Doki Doki Literature Club!: Normal Mode (Part 6)

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 6

Chapter 26:

It is now the middle of April. Things have been going well. One thing that has changed is that Sayori is oversleeping a lot again. However, I am especially happy that the weather is getting nicer now and walks to school and home aren't cold now. It is now time for the club meeting. I enter the club room. I look around.

John: "Huh…"

"No one else seems to be here."

I pull up a desk, set my bag down and relax for a moment. A couple of minutes later, I see Yuri walk in. I wave.

John: "How was the rest of your day?"

Yuri: "U-Uhh…"

"Relatively fine...I guess…"

"I'm just glad it's over."

John: "Yeah."

Yuri sits at the desk next to me.

Yuri: "Do you know where everyone else is?"

John: "I'm not really sure."

"But for right now…"

I look directly into Yuri's eyes.

John: "Yuri?"

"I-"

All of a sudden, Monika Sayori and Natsuki enter the room in a loud conversation.

Yuri: "W-What is it John?"

John: "N-Nevermind.."

Yuri: "O-Okay then…"

Yuri buries her head in a book from her bag. I decide not to bother her. I stand up and walk over to the other club members.

Monika: "Hey John~!"

John: "Hey Monika."

Sayori: "Hope your day went well, John."

John: "It did."

Natsuki: "I am tired after a long day."

I laugh.

John: "I don't blame you."

Soon enough, everyone was doing their daily tasks except me…

Man...It looks like no one wants to be bothered today. I slump down into a desk in the back. I never really have done anything by myself at the club. How am I supposed to occupy myself with something literature-related by myself like this? I guess I could always read some of the book...But I'm feeling a little too tired to read. I could probably fall asleep right now. I close my eyes and end up listening in on Sayori's conversation with Monika.

Sayori: "We're probably gonna seem really lame compared to all the other clubs again, though..."

Monika: "Hmm..."

"Well, we can't give up."

"The Spring Festival is our chance to show everyone what literature is all about!"

"I think the problem last time was that the idea of a literature club sounds too dense and intellectual..."

"But it's not like that at all, you know?"

"We just need a way of showing that to everyone..."

"Something that speaks to their creative minds."

Sayori: "Mmmmmmmmmmm..."

"That doesn't solve the problem, though!"

Monika: "Eh? What do you mean?"

Sayori: "Even if we come up with the most fun thing ever..."

"Nobody will be passionate about coming if it's a literature event."

"So it's more important to figure out how to get people to become engaged from the start, you know?"

"And after they come and open up their hearts to the idea, we can do the thing to speak to their creative minds."

...What's this? Sayori is taking this really seriously. I don't think she helped Monika with the last festival like this. It's rare to hear her deliberating like this.

Monika: "Huh, that's a good point..."

"In that case, do you think food will do the trick?"

"I mean we did that last time, and that helped cause some people to show up."

Sayori: "Cupcakes, again!"

Monika: "Natsuki would love to do that."

Sayori: "Ah! You're right!"

"Natsuki makes the best cupcakes!"

"That works out perfectly~"

Monika: "That wasn't why you suggested it...?"

Sayori: "Cupcakes speak to my creative tummy~"

Monika is caught off guard.

Monika: "..."

"Cupcakes it is, then."

Sayori: "I'm hungry..."

Monika: "Anyway, we still need to work out the details of the event itself..."

I find myself smiling. In the end, Sayori is still her usual self. But therein lies the unexpected reason I admire her. Unlike me, who has trouble finding any motivation at all...Sayori can put her mind to things and make them come to life. I suppose that's why I end up letting her get on my case about things. I can't help but wonder what it would be like to see the world through her eyes...

John: "Uwaa-!"

I open my eyes to find Sayori's face filling my vision. I nearly fall out of my chair.

Sayori: "Ehehe, sorry~"

"Wait!"

"Actually, I'm not sorry at all!"

"It's your fault for sleeping like that!"

"You've been in this club for a while…"

"This isn't the napping club!"

John: "Does our school have a napping club...?"

Sayori: "You're staying up late again, aren't you?"

"You can't spend your life on anime, you know!"

John: "Don't say that so loud...!"

I glance over my shoulder to see if Monika overheard.

Sayori: "It's true, though..."

John: "Yeah..."

"I know, I know."

"You're always looking out for me, Sayori."

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"It's what I do best!"

John: "...That's a problem!"

"What about you?"

"You look out for me better than you look out for yourself."

"You're still oversleeping often, aren't you?"

Sayori: "Eh?"

"N-Not so often anymore!"

John: "That's not very convincing..."

"How many days this past week have you gotten up on time?"

Sayori: "That's..."

"...It's a secret!"

John: "I knew it..."

Sayori: "C'monnnn!"

"At least give me the benefit of the doubt..."

John: "I can't even do that."

"Look, Sayori, it's written all over you."

Sayori: "Eh...?"

Sayori glances around at herself.

Sayori: "How is it written all over me?"

John: "You were clearly in a rush this morning..."

"Look, your hair is sticking out all around here."

Sayori: "Ah-"

I run my fingertips down the side of Sayori's hair, trying to straighten it out.

John: "Man, you really need a brush for this..."

Sayori: "My hair is just really hard to get right..."

John: "I won't fall for that."

"There's more than just your hair."

"Look, your bow isn't straight, either."

"And there's a toothpaste stain on your collar right here."

I try to wipe off the stain with my finger.

Sayori: "B-But nobody would ever notice that..."

John: "Of course they would."

"Nobody's gonna tell you about it because they don't want to embarrass you."

"Fortunately, I really don't care about that."

Sayori: "Hey, you meanie..."

John: "And you don't even keep your blazer buttoned up."

"Seriously, Sayori..."

"Why do you think you don't have a boyfriend yet?"

Sayori: "Eh?"

s "That's super mean!"

John: "Sorry, but you'll thank me later..."

I start to button her blazer from the bottom.

John: "Once you see how much better it looks, you'll change your mind."

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"This is so funny."

John: "What is?"

Sayori: "Well..."

"I was just thinking how weird it is to have a friend who does these kinds of things."

John: "Eh?"

"D-Don't say that!"

"You'll make me feel weird about it, stupid..."

Sayori: "It's okay, though."

"I'm happy we're like this."

"Aren't you?"

John: "Ah-"

"I-I guess..."

Sayori: "Hey, be careful..."

"The button might come off!"

John: "Why is this one so hard to close...?"

I struggle to fully close the button near her chest.

John: "Does this thing even fit you properly?"

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"It did when I bought it."

John: "Sigh..."

"If you ever buttoned it, you would have noticed sooner that it doesn't fit you anymore."

"What are you smiling about?"

John: "It means my boobs got bigger again!"

John: "D-Don't say that out loud!"

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

John: "Anyway..."

"You look much better now, so..."

"Ah..."

...Why does it feel strange to see Sayori's blazer buttoned up like that?

Sayori: "But it's so stuffy..."

"Uuu..."

"It's not worth it at all!"

Sayori hastily unbuttons her blazer once more.

Sayori: "Phew!"

"That's so much better~"

Sayori puts her arms out and twirls around.

Sayori: "So if I keep it unbuttoned then I won't get a boyfriend, right?"

John: "What kind of logic is that?"

"And why are you saying that like it's a good thing?"

Sayori: "Because..."

"...If I had a boyfriend, then he wouldn't even let you do things like this!"

"And you take care of me better than anyone else would, anyway..."

"So that's why I'm keeping it unbuttoned!"

John: "Stop saying all these embarrassing things!"

Sayori: "Eh?"

"I didn't say anything embarrassing..."

John: "Jeez..."

"Well anyway, just focus on trying to wake up a little earlier..."

Sayori: "Only if you focus on going to bed earlier!"

John: "Fine, fine..."

"It's a deal."

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"I guess we really are better at taking care of each other than we are at taking care of ourselves."

John: "Yeah, I guess so, huh..."

Sayori: "So maybe you should come wake me up in the morning!"

"I-I mean it may help!"

"It's not like you haven't done it before either!"

John: "You're doing it again, Sayori..."

"Man, it's impossible with you sometimes."

"Fine, I'll do it."

Sayori: "Yay!"

Monika: "Okay, everyone!"

John: "Eh?"

Monika suddenly calls out.

Monika: "I think we can call it a day!"

"But I have one announcement first."

"Next month is the spring festival!"

"I want to get a headstart on gathering ideas for what we can do tomorrow!"

"That's all!"

"Have a good day everyone!"

Sayori looks at me.

Sayori: "Ready to go?"

John: "Sure!"

Sayori and I say our goodbyes and make our way out of the school. I never end up telling Yuri what I wanted to tell her. I can tell she was a little disappointed by that. On the walk home, Sayori and I ignore what happened during the club and discuss ideas for the spring festival. I'll also draft up some more ideas when I get home.

Chapter 27:

The next day, after school, I enter the club room. This morning, I did what I promised Sayori yesterday, except before I entered her house, she was ready. I tried to keep up my end of the bargain. I went to bed at a reasonable time.

I look around the room to see everyone here first. I am the last one here again, great.

Monika: "Hello again, John!"

John: "Hey Monika."

"I see everyone is busy."

Monika: "Yup!"

"Did you come up with any ideas for the spring festival?"

John: "Yes I did."

Monika: "Great!"

"I'll be more than happy to hear you out later!"

I smile.

John: "Alright!"

Monika trots away to grab a folder on the teacher's desk.

Sayori: "John, John!"

Sayori suddenly comes up to me.

Sayori: "I'm gonna go get some supplies from another classroom."

"Want to come with me?"

John: "Supplies?"

"What for?"

Sayori: "Well, it's for the upcoming festival."

"Me and Monika were gonna draft some posters and stuff."

"So I need to go find some crayons, and markers, and glue sticks..."

John: "Ah, I see."

"Sure, I'll go with you."

Sayori: "Yaay~"

"Okay Monika, we'll be back soon!"

Monika: "Ah, are you going with John to get the supplies?"

"There's no need to trouble yourself."

"I'd be happy to go with him."

Sayori: "Aw, but I wanted to go!"

"It's so much fun exploring empty classrooms and stuff!"

Monika: "Hehe, okay, okay."

"It was just a suggestion."

"See if you can find poster paper too, okay?"

Sayori: "Okaay~!"

"Ready, John?"

John: "Yep, let's go."

Sayori and I exit the clubroom. I follow behind as Sayori hums and skips around the hallway. Honestly...It feels like I'm taking a kid to the mall or something. Sayori finds pleasure in the simplest things sometimes.

John: "Hey, Sayori..."

"What exactly are your ideas for the spring festival, anyway?"

"It's not easy to put out an event based on literature..."

Sayori: "Ehehe!"

"I do have an idea."

"Don't you worry~

John: "Is that so...?"

Sayori: "Yup!"

"I plan on doing a poetry contest!"

A contest...?

John: "Ah..."

"That sounds..."

"...Kind of dull?"

Sayori: "John!"

"You're not thinking about it the right way at all!"

"It's not just about reading poems..."

"It's about the feeling with them!"

"Like, you say the lines of the poem like..."

"Between my feet..."

"The last remaining flower beckons to me."

"I twist the stem, freeing it from its clinging roots..."

"Caressing the final joyous moment between my fingers."

"But to what ends have I summoned this joy?"

"For now when I look in every direction…"

"The once-prosperous field before me..."

"Is but a barren wasteland!"

"..."

"Like that!"

John: "Sayori..."

How do I put this…

John: "I'm sure it's just me, but it's impossible for me to take you seriously when you talk like that..."

Sayori: "Ehhh?"

"You meanie!"

"I'm working super hard on this idea, you know!"

John: "Ah, I know, I know!"

"I just meant that it's a pretty unordinary contrast to your cute self."

Sayori: "Ahaha! Don't say that, it's embarrassing!"

"But I guess that means I'm doing a good job~"

John: "Yeah, I guess so..."

Sayori: "Aaah, I'm so excited!"

"The spring festival is going to be so much fun~"

"Hopefully even better than the one at the beginning of the year."

Sayori spins herself around in the hallway again.

Sayori: "Hey, John, this classroom over here is empty!"

"Let's begin the mission!"

John: "The mission, eh...?"

For the most part…She really hasn't changed one bit. She's nothing but a ball of sunshine, drawing happy vibes from the world around her. I understand she can have emotions, but she really is a joy. It's a pretty nostalgic feeling for me. As the years went by, I went through a phase of holding myself up in my room more and more. I'm still glad she dragged me out of that life. Adventuring with Sayori brings about a special sort of feeling I once forgot I had in me.

The two of us enter the classroom. Sayori heads straight to the closet, and I follow.

Sayori: "Let's see what we have in here..."

"...Crayons!"

Sayori pulls a box full of crayons off the shelf.

Sayori: "They're the best brand, too!"

"They're kind of dirty, though..."

Sayori starts pulling various crayons out of the box, reading the color names.

John: "Alright, that's one down."

"Don't get distracted, we still need to find-"

Sayori: "Wait, I'm looking for my favorite color..."

John: "Fine, fine..."

"Then at least move aside so I can look for the poster paper."

Sayori: "Ah, I dropped one by accident-"

Smack!

Sayori: "Kya-!"

Sayori bends over and smacks her forehead right into the shelf. She falls to the floor, and the crayons spill all over her lap.

Sayori: "Owowowowow..."

John: "You okay?"

Sayori: "My forehead..."

Sayori clutches her forehead.

John: "Jeez, Sayori..."

"That's just like you, isn't it?"

"C'mon, let me see."

Since Sayori is sitting on the floor, I grab her by the waist and pull her out of the closet.

John: "You have to move your hands, Sayori..."

Sayori: "But it hurts..."

John: "Just do it for a second."

Sayori slowly releases her hands from her forehead. I gently brush her bangs to the side.

Sayori: "Ow-!"

John: "Sorry..."

There's a huge red mark on the center of her forehead. A bump is starting to form, as well.

John: "Man, that's gonna swell up."

"I should find you some ice..."

Sayori: "John..."

John: "Where would I even find ice around this time...?"

"Ah, I guess a cold drink would do..."

Sayori: "You don't have to-!"

"I'm fine with-looking like a unicorn-"

Even wincing from the pain, Sayori makes a silly joke.

John: "Ahaha, what are you saying?"

"I'll be right back, okay?"

Sayori: "O-Okay..."

I pat Sayori on the shoulder and run out into the hallway. I locate the nearest vending machine.

John: "What should I get...?"

It doesn't really matter, since it will be used as an ice pack, rather than to drink. But I know Sayori likes apple juice, so I purchase that one. In just a moment, I'm already returning to the classroom where I left Sayori. She has one palm on her forehead and is using the other hand to clumsily scoop crayons back into the box.

Sayori: "At least they were already in the wrong spots before I spilled them..."

John: "Sayori, here."

I hand Sayori the bottle of apple juice.

Sayori: "It's nice and cold..."

Sayori opens the cap and starts drinking from it.

John: "Sayori, what are you doing?!"

"It's for your forehead, idiot!"

Sayori: "Ah-"

"Sorry, I forgot~"

"Ahahaha!"

John: "How hard did you hit your head...?"

Sayori places the bottle against the bump on her head.

Sayori: "It stings..."

John: "Just bear with it, it'll feel better soon."

"Looks like you cleaned up most of the crayons, so that's good."

Sayori: "Hey, John..."

"This kind of reminds you of growing up, doesn't it...?"

John: "Eh? What do you mean?"

Sayori: "You know how we used to play outside all the time..."

"I would always try to keep up with you."

"You were kind of oblivious in some ways..."

"Like I usually fell behind or had trouble climbing on the things you did..."

"But sometimes when I tried to do things I couldn't, I would get myself hurt."

"I'd fall and scrape myself, or get a bump..."

"And I would start crying really hard."

"Ahaha!"

"And you would rush over as quick as you could."

"You would try really hard to get me to stop crying."

"It was almost like you blamed yourself and were afraid of getting in trouble if someone found out..."

"Even though it really wasn't your fault at all, you know?"

John: "Did I really do that...?"

Sayori: "Yeah...you don't remember?"

John: "Come to think of it, maybe I do remember a bit..."

"I guess I was always so focused on my games that I didn't pay enough attention to you."

"So in a way, it was my fault."

"Kind of like this time, too..."

"If I wasn't rushing you out of the closet, you probably wouldn't have hit your head."

Sayori: "John..."

"I don't think you realize it, but you're always thinking about other people."

"Even after all these years..."

"You're rushing to help me, even though I'm just being clumsy."

"You're really a sweetheart..."

John: "D-Don't call me that!"

"And I don't really do this kind of thing all the time..."

"I guess when it comes to you, it just feels natural."

"Before I even know it, I'm treating you like that."

"I guess that's what happens when you've been friends for so long."

Sayori: "Really...?"

"Maybe you're right..."

"John..."

"I'm so glad that nothing's changed between us."

"Do you think it'll be like this forever?"

John: "Forever...?"

If I'm honest to myself...In a weird way, I kind of don't want it to be. I want it to be more. I don't know if I'll have the courage to tell her that. Plus there's no telling where we'll each end up for college, or after that. So it wouldn't be fair for me to make any promises. But…

John: "Well, I hope so."

"It's been this long already, right?"

"I can't imagine you ever changing, so my hopes are up."

Sayori: "I'm so happy..."

Sayori has a whimsical expression in her eyes. We remain silent for a moment. She's so silly and clumsy on the outside that when I see her deep in thought like this...It makes me not want to disturb her.

Sayori: "I guess we should go back..."

"I don't want to worry Monika, you know?"

John: "Good luck with that."

"She's gonna see your forehead either way."

Sayori: "Not if I hide it under my bangs~"

Sayori hops to her feet.

Sayori: "A-Aaahh-!"

She clutches her forehead again.

John: "Don't stand up so fast after hurting yourself!"

Sayori: "Uuuu..."

John: "Well, I guess it's too late now..."

"Anyway, let's go."

I follow Sayori out of the classroom. Sayori plays with her bangs to try to hide the bump, but without much success. In a moment, we make it back to the clubroom.

Monika: "Ah, you're back!"

"Good timing, I was just about ready to start with sharing our ideas for the spring festival."

"Eh? Sayori, your forehead..."

John: "She's fine, don't worry about-"

Sayori: "I was playing with the crayons and smacked my forehead into the shelf!"

John: "..."

Monika: "..."

"...Well, anyway!"

"Were you able to find everything we needed?"

Sayori: "Uh-huh! I have it right-"

"...Eh?"

Sayori frantically glances around herself.

Sayori: "I...forgot all of the stuff!"

John: "Calm down, Sayori."

"I have it all right here."

"I found the poster paper, too."

Monika: "Ahaha!"

"Sounds like you ended up doing all the work, John."

John: "Ah, well, Sayori-"

I fail to come up with an excuse for Sayori.

Sayori: "I made it an adventure!"

John: "...Yeah, that."

Monika: "Ahaha, okay, okay."

"In any case, good work!"

"I'll start working on the posters tonight."

Sayori: "Me too!"

Monika: "...Okay, everyone!"

"Are you ready to share your ideas?"

After making sure the crayon box is closed tightly, I return to my seat. Natsuki and Sayori all take seats in neighboring desks. Yuri sits behind me.

Monika: "Who wants to go first."

Sayori: "I'll go first!"

Sayori stands up.

Sayori: "I think we should hold a poem contest!"

"I think it'll be a good way for people to get in touch with their creative side!"

"Plus we can give out cool prizes!"

Monika: "Okay!"

"Raise your hand if you like the idea."

I raise my hand. Monika raises her hand too.

Monika: "Who respectfully opposes?"

Yuri and Natsuki both raise their hand.

Yuri: "Sayori…"

"I-I understand that your idea means well…"

"And that it probably will encourage people to be creative…"

"But…"

"I-I also believe subjective writing should not be a competition."

"Poetry is supposed to be personal and emotional…"

"E-Everyone has a different idea of good when it comes to s-subjective writing…"

Natsuki: "I agree with Yuri."

"But I also don't think it's fair to reject people's emotions by having them lose a competition."

"Sorry Sayori."

Sayori smiles at Yuri and Natsuki.

Sayori: "I get where both of you are coming from."

"Thank you for your opinions!"

Monika: "Okay…"

"Who's next?"

Sayori: "Do you have an idea Monika?"

Monika: "Hahaha."

"Normally I would."

"But I figured I would let one of you decide."

"And I would organize and plan it out."

Yuri: "O-Okay then…"

"I guess I'll go next."

Everyone looks at Yuri, she gets a little nervous.

Yuri: "U-Ummm."

"I thought it would be a good idea to have a relaxing atmosphere."

"I-I can even use my aromatherapy…"

"Let people take the load off if you will…"

"And then we could take turns reading them short stories."

Monika: "Alright then."

"Who agrees?"

Sayori and I raise our hand.

Monika: "Who respectfully opposes?"

Natsuki and Monika raise our hand.

Monika: "Yuri…"

"I actually really like your idea."

"Having a lowkey atmosphere would be a great idea."

"But I'm just not sure how other people would perceive it."

"Sorry."

Natsuki: "I don't mean to be blunt…"

"But I think the idea is kind of boring."

"We need something that will attract people to our event."

Yuri: "I understand."

Yuri smiles sadly. I turn around.

John: "Your idea is great, don't worry."

"That's why I voted yes on it."

Yuri's smile becomes happy.

Yuri: "T-Thank you John…!"

Natsuki: "I guess I'll go next…"

Monika: "Let's hear it."

Natsuki: "I'm not sure how popular this idea will be with you guys…"

"But I know it will attract a lot of people."

"What if we host…"

"A dunk the member game."

"We get a tank of water." and whoever can hit the target dunks one of us!"

"We can all take turns."

"We can do it outside."

"We can also give out cupcakes and do a poetry performance afterwards."

Everyone looks at Natsuki as if she had multiple heads. I was not expecting her to say that. She would have never thought of something like that at the beginning of the year.

Monika: "...Okay..."

"Does anyone agree?"

No one raises their hand.

Natsuki: "Ugh fine!"

"You guys come up with something better than!"

Monika: "Listen Natsuki."

"I think we can all admit that you're right about it attracting people to our event."

"But I think we all don't want to be embarrassed…"

"It can be even more embarrassing for people like Yuri and I?"

Natsuki: "Really?"

"How so?"

Yuri and Monika turn red and don't respond. I think Natsuki starts to understand what they mean.

Natsuki: "N-Nevermind then…"

Monika: "John."

"What's your idea?"

John: "My idea is kind of boring compared to everyone else's."

"But I thought it would be a good idea to run a fundraiser with Natsuki's cupcakes."

"We can write poems that come with every cupcake sold."

"And we can use the money to fund future projects going into the summer and next year."

Monika: "John."

"That's a splendid idea!"

"Who agrees?"

Everyone raises their hand.

Monika: "I guess it's decided then!"

"We are doing a fundraiser!"

"That's all for today!"

"Have a good one!"

Sayori: "Ready to go?"

John: "Yep!"

Sayori: "Let's goooo~!"

Sayori and I take our leave after we say goodbye to everyone. We both walk home. I'm actually kind of excited for the festival. It may be a month away, but it will be a blast!

Chapter 28:

Roughly a month has passed. It is now the Sunday before the spring festival. Tomorrow is the spring festival. So far, the idea of having a fundraiser has been organized well. Monika and Sayori are working on flyers and Yuri is working on the atmosphere again and typing up poems to have with the cupcakes. Natsuki asked for my help with the baking at her house. I've been getting increasingly anxious about visiting Natsuki's house. I keep telling myself there's no reason to be nervous, but it doesn't help much. I wonder if she'll act any different when she's at home? Meanwhile, she's been texting me a lot. We sent each other texts after exchanging numbers to double-check and then she sent me one to offer me help with Yuri, but this time, it turned into conversation. She's almost a different personality on the phone, using tons of emoji and cute language. She also really likes complaining about things, but I kind of saw both of those coming. I am currently almost at her house, I am looking at my phone for directions to the address she gave me. "Before I know it, I'm in front of her house and I text her to let her know I'm outside the front door. Without delay, she opens the front door to let me in.

John: "..."

Natsuki: "'Sup?"

John: "...Hey."

Never seen her wear this dress before...it's really cute.

Natsuki: "Jeez, don't make it feel so awkward already!"

Natsuki: "Anyway, come in."

I enter and we walk to the kitchen.

John: "I see you bought a lot of stuff..."

Natsuki has a large bag on the counter that is probably full of baking supplies.

Natsuki: "Well, I wanted to make sure my kitchen is equipped for the job."

"You bought everything I asked you to, right?"

John: "Yeah, I did."

Yesterday, Natsuki asked me to buy a bunch of ingredients if I didn't already have them at home.

Natsuki: "Good!"

"Glad I could count on you to do your part."

John: "Well...of course."

Natsuki: "That makes me happy."

I'm surprised to hear Natsuki suddenly say that, rather than something snarky like she usually does. She says stuff like that, but not too often. Natsuki realized what she said and gets flustered.

Natsuki: "...Jeez, never mind!"

"What are you making me say?"

"Don't think you can make me talk about weird things!"

"Are we getting started, or what? There's a lot of stuff I gotta teach you."

John: "Ahaha."

Natsuki: "What?"

John: "That's a little bit more like you."

"You're more fun when you just speak your mind like that."

Natsuki: "H-Hey!"

"Now you are treating me like a kid!"

"I was just trying to be a little nicer to you, you know."

"And just because I don't have a mature and sexy figure like Yuri doesn't mean you should treat me like-"

"A-Ah-"

Natsuki catches her words, and her face turns red.

John: "Natsuki..."

Natsuki: "Forget it!"

"I didn't say anything!"

John: "I should apologize."

Natsuki: "Eh?"

John: "I appreciate that you were trying to be nicer."

"I should have been a little more considerate, too."

"But also..."

"If that's what you're thinking, then you should know that there are tons of guys who are into body types like yours."

Natsuki: "Ah..."

"How would...you know that, anyway?"

John: "Just trust me on this one."

Natsuki: "..."

"...Gross."

John: "Hey!"

"Was that to me?"

Natsuki: "Who else?"

John: "Man..."

"Let's just get started already."

Natsuki: "Ahaha!"

"You get all sour when a girl calls you gross."

"I finally found your weakness, John."

Natsuki smiles deviously.

John: "Please spare me..."

Well, if Natsuki decides to dish out more insults like that, there's no way I'm not fighting back. But she's satisfied enough for now, finally starting to pull things out of her bag so we can get started.

Before long, the whole kitchen is a mess. Spoons, dirty bowls, flour, spilled fluid, and plastic bags are strewn about every countertop. The mixer isn't big enough to make all the batter at once, so we've had to do it several times. Meanwhile, Natsuki is babysitting all of my movements to make sure I don't mess up her precious baking.

Natsuki: "John, where did you put the food coloring?"

"The batter's going in the oven soon, so I need to fill the trays."

John: "I think it's still in the bag on the counter."

"What are you using it for?"

Natsuki: "To color the batter, of course!"

"I'm making each tray a different color."

"That way, even if the flavors aren't different, everyone can still pick their favorite."

John: "Ah, that's a cute idea."

"Are we doing anything like that with the icing?"

Natsuki: "Do you want to?"

John: "Ah..."

"You're asking me?"

"I don't really have a preference, so..."

Natsuki: "Come on..."

"You're not putting any heart into this at all!"

"Can't you at least try to have fun?"

John: "I'm having fun..."

I'm not really sure what Natsuki is trying to get out of me. Meanwhile, I see her separate the batter into smaller bowls and put a few drops of food coloring into each.

John: "Ah, that does look pretty cool."

Natsuki: "See?"

"It's not like baking is just about following instructions."

"The presentation is where you get to be creative and have the most fun."

"It's a million times more worth it in the end if just looking at it makes everyone's eyes lighten up."

John: "Like the ones you made on my first day, huh?"

I recall Natsuki proudly presenting her cat-shaped cupcakes, and Sayori and Monika's delighted expressions. I wonder if I can make Natsuki proud like that, too.

John: "Yeah..."

"Maybe I will use the food coloring, then."

Natsuki: "Sounds like you're starting to understand."

"Just make sure you completely finish mixing the icing before you mess with the food coloring."

John: "Yeah, it's getting there."

We were using the electric mixer for the batter, so I got stuck with a whisk and a huge bowl for the icing.

Natsuki: "Eh?"

"The icing's still all lumpy!"

"Are you even trying?"

John: "Well, yeah..."

"It'll just take a little longer."

Natsuki: "Jeez, we'll be here all night if you do it like that."

"Here, look."

Natsuki grabs the whisk from me and uses her other hand to tilt the bowl back.

Natsuki: "You really need to...beat...the crap out of it!"

After a few seconds, the consistency of the icing has already improved.

Natsuki: "See?"

As if to emphasize, Natsuki sticks a finger in the icing and pops it in her mouth. I reluctantly start to do the same.

Natsuki: "Hey!"

Natsuki suddenly grabs my wrist.

Natsuki: "I don't want your gross fingers in my icing."

John: "Your icing, eh?"

"Are you forgetting who did all the work?"

I start to fight back, trying to inch my finger toward the bowl.

Natsuki: "Don't make me beat the crap out of you next!"

John: "I'd like to see you try!"

I push harder, just enough for my finger to reach the icing. I triumphantly scoop some with my finger just as Natsuki tugs with all her might.

John: "Ah-!"

The force of Natsuki pulling me causes me to stumble, making her stumble in turn.

Natsuki: "Gross!"

"You got it on my face!"

John: "Whose fault is that?!"

There's a big glob of icing on Natsuki's cheek.

Natsuki: "Nnn-"

She tries to reach it with her tongue, but it's too far away.

Natsuki: "Jeez..."

"You know what?"

"Take this!"

Natsuki instead wipes it off with her finger before shoving her finger toward my own face.

John: "You wish-!"

I'm faster. I grab her wrist with my hand before it reaches my face. Natsuki tries to use her other hand to fight back, but I grab that one as well.

Natsuki: "Ahahaha! Stop!"

John: "Not until you apologize for calling me gross!"

Natsuki: "Fine, fine!"

"I'm sorry for calling you gross."

"You know I don't mean it."

"It's just fun seeing you react to it."

"...You do that to me all the time, you know!"

"Saying dumb things just to get a reaction out of me."

"You really shouldn't tease girls like that."

John: "Is that so?"

"In that case, I probably shouldn't do this, either..."

I take Natsuki's finger and put it in my mouth, licking off the icing.

Natsuki: "W-W-What-?"

"D-Did you seriously just-"

"A-Ah-"

Natsuki is so surprised that she can't even figure out how to get mad at me. Her face is entirely red.

Natsuki: "John..."

"You really shouldn't do that kind of thing to girls...unless you really like them..."

"You know that...right?"

John: "..."

What kind of question is she asking me, just like that? How did the mood turn to this so quickly?

John: "I..."

Natsuki gazes at me in silence. I notice her shallow breaths. Why am I starting to feel dizzy...?

Natsuki: "Eh?!"

Out of nowhere, the fire alarm starts going off. Natsuki rushes over to the oven.

John: "Is something burning?"

"I thought you didn't put the cupcakes in yet."

Natsuki: "*Cough*"

"No wonder..."

"You left a dirty tray in here from the last batch, dummy!"

"How could you make a mistake like that?"

John: "You should have checked before turning the oven on!"

Natsuki: "Don't blame me for your mistakes!"

"Jeez..."

Natsuki uses an oven mitt to grab the blackened tray out of the oven. She sets it on top of the stove. In another moment, the fire alarm stops.

Natsuki: "Anyway..."

"I'm...putting them in the oven now."

John: "Yeah..."

The tension from the moment before still lingers over our heads. But the moment has already been lost. I watch as Natsuki slides the cupcake trays into the oven. Then, I reluctantly pick up the whisk and continue with the icing, like nothing ever happened.

Natsuki: "Ahh, that smells so good!"

The cupcakes are ready to be pulled out of the oven. As soon as Natsuki opens the oven door, a blast of sweet-smelling warm air fills the room.

Natsuki: "Look at how cute they all look!"

She proudly shows off the different-colored cupcakes in each of the trays.

John: "They'll look even better once we add the icing."

Natsuki: "Not like you need to tell me that!"

"I brought decorating stuff, so I hope you can get creative."

"Here, scoop the icing into these bags."

Natsuki hands me some plastic bags.

Natsuki: "I have these nozzles that will make it look nice and fluffy."

"This one can even make flowers!"

"We probably won't be using it this time, though."

John: "What's this one for?"

I pick up one of the nozzles that has a much thinner tip than the others.

Natsuki: "That one's really thin, so you can use it to make stripes or other patterns."

"But you can also use it to write stuff on a cake."

"Like, 'happy birthday!' or whatever."

John: "Huh, I see..."

"That gives me an idea, actually."

Natsuki: "Eh?"

John: "Well, it's a literature event, right?"

"We could make it more literature-themed by writing a different word on each of the cupcakes."

"It would be fun to see people choose their cupcake based on a word they like."

Natsuki: "Uu..."

John: "Hm?"

Natsuki: "I was kind of expecting you to say something really stupid..."

"But that's actually...a really cute idea, so..."

John: "Ahaha."

"Maybe I'm getting it from you."

Natsuki: "W-What's that supposed to mean?"

"I'm not cute!"

John: "Come on..."

"We're not at school, nobody's judging."

"You can't dress and act like this and not expect me to think you're cute."

Natsuki: "W-Well..."

Natsuki's voice trails off.

Natsuki: "Same with you..."

John: "Eh?"

"Did you say something?"

Natsuki: "N-No, nothing!"

"Let's just do the icing!"

Natsuki picks up the pace and fastens a nozzle onto each of the bags.

Natsuki: "There's a lot to do, so we shouldn't be wasting time!"

"Here, I'll show you how to do it."

Without giving me a chance to think about before, Natsuki quickly moves on. She shows me how to apply the icing, and then we each get to work. When we're finally finished, Natsuki puts them all side by side to admire our work.

Natsuki: "Look at how pretty they are together!"

John: "Yeah, they are, aren't they?"

Natsuki: "Uu... I wish I could have one now!"

John: "Well, there's no reason you can't, right?"

"I don't see any harm in that."

Natsuki: "Well, yeah, but..."

"My dad's making dinner tonight, so I really need to save my appetite."

John: "Ahaha."

"Sayori's the exact opposite in that regard."

"If she was here, we'd probably be down ten cupcakes already."

"And she would still eat dinner."

Natsuki: "Come on, that's just unhealthy!"

We both laugh.

Natsuki: "...Well, anyway!"

"I was hoping we would have time for manga, but my dad is probably almost home..."

"He's strict and doesn't want boys over…"

John: "Ah, already?"

"That's a shame."

Natsuki: "It's your fault for working so slowly!"

n "You should have thought about that."

"It's not like you'll always have this chance."

John: "Man..."

As usual, Natsuki places the blame on me.

Natsuki: "You can help me bring the cupcakes tomorrow, right?"

"If you and Sayori each carry some, then we can probably do it in one trip."

John: "Yeah, I can do that."

"And don't worry, I won't let her eat any."

Natsuki: "Ahaha."

"I wish she would listen to me the way she listens to you."

John: "Haha."

"Yeah."

I pack up all of my stuff.

Natsuki: "Good work today!"

John: "You too."

Natsuki: "I'll walk you out I guess."

Just like that, I am already about to leave. It feels like the afternoon went by in a flash.

John: "Well..."

"I guess I'll be off, then..."

Natsuki: "Thanks for all the help and everything..."

"I'll see you tomorrow."

She turns around, I stop her.

John: "Wait, Natsuki."

Natsuki: "Eh?"

John: "What you said before...about not always having this chance."

"It doesn't have to be that way at all!"

"I had fun today."

"You showed me how fun baking can be, like you wanted."

"But aside from that..."

"You can come over anytime, okay?"

"I think that if possible, I'd like to spend more time like this."

"If you want to read manga again, or go out somewhere again-"

Natsuki: "Um-"

"Do you...really mean that?"

Natsuki looks at me tensely, like she's trying to hide her expression.

John: "Yeah."

Natsuki: "I'm sorry you have to leave so early today."

"I really didn't want you to!"

"I would really...let you stay here longer if I could."

"I feel the same way as you, so..."

"I'll keep what you said in mind."

Natsuki smiles.

John: "Well…"

"See you tomorrow morning!"

Natsuki: "See you!"

Natsuki waves as I make my way down her street and out of her sight. I send Sayori a text to help tomorrow morning. Tomorrow, the spring festival can be potentially better than the fall festival, I can feel it!

Chapter 29:

I wake up. Well, today's the day. The Spring Festival is happening today. I read a text from Monika reminding me to be at the school no later than 8:15. I stand up, stretch and I begin my daily routine to get ready for school. As soon as I am ready, I exit my house and tae a short walk to Sayori's house. I knock on her door once I arrive.

Sayori: "One minute~"

After a moment of waiting, Sayori opens the door.

Sayori: "I got your text last night about helping Natsuki."

"I'm readyyy!"

John: "Alright."

"Let's go then."

Sayori and I make our way to Natsuki's as quickly as possible. When we arrive, I knock on her door. She opens immediately.

Natsuki: "Good morning."

John: "Good morning."

Sayori: "Hi Natsuki!"

Natsuki darts her eyes at Sayori.

Natsuki: "You better not eat any of the cupcakes on the way there!"

Sayori smiles, clenches her fist and holds it to her chest.

Sayori: "You have my word."

Natsuki hands Sayori and I each a large tray of cupcakes. Natsuki grabs her tray and closes the door to her house.

Natsuki: "Well…"

"Let's get going, yeah?"

I nod.

Sayori: "Eeeeee~"

"I'm so excited!"

While we are walking, Sayori and Natsuki are having a conversation while I'm in my own temporary world. How will today go? What real impact will the fundraiser make? Will my idea actually impress the girls if it goes well? I guess I'll have to wait and see. Soon enough, Natsuki, Sayori and myself enter the school and report to the Literature Club room. I see Yuri putting up the last of the decorations. The theme seems to be simply books, poetry and other literature.

John: "Morning, Yuri."

Yuri turns around.

Yuri: "E-Eh…?!"

"You g-guys are...early."

Sayori looks around.

Sayori: "Wow Yuri."

"I really like what you did with the atmosphere!"

Sayori walks over to the aromatherapy dispenser and smells it.

Sayori: "Lavender?"

Yuri giggles.

Yuri: "Yes Sayori."

"And thank you as well."

"Monika made a...compromise and let me bring that…"

John: "It should totally help with the atmosphere."

Yuri: "Mhm."

Yuri looks intently at Natsuki's tray, then mine.

Yuri: "A-Are these the cupcakes you two made?"

Natsuki smiles.

Natsuki: "Yup!"

"Do you want to have a look?"

Yuri: "Sure thing."

Natsuki: "Just make sure Sayori doesn't take any."

Sayori: "Oooo…"

Yuri laughs as she opens the tray a bit to catch a look at Natsuki's and my creations.

Yuri: "You guys did an excellent job."

"Be proud of it…"

Natsuki puffs out her chest and gives a proud smile.

Natsuki: "Yes we are!"

Sayori: "I just realized…"

"Where's Monika?"

John: "Come to think of it…"

"That's a good question."

Yuri: "O-Oh…"

"She's in the library, printing out the flyers you and Monika made…"

"She should be back momentarily."

Sayori: "Alrighty then!"

Yuri: "I-In the meantime…"

Yuri turns her head and looks at a couple of posters on top of desks. Our heads follow her's.

Yuri: "I-I could need a hand hanging up these posters."

John: "We are more than happy to help!"

Without hesitation, I help Yuri hang up a poster between the two entrances of the club room outside and Sayori and Natsuki hang one up down the hallway. Once they finish, they walk back to Yuri and I.

Yuri: "Perfect…!"

"T-This should help attract people to our fundraiser."

Natsuki: "I hope it does."

"I didn't bake all of those cupcakes for nothing."

Sayori: "You can give them all to me then~!"

Natsuki glares at Sayori.

Natsuki: "Sigh…"

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

We re-enter the club room.

Yuri: "Okay…"

"I think that's everything."

John: "The club room looks great."

"I have a good feeling about today."

Yuri smiles slightly.

Yuri: "Yeah…"

"M-Me too."

Monika enters the club room with a bunch of flyers in her hand.

Monika: "I'm back!"

"Oh look!"

"Everyone's here!"

"You guys excited for today? Because I am."

Yuri: "Looking forward to seeing how we do."

Natsuki: "Yes."

Sayori: "Absolutely!"

John: "I guess so."

Monika: "Wonderful!"

"Sayori, can you help me post some up on the walls?"

Sayori: "Sure!"

Sayori and Monika take about half of the poems.

Monika: "Put the rest of the flyers on the table with the cupcakes."

"We'll be back soon!"

Yuri quickly performs the task while Monika and Sayori exit the room.

Natsuki: "So, Yuri."

Yuri: "Y-Yeah?"

Natsuki: "I hope the atmospheric decorations weren't too bad to make by yourself."

Yuri: "N-No…"

"I was okay."

"It did take up a majority of my weekend t-though…"

"I couldn't get around to reading at all."

John: "Sorry about that."

Yuri smiles sadly.

Yuri: "I-It's okay."

"Did you and Natsuki have fun?"

John: "Yeah."

"I learned how to bake a little."

Yuri: "T-That's a good skill at least..."

John: "Yeah."

I can tell Yuri is sad, I try to change the subject.

John: "So hey."

"I came up with this idea."

"Both of you."

N & Y: "Hmm?"

John: "Guess how many cupcakes we will sell."

"I'll treat whoever wins to dinner at some point."

Natsuki: "Okay, I'm in!"

Yuri: "I-I guess I'll try."

Yuri: "35 cupcakes."

Natsuki: "Really?"

"That's it?!"

"45."

John: "Okay!"

"We'll see who wins."

Monika and Sayori re-enter the room.

Sayori: "We just finished!"

Monika: "Yup!"

"It's almost time for the festival to start!"

"Just one more thing first."

S,Y,N&J: "Huh?"

Monika: "We need to assign jobs."

"I have it figured out."

"Natsuki, you'll take orders and pick out the cupcakes the customers want."

"I figure you don't want anyone else touching your cupcakes."

Natsuki: "Alright then."

Monika: "Yuri, you are easily the smartest out of us."

"You are the cashier."

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

Monika: "Sayori, you'll be the greeter."

"You will stand outside and try to get people to come in."

Sayori: "Awww."

"Why meeee?"

Monika: "You're the most energetic out of all of us!"

"You'll do great!"

Natsuki: "Plus we can't have you anywhere near the cupcakes."

"That'd be business suicide."

Sayori: "Ohhhhhhhw~!"

Sayori sadly walks to the exit of the room with flyers in her hand. She turns around and stares at the cupcakes.

Sayori: "I'll be back for you all later!"

Yuri and I giggle. Sayori exits the room and is stationed outside.

Monika: "...Okay?"

"Anyways, John."

John: "Yes?"

Monika: "You can be the one who gives out pamphlets and the poems to all of our buyers and anyone else who would be interested, okay?"

John: "Okay then."

"What will you do then?"

Monika laughs.

Monika: "Did you notice the piano next to the window?"

I look at the piano and back at Monika.

Monika: "I'm going to play some calm piano pieces I wrote and by other musicians."

"You know...to add to the atmosphere."

Yuri: "That's a great idea Monika…"

"You'll do great."

Monika: "Thanks Yuri."

Monika checks her phone for the time.

Monika: "Alright everyone, positions!"

"The festival has just begun!"

We all get into position, Monika is at the piano, Yuri is behind a cash box with a calculator, Natsuki is by her cupcakes and I am at a neighboring desk with pamphlets and poems in hand. Within a couple of minutes, our first customer arrives and Monika begins to play a calm song. The student takes a couple of cupcakes from Natsuki, pays Yuri, and I give her a poem and pamphlet of our club. As the day goes on, more and more people enter the club room. Sayori is killing it with getting people's attention. More and more cupcakes are disappearing. Students are hanging out in the room, chatting with either Yuri, Natsuki or I about the club. I think it's possible that next year, we can have new members! Time flew by fast. Soon enough the Spring Festival ended. I may have spent it all doing the fundraiser, but I can't say I didn't have fun. After the last student leaves, Monika stops playing, stands up and stretches her back.

Monika: "Haha!"

"I thought my fingers were going to fall off!"

"I only had a 30 minute break for the entire festival!"

She was playing for a long time. Basically from 8:30 to 3:00 with a small break around noon.

Monika: "Great job guys!"

"How many cupcakes did we sell."

Natsuki counts the cupcake slots with no cupcakes.

Natsuki: "40."

Monika: "That's pretty good!"

"How many did you make?"

Natsuki: "50."

Sayori enters the room.

Sayori: "Can I have all the remainders?"

Sayori moves a hand towards the cupcakes. Natsuki slaps her hand away.

Natsuki: "Not all of them!"

"Jeez Sayori."

"I figure everyone can take two home."

Natsuki takes out ziploc bags and gives one to everyone. We all pick the cupcakes we want.

Monika: "Thank you Natsuki!"

Natsuki: "What is the money being used for?"

Monika: "I plan on using it for funding for next year when we start up the club again."

"Which reminds me…"

"How many people expressed interest in joining the club next school year?"

Natsuki, Yuri, Sayori and I total our numbers of people. Sayori had 6, Yuri had 5, I had 3, Natsuki had one.

John: "15."

Monika: "15?!"

Monika smiles.

Monika: "You all went above and beyond today!"

"Thank you all for everything!"

"I would call the spring festival a success!"

Natsuki: "Sure was!"

"My cupcakes saved the day!"

Yuri: "Can't say today wasn't fun."

John: "I agree, it was successful!"

Sayori: "And it's all thanks to our president!"

Monika: "Awww~"

"Well…"

"Let's clean up everything tomorrow!"

"You can all leave if you'd like!"

Before Yuri and Natsuki leave, I stop them.

John: "Just to let you both know."

Y&N: "...?"

John: "You were both off by 5."

"Are you both around Saturday?"

Yuri: "I-I should be…"

Natsuki: "Yes."

John: "I'll treat both of you."

Yuri: "Alright then."

Natsuki: "I'll hold you to it then!"

I say goodbye to Yuri, Natsuki and Monika.

John: "Ready to walk home Sayori?"

Sayori nods and we both exit the school. On the way home, Sayori eats both of her cupcakes.

John: "You seriously couldn't wait until you got home?"

Sayori: "Nope!"

"These are wayyy too delicious~!"

I laugh.

John: "Sayori."

"In some ways, you never change."

"But I have to admit…"

"You did a great job as a greeter!"

"Your cheeriness is why so many people decided to come in!"

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"I'm always happy to help."

John: "Next year, we are going to have quite a crowded club."

Sayori: "Yeah…"

"But you know…"

"That's okay with me!"

"I bet we are all coming back."

"It'll make Monika happy too!"

John: "Yeah, you're right."

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

We approach Sayori's home. I say goodbye to her and walk to my own house and enter. I'm glad the Spring Festival was a success! Our detailed planning worked out well in the end. For now, I have Saturday to look forward to.

Chapter 30:

Monika: "Pick me, John!"

"I want to be happy with you at my side!"

Natsuki: "John, pick me!"

"We can read all the manga you want if you pick me!"

Yuri: "J-John...please pick me…"

"I-I'll satisfy you.. As many times as you want!"

Sayori: "Please pick me, John!"

"I always wanted to be more than friends with you.."

Monika: "Pick me!

Natsuki: "Pick me!"

Yuri: "Pick me!"

Sayori: "Pick me!"

Monika: "Pick ME!"

Natsuki: "Pick ME!"

Yuri: "Pick ME!"

Sayori: "Pick ME!"

Monika: "PICK ME!"

Natsuki: "PICK ME!"

Yuri: "PICK ME!"

Sayori: "PICK ME!"

Monika: "PICK ME!"

Natsuki: "PICK ME!"

Yuri: "PICK ME!"

Sayori: "PICK ME!"

I wake up in the middle of the night in a state of panic.

John: "W-What the hell…?!"

"Am I really being haunted over this decision?!"

"Sigh…"

"I need to make a decision sooner or later…"

I drift backoff to sleep and wake up later.

Saturday came by fairly quickly. This week flew. Everyone was in a good mood over the positive feedback from the Spring Festival. During the week, I decided to make a reservation and take Yuri and Natsuki to a place called Giacomo's. It is an upscale italian restaurant. Right now it is the late afternoon. I am leaving to pick up Yuri from her house. I'm more of a simple guy and I don't like fancy clothes. I am currently wearing a polo shirt with some slacks. Hopefully that is good enough to enter the restaurant. I exit my house and begin my walk to Yuri's.

John: "Sigh…"

"It's a beautiful day out."

"Sun is shining…"

"No clouds…"

"Hopefully today goes well."

Soon enough, I reach Yuri's house and I knock on the door. A tall woman with black hair answers the door.

?: "Hello?"

John: "Hi."

"My name is John!"

"I'm Yuri's friend!"

?: "Ahh!"

"I thought I have seen you with Yuri before."

"I'm Yuri's mother."

John: "Nice to meet you."

Mom: "Likewise!"

"You know…"

"My daughter talks about you an awful lot…"

"...And she is single."

Yuri: "M-Mother…?!"

"W-Why would you say that?!"

I turn bright red. Yuri appears behind her mother, wearing a purple dress and her hair is tied up.

Mom: "Haha!"

"I was just kidding!"

"...mostly…"

She mumbles the last part.

Yuri: "Hey John."

"H-How do I look..?"

"I-Is this appropriate for the place…?"

Now that my attention is more on what Yuri is wearing, I think the dress looks fantastic on her… maybe a little too fantastic. Her hair is done nice too.

John: "It looks great on you."

Yuri: "R-Really…?"

Mom: "Awwwww"

Yuri walks out the door and behind me, clearly embarrassed. Yuri's mother laughs.

Mom: "You two have fun now, okay!"

Yuri covers her face with her hands.

John: "We will!"

"Bye!"

Yuri's mother closes the door. As we walk down the street, Yuri removes her hands from her face.

Yuri: "I-I'm so sorry for that…"

"I-I love my mother…"

"But sometimes…"

"S-She's so embarrassing."

John: "It's fine."

"I thought she was a cool person."

Yuri: "Yeah."

"A-Are we picking up Natsuki now?"

John: "Yes, do you remember the way?"

Yuri: "I-I do, actually…"

Yuri takes the lead and I follow her to Natsuki's house. Before we know it, we arrive at her house. Both of us walk up to the door and ring the bell. Natsuki answers, wearing a cute pink dress with her hair done the same way it always is. She exits her house and locks the door.

Natsuki: "Hey there."

"I'm ready."

"How do I look in this? Appropriate?"

John: "It's a very nice dress!"

Natsuki: "Don't get any funny ideas!"
"...But thank you."

Yuri: "Hi Natsuki."

"I-I like your dress."

Natsuki: "Thanks Yuri."

"I like yours too."

Yuri: "So John."

"Are we ready to go?"

John: "Yes."

"The place isn't too far from here."

"I decided to treat you guys to Giacomo's."

"Do you two like italian food?"

Yuri: "I like to have some once in a while."

Natsuki: "I love italian food!"

John: "Alright then."

"Follow me!"

Yuri and Natsuki follow me close behind as we make our way to the restaurant. We arrive soon enough.

John: "Well."

"Here we are!"

A sign that reads Giacomo's Italian Restaurant meets our eyes.

Yuri: "T-This place sure looks fancy…"

Natsuki: "You said it."

"Let's go in."

We enter the restaurant. I walk up to the hostess' podium.

John: "John table for 3."

Hostess: "Right this way sir!"

We follow the hostess. She sets our menus down at our table and we sit down.

Yuri: "Wow."

Natsuki: "This really is a fancy place."

They take their time scanning the room. There are fancy paintings, fountains, chandeliers and a pianist playing in the back of the room. I'm not surprised because I have seen all of this before.

A waiter walks over to us, fills our cups with water and asks us what we want to drink.

Natsuki: "I'll take a Coke!"

Yuri: "Sprite please."

John: "I'll take a Sprite as well!"

The waiter puts back our requests.

Natsuki: "Ugh…"

Natsuki is on her phone and she looks...stressed?

Natsuki: "I forgot to tell my dad what I was doing today."

"He isn't too thrilled about it."

"But at least he's letting me stay here."

John: "Well that's good at least."

"But Natsuki…"

"You locked your house when we left."

"How did he know where you are?"

Natsuki: "Sigh…"

"He...tracks me."

John: "Really?"

Natsuki: "Yeah…"

"I don't get why he's always so strict with me."

"I'm growing up, I need to do my own things, you know…"

Yuri: "T-To be fair though…"

"Y-You're dad is only like that…"

"Because h-he cares about you."

Natsuki: "You're right I guess."

"But he doesn't need to be this strict."

John: "That's true."

"But also…"

"Maybe you should bring it up to him?"

Natsuki: "You didn't think I tried that yet?"

"I'm not an idiot like you."

"I tried to talk about it with him."

"He gives me the cold shoulder."

Yuri: "D-Did you actually ever...articulate how he made you feel?"

Natsuki: "Actually…"

"I haven't."

"Maybe I will!"

"Thanks Yuri."

"I'm glad we became friends."

Yuri smiles.

Yuri: "S-Same here."

Natsuki: "I can't believe we used to argue."

Yuri: "T-That was so childish of us…"

Natsuki: "Yeah."

I just sit there and watch this wholesome moment unravel. The waiter interrupts by bringing us our drinks. He then asks for our orders.

Yuri: "I-I'll have linguini and white clam sauce please…"

Natsuki: "I'll just have spaghetti."

John: "Frutti De Mare please."

The waiter puts it back. I return my attention to the girls.

John: "Soooo…"

"I've actually been meaning to ask the two of you."

Y&N: "...?"

John: "What is the best part of the club?"

Yuri: "Hmmmm…"

"I-I think it's a great place to forget about the problems of everyday…"

"You feel freer there…"

"To read…"

"To socialize…"

"...have intellectually stimulating conversation..."

"And of course...having fun."

"I-I met new people such as you, Natsuki and Monika."

"And I feel I'm better friends with Sayori as well…!"

John: "Wow, that's a great take!"

"What about you, Natsuki?"

Natsuki: "Well…"

"I feel like I can be myself there."

"I enjoyed all the friends I have made."

"I feel like the club is my favorite place to be."

John: "That's great to hear Natsuki."

Yuri: "W-Well…"

"What about you, John….?"

John: "U-Ummmm…."

"Well…"

Yuri: "...?"

John: "I enjoy the club."

"I'm glad Sayori brought me to all of you."

"We have had a lot of fun this year."

"I got to know both of you very well!"

"And I got to know Monika and Sayori even more, which is all great!"

"I also noticed I'm more inclined to read."

"So, I'd consider this a success!"

Yuri and Natsuki charmingly smile at me.

Yuri: "J-John…"

John: "Yes?"

Yuri: "I…"

"I… lo-"

The waiter accidentally cuts her off by bringing our food over.

Natsuki: "That was fast."

He gives us our food and we collectively thank him.

John: "Yuri?"

"What were you trying to tell me?"

Yuri blushes and turns a little.

Yuri: "N-Nevermind…"

Sometimes, girls are really hard to understand. I ignore it and begin to eat. My dinner was delicious. Judging by the girls' faces, they are also enjoying their meals.

Natsuki: "This spaghetti is amazing!"

Yuri: "My dish is great!"

John: "Glad you both like it."

We continue to eat and finish our meals. Once we are done, the waiter takes our plates and gives me the check. My eyes widen looking at the bill.

Yuri: "I-I'm sorry…!"

"I-If it's too much, let me-"

John: "Don't worry about it."

"I promised I would treat both of you."

"As long as you guys enjoyed it, that's all that matters."

I smile to reassure Yuri.

Yuri: "A-Alright then…"

"Thanks a lot."

John: "Don't mention it."

Natsuki: "I appreciate it as well!"

John: "Anytime!"

I pay the check in exact change and I give the waiter a tip.

John: "Ready to go?"

Y&N: "Yup!"

We leave the restaurant and begin our walk to Natsuki's house to drop her off. Soon enough we reach the end of her property. She stops and turns around.

Natsuki: "I think here's a good place for both of you to stop."

"Remember, my dad doesn't want me hanging out with boys."

"But…"

"Even though you are a jerk, John."

"I appreciate the dinner."

"It was nice and I had fun."

"Thanks again!"

John: "You're welcome!"

"Have a nice night."

Natsuki: "Bye Yuri!"

Yuri: "S-See you Natsuki."

Natsuki waves and smiles as she walks up to her house and enters.

Yuri: "I-It's starting to get dark…"

"I-I should probably head home."

John: "Want me to walk you home?"

Yuri: "Mhm…"

Yuri silently wraps her arm around mine.

Yuri: "I-Is it okay...if I do this..?"

John: "It's okay with me."

We begin walking to Yuri's house. What's making her do this all of a sudden? I gotta admit. It feels nice. Especially because I am touching her bo-

Yuri: "John?"

John: "Yes?"

Yuri: "Y-You'll return to the literature club next year...right?"

John: "Honestly…"

"I probably will."

Yuri smiles warmly.

Yuri: "T-That's good…"

The rest of the walk to Yuri's house we walk in silence enjoying the spring night scenery. Soon, enough we arrive and I walk her up to her porch. She lets go of my arm...but gives me a hug.

Yuri: "T-Thank you so much…"

"For this great evening."

John: "Not a problem Yuri."

Yuri let's go...but leans her face into mine. I think she's trying to kiss me! Without thinking, I lean towards her as well. Our trance is interrupted when we are inches away by her mother.

Mom: "Awwww~"

She's standing at the door, I assume she watched everything.

John: "M-Ms. Ozoliņš!"

"I wasn't going to do anything!"

"I-I'm sorry!"

She laughs.

Mom: "I find it cute!"

"I'm not mad at all."

Yuri looks clearly embarrassed.

Yuri: "M-Mother!"

She looks at me.

Yuri: "I-I'm sorry."

"I'll see you Monday, okay?"

John: "Yup!"

"Bye!"

Mom: "Bye, John."

John: "See you, Ms. Ozoliņš."

Yuri enters and closes the door.

I turn around and begin to walk home. I begin to think out loud on my walk home.

John: "This past school year has been great."

"I enjoy the club."

"I'm glad I met the girls…"

"But…"

"I did always want to grow closer to one of the girls."

"I mean I have grown closer to all of them…"

"But I guess I mean...pursue a relationship with one of them."

"Sayori…"

"Natsuki…"

"Monika…"

"And Yuri…"

"All 4 of them are incredible girls…"

"Beautiful, attractive and charming in their own ways."

"But…"

"If I have to start off with eliminating one of them to pursue…"

"...I guess it would have to be Natsuki."

"I mean, I really think she is a cool person."

"But...I see her more as a friend."

"And I'd like to keep it that way…"

"I know she will find the perfect man for her one day."

"She just needs to be more confident in herself…"

"Anyways, that brings it down to 3…"

I pause to think.

John: "Hmmmm..."

"I guess if I had to eliminate another…"

"Monika…?"

"She is wonderful, attractive and a kind person…"

"But I still feel like she is way out of my league."

"I have no doubts she will find happiness."

"And I will always be friends with her."

"Especially after this year."

"Now…"

"It's in between Yuri...and Sayori."

"If I'm honest with myself…"

"I know I had feelings for Yuri the second I met her."

"I'm glad I got much closer to her."

"If she feels the same way, I think we'd be great together."

"Her mom already loves me."

"But on the other hand…"

"Underneath it all…"

"I have always loved Sayori."

"She is one of the few people that actually gets me."

"We have been friends for a long time…"

"And I always wanted to take the next step with her."

"Even if I lied to myself about it."

"I know we would be perfect together."

"And this year only brought us even closer…"

"Damn…"

"It's a tough decision."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...but if I had to pick..."

I take a deep breath as I reach my house and enter.

John: "I think I love Sayori a little more…"

I smile.

John: "I have to tell her how I feel soon!"

"Before the club ends!"

Chapter 31:

It is now the middle of June. The school year is almost over, just one more week. This year flew by, but at the same time, there is a lot that has happened. I met new people, discovered a hobby for reading, and recently, found out who I really want to be with. I have been extremely nervous talking to Sayori lately. I can't stop thinking about wanting to tell her how I really feel...but I'm nervous she won't return those feelings. It could also make our friendship awkward if she turns me down. I am currently standing in front of her house. I sigh.

John: "She has to be out soon."

"We might be late…"

Sayori emerges from her house, clearly in a rush.

Sayori: "Good morning John~!"

"I'm sorry for holding you up!"

"I'm ready to go!"

John: "G-Good…"

"Let's go then."

Sayori and I make our way to the school. For most of the walk, it is awkward silence. Soon enough, we make our way to the school and it's time to split up for our classes.

Sayori: "Well…"

"This is where we split up."

John: "Y-Yeah…"

Sayori: "I'll see you later~!"

Sayori smiles at me and happily skips to her class. I got to stop being awkward around her. I walk to my own first period class, sit down and let my stressful day begin.

Eventually, it is time for lunch. I quickly buy 2 cups of tea and go out to the courtyard to meet Yuri.

John: "Hey Yuri!"

Yuri: "H-Hello John…"

"I just got here myself…"

Yuri and I sit under the tree. I give her a cup of tea.

Yuri: "Y-You're really thoughtful…"

"Thank you."

John: "Of course."

Yuri and I both take sips of our tea.

John: "I can't believe the club and school only have a week left."

Yuri: "Mmm…"

"B-But at least for me…"

"I-It's been a good year…"

John: "I would say so too."

Yuri: "I-I plan on going back next year…"

John: "Same here."

"B-But…"

Yuri: "But w-what…?"

John: "This doesn't mean we can't hangout over the summer."

Yuri: "E-Eh…?"

John: "Yeah."

"We can go to a beach, or a pool, or just read in the park."

Yuri: "Y-Yeah…"

"I-I like those ideas…"

"I'll hold you to that then."

John: "Of course!"

Yuri and I pull out our lunches and eat and chat for the rest of the lunch period. Once we hear the bell, we stand up.

Yuri: "I-I'll see you later I guess…"

John: "See you at the club."

Yuri and I part ways and report to our next classes. The day from then flies and it is now time for the literature club to begin. All of us enter at roughly the same time, except Monika who was there earlier. She greets us all.

Monika: "Hello everyone!"

"How are we doing?"

Yuri: "I-I'm doing alright…"

Natsuki: "Fine I guess."

John: "I'm good."

Sayori: "Great!"

Monika: "Good to hear!"

I see a stack of books on a desk behind Monika.

John: "What are the books behind you for?"

Monika: "I'm glad you asked!"

"Despite the success of our club this year, we didn't really do anything together in the club with all of us."

"So I decided we are going to collectively read a book together!"

Sayori: "That's a great idea, Monika!"

Yuri: "I'm in on it too…"

John: "Let's do it."

Natsuki: "Sure."

"What's the name of the book anyway?"

Monika: "To average out everyone's interests…"

"I decided we should read Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson."

"I think you will all like it."

John: "What's it about?"

Monika: "I think it would be best to go in blind~"

Monika winks at me.

Monika: "I moved some desks in a circle already."

"I would like to get started as soon as possible."

Monika hands us all books. The cover of the book has the title and two twisted roses together. I wonder what this is about. I sit at a desk next to Natsuki and Sayori.

Monika: "Alright…"

"So I figured we can take turns reading it aloud so everyone is reading at the same pace."

"Let's begin then, shall we?"

We begin to read. Monika starts off reading, then Sayori, then Yuri, then myself and last Natsuki. We traded off reading after every 2 chapters. An hour passes by and we are a little over halfway done with the book.

Monika: "Okay everyone!"

"We can pause here for today."

"We will pick this up again tomorrow."

"How does everyone like the book so far?"

Yuri: "H-Honestly…"

"Even though I don't usually read this kind of literature…"

"I do enjoy it."

Natsuki: "Same here."

Sayori: "I like the book!"

John: "I do too."

Monika: "Glad to hear!"

"One more thing."

"Let's share poems one more time for tomorrow!"

"So write your best!"

"You guys are dismissed."

"Have a good one!"

I say goodbye to everyone and begin my walk home with Sayori. Most of the walk home, I am awkwardly quiet. Once we reach Sayori's house, I silently walk her up to her property and wave goodbye to her. I walk to my house and enter.

John: "Ugh…"

"Why am I such a coward?!"

I enter my room and look at a blank piece of paper on my desk.

John: "That's it."

"I need to write a poem to impress Sayori."

"Let's get to work!"

Chapter 32:

The next day, I go to school and the day passes by quickly. It is now time to go to the literature club. I enter the club room to see only Monika and Yuri are here.

Monika: "Hello, John!"

"Hope your day was well~"

John: "So far so good."

I wave to Yuri.

John: "Good afternoon Yuri."

Yuri: "H-Hey…"

"Are you excited to continue the story…?"

John: "Yup!"

Monika: "Good!"

"We will start as soon as Natsuki and Sayori arrive.

Monika smiles happily.

Monika: "But first…"

"I have some good news!"

Yuri: "Mm?"

Monika: "I recorded Your Reality and put it up online."

Yuri: "R-Really?"

"I-I'll have to listen to it as soon as I get home…"

John: "Yeah, I will as well!"

Monika: "Awww~"

"Thanks for being so supportive guys!"

Yuri: "O-Of course!"

John: "Why wouldn't we be?"

Monika: "Haha!"

"I guess you're right!"

Sayori enters the room, huffing and puffing as if she's out of breath.

Sayori: "I'm sorry!"

"Am I late?!"

Monika: "Not at all!"

"I'm glad you are here, Sayori."

Sayori: "Phew…"

I want to say hi to Sayori, but my nerves get the best of me...damnit.

Natsuki walks into the club room.

Natsuki: "Am I on time?"

"Did I miss anything?"

Monika: "Hi Natsuki!"

"You are right on time!"

Natsuki: "That's good I guess."

Monika: "But I do have some good news."

Sayori: "Hm?"

Monika: "I recorded Your Reality and released it online."

Sayori: "Wow!"

"That's incredible!"

"I'm going to listen to it right after the club!"

Natsuki: "Congrats."

"I will listen to it too."

Monika: "Awww~"

"Thanks guys!"

"It means a lot to me."

Natsuki: "Mhm!"

Monika: "Anyways…"

"Did everyone remember to write a poem?"

Everyone: "Yes."

Monika: "Perfect!"

"After we finish the book, we will share them, okay?"

"Now…"

"Let's start reading, shall we?"

Everyone takes a desk, moves it into a circle, and sits in the same exact order as yesterday.

Monika: "If I remember correctly…"

"We were on page 296, yeah?"

Yuri: "That's correct…"

Monika: "Okay, let's continue!"

Everyone reads out loud in the same order as yesterday. Twisted is an interesting story. It is about a high school senior that was put in jail for graffiti and drug crimes. During and after his sentence, the story is about him reforming his life, making friendships, becoming an artist and helping out his community. There is even a small love story between him and a mysterious girl. I can tell Monika enjoys it the most since this is her kind of book. However, I can tell the others, myself included, enjoy the story more than we thought we would. We fly through the rest of the book and we finish it with time to spare.

Yuri: "W-Wow…"

"That was great!"

Sayori: "I liked it a lot too!"

Natsuki: "That wasn't all that bad."

John: "Thanks for coming up with this story for us to read."

"We all really like it!"

Monika: "Of course!"

"It was a pleasure to share!"

"You guys can keep the books too!"

"Enjoy the book!"

"And if you ever feel like it…"

"Feel free to read it!"

"So next…"

"Let's share poems."

"Everyone ready?"

"Go got them and share them!"

Everyone goes and pulls their poems out from their bags. I hope Sayori likes my poem...I wrote it for her after all. I will save her for last. Who should I share my poem with first?

John: "Hmmm…"

I think I'll just share with Natsuki first. I walk up to Natsuki and hand her my poem. She reads it and hands it back to me. She may like it.

Natsuki: "Not bad…"

"Took you long enough to write a good poem."

"You did good dummy!"

"I can tell you truly wrote this from your heart."

Wow...I was not expecting Natsuki to say that.

John: "T-Thanks Natsuki."

Natsuki hands me back my poem and she presents her's.

Natsuki: "I hope you like it."

I read the poem. The poem is short, but sweet and enjoyable. I hand the poem back to her and smile.

John: "Thanks for showing me your poem."

"I really liked the poem."

Natsuki: "Thanks!"

John: "I liked that it was simple and to the point."

"In the upcoming years, your poems will be even better!"

Natsuki smiles.

Natsuki: "For an idiot…"

"You can be sweet sometimes."

"Thanks for sharing!"

I decide to share my poem with Monika next. I walk over to Monika, greet her and share my poem with her. She studies it and then hands it back to me, smiling.

Monika: "John…"

"Your improvement this year…"

"Has been incredible!"

"I haven't even seen a person improve as fast as you are."

"In this poem…"

"I see a small mix of everyone's writing styles…"
"But mostly, what I am reading is coming from you."

"I see that as extremely important."

John: "Hey…"

"I learned from the best soooo…"

Monika: "Haha!"

"I know with each coming year, you'll do even better and better!"

"Who knows, maybe this club will convince you to do an english major in college!"

John: "Haha, maybe."

"That's a few years off...but you never know."

Monika: "Would you like to read my poem now?"

John: "Sure."

Monika hands me her poem. I read it. From what I get, it almost looks like a thank you note to everyone written poetically. However, there is one line that sits with me; I have been saved from some sort abyss. I wonder what that could mean. I decide I won't press her over it. I hand the poem back to Monika when I am finished.

John: "Incredible poem, Monika."

"I really liked it."

"But I have to ask…"

Monika: "Go ahead."

John: "Was this poem written about all of us?"

Monika: "Actually, yeah!"

"The club may have started off a little slow in the beginning…"

"But this year has been a great one!"

"And it's thanks to all of you!"

"I have a feeling, next year will be even better!"

John: "Yeah...same here."

Monika: "Well, here's Monika's writing tip of the day!"

"Keep reaching for the stars!"

"The sky's the limit!"

"Thanks for listening~!"

I smile as I walk away from Monika. She is always a sweet person. I decide to share my poem with Yuri next. I greet her and hand her my poem. Yuri has a shocked look on her face as she's reading it and hands it back to me.

Yuri: "John…"

"Y-Your writing…"

"You have improved so much since the start of this year."

"And even since the last time we shared poems for that matter…"

"I-I'm actually proud of you!"

"I see some of my own writing style in this poem…"

"And it m-makes me kind of happy…"

"T-That I actually...helped someone."

John: "Couldn't have done it without you Yuri."

"Thanks for all of the advice."

Yuri blushes and smiles.

Yuri: "Mhm!"

"W-Would you like to read my poem now?"

John: "Of course!"

Yuri hands me her poem. I begin to read it. It is a beautifully written poem with her signature handwriting. I had the poem back to her. When I finish.

John: "Well...how do I put it."

"The poem was...magical."

"The imagery and language was spot on."

"Great job!"

Yuri: "T-Thanks..!"

"Hopefully next year, we will be even better."

John: "I believe we will."

Yuri: "W-Well…"

"I'll see you later I guess…"

John: "Alright then."

I give a small wave to Yuri as I walk over to the last person I have to share my poem with, Sayori. I hope she likes this poem...I wrote it with her in mind after all. I greet her and show her my poem. As she's reading it, I can see her face light up and smile.

Sayori: "John."

"This poem…"

"Is...amazing~!"

"This is the best poem I've seen all year!"

John: "I'm glad you feel that way."

Sayori: "I can tell that you have improved as a writer."

"That makes me sooo happy~"

John: "You can keep the poem if you want."

Sayori: "Really?"

John: "Sure, why not?"

Sayori: "Thanks John!"

"Do you want to read my poem next?"

John: "Sure thing!"

Sayori hands me her poem. I read it for a moment. I blush. The poem is fixated on a potential love interest...Could that be me? I hand her poem back, but she shoves it back at me.

Sayori: "Keep it!"

"It's only fair since I have yours!"

John: "Okay then!"

"But anyways, it was a great poem!"

Sayori: "Thanks!"

John: "But was the poem ab-"

Monika: "Okay everyone!"

"Finished sharing poems?"

John: "N-Nevermind…"

Monika: "Let's call it a day!"

"See you all tomorrow!"

Sayori and I put each other's poems in our bags, grab them and begin our walk home. Once again, it is another awkward walk home… Sayori's trying to speak to me and I am just answering awkwardly. This isn't going to work. I need to come clean. I need to tell her how I feel by the end of the year. I can't keep going on like this around Sayori. As soon as I arrive home, I hang Sayori's poem in my room while listening to Monika's song.

Chapter 33:

Well...today is it. The final day of school, and the literature club, is here. I wake up slowly and stand up once I have the strength to do so. I hop in the shower, eat, pack up my bag, brush my teeth and get changed into my uniform. As soon as I am fully ready for school, I exit my house.

John: "Sigh…"

"Today is the day."

"I have to tell Sayori how I feel…"

"It doesn't have to be now..."

"But before I say goodbye to her…"

"I have to come clean."

I walk to the edge of Sayori's property and wait for her to emerge from her house. Within a few minutes, Sayori appears. She closes the door to her house, locks it and runs over to me in a cheery manner and we begin our walk to school.

Sayori: "Good morning John~"

"Well…"

"Today's the last day!"

"Are you excited?"

John: "I'm a little excited…"

"I am happy to be done with school for the summer…"

"But part of me will miss the literature club."

Sayori: "I don't disagree."

"I had plenty of fun at the club this year."

"Being vice president is a blast!"

"I hope Monika picks me again next year!"

John: "I can't see why she shouldn't."

"...other than that you can be clutsy!"

Sayori: "Heyyyy!"

"Don't be a meanie!"

"I tried my best this year you know."

John: "I'm only kidding."

"And I know you have."

Sayori: "I'm also glad that I got closer to Yuri, Natsuki, Monika…"

"And of course, you."

John: "I am too."

"Sometimes, it reminds me of when we were little."

Sayori: "Yeah."

"Those were good times."

"But who's to say we can't have more good times in the future to come!"

John: "You have a good point there…"

"So…"

Sayori: "So?"

John: "Do you currently have any plans for the summer?"

Sayori: "Not exactly…"

"However, I do plan on going to the beach once or twice…"

"And the waterpark too!"

"Maybe we can go to the amusement park?"

"We used to go there all the time!"

John: "Yeah…"

"It's been a minute since we have gone there."

"You know what?"

"You can count on it!"

"We should definitely go."

Sayori: "Yaaay~"

John: "It'll be fun."

Sayori: "Yeah…"

"Oh wait!"

"I almost forgot!"

"I am trying to organize a picnic this weekend with all of the club members."

"You should come."

John: "Sounds like a plan."

Sayori: "Ehehe~"

"I'm excited for this summer."

"Lots of adventures await me~"

John: "Haha."

We are now at the school. We enter and walk together until we are forced to split at a corridor for our classes.

Sayori: "I'll be going this way now."

John: "I have to go the other way now…"

Sayori: "See you at the club John~!"

John: "Later, Sayori."

We split and walk to our respective classes. I sit at my desk and reflect on our conversation on the way to school. I'm glad I didn't spill the beans this morning. It would have messed with the vibe of the rest of the day. I'll have my chance to tell her later. Besides...now I have things to look forward to this summer.

Time passes… It is now time for the final lunch period of this year. I buy myself and Yuri cups of tea. I walk out to the courtyard. As usual, Yuri is there, except this time, she isn't reading a book. Her eyes are closed and her head is laying back. Is she sleeping? No...I think she is just admiring the clear sky and the gentle breeze that brushes us. Once I'm within 6 feet of her, Yuri opens her eyes and her gaze meets mine.

Yuri: "O-Oh...it's you."

"Hi John."

I sit down next to Yuri.

John: "Hey Yuri."

Yuri: "Is your day going okay?"

John: "So far, so good."

"How's yours?"

Yuri: "I-It's going okay I guess…"

"I'm looking forward to the school day ending…"

"B-But not the club."

John: "I get what you mean."

"It was a good year…"

"But keep in mind that we are all definitely coming back next year."

Yuri: "I-I guess that's true…"

John: "Also, did Sayori mention anything about a picnic to you?"

Yuri: "S-She did text me this m-morning…"

"Maybe I should read it…"

Yuri pulls out her phone and opens the text Sayori texted her. She pauses for a moment to read it. She sends a text back and looks up when she's done.

Yuri: "Okay."

"She wants us all to hangout at the p-park this weekend…"

"Sayori wants us to bring food…"

"S-She also says she's going to bring a cake to celebrate this year's success."

"T-That's a sweet thing for her to do."

"I-I need to repay Sayori's kindness to me one day."

"John…"

"I-I didn't have many friends growing up…"

"You should appreciate that you have a close friend like Sayori…"

"S-She and I started talking a little last year…"

"Sayori was one of the first people to show me kindness…"

John: "She is a great person."

"And yes, I do appreciate her."

"And I will continue to."

Yuri: "T-That's great…"

"B-But I also want to thank you...for everything.."

"W-Without you…"

"I don't think I...c-could have handled this year…"

"Despite some...errors…"

"Y-You have decided to never abandon me…"

"T-That makes me truly happy.."

"You are a true friend John…"

"And my...best friend.."

John: "That means a lot Yuri."

"Thank you."

"But…"

Yuri: "...?"

John: "It doesn't have to end here."

"At all."

"If you are around in the summer, we can definitely hang out."

"Whether it's going to the beach…"

"A pool.."

"Walking around the park…"

"Or simply coming over to my house."

"I want to get together with you."

Yuri: "R-Really?"

John: "Really."

Yuri blushes and smiles.

Yuri: "T-Thanks John…"

"You really know how to make me happy."

John: "No problem!"

I open my lunch bag. And set the tea down on the ground.

Yuri: "I-Is one of those meant for me..?"

John: "I almost forgot!"

"Yes, go ahead, take the one you want."

"Hopefully it isn't cold."

Yuri takes a sip of the tea.

Yuri: "Ahhhh…"

"T-The temperature is just right…"

"T-Thank you John…!"

John: "Of course!"

Yuri also opens up her lunch bag. She pulls out a couple eggrolls and begins eating them with her tea. I have a simple sandwich I made the night before. I look up at the sky once I am done.

John: "The sky is really peaceful today…"

Yuri: "Indeed…"

"I hope most of the summer is like this…"

John: "Who knows?"

"It would be nice if it stayed like this."

Yuri: "Yeah…"

Yuri and I take in the atmosphere for the rest of the lunch period. Soon enough, the bell rings and it's time for us to go back to classes.

Yuri: "W-Well John…"

"Thanks for sitting with me at lunch this year…"

John: "Of course."

"I had fun reading and talking with you during the day."

"Would you want to do this again next year?"

Yuri smiles.

Yuri: "T-That would be great…!"

Yuri takes a step back.

Yuri: "W-Well…"

"I'll see you at the club later…"

John: "See you later!"

Yuri waves as she goes on her own way, I wave back.

John: "Sigh…"

"I still have the second half of the day to get through…"

"I can do it."

"Then I'll get to see everyone at the club.."

I begin my long and desperate walk to my next class. Once I arrive I sit at my desk and listen to my teacher give his lesson. I think about what could happen later. I also think about Sayori. I know I have to confess to her sometime later...I need to move forward and past this…

Time passes by and the school day finally ends. It is now time for the last literature club meeting of the year. I enter the room and look around. Everyone is here. There is a large THANK YOU sign towards the windows. I see a tray of cupcakes on one of the desks.

Monika: "Welcome John…"

"To the last literature club meeting of the year!"

"Today, we are just going to relax, socialize, eat cupcakes and drink tea!"

"Please enjoy."

"I want to thank you for a great year!"

"Next year will be even better!"

I smile.

John: "Thank you Monika…"

"For everything."

Monika smiles back.

Monika: "Of course!"

I will talk to Monika later. I decide to walk over to the tray of cupcakes and grab a cupcake. Natsuki, who is standing near them, looks at me with encouragement.

Natsuki: "Go on, dummy."

"Take one."

"I need feedback on a new recipe I tried for the cupcakes."

John: "Okay then."

"I'll try one."

I pick up one of the cupcakes. The icing's design looks like it's supposed to be a pencil. I take a bite. The texture is lighter than her previous method. But tastes good overall, maybe a little better than her last recipe.

John: "Natsuki…"

"This tastes great."

"Maybe even better than your previous recipe."

Natsuki: "I knew they were better!"

Natsuki smiles smugly.

Natsuki: "I was easier on some of the ingredients."

"Like the flower and eggs."

John: "Well…"

"It paid off."

I ate the remainder of the cupcake.

Natsuki: "I made these to celebrate."

"Have a couple more!"

"Just make sure there's enough for everyone, dork.."

John: "Hehe.."

"I will."

I take 2 more cupcakes and set them on the side of the tray.

John: "Do you plan on going to the picnic this weekend?"

Natsuki: "Sayori was talking about it with me during Algebra."

"I will go."

John: "Good!"

"I didn't know Sayori is a good planner of anything."

Natsuki: "Hehe.."

"It's hard to not be when you don't shut up about it."

John: "Haha."

"I didn't even know you and Sayori shared any classes."

Natsuki: "Yeah...we share Algebra.."

"That's how I actually started talking to her."

"At the beginning of this school year, we began to talk."

"I told her about how I like to read manga."

"Unlike my other friends, she didn't judge me…"

"But instead encouraged me to join the literature club…"

"And so I did."

John: "Interesting.."

"Sayori can really be a great friend.."

"She's always so kind."

Natsuki: "She is.."

"Sometimes I worry though.."

"I feel she worries too much about others and not enough about herself.."

"Take care of her for me..will you?"

I blush a little.

John: "I will."

I begin eating a cupcake and speak when I am finished.

"So…"

"Do you have any plans for the summer?"

Natsuki is deep in thought over my question.

Natsuki: "Hmmm…"

"Not much that I can think of.."

"Maybe I'll just hang out with friends.."

"Or read more manga."

"I bet I'll have other plans.."

"But for right now, that's it i guess.."

John: "Well.."

"I also plan on reading a lot of manga this summer."

"How about we read some together...sometimes?"

Natsuki: "Hmmm…"

"Even though you read slow…"

"I like your company...sometimes."

"Sure."

John: "Great!"

I eat the last cupcake. Monika walks over to Natsuki.

Monika: "Do you mind if I use your help on something Natsuki.

Natsuki: "Sure."

Natsuki gives me one last glare before going off to help Monika. Monika walks out to the hallway with her and Sayori. I wonder what they are doing. Yuri is sitting at a desk, staring off into the window.

John: "Hey Yuri."

I break her spell. She turns and looks at me.

Yuri: "H-Hey John.."

John: "Were the rest of your classes okay?"

Yuri: "Yeah.."

"I-I'm more happy they are over though…"

John: "I feel you."

Yuri: "I find it kind of w-wild that I will be a senior come September.."

"Next year...I'll have to look at colleges…."

"And figure out what I want to do with my life…"

John: "I guarantee you that no matter what you do, you will be just fine."

Yuri: "R-Really?"

John: "Of course!"

"You're one of the smartest people I know."

Yuri: "O-Oh John.."

"Sometimes I feel you have too much faith in me.."

John: "Not at all!"

Yuri giggles.

Yuri: "I-I think the picnic will be great this weekend…"

John: "I agree."

Yuri turns around to look at the room.

Yuri: "W-Where did everyone go?"

John: "If I'm going to be honest.."

"I'm not sure."

Yuri: "Hmmmm…"

Monika, Sayori and Natsuki return to the club room, laughing.

John: "Where did you guys go?"

Monika: "Ah.."

"Haha."

"It's a funny story."

"So I heard someone faintly yelling for help."

"I exited the club room and heard the noise coming from a locker."

"A first year was locked in a locker."

"I got Natsuki and Sayori to help me free him."

"It was funny because you didn't really expect something like that, you know?"

John: "I guess…"

"I would have been caught off guard."

Monika: "Haha."

The group disperses within the club room. I grab some tea and then return to Monika.

John: "Sooo…"

"Are you planning on going to the picnic this weekend?"

Monika: "Yes!"

"Sayori told me about it earlier."

"It should be a lot of fun!"

John: "Haha."

"Yeah…"

"So…"

"Do you have any plans for the summer?"

Monika: "Hmm.."

"Well…"

"I do plan on staying active this summer."

"I want to run, play tennis and bike a lot."

"I also plan on going to the beach quite a bit this summer."

John: "That's great."

Monika: "Mhm!"

"We need to hangout this summer!"

"You can play tennis with me or we can go to the beach!"

John: "That sounds like fun."

"Count me in!"

Monika: "Great!"

I take a sip of my tea.

John: "Are you sad that the club is ending today?"

Monika: "I am a little sad."

"However.."

"I also find it comforting that everyone enjoyed the club enough to want to come back next year."

"We will also have new members."

"I think next year will be even better!"

John: "That's what I like to hear."

Monika looks at her phone, her face changes to a smile.

Monika: "Okay everyone!"

"I hate to say it…"

"But our time is up!"

"Thank you all for making the club a special place this year."

"Have a great summer!"

Natsuki: "Well John…"

"I'll see you later!"

John: "Bye Natsuki."

Yuri: "S-See you soon John."

John: "Bye Yuri."

Monika: "See you around John."

John: "Bye Monika."

In what feels like a blink of an eye, everyone says goodbye to each other, takes down the banner, puts everything away and leaves. It is now just Sayori and I left in the club room.

Sayori: "Ready to go?"

John: "Yup!"

As I am exiting the club room, I look back in the room one more time. It looks desolate with the lights off. I know it'll bustle with life next year.

John: "'Til next year…"

I turn around and walk with Sayori out of the room, out of the corridor and last, out of our school. A familiar thought is looming over me. I have to tell Sayori how I feel...fuck. How do I do it? The entire walk we walk home in silence taking in the atmosphere of the early summer. At this point, we reach Sayori's house. I walk her up to her porch.

Sayori: "Well…"

"I'll see you this weekend."

Sayori opens and closes her door...on my foot.

John: "Sayori…"

"Wait…"

Sayori reopens the door.

Sayori: "What's up, John?"

John: "Sayori…"

"For a long time…"

"I haven't been entirely truthful with you."

Sayori walks out of her house and closes it behind her.

Sayori: "W-What do you mean…?"

John: "Sayori…"

I take a deep breath and then continue.

John: "For the longest time…"

"I've been in love with you."

"You know how to make anyone happy."

"You are such a kind, caring person."

"Throughout my life, you have been constantly looking out for me."

"I want to do the same with you...and make you happy."

"So what I'm asking is…"

"Will you let me make you happy?"

Sayori's face turns bright red. I see tears begin streaming down her face. However, they aren't sad tears.

Sayori: "Oh John…"

"I've loved you for years…"

"You are the light in my world."

"I never wanted a boyfriend…"

"Because I wanted you."

"So...my answer is…"

"Yes!"

Sayori and I lean in...and kiss. It feels so amazing to be kissed by someone I've loved for a long time. After a bit, we pull away.

John: "So…"

Sayori: "So?"

John: "You free tomorrow?"

Sayori: "I sure am~"

John: "Want to go out tomorrow?"

Sayori: "Yes~!"

John: "See you tomorrow then!"

Sayori: "Bye John!"

Sayori re-enters her house and closes the door. As I walk home, I smile. I succeeded. Sayori and I will be happy together for many years to come. I also plan on maintaining and strengthening my friendships with Yuri, Natsuki and Monika. I go on my date with Sayori the next day, it turns out to be successful. I go to the picnic and have fun that weekend. Throughout the summer, I have many adventures with my now girlfriend and the others. The following school year, Monika predicted the club correctly. Everyone returned and we have many new members. Our club member count is 15 and we all make new friends. However, I'll never forget my sophomore year of high school. It changed my life from a shut in to a guy with friends and an awesome girlfriend. I made memories I will never forget!

Epilogue

The credits of the game roll. The songs, Your Reality and The Good Ending are playing as I see some flashbacks of the characters as well as pictures of the future such as the picnic, hanging out with the girls in the summer, going on dates with Sayori and the following school year. After the credits finish, I am met with this letter from Monika;

Dear John,

We had a blast with you in the club! You made me and everyone else happy while you are here. You are welcome to return and play with us anytime! We will be waiting.

Until next time,

Monika

After the letter fades, there's a thank you message from Team Salvato. After I feel like I "transported" back into reality, I close Doki Doki Literature Club and my computer. I open up my window, look outside and take a deep breath in...and out.

John: "Ahhh…"

"That was a fun game."

"What a great time it's been…"

"I enjoyed it."

"Hopefully I'll get lucky one day like I did in the game."