Doki Doki Literature Club!: Normal Mode (Part 4)

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 4

Chapter 16:

The next day, December 23, I wake up to a text from Yuri that she has sent the night before. The text reads; "The festival starts around 4ish. You can pick me up around 3:30ish." I actually am pretty excited about today. I simply respond to Yuri with an "Ok." and decide to start my morning with some breakfast and video games. I quickly cook myself some eggs, eat them and walk up back to my room to play video games...

The time is now 2:50. I turn off my game.

John: "I should probably start to get ready."

I hop into the shower, then brush my teeth and get changed into jeans and a decent sweatshirt. I try to look somewhat presentable for Yuri. I have about 15 minutes to pick up Yuri at her house. I walk out the door and begin my walk to Yuri's house. Most of the walk, I am looking around, admiring the atmosphere. It is just beginning to snow a little. I hope we have a white Christmas this year. I arrive at Yuri's house a minute before our agreed upon time. I knock on the door. No later than a few seconds, the door opens. Yuri appears before me in the same clothes from when we were working on the decorations for the festival. She is wearing her beige turtleneck sweater with her black leggings.

Yuri: "U-Umm…"

"Hello John…"

John: "Hi Yuri."

"Are you ready to go?"

Yuri: "Uhh, yes I am.."

Yuri turns her head around.

Yuri: "I'll be back later!"

I hear a mature woman's voice.

?: "Ok! Be safe!"

I assume that's her mother. Yuri closes the door behind her and we begin our walk to the winter festival.

Yuri: "That was my mother."

"She isn't home too much…"

"But I always get happy when she is home."

John: "Well that's good."

"I'm kind of in the same boat."

"With respect to family not being home often."

Yuri: "A-Ah-"

"I see."

"Do you ever get used to it?"

John: "I have."

Yuri: "O-Oh…"

"Honestly…"

"I'm s-still trying to…"

John: "You will."

"And if you don't…"

"You will be in college in a couple of years."

"So you won't be alone."

Yuri looks slightly frightened.

Yuri: "Y-Yeahh…"

"I guess."

Her face goes back to normal.

Soon enough we arrive at the winter festival. There are bands playing, tents everywhere for food, drinks and merchandise and a ferris wheel.

John: "Wow…"

"This is awesome."

"I'm shocked I never went to this."

Yuri: "My father used to take me here all the time…"

"I-I enjoy seeing how things change from year to year…"

John: "I wonder what we should do first…"

Yuri: "I-Is it okay if we can check some of the bands out first?"

John: "Sure."

I follow Yuri. She leads me to a band that is playing some chill alternative music. She finds 2 seats and signals me to sit next to her.

John: "You like this kind of music?"

Yuri: "U-Uhhh…"

"Do you not like it?"

John: "Actually this is up my alley…"

"I'm just surprised you like it."

Yuri giggles.

"I normally prefer complex and relaxing kinds of music…"

"But it's good to hear things like this... o-once in a while…"

John: "Alright."

Yuri and I cease talking to enjoy the band. After the band closes their set, we applaud them. Yuri takes me to a couple of more bands for us to enjoy. I know she normally likes to be by herself, but it's good to see her come out of her shell once in a while. The last band ends their set and we clap.

John: "Some of these bands were pretty good Yuri."

Yuri: "I agree…"

"W-Well…"

"Are you hungry?"

John: "Can't say I'm not."

"What are you in the mood for?"

Yuri: "U-Ummm…"

"Anything you would like is fine with me."

John: "Ok."

I signal Yuri to follow me. We walk through the tents and stands to find something to eat. I stop when I see the chicken teriyaki stand.

John: "Just what I was looking for."

Yuri views the man in the back cooking the food.

Yuri: "It looks delicious."

"I d-don't mind eating from here."

"I-If that's what you want…"

John: "Haha."

"Yeah, let's try this place."

I place 2 orders of chicken teriyaki. In no more than a few minutes, it is ready. Yuri and I both thank the cashier and leave. We both walk out into the park, which is converted into a food court, and try to find a place to sit. All of the seats seem to be taken.

Yuri: "J-John…"

"Do you want to... sit there?"

Yuri points to the fountain. No one is currently sitting on it.

John: "Sure."

Yuri and I both take our seats on the fountain. We both begin to eat our food.

John: "Wow!"

"This is good!"

"How's yours?"

Yuri: "M-Me?"

"I… uh... actually like it."

"I-I haven't eaten this in years…"

John: "That's good to hear…"

Both of us go back to eating our food. Once Yuri is finished, she stands up and straightens out her back.

Yuri: "I-It actually hasn't turned out to be too cold today."

"I originally thought I was underdressed."

John: "Yeah…"

"Me too."

I look at the ferris wheel. Even as the sun is going down, it looks like it is still in operation.

John: "Do you want to go on the ferris wheel now?"

"I just finished and I'm ready to go on."

Yuri turns a little red.

Yuri: "Y-Yes…"

John: "Alright then."

Yuri and I walk over to the ferris wheel, which is on the far side of the park. The price per ticket is only a few bucks. I pay for both of our tickets and we both enter the car. Since there is no one else on the ferris wheel, the man controlling the wheel brings our car up to the top and leaves it there.

John: "Get a load of this view."

The view is magnificent. What tops it off is the sun is barely visible on the horizon and the building lights around us are now on. Yuri takes a moment to enjoy the view.

Yuri: "I-It is pretty from up here…"

"T-This ferris wheel is rather nostalgic to me."

"I used t-to always enjoy this with my father around this time…"

Yuri takes a deep breath in, and out.

Yuri: "Y-You know…"

"When I first joined the Literature Club…"

"I didn't think I was going to find a new friend."

Yuri takes her eyes off the view and looks directly at me. I meet her gaze.

Yuri: "I'm glad that it was you…"

"The others may be considered my friends as well…"

"But you are the first one…to try to understand me."

"I-I sincerely want to thank you for that…"

"A-And also want to thank you for today…"

"You just…"

"Make me happy…"

"A-And I-"

Yuri closes her eyes and leans in towards my face. Is she trying t-. Her lips lock with mine. She is! Yuri is giving me a kiss! I put my hand on her shoulder and kiss her back. Our lips part and she leans back to her seat. I take my hand off her shoulder. She takes a moment to take a deep breath and process what just happened. As the car is being brought back to the ground, she realizes what she just did. Her face turns red as a tomato and tears begin streaming down her face. Yuri begins to yell hysterically.

Yuri: "W-What did I just do?!"

"I-I should not have done that!"

"I-I'm so sorry John!"

"I didn't m-mean to!"

"I w-was being possessive!"

"I-I wasn't thinking…!"

"I-I ruined a perfect day!"

"You probably h-hate me now!"

"I'm so s-sorry John!"

"So sorry!"

"I'll never bother you again!"

John: "I actually liked i-"

As soon as the car stops, Yuri opens the door and sprints away in panic. I try to chase her, but I cannot find her. She is surprisingly fast. I give up.

John: "Yuri…"

I sigh.

John: "I actually liked it."

That was my first kiss. Yuri was surprisingly good at it. And even otherwise, today was great and we did so much together.

John: "I'll have to try and contact her tomorrow to clear this up."

I sigh again and walk home. Hopefully, she will respond to this. When I arrive home, I go up to my room, hop in my bed and I send this text;

John: "Yuri. I want you to know that I don't hate you at all. I don't think I ever can. I think we need to talk soon to put this behind us. Give me a text or call after you read this."

After I hit send, I fall asleep.

Chapter 17:

My Christmas was decent. My parents surprised me by showing up early Christmas morning. It was good to not feel alone on Christmas and exchange gifts. We went out to eat and drove around to see lights. They stayed up for a few days, but then had to leave. I was sad to see them both go, but at least we celebrated Christmas together.

It's been over a week...Yuri still hasn't called or texted me back. The message I sent doesn't even seem to have been read. Is she that embarrassed about what happened? She's being hysterical. I've never seen this side of her that aggressive before. When school comes back into session, I will talk this out with her…

Right now, it is New Years Eve at sunset. I am walking to Sayori's house since she invited me over for the countdown. Her family also had to leave before New Years so Sayori and I decided to keep each other company. I walk up to Sayori's porch and knock on the door. The door opens.

Sayori: "Hey John!"

"It's been a bit since I've seen you~!"

John: "Haha…"

"Yeah."

"It's good to see you again."

Sayori: "Come on in~!"

I enter Sayori's house. She closes the door behind me. She leads me into her living room. I take a seat on her couch. Sayori hands me a cup of cola.

John: "Thank you!"

Sayori: "No problem!"

Sayori sits on the couch with a cup of cola.

John: "So, how have you been?"

Sayori lets out a sad chuckle.

Sayori: "I'm hanging in there…"

She looks down at the floor.

Sayori: "Although…"

"It wasn't easy to see my parents leave again…"

John: "I understand how you feel…"

"My parents left a few days ago as well."

Sayori looks up at me.

Sayori: "But hey…"

"You're here."

"You keep me going…"

"And I'm thankful for that."

John: "I'll never abandon you Sayori."

"You've been a dear friend of mine for so many years."

Sayori: "Yeah…"

"Who knows what New Years will bring."

"Maybe 2018 will be our year~!"

John: "You never know…"

"Although…"

"I didn't think this year was that bad really…"

Sayori: "You didn't?"

John: "Nothing devastating happened this year."

"We now have a new leader with new opportunities…"

"Summer was an enjoyment…"

"Got to play fun video games and watch entertaining animes…"

"I joined the Literature Club and met some new friends…"

"But also…"

"I get to see you a lot more now…"

"Before the club…"

"We didn't get to see each other too much."

"I would say that's positive."

Sayori blushes a little bit.

Sayori: "I made that much of a difference?"

John: "Of course you do."

Sayori: "Wow…"

"T-Thanks…"

Is Sayori shy?! She is showing some characteristics of herself even I am seeing for the first time.

Sayori: "Say…"

"You want me to bust out the Playstation?"

John: "Sure!"

Sayori smiles as she puts her coke on the coffee table and stands up. She walks up stairs and out of my sight to grab the console. A minute later, I see her come back down the stairs with the console and two controllers in her hand.

Sayori: "I got it."

I stand up.

John: "Let me give you a hand."

I take the two controllers from her and set them on the coffee table. She sets the console on the cabinet right in front of the TV. I help her set the Playstation up on the TV. Sayori turns on the TV. I turn on the console once I connect the controllers. The nostalgic startup begins playing.

Sayori: "There we go."

John: "Yup!"

"What game did you put in?"

Sayori: "Do you remember the game, Half-Life?"

John: "Oh yeah!"

"It's been ages since I've played that!"

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"Same here!"

"Figured you would like to play this again~!"

Sayori: "Would you like to play the Co-Op mode with me?"

John: "Sure thing!"

Sayori starts the game and we both laugh and enjoy our nostalgic trip for the next 5 1/2 hours.

Sayori: "We have been playing for a while."

"You hungry?"

John: "In the mood for some pizza."

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"So am I."

"I'll order it okay?"

"Can you save the game?"

John: "Yup."

I make sure the game saves to the memory card so our progress is not lost. I turn off the console as Sayori moves to a neighboring room to order the pizza. On a small table next to the couch, I see a picture of Sayori and I after we won the three legged race back in 5th grade. I still have the small trophy the school gave us in my room somewhere. I pick up the picture and reminisce about some good memories Sayori and I had together so long ago. I quietly speak to myself.

John: "There was a two year period where I barely ever saw Sayori."

"Thankfully, the Literature Club broke this cycle."

"I'm glad she's back in my life."

"There was a point where she was more of a memory than a girl to me."

I place my middle and pointer finger on the photo.

John: "But I'm truly glad those days are over."

I look up from the picture to see Sayori staring at me. My face lights up.

John: "S-Sayori…!"

"I-I…"

Sayori: "Oh, are you looking at the picture from 5th grade?"

Phew, she didn't hear my little monologue.

John: "Uhhh yeah."

Sayori giggles. As she sits next to me on the couch.

Sayori: "You know John…"

"It's okay to look back at good memories."

Sayori studies the photo for a second.

Sayori: "As a matter of fact…"

Sayori gets up and walks over to the TV cabinet and opens one of the draws. She then turns around and presents a familiar miniature trophy to me.

Sayori: "This is what we won that day."

"I still kept mine after all these years."

"Have you?"

John: "Of course I have!"

"Next time you come over, I'll show you if you don't believe me!"

Sayori: "Heh…"

I place the picture back where it was. Sayori sits back on the couch.

John: "Say, Sayori."

Sayori: "Yeah?"

John: "Can we never do what we did the past two years ever again?"

"I understand we both became busy…"

"And you were constantly sleeping in…"

Sayori: "Meanie!"

John: "But we barely saw each other."

"Let's not lose each other like that!"

Sayori: "I agree!"

"Actually…"

"My New Years resolution is to keep building on all of my friendships!"

"And to build new ones too!"

John: "That's a good resolution Sayori."

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"Do you have one, John?"

John: "Hmmm…"

"I guess mine is to make sure I can make others happy when they are around me."

Sayori: "Oooo~"

"That's a good one!"

I chuckle.

Sayori: "Well…"

"I bet the pizza is on its way."

"Let's watch some of the New Years show before the countdown."

John: "I'm game for that."

Sayori turns on the TV and we watch the show together. The show is featuring some popular musicians. Some of the performances were good, while others were laughably terrible. Soon enough, the pizza arrives.

Sayori: "I'll get it!"

Sayori happily skips to the door and pays for the pizza. She comes back with a box, some plates and napkins. She places all of it on the coffee table. Sayori opens the pizza box.

Sayori: "Dig in!"

Sayori and I finished the entire pie within one performance on the TV. We were both starving, now we're stuffed.

Sayori: "That pizza was good!"

John: "Yup."

As the last performer finishes up, an announcer states that the countdown will start in under a minute.

Sayori: "Time sure flies by, huh?"

John: "It sure does."

"You excited?"

Sayori: "Yes!"

"I do think this will be the year."

John: "I sure hope it is."

2017 was good, but I believe this year will be different. Normally I am indifferent when it comes to New Years, but this one is special.

John: "S-Sayori?"

"I-"

Sayori cuts me off.

Sayori: "Here comes the countdown!"

"You start!"

I oblige.

John: "10!"

Sayori: "9!"

John: "8!"

Sayori: "7!"

John: "6!"

Sayori: "5!"

John: "4!"

Sayori: "3!"

John: "2!"

Sayori: "1!"

Sayori and I clink our cups of cola at the same time.

J&S: "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

We clink our cups again.

Sayori: "To a good one~!"

John: "Yes!"

Sayori: "It's late out."

"Do you want to stay here tonight?"

John: "Sure!"

"Do you mind if I take the couch?"

Sayori: "Not at all!"

Sayori yawns.

Sayori: "I know it's just after midnight…"

"But I'm actually going to go up to bed."

"Good night!"

John: "Good night Sayori."

Sayori walks up the stairs and out of my sight. I turn off the TV and the lights. I lie on the couch.

John: "Oh Sayori."

"Little do you know…"

"This New Years…"

"I wished for you."

Chapter 18:

So far, the start of 2018 hasn't been bad. The past couple of days since New Year's Day, I have been home, binge watching and playing games. Today, however, is the last day before school starts up again. I don't dread going back. It'll be nice to go back to the Literature Club. I also need to talk out what happened before Christmas with Yuri.

I am currently out at the cafe Monika showed me that one time, Eastside Cafe. I'm treating myself to a croissant and a cup of tea. As I drink my tea, I see the top of a head over the divider. The head has pink hair and a familiar hairstyle. The girl walks past the divider and into the scene area.

Natsuki: "J-John…?"

John: "Natsuki, hey!"

Natsuki: "I only come here because I thought idiots don't like cafes."

John: "Well then, I guess this idiot does…"

Natsuki pulls up a seat.

Natsuki: "Actually though."

"What are you doing here?"

John: "I don't know…"

"I wanted to have a croissant and some tea, I guess?"

"It's also a nice and calm place…"

"I'm surprised you come here."

Natsuki: "Oh…"

"Don't start with me!"

John: "...sorry…"

"But also, it's because Monika showed me this place."

Natsuki: "You've… gone out…"

"With Monika?!"

John: "Nonono!"

"Not like that!"

"We were just hanging out as friends."

"We also just happened to bump into each other."

Natsuki: "Oh?"

Natsuki smiles devilishly.

Natsuki: "Is that your same story for what you and Yuri did?"

Hold on… How does she know about this?! Yuri told her about this?!

John: "Natsuki, how do yo-"

Natsuki: "Oh, Yuri told me what happened."

John: "She told you…?"

"She didn't?"

Natsuki: "She told me voluntarily!"

"Both of us started texting each other since Christmas."

"Since we know we both have our differences…"

"We are now trying to become friends."

"She told me what happened because she claimed she needed to tell someone about it."

"She seems really down…"

Natsuki looks directly into my eyes and takes a deep breath.

Natsuki: "And it's all because of you!"

John: "No!"

"Yuri as the one who was acting hysterical that night!"

"She bolted away from me!"

"I'll show you the text I sent her that night."

Natsuki sighs.

Natsuki: "Let me see…"

Natsuki studies the text I sent to Yuri.

Natsuki: "Seems she didn't even read it."

John: "She doesn't answer my calls either."

"I want to talk it out with her so we can remain friends and move on."

Natsuki: "No, I get it now…"

"Here…"

"I can help you out…"

"If you want me to."

John: "Thanks, Natsuki."

Natsuki's face becomes red and she looks away from me.

Natsuki: "God, what is taking them so long?"

"I just ordered a muffin and some milk…"

I shrug.

John: "So anyways…"

"You got any plans today?"

Natsuki: "H-Huh..?!"

"Ummm, not particularly."

"I was thinking about getting some new manga though…"

John: "Hmmm…"

"You want to stop by the book store after this?"

"There's a new volume I am looking forward to."

Natsuki: "Okay."

"Actually, what I'm looking for there is…"

"The new Parfait Girls volume."

John: "Ah."

"We should read that later."

Natsuki: "Okay then."

A waitress comes by and gives Natsuki her order.

Natsuki: "Thank you."

Waitress: "Your welcome."

"U-Uhhh…"

The waitress looks at me. Wait, was that the same one as last time? The waitress chuckled.

Waitress: "Did you find another girlfriend already?"

Natsuki: "W-WHAT?!"

The waitress shyly takes a couple of steps back.

John: "Nono!"

"I am not dating any of the girls."

"They're just my friends."

The waitress looks visibly embarrassed.

Waitress: "I-I'm so sorry!"

"I'll leave you two alone now!"

The waitress rushes away. At that moment, she reminded me of Yuri.

Natsuki: "Jeez."

"People need to learn how to be less judgemental."

Natsuki takes a bite into her muffin.

John: "Eh, it's fine."

"She is clearly a shy person and just wanted to start a conversation."

Natsuki: "Ehhh… I guess."

Natsuki quickly finishes her order. I do as well.

Natsuki: "Well…"

"I am ready to bounce."

John: "I guess I am ready as well."

We both stand up, I leave a nice tip for the waitress.

Waitress: "Have a good one!"

"A-And sorry for the misunderstanding!"

Natsuki: "It's okay…"

John: "Bye!"

The waitress gives me a familiar smile as Natsuki and I leave. She does look familiar… I decide to leave it for now…

Natsuki and I make our way to the bookstore. It was only a short walk from the cafe. We both stop in front of the store.

John: "Well…"

"Here it is…"

Natsuki: "Yeah."

Natsuki and I both enter the store.

John: "Let's split up for now so we can find what we are looking for."

Natsuki: "Okay, see you in a bit."

I temporarily part ways with Natsuki as I head to the action section in the store to find what I am looking for. I am looking for the 8th volume of a popular zombie apocalypse manga. The characters are Japanese students and a nurse that want to reunite with their families. They fight the zombies to escape the city to find their loved ones. After a few seconds glance, I find the volume and grab it off the shelf. I head to the cash register to see Natsuki paying the cashier. I guess she found what she was looking for. Natsuki turns around.

Natsuki: "I'll wait for you outside."

I nod as she walks outside. I quickly pay for my manga volume and meet her outside.

Natsuki: "So."

"I guess you found what you were looking for?"

John: "I did."

"Guessing you did too?"

Natsuki nods.

Natsuki: "Hey…"

"Do you have any interest in the new volume of Parfait Girls?"

Honestly, I'd be lying if I said no.

John: "Actually, I do."

Natsuki: "Okay then, it's settled."

"Let's go to your house and read it."

Wait, why does it have to be my house? I decide to not press her about why it can't be at her house.

John: "Sure then."

"Let's go."

Natsuki and I make our way to my house. It's now about 1 o'clock, but it looks cloudy, like it will snow later. Soon enough, we reach my house. I open the door. Natsuki and I both enter.

Natsuki: "You have a nice home."

Was not expecting Natsuki to say that. That catches me off guard.

John: "..."

Natsuki looks at me.

Natsuki: "What?!"

John: "Nothing…"

"Thanks."

Natsuki: "Don't take my kindness for granted…"

"Jerk."

John: "Haha…"

I signal Natsuki to follow me into the family room. She obeys. I put my manga on the coffee table. Natsuki and I sit next to each other on my couch.

Natsuki: "You ready?"

John: "Yes."

Natsuki: "I wonder what will happen."

John: "Looks like we are about to find out."

Natsuki: "Mhm."

Natsuki flips the manga open and holds it in between us. We spend the next hour reading the volume in silence. Occasionally we laugh at a funny part or let each other know when we finished reading the page. I have to admit. Despite being a long volume, it is an entertaining read. Natsuki closes the manga after we are done.

Natsuki: "Wow!"

"That was one of the best volumes yet!"

John: "I don't disagree."

"I enjoyed it!"

Natsuki: "Hey, maybe we ca-"

Natsuki's phone vibrates. She pulls her phone out of her pocket to read a text message.

Natsuki: "Ah damnit."

"My dad wants me to come home."

"I don't think it's urgent."

Natsuki turns to me.

Natsuki: "He is a strict man though…"

"And I do have some exams coming up."

John: "Do you need any help?"

"I was in your year last year."

"I bet we took the same classes."

Natsuki: "That won't work with him."

"But it's okay.

"School starts back up tomorrow."

John: "Yeah."

"Can I count on seeing you there?"

Natsuki: "Of course!"

"Jeez, did you forget I'm in the club?!"

John: "No! I-"

Natsuki giggles.

Natsuki: "I'm just kidding."

Natsuki stands up and walks to my front door. I follow and open the door.

Natsuki: "Well…"

"Thanks for the fun time."

"See you tomorrow~"

John: "Bye."

Natsuki smiles and winks at me as she turns around and begins her walk home. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think Natsuki would smile and wink at me. On the first day of my membership to the club, I was certain she absolutely hated my guts. Now I can see that once I lower her defenses, she can be somewhat… charming. I had a good day with her. I hope she does well on those tests. I should also ask her about helping me with Yuri tomorrow. I close my door, pick up my manga volume and walk upstairs. I lay on my bed reading my new manga. I'm excited for the literature club to start back up tomorrow.

Chapter 19:

I am standing in front of Sayori's house, waiting for her to emerge. It is the first school day of the new year. Winter break is now over. Back to normal I guess. After about 20 minutes of waiting for Sayori, I decide to give up. I send a text to her phone, "I couldn't wait for you. I would've been late. See you at the club." I begin my walk to school. It is chilly with a thin layer of snow on the ground. I walk cautiously so I do not slip on any hidden ice. Soon enough, I arrive at my school. I enter my classroom and sit down. The teacher's lecture begins and I mindlessly listen…

After what feels like years, it is now lunch time. I enter the small courtyard where Yuri and I sit.

John: "Hey Yuri, I-"

Yuri is nowhere to be seen. I shiver.

John: "Hopefully, I'll see her at the club."

My phone buzzes. It is a text from Natsuki. It reads, "So, from yesterday… Do you still want my help?" I said what I meant yesterday. I type back "Yes" and send it. I go back inside and sit with some other friends. Even though I am surrounded by my friends, I feel lonely. It's not the same without Yuri. Soon enough lunch ends and I attend the rest of my classes. The rest of the school day goes by quickly. Soon enough, it is time for the club to start. I enter the club room.

John: "Hello?"

No one seems to be here. I sit at a desk and wait until someone else comes. A few minutes later, I see a tall, familiar girl enter the room.

John: "Yuri?"

Yuri's face turns bright red.

Yuri: "J-John..?!"

Yuri turns around.

Yuri: "I-I should get going..!"

"I'll l-leave you alo-"

I quickly run up and grab Yuri's arm.

John: "No."

"You're not going anywhere."

"We need to talk."

Yuri's resistance disappears. She turns around and looks at me.

Yuri: "O-Okay…"

Yuri follows me as we both sit on top of two desks, facing each other.

John: "Listen Yuri."

"I'm glad we have become good friends in the past few months."

"I'm not looking for that to end anytime soon."

"I also want you to know that I was never mad about what you did."

Yuri: "Y-You...weren't?"

John: "No."

"Why would I be?"

"It's not like you hurt me."

Yuri: "B-But…"

"I did it just so...randomly."

John: "It's okay, really."

"I do have one more question though."

Yuri cocks her head with curiosity.

John: "Do you…"

"Happen to have any feelings for me?"

Yuri's face turns as red as a tomato.

Yuri: "I-"

"Uhhh…"

"..."

Yuri is silent for a moment, I give her the time to collect her thoughts.

Yuri: "It's complicated…"

"I've been alone for so long…"

"I-I'm honestly not sure how to feel…"

I take a deep breath.

John: "Yuri, I understand what you mean."

"Here…"

I put out my hand.

John: "How about for now, we just forget about this whole situation and go back to being friends?"

Yuri slowly puts her hand in mine and we shake on it.

Yuri: "Sure."

Yuri and I both release and put our hands back at our sides.

Yuri: "I-I wonder where everyone else is."

John: "Me too."

I check my phone to see a flirtatious text from Natsuki; "Go get her tiger~". That explains why no one else is here. Natsuki wanted to help me by trying to get Yuri and I alone.

Yuri: "Did you get a text from Monika…?"

John: "Yeah…"

"I think it's just the two of us today."

Yuri: "A-Alright then…"

Yuri reaches into her backpack and grabs out a skinny book.

Yuri: "W-Would you like to read this with me then…?"

"It's o-only 50 pages…"

"And afterwards, we can…"

"Discuss it?"

John: "Sure."

Yuri hands me the book.

Yuri: "I'll read with you at your pace."

John: "Alright then."

The cover says the title The Missing Bartin. Must be a fantasy. I do remember Yuri telling me she loves fantasies. I open the book and we begin reading. I try to read a little faster than usual so I don't keep Yuri waiting. Time passes by quickly as we read through the short novel. It actually is a very intriguing novel. I have an idea on what to discuss with Yuri once we are done. Soon enough, we finish the novel and close the book. Yuri looks at her phone to see the time. It is way past the normal end time of the club.

Yuri: "I-I'm sorry John…"

"I have to leave."

"W-We can discuss the novel tomorrow at lunch!"

John: "Okay."

Yuri: "Tomorrow it is supposed t-to snow."

"H-How about we meet in the west wing cafe until Spring starts?"

John: "Sure thing!"

Yuri puts the book in her bag, picks it up and races out the door.

Yuri: "I'll s-see you tomorrow!"

John: "Bye."

After a few seconds I mutter to myself.

John: "Thanks Natsuki."

I'm glad Yuri still wants to be friends with me. Even though I told Yuri to forget the kiss, it will be something that I will never forget. I'm also curious about her "complicated" feelings for me… I'll have to ask her when the time is right.

Chapter 20:

Monika: "Hi John~!"

It is towards the end of January. So far, the school year has gone smoothly. Natsuki explained to me that on the day Yuri and I made amends, Natsuki gave Monika and Sayori "jobs" to do so it could be just Yuri and myself. I never really thanked her in person yet… I'll have to thank her in person later.

John: "Hi Monika!"

"Hope your day is going well!"

Monika: "So far, so good!"

I look around. Looks like it's just me and Monika for now.

Monika: "Hey…"

"Are you busy after the club?"

John: "Not really."

"Why?"

Monika: "I want to go to the cafe with you."

Monika wants to go with me again? Sure, I'm down.

John: "After I walk Sayori home I should be free."

Monika: "Okay! Talk to you then!"

Right after she says that, Yuri, Sayori and Natsuki enter the room. They all seem to be having a chat until they see me.

Sayori: "Hi there John~!"

Yuri: "Good a-afternoon."

Natsuki: "Hey."

I wave back. The three continue by greeting Monika. Yuri sits at a desk and pulls out a book, Natsuki disappears into the closet. Sayori remains with Monika and I.

Sayori: "Hope both your days went well!"

John: "My day was fine."

Sayori: "What about you Monika?"

Monika: "Haha…"

"Mine went well."

"I am still working on that song I'm trying to write."

John: "How far are you into it?"

Monika: "Oh, it should be done soon…"

"But then I have to practice it before I perform it for you guys."

Sayori: "Wow Monika."

"I'm impressed by your dedication!"

I nod in agreement.

Monika: "Thanks guys…"

"I promise not to disappoint!"

Sayori and Monika trail off into their own conversation. I decide to slowly back away and walk towards Natsuki. I'll see both of them later anyways. Natsuki is now on the floor by the closet reading a manga I haven't seen before.

John: "Hey Natsuki."

Natsuki looks up at me.

Natsuki: "Can't you see I am trying to read here?!"

"What do you want?"

John: "U-Uhhh…"

"I just…"

"Wanted to thank you in person"

"For what you did."

"I appreciated it."

Natsuki's face turns slightly red.

Natsuki: "U-Uhhh…"

"Gah…"

"Y-You're welcome, okay?"

"Jeez…"

"You're so corny."

John: "Haha...yeah."

Natsuki studies me.

Natsuki: "Anything else you wanted to say to me?"

John: "Ummm."

"Y-"

Natsuki: "You can leave me alone then if you want to."

John: "I don't want to though…"

I sit down next to her.

John: "What are you reading?"

Natsuki sighs and changes her tone.

Natsuki: "You may have heard of this one."

Natsuki shows me a title that looks strikingly familiar.

John: "No way!"

"You read this too?"

Natsuki: "O-Oh.."

"Umm yeah."

"I've been a fan for a couple of years."

John: "I thought you hated horror…"

Natsuki: "W-Well."

"I do."

"But I don't really consider this horror."

"It has a lighter tone to it."

"And some parts are funny."

She has a point.

John: "I guess that's true."

"What volume are you on?"

Natsuki: "Six."

John: "Believe it or not…"

"When we went to the bookstore."

"I bought the new novel."

Natsuki: "Hmm."

"I didn't notice."

"But that is cool."

John: "Do you mind if I read with you?"

"I haven't read this volume in a while."

Natsuki: "Sure."

For the rest of the club meeting, I read the manga with Natsuki. I forgot how long these volumes are compared to Parfait Girls. It was good to go back and read volume six. I actually think it is the best volume so far. Just as we finish, I hear a familiar saying.

Monika: "Okay everyone!"

"Our time is up."

"See you all tomorrow~!"

I look at Natsuki.

John: "See you tomorrow?"

Natsuki: "See ya."

We both stand up and make our way to the front of the club room. Yuri and Sayori were having a conversation but I got cut off as I walk by them.

Yuri: "S-See you tomorrow John…"

John: "Bye Yuri."

Yuri leaves the club room.

Sayori: "Ready to go?"

John: "Yup."

"See ya Monika."

Monika: "See you later.'

Sayori and I exit the club room and then the school. As we are walking home, I realize Sayori is shivering. Did she forget her jacket today? What girl forgets it's a snowy day in January?

John: "Sayori…"

"Where's your jacket?"

Sayori pushes both index fingers together and looks down, embarrassed.

Sayori: "Ehehe…"

"I overslept today…"

"And rushed to school without it…"

John: "Here."

I take off my jacket and place it around her shoulders.

Sayori: "A-Ah…"

"Thanks John."

John: "Next time, don't forget dummy."

Now I am shivering… Stupid girl…

Moments later, we arrive at Sayori's house. I walk her up to her porch. She gives me back my jacket as she opens her door.

Sayori: "Thanks again John!"

"See you tomorrow~!"

John: "Bye Sayori."

As soon as Sayori closes the door, I quickly walk to my house. I enter and walk up to my room. I leave my backpack on my bed. I get changed out of my uniform into warmer clothes and I leave my house to go to the cafe.

After a somewhat lengthy walk, I arrive at the cafe. As I enter and look around, I see Monika has beaten me here.

Monika: "John~!"

"Over here!"

I walk over to her table and sit down.

John: "Hey Monika!"

Monika: "I'm glad you came!"

The waitress I keep seeing here walks over to our table. It looks like she is trying to fix her hair as she walks over.

?: "Welcome to the Eastside Cafe."

"May I take your order?"

Monika: "Sure!"

That's the same waitress from the other times I have been here… She looks familiar… and that voice… it sounds so familiar! I don't know why I can't put my finger on who it is!

?: "What will you have ma'am?"

"I'll have a caesar salad."

?: "Alright…"

The waitress looks at me and seems to get a little nervous.

?: "W-What about you, sir?"

John: "I'll just have an egg on a croissant."

?: "I'll have it out for both of you soon enough!"

The waitress rushes away. I'll figure out who it is at a later time.

Monika: "Sooo…"

John: "Yeah?"

Monika: "There's something I meant to ask you this whole time."

John: "Sure."

Monika: "You can tell me the truth…"

"Do you actually like the club?"

John: "Well, of course I do!"

"I love the new friends I have met."

"And I'm also happy it has brought me closer to Sayori…"

"And you as well!"

"I also find myself more willing to pick up a book and read now."

"Why wouldn't I like it?"

Monika: "Haha."

"No reason."

"Just want to make sure all of my club members are enjoying their stay!"

"One more question about the club…"

"Were you upset that we didn't get any new members back at the festival?"

John: "Hmmm…"

"I bet you are expecting me to say yes."

"But honestly…"

"I'm not."

Monika: "Really?"

"How come?"

John: "Well…"

"I personally think our club operates well under the small size we have."

"Everyone seems to work well together."

"And because of your leadership…"

"Everyone seems happy."

"Your club has been a success Monika."

Monika: "O-Oh John…"

Monika's face turns red and it looks like she's about to tear up. Crap. I should have dialed it back a bit.

John: "Monika, I'm sorry if I offe-"

Monika: "That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me."

"I needed to hear that today."

"I'm sincerely glad to hear that everybody, including you, enjoys the club."

"And I promise to do everything in my power to make sure everyone stays happy."

John: "That's a very noble thing to say Monika."

Monika smiles.

Monika: "Haha!"

"If everyone is happy, then so am I!"

"However…"

John: "Yeah?"

Monika: "I enjoy talking to everyone…"

"But I have trouble trying to start up a conversation with Yuri."

"So I wanted to ask you."

"How do you do it?"

That is true. I have barely seen Monika talk to Yuri. I agree that she isn't easy to start up a conversation with, but once you start one, it gets easy.

I think for a moment.

John: "Hmmm…"

"Okay."

"I would try reading Yuri's books with her."

"That will lead into discussions that will help you communicate with her better."

"That's at least how I started talking to her."

"She is a shy person."

"But if you try to connect with her, she will most likely let you in."

Monika: "I think I get it."

"Thank you for the advice John~!"

John: "Don't mention it."

"Anything else I can do for you, just let me know."

Monika nods. The waitress walks over with our food in hand.

?: "Here you go."

"Enjoy!"

Monika: "Thank you!"

John: "Thanks."

I will find out who that is.

Monika and I begin to eat our food.

Monika: "These salads are the best!"

"How's your food?"

John: "Very good!"

Monika and I finish our food. Monika looks at the time on her phone.

Monika: "I'm sorry John."

"I think I have to go now."

"But thanks for coming out with me!"

John: "No problem!"

I leave a tip on the table for the waitress. Monika and I walk up to the counter, pay the cashier and leave. As we were leaving, the waitress waved to us. Outside the cafe, Monika turns to me.

Monika: "This is where we part ways."

John: "I guess so…"

Monika: "See you tomorrow~!"

John: "Bye!"

Monika walks in her direction and I walk in my own. Today was a good day. I'm glad the club is running well. I'll have to find out who that waitress is one day…