Chapter 33

Jack

A few days later

Cooking sunnyside up eggs, over easy, with bacon, Jack glanced over as Natsuki walked into the kitchen, still in her sleepwear. Rubbing her eyes, she looked to see what he was making.

"Mornin'." Jack greeted her.

"Morning." She yawned. "Looks good."

"Thanks." Jack said as he focused on finishing up. "I already made your lunch as well."

"Huh?"

Jack pointed to the counter behind him with the spatula. Walking over, Natsuki saw two home made bentos. One labeled "Natsuki" and the other labeled "Sayori".

"What's this for?" Natsuki asked, turning to Jack once again.

"School begins today, don't it?" Jack said, finishing breakfast and putting it on three plates.

"I guess..?"

Just as he finished preparing the dishes, the door opened as Sayori let herself in, wearing her school uniform.

"Hiya." She said with her usual bright smile.

"Hey." Jack greeted. Gesturing to the chair, Sayori sat down, followed by Natsuki then Jack. Together, the three ate.

Once done, Jack washed and dried the dishes before putting them away.

"School begins..." Natsuki said with a sigh. "Ugh..."

"You might wanna change, Nats." Jack told her.

"Yeah." She got to her feet and headed back to her room, leaving Sayori and Jack alone.

"So..." Sayori said softly. "School."

She suddenly got a strange look on her face.

"What's up?" Jack asked her.

"It's just." She let out a slow breath as she looked down at her belly. "I have a feeling people will make fun of me."

Jack approached Sayori, gently taking her hands into his.

"Hey." Jack said softly as he stared into her light blue eyes. "It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, Sayori. Don't be ashamed." Jack placed a hand on her stomach. "No matter who says what, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter. All that matters is how you feel about it."

Sayori gave a tiny smile.

"People may say some really messed up shit, but remember, me, Natsuki, Yuri and Monika will be here for you." Jack told her. "Once this baby comes, their words, opinions and insults won't mean shit."

Sayori nodded as she placed a hand over Jack's.

"You always know what to say, huh?"

Natsuki emerged from the hallway in her school uniform.

"Alright." She took a deep breath. "Let's go."

Jack and Sayori shared a quick kiss before she headed for the door. Natsuki also planted a kiss on his lips just before the two girls left for school.

Yuri

Making it to school, Yuri looked at her schedule.

"Room 104." She said softly.

She, along with Sayori and Natsuki, were third years now. With Monika and Jack having graduated, the Literature Club had to disband due to lack of members. That was, unless, they could find at least two replacements.

Sayori would be the new president, since she was vice president last year. However, it wouldn't feel the same without Monika and Jack. maybe-

Yuri shook her head. She was getting distracted. Right now, she needed to get to class.

A few hours later

Sitting in class, doing her work, the lunch bell suddenly rang. Collecting her things, she was surprised to feel her phone vibrate with a text from Jack.

"Come outside. Got a surprise 4 u."

Swinging her bag over her shoulder, Yuri decided to do as told and made her way to the school entrance. Heading outside, she stopped in her tracks when she saw Jack leaning against a brand new, dark purple, motorcycle, a black helmet under his arm.

"What's this?" Yuri asked as she approached.

Jack smirked as he took a step to the side.

"My ride." Jack stated. "Wanna head somewhere for lunch?"

Yuri paused as Jack retrieved a second helmet. Handing it to Yuri, she took it and looked it over.

It was a dark purple helmet, matching the color of the motorcycle, as well as her hair.

"Where'd you have in mind?"

A few minutes later

Sitting behind Jack on his bike, arms wrapped around him, Yuri couldn't help but smile as the two rode to a park that was a couple minutes drive. Feeling the wind blow through her clothes and hair, Yuri had no idea how much fun a motorcycle was.

"When did you buy this?" Yuri asked as the two came to a stop at a red light.

"Couple days ago." Jack replied. "You like it?"

"I love it." Yuri replied. "But I can't help but feel a bit guilty."

"Whaddya mean?"

"What about Natsuki and Sayori?" Yuri asked.

"I made some plans." Jack replied. "Don't worry about it. Just enjoy yourself."

"What about Monika?"

"Well, uh, she and I spend a bit of time outside of school." Jack replied. "When she isn't studying for college exams."

"What is it she's striving for again?"

"Prosecutor or lawyer." Jack answered.

The light turned green and Jack continued driving to the park.

"And you?" Yuri asked. "What do you want to do?"

"I'm actually looking into a career as a police officer." Jack answered.

"An officer?" Yuri repeated. "Huh. The role does sorta suit you."

Falling silent, the two arrived at the park. It was desolate, without anyone in sight. Of course, that would be expected. Everyone is still in school right now.

Heading over to a bench, the two sat down and pulled out their lunches. Yuri's was homemade, and was clearly done herself. Rice, mini hot dogs, some veggies, and a cup of soup.

Jack had took out his lunch, showing roughly the same as Yuri's, veggies and rice, but instead of hot dogs he made himself some meatballs.

Eating, the two didn't really say much as they just enjoyed their time together.

About halfway through their meals, Jack suddenly spoke.

"You still got that book?" He asked. "The, uh, 'Portrait of Markov'?"

"Yeah. You wanna finish reading it together?" Yuri asked.

"If you don't mind." Jack said. "Maybe some time after school or something?"

"I'd like that."

Finishing their food, Jack took Yuri back to school. Giving each other a quick wave, Jack began the drive home.

Turning into the driveway, Jack took off his helmet and went inside. Placing the helmet next to the bowl on the counter, Jack tossed his keys into the bowl before heading into the livingroom.

Without much to do, Jack decided to begin studying.

End of chapter 33