When I woke, it was still dark outside but I immediately noticed that I felt terrible. My stomach was doing loops and was making a loud gurgling noise. Looking at Meiji's phone, I saw it was 4:39 in the morning. I tried to calm my stomach by breathing deeply, but it wasn't working. The nausea became pretty overwhelming after a few minutes, so I ran downstairs and to the toilet, where last night's egg sandwich and melon soda were quickly regurgitated. My eyes watered as the contents of my stomach came back up one heave after another until there was nothing left. I coughed and spat out what little remained in my mouth. "Damn…why today?"

"Meiji?!"

Turning towards the source of the concerned voice I saw Meiji's mother standing in the doorway. "Hey Mom…" I smiled weakly at her as I flushed.

"What happened?" she asked. "Are you okay?"

I stood. "Yeah, I guess that egg sandwich last night was bad or something." I walked unsteadily to the sink, splashed my face and rinsed my mouth out with one of the cups.

Meiji's mother walked over and put her forehead to mine. "You do feel a bit warm," she said. She rummaged through a drawer beside the sink and pulled out a digital thermometer which she popped into my mouth. After a little while it beeped and she looked at the temperature. "No fever, but I'm still not comfortable sending you to school. That settles it. No school for you, young man."

"It's just food poisoning," I said.

"That doesn't matter," she said. "You need to rest and let your body heal. If you're feeling better tomorrow you can go."

Meiji wasn't awake yet, so I wasn't sure what his mom was really like, but from her tone I guessed it would be a bad idea to talk back to her more on the matter. Plus, she might get suspicious if I wanted to go to school. "Heh, sweet. No school."

She frowned. "This isn't an excuse to slack off like that. I fully expect you to get plenty of rest today. Go back to bed now. I'll put on some chicken broth and leave it on low before I leave. Make sure you at least try and eat some of it please? And if you can, try eating something like ramen. I'll try and be home early."

"I promise."

She gently ushered me out of the bathroom and upstairs. "Stay here for a bit." She rushed back downstairs and came back up with a glass full of a pale green liquid. I took a sip and, to my amusement, it was ginger ale. My own mother used that to help whenever I got food poisoning, or the flu as we called it. It helped a bit. "Now go to sleep, sweetie." She kissed my forehead and gently pushed me down, tucking me in. I lay back down and turned off the alarm before going back to sleep.

When I next woke sunlight was coming in from the window. Birds were chirping outside and the window was open. Meiji's mom must have opened it after I fell asleep. Looking at the clock I saw it was 7:12 in the morning. It's about time you woke up! Meiji said. We've got to get to school.

"No, not today," I said, slowly sitting up and clutching my stomach. "Oh crap…I'm going to be sick again."

Again? What do…oh wow, you're right. We do feel sick.

Once again, I ran down the stairs, barely making it before a little bit more of last night's small dinner came right back up. "Damn it, why did it have to be today of all days?" I groaned as I washed my mouth out with water. "And if today's the start of the game, it's not off to the same start."

Couldn't that be a good thing? Changing things, I mean?

"I don't know," I replied as I went to the kitchen and grabbed a mug. Meiji's mother had, as promised, put some broth in a small pan and had left it on low. I was a bit surprised she hadn't made porridge, but dismissed it as irrelevant. I began putting some in the mug. "There're too many variables here. Today was the day Sayori tricks you into joining her club. She was going to bribe you with cupcakes." I sat down and let the broth's soothing aroma calm me down.

On the one hand, Meiji's love of sweets made his mouth water a bit, but the thought was immediately dismissed by the growling of our upset stomach. There's nothing we can do about it, right?

"We're sick. We can't do anything about it."

At that moment, the doorbell rang. I heard Sayori's muffled voice call out, "Meiji? Are you in there? Hurry up or we'll be late!"

On top of everything, I suddenly began coming down with a headache. I stood and slowly walked over to the door. Opening it I peeked out. Sayori stood there expectantly, bag in hand and jogging in place like she was ready to run at a moments notice. "Hey Sayori, sorry but I can't go today. I have a nasty case of food poisoning. Mom told me to stay home today."

Her face turned to one of instant worry. "What? Are you okay?"

"I feel terrible, but I'm not contagious. I just need a day to let whatever's inside me pass. I feel guilty for not being able to walk you to school today."

"No no, it's okay! You focus on getting better, alright? I'll stop by when club is over." I could almost see the wheels turning in her head. I wasn't sure what she was planning, but I was sure it was something sneaky.

"I will." I held up the mug of broth. "After this it's off to rest."

"Alright…get better soon, hear me?"

"I will. Take care."

"You too!" She smiled then rushed off down the hill.

You saw she was planning something too, right? Meiji said as I headed back to the kitchen table. What do you think it was?

"Honestly? I've no idea," I said as I sat back down and carefully sipped at the broth. I looked at the counter and saw that a couple of unopened cans were sitting there along with a note and a packet of ramen. I walked over and read IF YOU FINISH THE PAN, PUT THESE IN AS WELL. MOM. "Good to know," I said as I finished the mug. I rinsed it off and placed it next to the pan. "Well, since we have some time, we can finish those specials and the OVA, but then we should come down here for the rest of the day."

Alright, sounds good to me.

I headed back upstairs, turned on my laptop and proceeded to spend the next couple of hours watching the specials and the OVA. When that was done it was around 9:30 in the morning. The little bit of broth I'd had wasn't sitting well so I rushed downstairs and did what needed to be done. After I cleaned up, I turned off my laptop and, grabbing the schoolbag, carried it downstairs to the couch along with a blanket. I got myself situated on the couch and, after grabbing another mug of broth, sat down. "You can sleep if you want, or you can read with me," I said as I pulled out the first issue of Parfait Girls and turned to the first page.

This is manga, no way I'm gonna sleep, he said. But if you pull out that other book I'm sleeping.

"Fair enough." I opened the first page and saw color drawings of the girls pre-transformation. They were all wearing identical uniforms, light blue thigh-highs with darker blue skirts, white blouse, black blazer and blue bows around their collars. I read slowly so Meiji could get the plot as well.

It started out as a typical cutesy slice of life. The four girls were all friends who enjoyed a love of cooking and baking. While their tastes in food differed considerably, one thing they could all agree on was that parfaits were the superior dessert and they thoroughly enjoyed making them together. In their last year of high school these four girls left their respective clubs and decided to start the cooking club up again. The volume ended with the four girls looking over their new clubroom, one of the school's auxiliary kitchens. "Oooh, they're good," I said as I put it down and grabbed for the second volume, but the moment I did my stomach growled angrily. "Damn it…" When I got back, I filled up the mug with broth again and sat back down. "Thoughts so far?" I asked Meiji.

I'll be honest, it didn't look like something I'd normally read. I'm more into action and isekai, but this looks interesting so far. Just slice of life is kind of relaxing.

"Agreed. Let's switch to Portrait of Markov."

Ugh, why are you so insistent on reading that book?

"It's a book Yuri enjoys and we need to make friends with all of them. Same with Parfait Girls. It's an important manga to Natsuki."

I don't exactly like the idea, but fine.

I had a somewhat basic idea of the story, but from the start I was hooked. The main character in the book, named Fujiko, was a high school girl who, after the disappearance of her father, finds out that she has a twin sister who lives in a smaller rural town in Hokkaido. The first scene was of her inner thoughts while she took a bullet train from the Sapporo airport to a small town called Yuuna where she is greeted by her younger twin sister named Masae. Even in that first chapter, I imagined Yuri as the protagonist and realized I could easily picture her being like that. Fujiko was worrying the entire train ride there how to best introduce herself to the sister she never knew she had. In contrast, Masae was very upbeat and friendly, acting more as an older sister to her new sibling.

The town they lived in had one school that catered to every grade from elementary to high school, one small library, a few small restaurants, and one grocery store. As she's exploring the town one day, a car driving away from a bunch of police cars ran into a pole near her. An older woman got out and stumbled over to Fujiko, muttering something about a Third Eye before clutching at Fujiko's shirt, leaving a bloody handprint on it. The police officers asked her what the woman said, but Fujiko was too traumatized to speak, only shaking her head. After she calmed down, she said that the woman didn't say anything, other than something about a Third Eye. The police officers let her go at that point.

After the first chapter, I looked at the phone and saw that it was already past noon. "Why don't we take a bath?" I said, closing the book and laying it down on the coffee table.

Agreed. I walked over to the hallway and, with Meiji's help, began to set up the bath. Warm water began filling the tub. My stomach began growling angrily at me again. Sighing, I made my way to the next-door toilet. When I was done, the bath was halfway full. I went and grabbed my phone and Bluetooth boombox. I connected the two, put on some soft Japanese music and lay down in the bath as it continued to fill. When it was full enough, I turned the water off and let the warm water soothe my aching stomach.

Sooo…what's the plan now? Meiji asked after about ten minutes of silence.

I inhaled deeply. "I'm not sure. Right now, I just want to get through today. I'm not sure what's going to happen, and that terrifies me!" I began breathing heavily.

Alright dude, calm down, we can get through this. You've been helping a lot, so let me try and help you.

I smiled. "You're learning. Phew…sorry, I just have no idea how to handle this situation. The entire first day of the game won't happen now because of my foolish mistake and eating that-"

Stop! I jumped a bit. His shout was more audible. I heard him sigh. You didn't do anything wrong. You're helping me reconnect with Sayori and, while I'm not sure I would have done everything you did, you've been acting as much like me as possible.

"Heh, thanks for that. I feel a bit better. Not physically, but I feel a little bit more prepared."

Good. So, what are you thinking about?

"Man, I don't know. I'm wondering if the scene from the first day will go similarly if we go to the club a day or two later. If so, all we're missing is a day, but I don't know if Monika already knows where she is now or not."

What do you mean?

"Here's the thing. On the first day, Monika assigns the club a task, to write poems to share. Since this is a dating game, all the player does is choose twenty random words that can appeal to Sayori, Yuri or Natsuki. The others actually write poems. Monika's poem on the second day hints at her knowledge of the world being nothing more than a game. I don't know if she knew it was a game from the start or if she discovered it between the first and second day."

Wait, only the three? Why wasn't Monika there?

"She doesn't have her own route," I said.

What? Why?

"You'd have to ask the creator. Honestly, it's cruel to her. She deserves happiness just as much as the others."

Ooooh now I see. Meiji's tone took on a knowing one and I felt the smirk.

"Huh?"

Monika's the one you're going after, aren't you?

I sighed. "Not that it's any of your business, but now that I'm here, I'm not going to neglect her. I don't want to neglect any of them. I don't want to see them die!" I hit the side of the tub angrily. "I could barely handle it when they died on the screen…I think I'd break down if I saw it in real life…"

Do you always get like this when you're sick? he asked. His tone was one of concern now.

I chuckled sadly and splashed water on my face. "Not always, but how would you react if you knew what was going to happen in the next couple of days and only had one chance to change things?"

There was some silence on his end. I can't say I understand completely, but I do get why you're nervous. Luckily, you're not alone. I may not know much about this game, but I can try and help however I can. And if what you say is right, we can try and get Monika's help.

"I certainly hope so…"

We just lay there for a half hour in silence, listening to music. When the water got cold, I got out slowly and drained the water. After going to the toilet once again and doing what needed to be done, I walked upstairs and changed into some clean pajamas, I shuffled out to the living room again and lay back down. "I don't know about you, but I'm too tired to read anything. Constantly throwing up is tiring out this body."

I feel it too. Let's sleep.

I turned on the music again and lay down. The couch was incredibly comfortable and I found myself quickly drifting into unconsciousness…

I came to slowly. I hadn't dreamed anything like I normally did whenever I was sick, and that was fine. As I woke up, I felt my stomach growling at me again. Once more I rushed to the toilet, but hardly anything came up. As I was stumbling back, Meiji woke up. Hey, we okay?

"That sandwich really messed me up," I said as I lay back down. "Ugh…this sucks."

I guess we need more rest.

"Yeah…" I yawned and closed my eyes again. My music was still going and it soothed me. I was almost asleep when I heard someone messing with the lock. It unlatched and someone walked in. "Shhh, be quiet," I heard Sayori's unmistakable voice whispering as she entered the house. "He's probably still asleep."

Hey, what's Sayori doing here?

I've no idea. Let's listen.

"Are you sure about this?" another female voice asked, this one a bit deeper and more mature sounding than Sayori's. "He looked exhausted. Do you think it was a good idea to come here?"

"Sorry, I couldn't wait. And besides, he said he wasn't contagious."

"Where do I put these?" A third, more cutesy voice asked in a harsher whisper.

"Kitchen. I'll show you where to put them."

I didn't move as I heard a few pairs of feet softly walk past me. When I was sure no one was around, I slowly opened my eyes…only to find myself staring into the most beautiful sparkling green eyes I'd ever laid my eyes on. Startled, I shouted in alarm and moved back, hitting my head against the armrest. "Ow! Damn it!"

Josiah, you okay?

Yeah, just startled is all.

"Ah! I'm so sorry, Chizu-san!" the owner of said green eyes said in alarm as she backed up to reveal a very attractive young woman with a white bow and long coral brown hair in the female Sakura Academy uniform. "I didn't mean to startle you."

"Uugh, no, it's not your fault." I sat up, groaning and looking around. "Sayori!" I shouted in a tone that was angrier than I meant it to sound.

"Oh Meiji! You're awake!" Sayori came running back in. "How are you feeling?"

"A bit confused right now…what's going on?"

"Ehehe, well…" she looked nervous and played with her fingers.

"Sayori, what's going on in there?" the higher pitched cutesy voice asked. Two more people came walking out of the kitchen. The first one looked a lot younger than the others and had shorter blonde hair in twintails tied up with red bands. Her eyes were a dark brown. She had a scowl on her face as she looked at me. The girl standing next to her looking more nervous and had jet black hair with a purple clip in it. Her eyes were a similar shade of brown as the other girl.

I looked at them confused, then looked back at Sayori. "Explain…"

"Um…well, I wanted to get you to join my club today, so I was going to invite you, but then you got sick. I couldn't wait for you to meet the club though," she said, fiddling with her fingers nervously.

I did NOT expect this from Sayori, Meiji said.

Me neither.

This is an unexpected move for her. It's too aggressive.

Meiji, be mindful. Let them make the first move. "So, you brought them over here instead?"

"Are…you mad at me?" she asked, looking a bit scared.

I sighed, but looked up at her and smiled. "I'm not mad at you. You're my bestest friend. Even if I did get mad at you, I couldn't stay mad for long."

"Ah, are we bothering you?" the black-haired girl asked.

I looked at her. "No, it's alright." I tried to stand, but failed. Sayori rushed over and helped me to my feet. "Um, it's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm Chizu Meiji, Sayori's neighbor and best friend."

The black-haired girl smiled. "Ah, um, yes. It's a pleasure to meet you. Sayori's telling us nothing but good things about you during club meetings." She smiled pleasantly at me.

Natsuki put her hands on her hips and sighed. "Seriously, Sayori? This sick boy is who you choose? So much for a nice club atmosphere…"

Oh wow…

What is it?

This conversation. It's nearly identical to the way it goes in the original game. Alright, let's see how it goes.

You didn't tell me the other girls were this cute, dude! I mean wow!

I noted that he seemed to be following the script a bit too. I decided to keep an eye on that.

"You can just ignore her when she gets moody," Sayori whispered in my ear. She moved back and said, "Anyway, this is Muramoto Natsuki, always full of energy. And this is Yoshika Yuri, the smartest in the club." She indicated the blonde girl and the black-haired girl as she said so.

"D-Don't say things like that," Yuri said, looking away and playing with her hair.

Hmm…

What is it?

Maybe it's just me, but Yoshika-san seems like the type who has a hard time keeping up with people like Sayori and Natsuki, Meiji said.

She does, but don't think any less of her. She's extremely intelligent and we're going to need her help to see if we can let you take control for a bit.

"And you already know our club president Asano Monika," Sayori said.

Monika gave me a sweet smile that honestly made my heart skip a beat. "Ahaha, yes, nice to see you again, Chizu-san. Sorry again about the head."

"Don't be, it wasn't your fault," I said, smiled back at her.

"Wait, you guys know each other?" Natsuki asked. I wasn't surprised that it wasn't Sayori who'd asked instead, since I'd already told her.

"We were in the same class last year," I explained. "We didn't talk too much. Did we even talk?" I looked at Monika.

"Hardly ever," Monika said.

"Well, we're going to have to fix that when you join the club!" Sayori said excitedly, then her tone softened. "Um, Meiji, do you feel well enough to have some cupcakes?"

"Cupcakes?" I took a deep breath and put my hand on my stomach. "You know, I feel a bit better than before, so a cupcake sounds good."

"I'll go get the cupcakes~" Sayori said.

"Hey, I made them. I'll go get them," Natsuki said.

Sayori immediately began fiddling with her fingers. "Sorry, I got a little too excited…" she smiled embarrassed. With that, Natsuki and Sayori headed back into the kitchen.

"Um, Chizu-san? Is it okay if I make some tea as well? It might help settle your stomach," Yuri asked cautiously. "Assuming you have some kind of tea set?"

Do you guys have a tea set?

Sayori knows where all the tea stuff is. We haven't moved it since she was last here.

"Oh, of course you can. Sayori knows where it is, just ask her." Yuri smiled went to the kitchen. This left me alone with Monika. I turned to her and smiled. "So, Asano-san, I'm curious. How come you decided to make a new club? You're pretty talented already. You could have been a high-ranking member of any of the major clubs at school. Weren't you pretty high up in the Debate Club last year?"

Why did that sound rehearsed?

Because it's what you asked in the game. The more I'm here, the more I seem to remember the gameplay for some reason.

Monika came over and sat next to me but at a respectful distance. "Well…if I'm honest, I hate big club politics," Monika said, reaching over and picking up The Portrait of Markov, looking it over nonchalantly. I paid close attention to her facial expressions, noting as much as I could. Even then I couldn't quite get a read on her. "While I was in that club, there was nothing but arguments on budgets, publicity and preparing for events." She put the book down and turned back to me, directly at me. "Don't get me wrong, the debating part of the club was something I enjoyed, but I wanted to form something based around something I enjoy and try and make something special out of it as well. And if that encourages people to get into literature, then I'm already making that dream into reality." She emphasized the last word very subtly, but Meiji and I both heard it.

Seems like she knows already, I said.

I'm just going to have to keep taking your word for this, aren't I?

Yep. Time for more verbal swordplay.

I smiled. "Well, that's certainly an admirable goal. Sayori said you're a great leader and, from what I've heard of you and remember about you from last year, I believe it. But how come your club doesn't have more members? I mean, I get you're still new, but I'd have thought there were more people in our school into literature than just the four of you."

"Well, you have to understand," Monika replied, holding up her finger in a gesture reminiscent of one of her game appearances, "not many people are willing to put in the effort to start something brand new. Especially with something that doesn't grab your attention like literature. It's a lot of work trying to convince people that you're fun and worthwhile. But that just makes school events, like the culture festival, that much more important. I'm hopeful that we can grow this club before we graduate."

"Admirable, and I hope that dream gets realized," I replied.

Monika was about to reply when Natsuki came in, carrying a plate covered in tin foil. Behind her Sayori followed. "Okaaay, are you ready?"

"You've no idea," I said, giving Monika a sideways glance. She caught it and I swore her shoulder lifted a bit in a slightly flirtatious way.

"…Ta-daa!" Natsuki pulled back the foil.

"Uwooooah!" Sayori exclaimed, and immediately she started drooling. I'd never seen the cupcakes in the game. I remembered they'd been described as being decorated like cats, but the craftsmanship I saw was beyond anything any normal high school senior could make. The cupcakes themselves were soft and white, with the frosting having been poured on expertly. The image of cute kittens had been probably painted on with some sort of brush. The whiskers were made of icing and bits of chocolate sprinkles were used to make the ears. "So cuuute-!" Sayori continued, looking like she wanted to devour them all right then and there.

"I had no idea you were this good at baking, Natsuki," Monika said.

"Ehehe, well you know," Natsuki replied, looking quite proud of herself. "Just hurry up and take one. I didn't make them to be stared at all day!" She gave a cheeky smile.

Sayori immediately grabbed one and took a bite. "So delicious!"

I grabbed one next but when I looked to see whether Monika was going to take one, I noticed she seemed to be hesitating. I handed the one in my hand to her. "Here you go," I said.

"Ah! Sorry, just got lost in thought." She took it and began to undo the paper wrapping.

I took a third and began to undo the paper. Looking over, I saw, to little surprise, that Natsuki was stealing sidelong glances at me.

Is she waiting for us to take a bite? Meiji asked.

She's a classic tsundere, I replied. She wants to be praised, but she won't accept the praise. Watch. I looked at the cupcake better up close. "You know…this cupcake is pretty professionally made," I commented. "How long have you been baking, Muramoto-san?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Long enough to know how to make good pastries."

I chuckled. "Fair enough." I finally took a bite. The flavor didn't so much explode inside my mouth as carefully explored each chasm of it. The way the MC had described it in the game couldn't even begin to compare to how they tasted here. The cupcake wasn't overwhelmingly sweet. Its fluffiness could not be more understated by the game. Suddenly aware of how hungry I really was, I devoured it very quickly.

"Wha?! My cupcake!" Natsuki said, eyes wide in shock.

"I haven't had much to eat today, only the broth that Mom left me this morning," I admitted as I placed the paper wrapping down carefully on the coffee table. I grabbed a napkin from a small stack that Sayori had brought in and wiped my mouth. "Although I think one is enough for me for now. I hope it's okay if I take a few for later."

"Do what you want. It's not like I…made them for you or anything," she said.

You're right, she is a classic tsundere. That's some impressively weird logic she has there, Meiji said.

Told ya. "I humbly accept these gracious offerings to my poor wounded stomach," I said in a regal tone as I grabbed two more.

At that moment, Yuri came back in with Meiji's family's tea set. "Here we are," she said, placing the kettle and five cups down. "I'm surprised, though," she added. "This is nearly identical to the model we keep in the club."

"Hold up, you keep a tea set in the clubroom?" I asked.

"Don't worry, the teachers gave us permission," Yuri said, smiling kindly at me. "After all, doesn't a hot cup of tea help you enjoy a good book?"

"Ehehe, don't let yourself get intimidated. Yuri's just trying to impress you," Monika said, sounding amused.

"Well, it's working," I said, flashing a smile to Yuri.

"Eh?! Th-that's not…" she looked away, looking a bit insulted. "I just mean, you know…"

"It's alright, Yoshika-san, I do enjoy a good cup of tea. And I'm sure my stomach could use it too."

Yuri looked relieved. "I'm glad."

"Especially today," I added, smiling at her.

"We're not bothering you too much, I hope," Monika asked, sounding concerned.

"No, not at all. I'm feeling better than I did a few hours ago," I said. "If all goes well, I'll be there for school tomorrow."

This isn't normal, Meiji said. Not normal at all. Four girls willingly coming over to a sick boy's house? Not normal.

No argument here, I replied. But then again, this is supposed to be a dating sim game. I wouldn't be surprised if their affection stats are higher than a normal human. Either that, or the script had to improvise.

Yuri had just finished pouring the tea and sat next to Sayori. I took the cup Yuri set in front of me and, after blowing on the tea, took a small sip. The warmth wasn't too strong by this point and felt soothing as it flowed down my throat. "Aaah…that really hits the spot, especially on my poor stomach. Thank you, Yoshika-san."

She smiled shyly. "Ah, um, th-think nothing of it."

"Oh, by the way," Monika said, "there's no need to stand on ceremony with us. It's perfectly alright to call everyone by their first name."

"Not mine!" Natsuki shouted.

"Natsuki, don't be rude to a sick person," Monika said.

I inclined my head to Natsuki. "It's fine. I'm flexible, Muramoto-san."

Natsuki frowned a bit. "Good…"

I took another sip of tea.

"Um…so Meiji, what are you literary interests," Yuri asked. She indicated the stack of books. "I'm assuming you read manga?"

"For a long time, yes I've read it and still do," I said. I saw Natsuki perk up a bit, but like in the game, she said nothing. "However, I've read a few other things as well. Like I was telling Sayori recently, I read Sense and Sensibility just for a change of pace, and then yesterday I picked up this book at the bookstore." I reached over and picked up Portrait of Markov. "I've already read two chapters. It's a good read. I also read some of J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle Earth fantasy books and I even read C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia and his Space Trilogy."

"W-Well, it's good you're trying to expand your horizons," Yuri said. Unlike in the game, her smile wasn't sad. Instead I thought I saw that she was impressed.

"How about you?" I asked.

Yuri closed her eyes and began tracing the rim of her teacup with her finger. "Well, let's see…my favorites are books that create deep and complex fantasy worlds. You mentioned Tolkien earlier. His books are long time favorites of mine. The level of creativity and craftsmanship he put into that world amazes me to no end. Same with other books with similar worldbuilding. But what impressed me more about that book series is how he was able to tell such a human story within such a vast world."

"I agree," I said. "Even in manga, there can be complex worlds and incredible worldbuilding. I've even taken a stab at creating my own world, and I've come to respect those who do it a lot more. It takes a lot of intelligence and foresight."

Yuri nodded in agreement. "I also like stories with deep psychological elements. Stories with deep psychological elements usually immerse me as well. It's pretty amazing how an author can take advantage of the readers' lack of imagination and throw them for a loop. I've been reading a lot of horror lately. Coincidentally," and here she reached over and picked up Portrait of Markov, "this one is one of my favorites."

"Well, don't spoil it for me," I said.

"Uhuhu, I won't. Firsthand experience of a book without knowing the plot is always the best," she smiled.

"Horror? I didn't expect that from you, Yuri," Monika chimed in. "Especially for someone as gentle and caring as you."

"I guess you could say that," Yuri replied. "but if a story makes me think or takes me to another world, I can't put it down. Surreal horror is often very successful at changing the way you look at the world, if only for a brief moment."

"As opposed to physical horror? I mean that makes sense. Those types rely on cheap scares," I added.

"Exactly," Yuri agreed.

"Ugh, I hate horror…" Natsuki said, looking away.

"Oh? Why's that?" Yuri asked.

"Well, I just…" Natsuki looked over at me briefly, as if she was asking for backup.

"I get where you're coming from, Muramoto-san," I said. "I have a love-hate relationship with horror. Anytime I watch anything related to horror, I have to sleep with the covers over my head for fear of the monsters I know are not there. Mind and emotions are two different aspects of the human psyche. We can know that ghosts and monsters don't exist, but our emotions tell us otherwise. Even then, I still find myself drawn to horror when the mood strikes me."

"Exactly! Well, except for the acting like a kid part and hiding under the covers," she said, looking away as if trying to hide her embarrassment.

"That's right, you like to write more about cute things, don't you Natsuki?" Monika asked.

Natsuki's face contorted into anger. "What makes you say that?"

"You left a piece of scrap paper behind last club meeting," Monika replied. She reached into her pocket and handed Natsuki a folded-up piece of paper.

"Who gave you permission to look at it?!" Natsuki said, snatching it from Monika's hand.

"I had to figure out who it belonged to," Monika said.

"Ehehe, your cupcakes, your poems…they all scream cute! Just like you!" Sayori giggled. She headed over and put her hands on Natsuki's shoulders.

"I'm not cute!" Natsuki shouted.

"Sayori, cut Muramoto-san some slack," I said. "There are a lot of people who think being called cute means they're not being taken seriously." I ruffled Sayori's hair playfully.

"Um…I'm sorry Natsuki," Sayori said, "I didn't mean-"

"Just forget it," Natsuki said. "It's fine."

The tension could be cut with a knife. I looked back to Natsuki. "Muramoto-san, you write your own poetry?"

"Eh?" She looked over at me, a bit disarmed by my question. "Well, yeah a bit. Why do you care?"

"I do too on occasion," I replied. "It's quite an interesting change of pace. I don't have many poems, but what I do have I'd gladly share with the club for critiquing. I'd also like to see yours, if I can."

"N-no!" Color came to Natsuki's cheeks.

"Really? How come?" I asked.

"You…wouldn't like them…" Natsuki said uncertainly.

"You sound so certain. How do you know what I do and don't like?" I picked up Parfait Girls and Portrait of Markov. "If I can be reading both of these and enjoying them equally, what makes you think I won't enjoy your poems?"

"I understand how Natsuki feels," Yuri interjected. "Sharing that level of writing takes more than just confidence. The truest form of writing is writing to oneself, after all. You must be willing to open up to your readers, exposing your vulnerabilities and showing even the deepest reaches of your heart."

"Do you have any writing experience, Yuri?" Monika asked. "Maybe if you share some of your work, you can set an example and help Natsuki feel comfortable enough to share hers."

Yuri's soft almost authoritative expression immediately shifted and I saw her get nervous. I shrugged. "I guess it's the same for Yuri. It's a shame though, I was hoping to get people's opinions on my own poetry. It's not something I do a lot of, but when I do it's fun and I would love to improve."

"Aww…I wanted to read everyone's poems too," Sayori said, sounding disappointed.

After a few seconds of silence, I cleared my throat. Turning to Monika, I held up my hand in imitation of the gesture Monika would make in the game. "Okay, Monika. I have an idea, but I want to run it past you."

"I think we're thinking the same thing," Monika said, smiling at me and copying my pose.

"I don't doubt it."

Oh, why don't you two just make out already? It's obvious you like her!

You really want me to kiss her while I'm still in your body?

Huh?! NO!

Well there you go.

"I have an idea everyone!" Monika said. Everyone turned their attention to the club president. "Let's all go home and write a poem of our own! Then, next time we all meet, we can share them with each other. That way, everyone is even!"

I looked over at Natsuki and Yuri. Both looked completely unsure. Natsuki was just looking anywhere but at Monika, and Yuri was playing with her hair, fidgeting.

"Yeah! Let's do it!" Sayori said.

"Plus, now that we have a new member, I think it will help us all get a little more comfortable with each other, and strengthen the bond of the club. Isn't that right, Meiji?" Monika looked over at me and smiled warmly.

I smiled back. "Well, considering I never said-" I froze. Looking around at the girls, I saw their faces looking at me mostly expectantly, with Natsuki only looking a bit curious. For some reason, I found my next words harder to say. "It's a good idea. And I'd love to contribute…as your newest member."

Sayori's eyes widened excitedly, "Really?! Yess! I'm so happyyy!" Sayori glomped onto me, bouncing up and down on the couch next to me.

"Sayori…gonna…puke…" I tapped her back. "Tap out!"

She immediately let go. "Ehehe, sorry."

"You're not joining just for the cupcakes, right?" Natsuki asked.

I looked over at Natsuki. "Not at all. They're a good selling point, I'll give you that, but I do want to try something new. Sayori seems to enjoy this club, after all."

"Then let's make it official!" Monika extended her left hand to me. Her hand was smaller than Meiji's but it was well manicured. "Welcome to the literature club!"

I was curious as to why she was using her left instead of her right, but that question vanished when I saw a small scrap of paper in her palm. I smiled, reached over and grasped her hand, shaking it firmly. As I did so, I felt the paper being slipped into my hand. "Thank you, Madame President."

As we released hands, I put my hands in my pockets. Monika smiled at me again, then, to my surprise, she greatly deviated from the way the game had gone before. "Hey, Meiji?"

"Yeah?"

"Sayori mentioned while we were coming here that you can sing?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, a bit. Why?"

"I was wondering…when you're feeling better, would you consider singing something for us?"

"Yeah! Sing something else!" Sayori said. "Pleeeaasse?"

This…wasn't something that was part of the game, I thought.

See? You're already changing things.

"Y-You guys…"

"I-I'll admit, I am curious myself," Yuri said, holding her hands to her chest.

"Hmph, after being sick all day, I'll be surprised if he can croak out the alphabet song," Natsuki quipped.

I grinned. "Is that a challenge? Challenge accepted! Hmmm…something to do with literature. Yuri, you should recognize the words, if not the tune." I took a sip of my tea, cleared my throat and began singing Clamavi De Profundis' version of the Song of Durin I'd discovered on YouTube during a Lord of the Rings induced mania a couple years prior.

"The world was young, the mountains green,
no stain yet on the Moon was seen,
no words were laid on stream or stone
when Durin woke and walked alone.

"He named the nameless hills and dells;
he drank from yet untasted wells;
he stooped and looked in Mirrormere,
and saw a crown of stars appear,
as gems upon a silver thread,
above the shadows of his head.

"The world was fair, the mountains tall,
in Elder Days before the fall
of mighty kings in Nargothrond
and Gondolin, who now beyond
the Western Seas have passed away:
the world was fair in Durin's day.

"A king he was on carven throne
in many-pillared halls of stone,
with golden roof and silver floor,
and runes of power upon the door.
The light of sun and star and moon
in shining lamps of crystal hewn
undimmed by cloud or shade of night
there shone forever fair and bright.

"There hammer on the anvil smote,
there chisel clove, and graver wrote;
there forged was blade, and bound was hilt;
the delver mined; the mason built.
There beryl, pearl, and opal pale,
and metal wrought like fishes' mail,
buckler and corslet, axe and sword,
and shining spears were laid in hoard.

"Unwearied then were Durin's folk;
beneath the mountains music woke:
the harpers harped, the minstrels sang,
and at the gates the trumpets rang.

"The world is grey, the mountains old,
the forge's fire is ashen-cold;
no harp is wrung, no hammer falls:
the darkness dwells in Durin's halls;
the shadow lies upon his tomb
in Moria, in Khazad-dûm.
But still the sunken stars appear
in dark and windless Mirrormere;
there lies his crown in water deep,
till Durin wakes again from sleep."

The room was silent for a little while. Monika was the first to applaud, followed by Sayori. Yuri joined in next, smiling in recognition. Natsuki begrudgingly gave a few claps. "That wasn't bad, newbie," she said. "What song is that?"

Before I could answer, Yuri spoke up. "It's called the Song of Durin. It's from J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle Earth mythos. But where did you hear that tune?"

"I found it online a while ago," I said. Trust me, his books are all good.

I've seen the movies, but I'll take your word for it…

"Okay everyone," Monika said, standing, "I think with that, we can officially end today's somewhat unusual meeting on a good note. Everyone, remember tonight's assignment. Write a poem to bring to the next meeting so we can all share." She gave me a quick glance. "Meiji, I really, really look forward to seeing how you express yourself." She giggled cutely and gave me a surreptitious wink. "And please get better soon."

Unlike how the MC had acted in the game, I gave her a confident salute. "Will do, Madame President!" I smiled back and then began to clean up.

"Oh, let us do that," Monika said, quickly reaching over and taking the tray I'd grabbed. I might have been imagining it, but her hand seemed to linger on mine a bit longer than necessary.

"You've already done more than enough for us-I mean me," I said, purposely using a plural as if I'd made a mistake. "Let me at least do something-" Meiji's body betrayed me at that moment and I felt a sudden headache. I clutched my head a bit.

Monika looked at me concerned. "Meiji?"

"Ow…I'm fine."

"Geez, at least let us do something. Stop being such a stubborn boy," Natsuki said.

"I-yeah, alright, sorry Muramoto-san. Thanks for the help." I sat back down and watched guiltily as the girls quickly cleaned up. After a few minutes the coffee table was cleaned and the girls were preparing to head out, all except for Sayori. I looked at Sayori who had come back with another mug of hot broth.

"I'll see you all tomorrow!" Sayori said as she saw the others off. When the door was closed, she came rushing back to me. "I hope you're not mad at me for tricking you like that," she said as she sat next to me and put her hand on my forehead.

I felt Meiji's heartrate increase as the girl he loved touched him. I smiled. "Sayori, what did I say earlier?"

"…I'm your bestest friend?" she asked hopefully.

I nodded and gently ruffled her head. "I know you didn't mean any harm by it. You're just looking out for me, and I appreciate it."

She didn't reply, just looked down. "Is it my fault…? That you're sick?"

Why would she think that?!

"Sayori…why do you think it's your fault?" I asked softly.

"I made you get me snacks yesterday, and-"

"No, that's not why," I said quickly. "I bought that egg sandwich for myself; that one's all on me, alright?"

I saw tears forming in her eyes. Meiji saw this and I could feel the guilt overwhelm him. Hug her!

"But-" Sayori began before I pulled her into a sudden embrace. "Uwaa?"

"No buts, Sayori. It was my mistake that got me sick. Nothing you did caused this." I held her close and rubbed her back.

I heard her sniffle a bit, then she said, "…Okay, I'll trust you. You know what's best for me, after all."

I broke the hug and lifted her chin to face me. Sayori looked like she was about to cry. "Do you want to watch a movie with me?"

Good move, Meiji said. Sayori usually likes happy movies.

I'm not surprised.

A saw a smile begin to form on Sayori's face. "Yes…I'd like that."

"I'll go choose one," I said. Standing I asked Meiji where they kept their movies. I went to the study and browsed his collection of movies. I grinned when I came across Ang Lee's movie version of Sense and Sensibility. "Perfect."

Really? This is the one you're going for?

"Trust me." I grabbed it and walked out to the living room again. Sayori was sitting and waiting for me patiently.

When I showed her what I'd picked out, her smile widened. "They made a movie?"

"They made a few movies," I said as I began setting up the DVD player. "It's a famous and old book, after all." I lay back down on the couch. Sayori sat next to me, propping her feet up on the table.

Halfway through the movie, the door opened and Meiji's mom stepped in. "Meiji? How are you feeling?" she asked as I heard her remove her shoes.

"Better," I called out as I paused the movie. "Not completely back to normal, but better."

She came in and saw Sayori sitting next to me. "Oh hi, Sayori! Thanks for checking in on my baby boy."

"Ehehe, no problem Chizu-san," Sayori said with a smile.

Meiji's mom came over. In her hand I saw a plastic bag from Family Mart. She reached in and pulled out a large drink. "I got you a sports drink to help you feel better," she said as she placed it down beside me. "Have you been eating anything?"

"I had some of that broth throughout the day, and then a cupcake from one of Sayori's club members."

She raised an eyebrow. "Club members?"

"I'll explain later, Mom."

"Alright…what are you watching?" she asked as she looked at the screen. "Is that…Sense and Sensibility?"

I nodded. "Yep."

"Aww, you know I love that movie," Meiji's mother said as she quickly joined us on the couch.

"We can start over if you want," Sayori said.

"I don't mind either," I added.

Meiji's mom smiled at us. "Aww, you're too sweet but I couldn't do that. I've seen it enough as it is." She leaned back on the couch and stretched. "Go ahead."

For the next hour we resumed watching the movie. I took sips of the drink until it was all gone. Meiji even seemed to enjoy the movie too. When it was over, the clock on the wall said that it was just past seven in the evening. Sayori looked at it. "Oh no! I gotta get home or I'll be late for dinner!"

"I'll see you to the door, dear," Meiji's mom said.

"Sayori, thank you for everything you did today," I said. "Despite my surprise, I did really have fun."

"Ehehe, you're welcome." She smiled at me as she stood. Meiji's mom led her to the door and the two said their goodbyes.

When Meiji's mom came back in, she came over and sat next to me. "So…what did Sayori do while I was gone? You said you'd tell me later. Well, it's later."

"Oh, well…" and I began to explain everything that had happened after I woke up from my nap a few hours earlier.

When I was finished, Meiji's mom laughed. "That's more bold than normal for her. But I'm glad." She lifted me up and then lay my head back on her lap. Stroking my hair lovingly, she said, "Your dad and I have been worried about you. You've been in your room a lot more recently and we were scared you'd lose even the one friend you have."

Meiji's guilt began pouring out of him. I made Mom and Dad worry too…I…

It's okay dude, really. I felt my eyes tear up. "Mom…I didn't mean to…I'm sorry…" My breath caught in my throat and I covered my eyes with my arm, holding back the tears Meiji wanted to release.

A pair of motherly lips kissed my forehead. "Shhh…it's okay sweetie. I'm just glad you found something new to try."

You've got a great mom, I said. She reminds me of my own.

She gets a bit annoying and overprotective, but yeah, she's pretty great.

"Mom…I'm a bit tired," I said after a few minutes of us sitting there in comfortable silence. "Is it okay if I go to bed now?"

"Just so long as you don't read more manga and go straight to bed," she said.

"Promise."

Ugh…I really wanted to continue reading Parfait Girls…and that other novel… Meiji begrudgingly added.

We can do that tomorrow…in the club.

Despite everything, I could feel a sense of excitement in Meiji. Yeah, you're right.

I stood and grabbed the books from the table. "Goodnight Mom."

"I'll check in on you before I leave for work," she replied, kissing my cheek.

"Moooom," I said, trying to show some teenage embarrassment. "I'll be fine."

"Let me worry, alright?"

I sighed. "Fiiine. See you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Meiji. Sleep well."

I trudged up the stairs and, after putting the books back in the schoolbag, collapsed onto the bed. "Oof…that was a long day…"

You're telling me. So…plans for tomorrow?

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the note from Monika. It read WE NEED TO TALK AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE 3. LOVE, MONIKA. "Well…looks like we're going to meet with Monika at some point."

Yes, but when?

"At our earliest convenience, obviously," I said as I put the note in the bag. "Goodnight." And with that, I closed my eyes and was instantly asleep.

So, right now I'm working on a mod that follows this story, and I'll upload when I reach the end of said chapter in the mod. Enjoy!

morbiusgreen