Doki Doki Literature Club!: Normal Mode (Part 3)

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 3

Chapter 11:

Almost a week passes by. It is now Thursday. So far this week has been rather average. Everyone seemed happy and satisfied. I got to walk to and from school with Sayori, chat with Monika, read with Yuri during lunch and read with Natsuki during the club. Right now, I am on my way to hang out with Yuri during our lunch time. I have 2 cups of oolong tea in my hands, one for me, and one for Yuri. I walk out into the small courtyard to see Yuri sitting under the tree as per usual. I approach her.

John: "Hi there Yuri!"

"How are you doing today?"

Yuri: "U-Uhh hi John..!"

"I'm doing okay…"

John: "This is for you."

I sit next to Yuri and hand her a cup of tea.

Yuri: "T-Thanks John."

John: "No problem."

"Say…"

"I think we can finally finish The Portrait of Markov today."

Yuri: "I agree."

"W-We are close to the end."

"Let's begin, shall we?"

John: "I'm all ready."

Yuri and I assume the normal reading position and begin to polish off the story. The story ends off in a very sad manner. The girl ends up in a mental asylum for the rest of her life. Her trust issues, physical and mental abuse has caused her to have an unknown and incurable mental illness. It is sad because at the beginning of the story, she was escaping from a human experiment camp. This poor girl has never had it easy. I can't say that I wouldn't have acted differently in this situation. Despite the book being very grim, it was entertaining and it was fun to read with Yuri. I will definitely keep this book on my shelf for years to come, especially since it was something Yuri got for me. Yuri and I close the book once we finish the entire book.

John: "Wow…"

"Just wow…"

"I really enjoyed the book Yuri!"

Yuri: "I-I'm glad you did, John."

The bell rings. Shoot. I guess the ending of the book took longer than I thought it would.

John: "We can discuss the book next lunch?"

Yuri: "Sure thing."

"S-See you later."

John: "Yup!"

I get up, wave to Yuri and walk back into the school to attend my next class. Before I know it, the school day ends and it is time for the literature club again. I enter the room to find that I am the last one here.

Monika: "Hey John!"

John: "Sorry for being late!"

Monika: "Oh no, you're not late."

Monika: "You can get started with Natsuki if you'd like~!"

Monika winks at me. That was a little strange. The ironic part is that I want to spend a little time with her. Oh well. I walk over to Natsuki.

John: "Hey Natsuki!"

"Ready to get started?"

"I think I can catch up to where the manga is by the end of today!"

Natsuki: "Ok, let's begin then."

Is it just me or is Natsuki a lot more calm around me? Maybe because she is starting to get to know me better? Well, I am happier she is this way now. I give Natsuki the mangas I read last night and she retrieves the last three volumes. We sit on the floor and begin to read. The time goes by fast. We sit in silence the entire time, focused on what we are reading. Even though Parfait Girls is nowhere near as complex as The Portrait of Markov, it is interesting in its own way. It is more light hearted and fun. Just before Monika begins to speak, we finish.

Monika: "See you all tomorrow!"

John: "Wow…"

"That was much better than I thought it would be!"
"I should give you more credit on your tastes!"

Natsuki: "You know it!"

"I have the best manga taste out of everyone!"

I laugh.

John: "I'll see you tomorrow."

Natsuki waves as I walk to go get Sayori. Yuri looks like she already left. I'll see her tomorrow.

John: "Ready to go?"

Sayori: "Yes!"

Sayori and I walk out of the school and onwards to our houses. Sayori and I chatted a little about our day. Turns out, she has had a boring day. As I walk her to her house and we part ways, I think about how my own day went. Besides finishing the books with Yuri and Natsuki, today was kind of boring. Not much happened. Like I said on the first day after I joined the club, I bet good fortune will find me!

Chapter 12:

A couple of weeks pass. Nothing unusual has happened. I walked to and home from school with Sayori. I ate lunch with Yuri every school day. During the literature club, I would hang out with Monika and Natsuki. On the weekends, I just watched anime and played video games. It is now the end of October, Halloween in fact. I am currently walking to school with Sayori. She is dressed as a cute cinnamon bun. I am dressed as a knight.

John: "Hey Sayori."

"Ever heard of the movie, The Unholy Assault?"

Sayori: "Ah…"

"I cannot say I have…"

John: "You want to come over to my house to watch it?"

"I heard it's good and scary!"

Sayori looked slightly uneasy.

Sayori: "A-Ahhh…"

"What if I get scared?"

John: "I'll be there Sayori, nothing will happen to you."

Sayori: "Ahhh."

"Okay then!"

John: "I'll start the movie at 8."

Sayori: "I'll be there!"

Sayori and I approach the school. We have to part ways now.

Sayori: "See you my knight in shining armor~!"

I laugh. It is cute hearing her say that.

John: "See you later!"

I go my own way and enter my classroom. Today should be a good one! I wonder if the club will do anything special? Time passes by and it is time for lunch. I enter the courtyard to find Yuri sitting under the tree. She is wearing a bloody wedding dress with a kitchen knife as an accessory. Not going to lie. The wedding dress is tight on the torso. It does not leave left to the imagination. As I approach Yuri, I am holding my nose to make sure I don't get a nosebleed.

John: "Hi Yuri!"

Yuri: "O-Oh, hey John..!"

"I like your costume."

John: "Yours too!"

"Is it from a book you read?"

Yuri: "Why yes actually…"

"I-I am a character named Miranda from a book called The Cemetery's Wife."

John: "That's pretty cool!"

Her costume is great...Really great!

John: "Want me to grab some tea for us?"

Yuri: "S-Sure thing…!"

I quickly get in line for tea in the cafeteria. Thankfully, there is barely a line and I am able to grab the tea and go back to Yuri quickly.

John: "Here you go!"

Yuri takes the tea from me and takes a sip.

Yuri: "T-Thanks...John."

John: "No problem."

I sit next to her under the tree.

John: "At 8 tonight…"

"Sayori and I were going to watch The Unholy Assault tonight."

"Would you like to come by my place and watch it with us?"

Yuri visibly smiles.

Yuri: "I-I've actually been meaning to see that movie…"

"I-I'll be there."

John: "Great!"

Joining the club was the best idea I've ever had! I get to spend a night watching a movie with 2 beautiful girls! Before this, I would just sleep!

Yuri seems happy to be doing something later now. Did she always spend Halloween by herself? Well, since we are friends now, that will change!

Yuri: "J-John…"

"I want to thank you f-for inviting me."

"On Halloween…"

"I normally spend it… b-by myself."

"I a-always hated it."

"B-But since I am now friends with you…"

"I truly do not feel alone anymore."

"I want to thank you."

Those words actually touched me. I feel flattered that I impacted a cute girl in such a way.

John: "Hey don't mention it!"

"We will have lots of fun!"

Yuri: "Yeah."

I begin to start eating my lunch. For the rest of the period we looked up at the sky and enjoyed the atmosphere. Soon enough, the bell rang and it was time to return to class. The day passed on quickly and it is now time for the club again. I enter the club room to see Yuri and Sayori in their respective costumes. Natsuki is dressed up as one of the characters from Parfait Girls...and Monika...is dressed up as a cat. The best part is she is wearing really tight leggings...I love this day!

Monika: "John?"

John: "A-Ahh-"

"Monika!"

"Hi!"

"Happy Halloween!"

Monika: "And to you as well~!"

Good, she didn't notice I was looking at her leggings.

Monika: "Do you like what Yuri and I did with the room?"

I look around in more detail. I see little bats hanging from the ceiling, cutouts of ghosts, pumpkins, cobwebs and spiders. It does look nice.

John: "Yeah."

"You two did a great job! I'm impressed!"

Monika: "Haha! Thank you!"

"Natsuki also made some cupcakes!"

Monika points to Natsuki. I walk over to her.

John: "Natsuki. I love your costume!"

Natsuki: "Don't be having weird thoughts about me!"

John: "I-I'm not!"

"I just think it's a great costume!"

Natsuki: "I-I'm sorry."

"And thanks I guess."

Natsuki points to a tray full of cupcakes that are decorated like halloween monsters. I take one that looks like a black cat and eat it. It tastes very good!

John: "Natsuki…"

"These are very good!"

"Thanks for making these!"

Natsuki: "Have as many as you want, dummy."

I end up eating 4 cup cakes. They really were very delicious! I see Yuri buried in a book. I'll have to speak to her just after the club. I am enjoying the decor and having a chat with Monika and Sayori. Monika is going to a Halloween party later at some popular guy's house. I tell her to have a good time and eat a lot of candy. Sayori then tells Monika about our plans tonight.

Monika: "Ooooo~"

"You're going to watch The Unholy Assault with just Sayori tonight?"

I blush.

John: "Not exa-"

Monika: "Be sure to protect her, okay?"

I look at Sayori and back at Monika.

"John: "I will."

Monika: "You two really are cute together."

Sayori and I both blush.

John: "What are you trying to imply?!"

Monika laughs.

Monika: "Oh nothing~!"

"Have fun tonight!"

Sayori: "We will!"

Monika walks away. Looks like she is trying to make conversation with Yuri now.

Sayori: "Were you trying to say 'Not exactly' before?"

John: "Ummm…"

"I decided to invite Yuri to watch with us as well."

"She usually spends Halloween alone and I-"

I am expecting Sayori to get mad based on her tone before, but instead, she smiles?

Sayori: "Yay!"

"That's great!"

"I get to spend Halloween with more friends~!"

I decide to go along with it.

John: "Haha yeah."

Monika: "Okay everyone! This about wraps up today!"

"Have a happy and safe Halloween!"

I say goodbye to Monika and Natsuki. Natsuki tells me she is going to the party with Monika. I never knew they were close friends. I hope they have fun. I walk over to Yuri.

John: "Still on for 8?"

Yuri: "See you then…"

Sayori: "Ready to go, John?"

John: "Yes."

Sayori and I walk home. I walk her up to her porch.

John: "See you at 8!"

Sayori: "Yup!"

"See you later!"

I walk home, enter my house, and begin to get my house ready for the two girls. I put out some donut holes, chocolates and starbursts in bowls and put them on my family room table. I grab my unopened coke and sprite bottles and leave them on the table in my family room with plastic cups. I grab my copy of The Unholy Assault, place it in my DVD player and check to make sure the movie works. After I test it, I turn off my TV and walk up to my room.

John: "I got time to kill."

"It's 4:15."

"There is this anime I did want to watch."

I turn on my TV and log in to my streaming service. I see the anime I want to watch in my list. I click onto it and begin to watch the show… 3 ½ hours pass by… I see that it is now 7:45. I turn off my TV and walk downstairs. I make sure everything is in order and then I sit down on the couch waiting for Sayori and Yuri to arrive. A little bit later, I hear my door knock. It's 5 minutes before 8. That's probably Sayori. I go to the door and open it. Sayori is still dressed in her costume.

Sayori: "Hello John~!"

John: "Hey Sayori!"

"Ready to get scared?"

Sayori: "U-uhhh...sure?"

I laugh.

John: "C'mon in."

Sayori enters. She walks with me to the couch. The second I sit down, I hear the doorbell ring.

John: "I guess Yuri is here."

"Wait here for a second."

Sayori obliges. I get up and go to my door. I open it to see Yuri standing there, also in her costume. I blush a little. Good.

Yuri: "A-Am I on time…?"

John: "You're good!"

"C'mon in!"

Yuri obeys and follows me into the family room.

Sayori: "Yuriii~!"

"Long time, no see eh?"

Yuri: "H-Hi Sayori."

"You having a good day?"

Sayori: "Yes I am!"

"I'm glad you could make it!"

Yuri blushes a little.

Yuri: "I-I'm happy John invited me…"

"Otherwise…"

"I-I'd be home by myself."

John: "It's good to have you here."

I sit back on the couch next to Sayori. Yuri follows in sitting on my other side. Over a month ago, something like this would never happen. I guess good fortune is finding me!

John: "As you can see…"

"I have chocolates, starbursts and donut holes here for snacks. I have coke and sprite for drinks. If anyone wants tea, just ask!"

Y & S: "Okay!"

As I grab the remote to turn my TV on, I see Yuri going to grab some sprite to drink. I have never seen Yuri drink anything besides tea before. It is interesting to watch because I never expected her to like soda. I turn and look at the remote before Yuri notices my observance. I start the movie and we all become engaged (While eating snacks of course). The movie is better than I remember with a lot of twists, turns and jumpscares. Half of the movie, Sayori is hugging my arm. Yuri is sitting normally, eating chocolates and drinking sprite. With what Yuri reads, I'm not shocked this doesn't phase her. On the other hand, the only things that are keeping Sayori sane is hugging my arm and eating all the donut holes. Once the film ended, it was about 10:30. Sayori was completely out. Yuri stayed awake.

Yuri: "Wow, that was better than I remembered!"

John: "I'm glad you liked the movie."

Yuri looks at the time.

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

"Thank you for having me over."

John: "Anytime Yuri, you are welcome to come over."

I walk Yuri to the door.

John: "Happy Halloween!"

Yuri: "Bye."

After I close the door, I realize that it isn't the best idea to have a girl walk home by herself late on Halloween night. I open the door, close it behind me and run to Yuri.

John: "Wait!"

Yuri turns around.

John: "Let me walk you home!"

Yuri: "I-I live like 15 mi-"

John: "It's fine!"

Yuri: "O-Okay."

We begin our walk to Yuri's house. I hope she doesn't find me weird after this. I just don't want anything to happen to her. On our walk to Yuri's house, we discuss the movie. Soon enough, we reach her house.

Yuri: "T-Thanks for walking me home too."

John: "Hey, no problem."

"See you soon!"

Yuri: "Bye."

Yuri walks into her house and closes the door. I begin my trek home. When I reach and enter my house, I see Sayori still asleep on my couch. She does look cute when she's sleeping. I shake my head. Don't think about that.

John: "Sayori is so tired."

"I guess she can sleep here."

I go into a closet to get a blanket for Sayori. I lay the blanket on top of her.

John: "Goodnight Sayori."

I walk upstairs, turn off the lights and walk up to my room to go to sleep.

Chapter 13:

It is now the middle of November. Today is a Saturday, so I do not have school. I got a text from Sayori this morning saying that she is busy and cannot hang out today. I guess I will spend today by myself. It's already 1 and I have barely anything to do. I sigh.

John: "Guess I should go to the convenience store…"

"I need to pick up some groceries anyway."

I grab my wallet and walk out my door and continue down the street.

John: "Seems like today is going to be one of those days…"

"I guess I'll make the most out of it."

I continue to walk into town. I reach the convenience store.

John: "Hmmm…"

"Let's see…"

"Eggs…"

"Butter…"

"Cheese…"

"And bread."

I walk around the store, gathering the items I need. After I get everything I need, I see a delectable treat in the corner of my eye.

John: "Pockys?"

"I haven't had these in forever!"

As I reach for a box of Pockys, another hand tries to grab them too. The hand looks like it is a woman's. We both pull our hands back and I look at her.

John: "I'm sorry."

"I didn't know you w-"

I know this girl. Is that...Monika?! She has her hair down. It looks… cute.

Monika: "John?"

"Heyyy~!"

"How are you doing?"

John: "H-Hey."

"I'm not doing bad."

"You here for groceries as well?"

Monika: "Honestly, I'm just here for some Pockys."

"They are my absolute favorites!"

I pick out the box Monika initially reached for.

John: "Here you go!"

"I think your hand was on it first."

Monika: "Thanks John!"

I also grab a box for myself.

Monika: "So…"

"Since you're here."

"Are you free?"

"We haven't talked too much in school."

John: "I am free."

"And yeah."

"It would be good to hangout."

Monika: "Great!"

"I know a cute little cafe we can go to!"

John: "Sure thing!"

Monika and I pay for our items and exit the convenience store.

Monika: "Are you ready to go?"

John: "Yup."

"Let's go."

As we walk to the cafe, Monika talks to me about this book she is reading. It is a book about a boy who lives in Europe during World War I. He has to learn how to survive during a time of turmoil in his country. There are plenty of twists, turns and tragedies. Honestly...Monika may have sold me on this book. The conversation trails off though as we reach the cafe.

Monika: "We are here!"

I read the sign. Eastside Cafe. She is right. This place is small! Monika was right though. This place does look cute.

John: "Haha."

"Yup."

Monika: "Want to go in?"

John: "Definitely."

As Monika and I walk in, I see there are only 4 tables.

John: "This place is really small."

Monika laughs.

Monika: "That's what makes it cute."

"Where would you like to sit?"

I see a table by the window, looking out onto the street. I point to the table.

John: "Let's sit there."

Monika: "Alright!"

Monika and I take our seats. Soon enough, a waitress about a year older than me walks over to us. She takes our orders. Monika wants a dark roast coffee with a croissant. I request a bacon, egg & cheese sandwich on a croissant with orange juice. As she walks away, she leaves us with one remark.

Waitress: "You guys are a cute couple!"

Monika: "Awww~!"

"Thanks!"

My face turns bright red.

John: "U-Uhhhh…!"

Monika begins to laugh.

Monika: "Hahaha!"

"You should see your face!"

John: "I thought you were serious for a second."

Monika: "Haha!"

"Don't worry."

There is an awkward moment between us. I start up a new conversation.

John: "So."

"Do you come here often?"

Monika: "I haven't in a long time actually."

"For some reason when I saw you earlier…"

"I thought about coming here."

"I think their coffee is to die for!"

John: "Haha!"

"I'm barely on this side of town."

"I have never actually been here."

The waitress comes back and gives us our orders. We both tip her handsomely. She thanks us and leaves us to our own devices. Monika takes a sip of her coffee as I bite into my sandwich.

Monika: "Their coffee is better than I remember!"

John: "My sandwich is very good."

Monika: "I'm glad!"

Monika and I finish our food and drinks.

Monika: "Ready to leave?"

John: "Yeah."

"I would totally come back here."

Monika: "Same."

Monika and I thank the waitress again and leave the cafe.

John: "Thanks for inviting me Monika!"

"I enjoyed the cafe and hanging out with you."

Monika: "Haha!"

"No problem!"

"I enjoy your company as well!"

Monika and I begin to walk down the street. After a minute, Monika stops walking.

John: "What's up, Monika."

I see that we are in front of a movie theatre. Monika is looking at a movie banner that says, "Survival of Fate in theatres now." Wait, that's the title of the book Monika told me about!

Monika: "Wow!"
"They made a movie?!"

"I just told you about this book!"

John: "Haha, funny timing!"

I look at Monika.

John: "Do you want to go see it?"

Monika: "Would I?"

"Let's go in!"

John: "Sure thing!"

"My treat."

Monika and I walk up to the box office. I order two tickets and try to pay for them. Monika holds my hand with the cash for a second.

Monika: "You don't have to pay for me!"

John: "It's fine!"

"My treat!"

Monika: "Okay…"

She lets go of my hand.

Monika: "Thank you!"

John: "No problem."

Monika and I walk into the theatre and take our seats. No more than a minute later, the movie starts. Monika and I are instantly engaged with the film. The movie does a great job visualizing and detailing what Monika explained to me about the book. The movie is well executed and conveys realistic feelings and emotions for being stuck in a war torn country. At the end of the movie, we all clapped and exited the theatre. Besides the fact that it was a little long, it was still a great movie.

John: "What did you think of the movie, Monika?"

Monika: "I thought it was a great adaptation of the novel!"

"I was a little shocked because normally film adaptations aren't done that well!"

"What about you?"

John: "I did like the movie."

"Maybe we should read the book sometime?"

Monika: "Haha, definitely!"

Monika looks at the dark sky and then her phone.

Monika: "I should probably get home."

John: "Can I walk you home?"

Monika: "Sure thing!"

I walk Monika home for the same reason I walked Yuri home that one time. I don't want anything to happen to them. As I walk Monika home, she describes the discrepancies between the book and the movie. After 15 minutes, we arrive at Monika's house. Her home is on the exact opposite side of town from mine. Monika and I walk up to her porch.

Monika: "Thanks for walking me home… and for today."

John: "Hey no problem!"

Monika smiles lightly.

Monika: "Say…"

"You want to come in for a bit?"

"I can make some "coffee" for you."

John: "I think I should start heading home, actually."

"Another time."

Monika's small smile disappears.

Monika: "Alright then!"

"See you Monday!"

John: "Thanks for the good day!"

Monika waves to me as I begin my walk home. She then closes her door.

John: "What did she mean by coming into her house for coffee?"

"Did she m-mean…?"

"God I am an idiot."

"Wish I took her up on her offer now…"

"Oh well."

"Otherwise, I did have a great day with Monika."

"The convenience store…"

"The cafe…"

"And the movies…"

"It was just a very enjoyable day."

"I am very glad I am getting along with everyone in the Literature Club."

"Sayori was right that I would make friends."

"I won't think about the opportunity I just missed…"

"I will end today on a good note!"

I enter my house for a fun night of gaming to end the day off.

Chapter 14:

Monika: "How are we doing today John?"

John: "E-Eh..?!"

"Good I guess."

It is now the middle of December, actually a month exactly since I last hung out with Monika. Through Thanksgiving, and early December… up to now, I haven't stopped thinking about turning down Monika's offer for "coffee". Monika never brought it up again. It looks like she hasn't thought about it since. Maybe I should just forget about it.

I look around. Natsuki is reading a new manga by the closet, Yuri has her head buried in a fantasy book and Monika and Sayori are chatting. Who should I spend time with today? Hmmm… I see Yuri and Sayori everyday. Monika seems busy talking to Sayori… I haven't spoken to Natsuki in a while. I walk over to Natsuki. She closes her book and looks at me.

Natsuki: "What do you want, dork?"

John: "H-Hey Natsuki…"

"It's been a while."

Natsuki narrows her eyes at me.

John: "I-I just wanted to see how you are doing."

Natsuki: "I am doing okay I guess."

"You okay?"

John: "Yeah, I am doing fine."

"Is that a new manga you're reading."

Natsuki: "Yes!"

"I am reading it with a friend actually."

"I'm just reading a little by myself right now so I can discuss it with her next time."

John: "Cool!"

"Do you mind if I read some with you?"

Natsuki: "Ahhh-"

"Sure."

I sit on the floor next to Natsuki. She moves the book in between us so we can read the manga together. We continue to read the manga in silence for the entire meeting until we hear Monika standing up.

Monika: "Okay everyone!"

"I think we can call it a day!"

Natsuki: "I guess this wraps that up for today."

Natsuki closes the manga and places it back in the closet. I stand up and walk to Sayori.

John: "Ready to go Sayori?"

Sayori: "Sure thing~!"

Sayori and I say goodbye to everyone and we leave the school. During our walk home, Sayori tugs on my arm to get my attention.

Sayori: "You want to come back to my house instead?"

I don't have any plans today.

John: "Sure, I'm free."

Sayori: "Great~!"

"Let's go!"

Sayori doesn't let go of my arm. As a matter of fact, she squeezes it as she is leading me back to her house. Once we arrive at her house, she lets go of my arm.

Sayori: "I have an idea of what we can do for today!"

John: "What's on your agenda?"

Sayori: "Well…"

"First, we can play games."

"Then order some food…"

"And watch a movie."

"How does that sound?"

John: "Sounds great."

Sayori: "Eeeee~"

We both enter Sayori's house. She closes the door behind us and leads me up to her room.

John: "Hey, I'm impressed."

Sayori: "About what?"

John: "Your room…"

"I-It's not a mess!"

Sayori: "Hey!"

"Don't be a meanie!"

John: "I meant it as a complement."

I laugh. Sayori joins in.

Sayori: "I know…"

"We all have to grow up at some point."

John: "Unfortunately, that is true."

Sayori: "However…"

Sayori pulls out her PS2, just like last time.

Sayori: "It doesn't hurt to go down memory lane!"

John: "Wow we haven't played this in a couple of months."

Sayori: "Haha yeah."
"This time, we will play 007 Nightfire."

John: "Wow, I remember we used to play that game often!"

"Go ahead, put it in."

Sayori plugs the console into her small TV and inserts the disc. We are met with a nostalgic startup sound. The game is now at its title screen.

Sayori: "Co-op or versus?"

John: "Let's do co-op!"

"Let's try and beat the game together!"

Sayori: "Alright!"

Sayori and I spend the next 3 hours slaying James Bond's enemies and, at the end, killing the final boss. This truly is a great trip down memory lane.

Sayori: "Wow."

"That was better than I remember!"

John: "Same!"

"Such good memories!"

Sayori: "Yeah…"

"What would you like for dinner?"

"My treat!"

I decide to pick Sayori's favorite food. She's a simple girl.

John: "Pizza?"

Sayori: "I'm always in the mood for pizza."

"I'll order it right now~"

Sayori walks out of her room for a moment to order a pie for delivery. She then reenters her room.

Sayori: "It'll be on its way soon."

John: "Sooo…"

"How have you been lately?"

Sayori is silent for a moment, I'm guessing to collect her thoughts.

Sayori: "I've been doing okay I guess."

"School is good…"

"The club is going great…"

"What's there to complain about, you know?"

Sayori gives out a fake chuckle.

Sayori: "One thing I am glad about though…"

"Is that throughout all of these years…"

"I never lost you as a friend."

"That makes me happy."

John: "I feel the same way."

"I am glad that I joined your club."

"I got to make some new friends..."

"But I also am able to spend more time with you."

"For a while, you were oversleeping and I would barely see you throughout my day."

Sayori: "Hehe~"

"Sorry! I had a bad sleeping schedule."

"...and still somewhat do…"

"But I am getting better!"

I laugh.

John: "Good!"

"Good…"

Suddenly we hear the doorbell ring. That was some fast pizza.

Sayori: "I'll get it!"

Sayori grabs the money on her dresser and stumbles down the stairs to pat the delivery guy. I walk downstairs after I hear the door close. I walk into Sayori's kitchen. She places the box on the table and opens it.

Sayori: "Pizza's here~!"

John: "Great, let's eat then!"

Sayori takes her seat. I sit across from her. I only eat 2 slices. She eats 4!

John: "Wow, you really are always hungry!"

Sayori: "Ehehe~!"

"I guess I am!"

John: "So what did you have in store for a movie?"

Sayori: "It's something we haven't watched in years."

Sayori stands up, retrieves a DVD box and shows me the cover. It's an old action movie based on a show we used to watch. We both used to watch the show together on Saturday mornings.

John: "Wow! What a throwback!"

Sayori: "I know. I found it the other day."

"I figure we could watch it again after all these years."

John: "Sure!"

I take a seat on Sayori's couch as she inserts the disc into the DVD player. Once the movie is set up and starting she sits next to me on the couch. As we watch the movie we laugh at the funny parts and smile at the action packed parts. This day has turned into a nostalgia trip. I have a little feeling of sadness when the movie ends. Back to the present. During the movie, I felt, for a brief moment, myself as a 7 year old watching the show with Sayori.

John: "Thanks for playing that movie Sayori!"

"It's a great movie."

Sayori: "You're welcome!"

"Sucks the show ended years ago."

John: "Yeah…"

"We should rewatch it at some point!"

Sayori: "Definitely!"

I look at the time, it is really late.

John: "I should be going."

"It's really late out."

Sayori: "Okay…"

Sayori has a sad smile as she is leading me to the front door. She opens the door for me.

John: "Thanks for the great day!"

Sayori: "No problem!"

"Good night~!"

I walk out the door, she closes it.

John: "What a day!"

"I had lots of fun with Sayori today!"

"Hope there's many like this in the future!"

I reach my house and re-enter it.

Chapter 15:

Today is December 22nd…the last day of school before winter break. Time is flying fast. I have grown very used to all of my new friends and the club itself. I understand how Natsuki feels about the club because that is how I feel about it myself. Since the last time I went to Sayori's house, I haven't done too much. On weekdays, I would go to school, then club, and walk home. On the weekend, I would just play video games or watch anime.

I sigh as I enter the club room.

Monika: "Hello John!"

"Are you excited for Christmas break?"

I look around.

John: "Y-Yeah."

Similarly to Halloween, the club room was decorated for Christmas. There was a small Christmas tree on the teacher's desk. Candy canes were dangling from the ceiling the frame of the classroom doors, windows and the closet door was surrounded by garland and multicolored lights. I look back at Monika to realize she is dressing in a santa outfit.

John: "Did you do all of this?"

"It's amazing!"

Monika: "Haha."

"Thanks but…"

"I actually didn't decorate for this holiday."

Monika points at Yuri. She has her head buried in the classic novel, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

John: "Wow!"

"She did an excellent job!"

Monika: "I agree."

"Go tell her that."

"I know you want to~"

"And I also know she's dying to hear it from you~"

My face burns up with red.

John: "W-What do you mean?!"

Monika: "Haha, don't worry!"

"I'm kidding!"

"You should still tell her though!"

I apprehensively turn towards Yuri and walk over to her.

John: "Hi Yuri."

Yuri looks up from her book.

Yuri: "H-Hey John.."

John: "I've been told that it was you who decorated this room."

Yuri: "I-Is it bad?"

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

John: "Nono!"

"Just the opposite."

"I think you did an excellent job!"

Yuri: "O-Oh…?"

"Really?"

John: "Really."

Yuri: "That's good to hear."

"Thank you."

John: "Mhm.."

"I noticed the book you are reading."

"This is a great book."

Yuri: "Y-Yeah.."

"This is a Christmas classic."

"Do you w-want to read it with me?"

John: "Sure."

I pull up a seat and sit next to Yuri. At this point, she is at the part where Scrooge is being mocked by the Ghost of Christmas Present. We both sit in silence for most of the meeting. We either break the silence by laughing or reminiscing a certain part of the book we like. Soon enough, Monika stands up and gives her formal command.

Monika: "Okay everyone!"

"We can call it a day."

"Have a Merry Christmas!"

"And a Happy New Year!"

I stand up from my seat. Yuri grabs my arm.

Yuri: "W-Wait…"

John: "Yeah?"

Yuri: "T-There's the winter festival in town I attend annually."

"It's happening tomorrow."

"W-Would you…"

"...like to go with me?"

John: "It's a date!"
"-Ahhh…"

Yuri's face turns red.

John: "Not like that!"

"It's just a saying."

Yuri's face turns back to her normal skin tone.

Yuri: "O-Okay…"

"See you then."

John: "Bye."

I walk up to Natsuki and Monika.

John: "Have a great Christmas and New Years!"

Natsuki: "Thanks John…"

"You as well."

Monika: "Thank you John."

"Stay safe!"

Sayori: "Ready to go, John?"

John: "Yup!"

As Sayori and I exit the school and walk home, I can't stop thinking about how tomorrow with Yuri will play out. Hopefully this deepens our friendship more, or maybe something can happen…?