guess I'm full of surprises then!"

I laugh. Sayori is usually predictable, but to be honest, this did catch me off guard.

John: "I guess so…"

Monika: "Okay everyone!"

"Our time is up today."

"Have a good rest of your day~!"

I sigh.

John: "I guess we can take our leave then."

Sayori: "Sure~!"

As Sayori and I leave, I get bombarded by the girls.

Monika: "Bye John~!"

Yuri: "S-See you tomorrow…"

Natsuki: "If you open up my card before you get home… I'll kill you."

I am caught off guard, why are they all so curious about my well being today? Maybe I'm reading too much into it.

John: "Bye!"

Sayori and I take our leave. The snow has melted and it is a nice and peaceful day outside despite being a little chilly. Halfway through our walk, Sayori walks in front of me and turns around with her hands behind her back.

Sayori: "Well…"

"Are you going to open your card now?"

Right. Sayori wanted me to do that on our walk home.

John: "Alright."

"Sure."

I open my card from Sayori. A small lollipop candy falls out. I catch it before it leaves the card. I read the card.

John,

What a year it's been! I'm glad throughout all these years, we are still good friends! I'm also very happy that you decided to join my club and make some new friends! Thanks for being there for me~!

Love,

Sayori Aimoto

Honestly, the note is touching. I smile as I read it. However, one word stood out to me, "love". I'm confused on what she means by that, but I won't press her. Maybe it's innocent.

John: "Thank you Sayori!"

"Very touching."

Without thinking, I open my arms for an embrace. She hugs me back.

Sayori: "Any time, John!"

We both let go and continue our walk. We change the subject to something more simplistic until we arrive at Sayori's house. I walk her up to her door.

John: "Thanks again for the card!"

Sayori: "Thanks for walking me home."

"See you tomorrow~."

John: "Bye."

I walk back to my own house and enter. I go upstairs into my room and set my bag down.

John: "Wow…"

"What a day."

I decide to open the other girls' cards while I eat Sayori's lollipop. I start with Yuri's. A small chocolate bar falls out of the card. I set it on my desk and read the card. It is written in her familiar, but beautiful, handwriting.

Dear John,

This year has truly been great with you. Before I met you, I had no real friends and had trouble socializing with others. I was trapped in my own world and didn't let anyone in. However, since I met you, you helped me break out of my shell. I now notice I'm not only becoming more social with you, but others as well. I want to thank you truly from the bottom of my heart. You saved me. You are my hero.

Love,

Yuri Ozoliņš

I can tell this was written by her thoughts closest to her heart. I'm not sure from what exactly, but I'm glad I "saved her". I am truly touched by her words. I will thank her when I see her tomorrow. Again with the world "love though… I guess it's a girl's thing. I set her chocolate to the side and open Monika's next. Her card has a chocolate lollipop inside of it. I set it to the side and open the card to read it.

Dear John,

Having you in the club sure has been a blast! I also enjoy that you decide to spend time with me and we have become a lot more than acquaintances! We all enjoy you at the club! Can't wait to make more memories with you!

Love, Monika Nicolaides

P.S. Enjoy the chocolate lollipop! I made it with love!

I enjoyed reading that. Monika is such a talented and popular girl. I'm shocked she gives me as much attention as she has. Her hospitality towards me will not go unrewarded. I look at the lollipop. I'll have to enjoy it later and thank her for it. I move her card to the side and open Natsuki's card. I am met with her familiar, childish handwriting and a sweet candy, which I move to the side.

John,

When I first met you, I thought you were nothing but a complete moron.

John: "Charming…"

But, as I got to know you more, you can actually be kind of cool...sometimes. I lied on the first day I met you. You never killed the atmosphere. You did nothing but bring positivity to the atmosphere. I also should thank you for putting up with me. I know I may not be the easiest at times, but you are patient. You're the only one who really accepts my "guilty pleasures". Hopefully we can read more manga soon!

Love,

Natsuki Kamisato

What started off as an insult actually turned into a sweet message. I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy reading manga or hanging out with her. I need to thank her as well tomorrow.

I put all of the cards to the side on my desk in a neat pile.

John: "I'll definitely keep these for years on end."

Chapter 23:

It is now Saturday, March 3rd. Things have been going well so far. I still enjoy going to the club, walking with Sayori, having lunch with Yuri, discussing manga with Natsuki and hanging out with Monika. Yesterday, Yuri and I made a plan to hangout today. I wake up to see that the remaining snow from winter has melted overnight.

John: "Today should be a good one."

I see a notification on my phone. It's from Yuri. I read the text.

John, I don't think I can hangout today. Something came up. I'll make it up to you sometime, I promise.

I sigh. Damnit. I was looking forward to seeing her. I sigh again.

John: "Guess I need some breakfast."

I walk downstairs to check if I have anything to make myself. Turns out I have nothing.

John: "Oh well…"

A thought hits me.

John: "I kind of feel like going to the Eastside Cafe…"

I dress myself in somewhat presentable clothes and exit my house. I walk to the cafe in peaceful silence, studying my environment. Soon enough, I stumble upon the cafe and enter.

Waitress: "H-Hi! Welcome to the Eastside Cafe-"

It's the mysterious waitress! She has a shocked look on her face. I elect to ignore it...for now.

John: "Hi there!"

"Table for one, please?"

The waitress nods.

Waitress: "Follow me."

The waitress seats me at a table and gives me a menu.

Waitress: "Would you like to start off with a drink?"

John: "Sure…"

"I'll take orange juice."

Waitress: "Sure thing!"

As the waitress turns around and scurries away, I see a ponytail of familiar purple hair protrude from the back of the waitress' hat.

John: "Could that be…"

"...Yuri?"

"How did I not recognize her before?"

"Honestly… she does look cute with glasses and a ponytail."

Quickly after my speculation, "Yuri" comes back with my orange juice.

"Yuri": "H-Here you go…"

I smile.

John: "Thank you!"

Her face turns red.

"Yuri": "Mhm…"

"So do you know what you want?"

John: "Sure."

"I'll just take an omelet."

The waitress takes my menu and smiles.

"Yuri": "I'll put it back for you."

As she walks away, I think more and more about the idea of the waitress being Yuri. All my doubts are gone. The hair, the eyes, the facial structure, her height, her...bust size… It has to be Yuri. When she brings me my food, I'm going to bring it up. I look around the cafe. I am the only one here. I might be their first customer today. In a matter of 5 minutes, the waitress arrives with my food.

Waitress: "Here you go."

She sets my omelet on the table.

John: "Thank you."

Waitress: "Anything else I can help with?"

Here's my chance.

John: "Actually, there is."

The waitress cocks her head slightly.

John: "You can sit down if you'd like."

The waitress pulls up a seat and sits at my table."

Waitress: "Okay…"

"W-What do you need."

I just notice something peculiar that this waitress has done everytime I come here. She has a blank name tag, except she doesn't. She intentionally flips it over. I look at her chest to see the name tag flipped over. I look into her eyes with a devilish smile. The waitress looks increasingly nervous.

John: "All I want you to do…"

"Is flip your name tag over."

The waitress blushes and lets out a sigh.

Waitress: "F-Fine…"

As I guessed, when she flips the tag over, a familiar name greets my eyes, Yuri. The mystery of the mysterious waitress has been solved!

John: "Aha!"

"I knew it was you!"

"That explains why you couldn't hang out today."

"Because you had to work!"

Yuri nervously laughs a little.

Yuri: "Y-You got me…"

"I-I'm the one that has served you every time you came here."

John: "Why did you keep this a secret Yuri?"

"I think this is a great thing."

Yuri: "I-I uhhh…"

"D-Didn't want anyone to make fun of me…"

"D-Distract me while I'm working…"

"Or target me at my job."

John: "I kind of get it."

Yuri grabs my hand and gently squeezes it.

Yuri: "P-Promise me…"

"You won't tell the others it's me."

John: "You have my word."

Yuri lets go.

Yuri: "I won't bother you anymore."

Yuri stands up and pushes the chair in.

Yuri: "By the way…"

"I'm also working tomorrow…"

"But I promise we can do something t-this upcoming week!"

John: "You got it."

Yuri starts walking away.

John: "By the way…"

Yuri: "H-Huh..?"

John: "You look great in that outfit!"

Yuri blushes and turns her head.

Yuri: "U-Uhhh…"

"Thank you…"

Yuri disappears behind the doors leading to the kitchen area. I eat my omelet, drink my orange juice and pay the cashier for my meal. I go back to the table, pull out 30 dollars and leave it on the table. Yuri comes back out to clean the table and sees the 30 dollars.

Yuri: "I-Is that for me..?"

I nod.

Yuri: "I-I can't accept this…!"

Yuri tries to give the money back but I shove it back at her.

John: "You're a great waitress!"

"You deserve it!"

Yuri: "T-Thank you…"

John: "I'll see you Monday, okay?"

Yuri nods.

Yuri: "S-See you then…"

I make my way out of the cafe and exit the building. I'm glad I solved the mystery of the waitress! I will keep Yuri's promise and I won't tell the other girls it's her. I pick up some eggs and milk and then I go home for the rest of the day to play games.

Chapter 24:

It is now the middle of March. Things have been going exceptionally well. It is presently time for the Literature Club. I enter the club room. I see everyone else has greeted each other and began their daily rituals.

John: "I'm the last one here?"

"I'm sorry."

Monika laughs.

Monika: "Haha!"

"You don't need to worry John!"

"We are glad you came."

John: "Alright then."

"Any special events planned for today?"

Monika: "I do have an announcement at the end of the meeting…"

"But you will have to wait until then~!"

John: "You got it!"

There is a moment of silence in between us. I don't want her to go do something else today. Out of the girls in the club, I definitely see her the least. I actually want to spend more time with Monika in the club. Think John, think…. Aha! I got an idea!

I open my mouth to speak.

John: "Hey Monika?"

She looks directly into my eyes.

Monika: "Yes, John?"

John: "Are you around today?"

Monika smiles.

Monika: "I sure am~!"

"Yuri and I finished the book we were reading the other day!"

I smile back.

John: "That's good!"

"I was hoping we could actually read the book based on that movie we saw a while back."

Monika: "Ah!"

"You mean Survival of Fate?"

John: "Yes!"

"That was the name."

Monika: "Sure!"

"I don't mind re reading it with you~"

"Here."

Monika hands me her copy of the book.

Monika: "I only have one copy of the book.

"So we will have to share, okay?"

John: "Alright."

Monika: "The novel isn't too long."

"We can probably knock it out in a couple of days."

John: "Let's get started then, shall we?"

Monika: "Sure~!"

"Just one request."

"Can we sit on the floor by the teacher's desk?"

"I find reading at desks to be inconvenient with others…"

"Also my back can hurt sometimes…"

John: "Sure thing."

What's with Monika and Yuri's "posture" problems? Monika and I take a seat on the floor next to each other and she opens up the book.

Monika: "Ready to begin?"

John: "Sure!"

Monika: "Just let me know when

We begin reading the story. The book is more detailed than the story.

After a few pages, Monika speaks.

Monika: "You know…"

"This story reminds me a lot of my dad."

I cock my head slightly.

John: "How so?"

Monika: "He is in the military."

John: "Really?"

"That's pretty cool."

"You must be proud of him!"

Monika: "I'm very proud of my dad."

"He's a heroic and brave man."

"But it kinda kinda sucks too…"

Monika frowns.

Monika: "He doesn't come home often…"

"And when he does…"

"He isn't home for more than a couple of days…"

"Otherwise, he's in the Middle East or in mandatory training…"

Monika starts tearing up a little.

Monika: "I haven't even seen him in a year and a half…"

"I just want to see him again sometimes, y-you know…?"

John: "What about your mom?"

"Is she home?"

Monika starts to cry quietly. Thankfully, we are sitting in a spot where no one will notice. I wrap my arms around her.

John: "I'm sorry…"

Monika: "I-It's okay…"

"I'll tell you…"

"You see…"

"My mother…died while giving birth to me."

"I know I shouldn't feel guilty…"

"B-But…"

John: "M-Monika."

"I'm sorry about all of that."

I squeeze slightly tighter.

Monika: "It's okay..."

John: "It is…"

"Because all of us here…"

"Have your back no matter what!"

Monika stops crying and wipes her tears.

Monika: "Y-You're right."

"I need to count my blessings."

I gave Monika a moment to regain her composure.

Monika: "Sorry for that."

John: "It's fine."

"I probably shouldn't have been so nosy."

Monika: "You weren't."

"You actually made me feel better so…"

Monika and I both look away with red faces.

John: "So do you want to continue the story?"

Monika smiles.

Monika: "Yes~!"

Monika wipes any remaining tears away as she opens the book to where we left off before. We continue reading as if we never stopped.

Monika: "Wow."

"I forgot that happened."

Monika mentions this to me during a scene I am not familiar with.

John: "Did they cut this part out of the movie?"

Monika: "Yeah, they did…"

"I'm not entirely sure why."

John: "Maybe time constraints?"

Monika: "I guess so."

"I mean this is an important part of the story."

"I'm shocked that this didn't leave a plothole in the movie."

John: "Yeah…"

"So far…"

Monika: "Hm?"

John: "I'm actually enjoying this more than the movie."

Monika: "Really?"

"I'm glad to hear!"

"I'm glad I am getting to spend time with you in the club~!"

I smile.

John: "Haha, same here."

Monika: "Ehehe."

"You want to keep reading?"

John: "Mhm."

Monika and I continue. As we are just above the halfway mark, Monika quickly looks at her phone.

Monika: "Shoot…"

"I think it's time to put a pause on this."

"Sorry."

John: "Hey, it's okay."

"We can continue tomorrow!"

Monika: "That's right!"

Monika stands up.

Monika: "Okay everyone!"

"I think we can call it a day!"

"But first…"

"I have an announcement."

The other girls and I look at her with pending curiosity.

Monika: "I decided to bring back poems for a day!"

"Please try to write a poem to share tomorrow!"

Sayori: "Yay!"

Yuri: "I-I'll do my best..!"

Natsuki: "Hmph!"

"Fine!"

John: "Alright."

And with that, all of us grab our bags. I say goodbye to everyone.

John: "Let's go Sayori!"

Sayori: "Right behind you!"

Sayori and I leave the school and walk home.

Sayori: "So John…"

"What do you plan on writing about?"

John: "Hmmm…"

"I'm not entirely sure yet."

John: "Do you have any ideas?"

Sayori shakes her head.

Sayori: "Nope!"

"Tonight I plan on coming up with something and banging it out!"

I laugh.

John: "Good plan!"

Sayori: "You know…"

"It was actually my idea to bring it back?"

John: "Really?"

Sayori: "Yup~!"

"I brought the idea up to Monika."

"When we originally did it, I liked that it brought us closer together."

"It helped us convey emotions and feelings in a healthy way."

"I bet Yuri and Natsuki feel the same way."

"And Monika always liked the idea."

I'm surprised Sayori actually thinks this way. She almost never thinks this deep about anything…

John: "I think you're right Sayori."

"It is a healthy and good thing to do."

Our walk ends at the end of Sayori's property.

John: "I'll see you tomorrow."

Sayori walks up to her porch and turns around to wave.

Sayori: "Bye John!"

Sayori gives me a smile before entering her house. I smile as I enter my own house. I walk up the stairs and into my room and set my bag down. I'm glad I finally got to spend some time with Monika in the club. I enjoy the book we are reading. It'll be great to see her again tomorrow. I sit at my desk with a pen and a piece of paper.

John: "Well…"

"Guess it's time to brainstorm a new poem."

"It may take me a while…"

"But I know just who to impress!"

Chapter 25:

The next day afterschool, I enter the club room. I am greeted by a smiling Monika.

Monika: "Good afternoon John!"

"Hope your day went well!"

John: "So far, so good!"

I look around to see everyone else doing their daily tasks.

John: "I guess I am the last one again today?"

Monika laughs.

Monika: "Don't worry."

"You were on time."

"If anything, they arrived slightly early."

John: "Alright then…"

"Should we continue Survival of Fate?"

Monika: "Of course!"

"I've been looking forward to this all day!"

John: "Good."

Monika: "Do you mind if we sit where we sat yesterday?"

John: "Not at all."

I set my bag on an empty desk and meet Monika at the spot we sat at yesterday. I sit down next to Monika on the floor. She opens the book and just like that, we continue from where we left off. The original novel does continue to have some significant differences from the movie I saw. Honestly, it just makes the book more worth reading.

Monika: "You know John…"

John: "Hm?"

Monika: "There actually was a point in my life where I wanted to serve in the military?"

Was not expecting to hear that.

John: "Really?"

Monika: "Yeah."

"I've been raised to be patriotic and love my country."

"I thought originally, I had to give back to the country through trying to protect it."

"But I learned that how I am supposed to give back is by being a productive citizen and to count my blessings!"

John: "I'd say you are right."

"Monika?"

Monika: "Yeah, John?"

John: "I can tell…"

"That you are going to have one bright future!"

"Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise!"

Monika smiles and pats my head.

Monika: "Thanks John."

"I know I'll figure it all out."

John: "If you ever need a friend to help…"

"I'm here for you, alright?"

Monika: "Noted!"

Monika and I smile at each other as we continue to read. After a little bit, Monika speaks again.

Monika: "You know…"

"This story gives the reader a good feel of what it was like to live in Europe during WWI."

"It was a brutal time period."

"And death could be at every corner."

John: "That is true."

"It did teach survival skills to those involved at least."

Monika: "That is true."

"But at the same time…"

"Why does man have to fight all of these brutal wars?"
"I believe a military is necessary to defend and not attack others."

"Some people just don't seem to get that."

"It is sad."

"Because it does cause misery and death."

"What people need to do more than anything is learn to accept others."

"We are all different."

"But we all also call the same planet home."

"We need to learn to coexist and look after each other."

"And that love is a stronger force than hatred."

Monika's eyes widen and she blushes.

Monika: "Am I getting too philosophical?"

"I'm sorry for that."

John: "No, I think you're right actually."

"I hope your idea becomes reality someday!"

Monika smiles happily.

Monika: "Me too John."

"Let's finish the rest of this, shall we?"

"We are almost done."

John: "Of course."

Monika and I spend the next 15 minutes finishing up the novel. Once we finish, she and I stand up.

Monika: "Wow, what a story!"
"It's like my fourth time reading it and I still get mesmerized by how good it is!"

John: "I really liked the story."

"The way the story ends is the way it needs to end, whether people like it or not."

Monika: "Haha, you're right."

Monika looks at her phone to check the time.

Monika: "Perfect timing!"

Monika looks up at me.

Monika: "You remembered to write a poem, right?"

John: "Of course I did."

Monika: "Perfect!"

"In that case…"

Monika raises her voice in a gentle manner.

Monika: "Okay everyone!"

"I hope everyone remembered to write a poem today!"

"We should start sharing them now!"

Sayori: "I've been waiting for this!"

Sayori skips over to her bag and pulls out her poem. Yuri, Natsuki and I follow suit. Monika pulls her poem out of her pocket and unfolds it neatly. Holding my poem in hand, I think to myself, who should I share my poem with first…?

I decide to start off with Yuri since she tends to like my writing style the most. I walk up to Yuri, greet her and show her my poem. Yuri studies the poem and has an excited expression on her face.

Yuri: "O-Oh my John..!"

"This is extraordinary!"

"Y-You are really coming into your own style as a writer!"

"I-I'm very impressed…!"

I smile.

John: "Thanks Yuri!"

Yuri continues.

Yuri: "The punctuation…"

"The diction…"

"The language…"

"The pacing…"

"It is all on point!"

"I-I…-"

Yuri stops herself.

Yuri: "S-Sorry…"

"I'm rambling...again."

"I-I'll stop rambling."

John: "You weren't rambling."

"You were just expressing what you liked about my poem."

"If anything, I'm flattered that you liked it so much!"

Yuri: "R-Really?"

I nod to reassure her.

Yuri: "T-That's good."

"I'm glad to hear…"

Yuri hands my poem back to me and with it holds up her poem to me.

Yuri: "D-Do you want to read mine now…?"

John: "I'd be delighted to."

I take the poem from her and begin to read it. It is a pretty poem adorned with Yuri's distinctive handwriting. Out of the girls, I enjoy her's the most. It's so...pretty. As I remember with her poems in the past, they are not the easiest to understand. However, I do admire her wordplay. I look up at Yuri when I finish reading her poem.

John: "Your wordplay and word use is very impressive!"

"I also like your abstract themes and ideas everytime we share poems together."

"I enjoyed your poem!"

Yuri blushes slightly and gives a small smile.

Yuri: "T-Thanks a lot John…"

"I do appreciate it."

"Sometimes…"

"Y-Your compliments are enough to get me through the day."

"I-I actually enjoy sharing poems with you…!"

John: "I'm glad I make a good impact on your day."

I hand Yuri back her poem.

Yuri: "T-Thanks for your feedback..!"

I wave to Yuri and decide that I want to share my poem with Natsuki next. I walk over to her, greet her and show her my poem.

Natsuki: "U-Uhhhh…"

"Hmmm…"

Natsuki seems to be studying my poem much more intensely than Yuri did.

Natsuki: "Well…"

"I would say you have improved quite a bit since the last time we did this…"

"But…"

"I'm still not big on your writing."

"I don't believe in abstract symbolism or language."

"I personally think writing should be simple, on point and with some straightforward symbolism."

Didn't expect Natsuki to like my poem. Oh well, it's not like I wrote it for her. Natsuki hands back my poem and hands hers out to me. I begin to read it. The poem is short, only 3 stanzas long with each only containing 3 lines. It does get straight to the point though. I had the poem back to her when I'm done.

Natsuki: "You don't like it?"

John: "Never said that."

"Quite the contrary, I do."

"It has a clear message that is relatable for most people."

"I think that poem has potential Natsuki."

Natsuki: "R-Really?"

"I mean…"

"Good!"

"And…"

"Maybe I shouldn't have judged your poem as harshly as I did."

John: "It's fine."

"Really."

Natsuki: "Still though…"

"Thank you for sharing."

John: "Mhm."

I wave to Natsuki and walk away from her. Who should I share with next?

I decide to share with Monika next. I walk over to her and show her my poem. As she is reading it, she begins to smile.

Monika: "John."

"I can really tell you are improving as a writer."

"I like what I am seeing!"

"You are improving faster than I ever have!"

John: "Thanks Monika."

Monika: "I still see what you've picked up from Yuri…"

I blush slightly.

Monika: "But I also see that you are forging your own method now!"

"That's really good~!"

My blush goes away.

John: "Thanks again, Monika~!"

Monika giggles and hands me back my poem.

Monika: "Do you want to read my poem now?"

John: "Sure."

Monika hands me her poem. I begin to read it and notice the familiar spacing method Monika did at the beginning of the year. It is enchanting to read her poems. I hand her poem back when I finish.

John: "That was a very good poem Monika!"

"I really liked it!"

Monika: "Good, I'm glad!"

John: "I like the spacing you use and the themes."

"It makes your writing rather enchanting."

Monika smiles.

Monika: "Awww~"

"It means a lot, John."

John: "Of course!"

Monika: "Well…"

"Here's Monika's writing tip for today!"

"Either while you are writing or evaluating someone else's writing…"

"You should take a quick step back and review the writing as if you are a random person."

"Make sure to only give yourself and others constructive criticism in areas that need improvement."

"Negative criticism can ruin someone's or your own day and will stunt creativity."

"Thanks for listening~!"

I wave to Monika as I move on to at last, but certainly not least, Sayori. I walk up to Sayori, greet her and show her my poem. Sayori studies my poem with a smile on her face. A moment later, she gives the poem back to me.

Sayori: "Wow John!"

"I can see you have improved a lot!"

"You really are even creating your own writing style!"

"I'm impressed!"

I laugh.

John: "Thanks Sayori."

I'm glad she liked it. This poem was actually written for Sayori, but Yuri liking it a lot too is also a plus.

Sayori: "I don't really have any suggestions other than continue to find your own style."

John: "That is what I'll keep doing then!"

Sayori: "Well, here's mine."

"Enjoy~!"

Sayori hands me her poem. I read it for a moment and then hand it back. I am quite impressed with Sayori's writing as well.

John: "Wow Sayori."

"I am quite impressed with your writing!"

"Sometimes I learn more about your emotions through your writing!"

Sayori laughs.

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"Thank you!"

John: "Of course!"

Sayori: "Well…"

"Thanks for sharing with me~!"

Well, that's everyone. I look around the room. Seems everyone else finished up too. Monika raises her voice once again.

Monika: "Okay everyone!"

"Thanks for sharing poems again!"

"I enjoyed everyone's poems."

"I plan on doing this once more before the year ends."

"Before I let you guys go for the day…"

"Bring your bags and follow me."

"I have a surprise~!"

We all grab our bags and follow Monika down the hall, down the stairs and down another hallway. Monika leads us into the library. Monika walks over to a piano in the corner.

Natsuki: "What are we doing here Monika?"

Monika: "Just come over here~"

As Monika sits at the piano and sets up her music, she seems to get a little nervous.

Monika: "So you know how I've been like, practicing piano and stuff?"

"I'm not really any good at it yet."

"Like, at all."

"But I wrote a song and I was kinda hoping that I could show it to all of you because I worked really, really hard on it."

"Been working on it since the beginning of the year in my study halls."

"So... Yeah!"

Monika smiles at us.

Monika: "Here goes nothing~!"

Monika hits a few notes as a warmup and takes a deep breath. She begins playing the song. The intro has a nice feel to it. Monika begins singing.

Monika: "Every day, I imagine a future where I can be with you

In my hand is a pen that will write a poem of me and you

The ink flows down into a dark puddle

Just move your hand - write the way into his heart!

But in this world of infinite choices

What will it take just to find that special day?

What will it take just to find that special day?"

A short instrumental plays and then it runs into the second verse.

Monika: "Have I found everybody a fun assignment to do today?

When you're here, everything that we do is fun for them anyway

When I can't even read my own feelings

What good are words when a smile says it all?

And if this world won't write me an ending

What will it take just for me to have it all?"

A slightly slower instrumental piece is played. Then she suddenly stops and transitions into a slower tempo.

Monika: "Does my pen only write bitter words for those who are dear to me?

Is it love if I take you, or is it love if I set you free?

The ink flows down into a dark puddle

How can I write love into reality?

If I can't hear the sound of your heartbeat

What do you call love in your reality?

And in your reality, if I don't know how to love you

I'll leave you be"

The song returns to the original tempo for the outro and then Monika finishes playing the song.

Monika: "Phew~"

"So, how was it?"

Yuri: "H-How was it…?"

"T-That was a masterpiece...!"

Monika: "Awww~"

"Thanks Yuri!"

Natsuki: "That was great Monika!"

Sayori: "That was the best song ever, Monika!"

Monika laughs.

Monika: "Thank you so much girls…"

"It really means a lot to me~!"

John: "That seriously was very impressive Monika!"

"The wait was worth it!"

Monika smiles at me.

Monika: "Thank you John!"

John: "Does the song have a name?"

Monika thinks to herself for a moment.

Monika: "Aha!"

"I'm going to call it…"

"Your Reality."

John: "Has a good ring to it!"

Monika: "I agree!"

Sayori: "You should consider recording the song professionally Monika."

Monika: "R-Really?"

"Was it that good?"

John: "I think so."

Monika ponders for a moment.

Monika: "Hmm."

"I'll have to think about it."

"Any ways, that's what I wanted to show all of you."

"You're free to go~!"

I do a universal wave goodbye to everyone and take my leave with Sayori. On the way home, I talk to Sayori, but my mind is in another place. I'm glad I got to hangout with Monika the past couple of days. I'm also glad we shared poems again and Monika performed that song she was working hard on. It really was a beautiful song. I'll have to ask her about the lyrics one day… I look at a smiling Sayori. In the meantime, I'll enjoy what I have here.