My heart sank and I heard Meiji gasp. Grabbing Monika's wrist, I pulled her into a nearby hallway. "Are you absolutely sure?"

She nodded somberly, not able to look me in the eye. "I'm losing control…if I ever had control. I've tried to edit the depression back to where it was before, even less, but no matter what, it shoots back up."

I leaned against the wall, trying to collect my thoughts. What the hell were we going to do here? Was the script really in control? No, I refused to believe that I was sent here to merely be an observer! I had to be able to help them! But…how?

"I…what should we do about this weekend?" Monika's question penetrated my ever fearful and darkening thoughts.

"Huh? Oh, with working with the girls?"

She nodded. "Sorry, I know that's not something high on our priority list, but-"

"No, no, that's a good idea. I had a thought about that. We're just going to work with all of you. Now hear me out," I said quickly as Monika looked at me confused. "We can all do this on one or two days. Instead of splitting up the responsibilities, we do everything as a team. That way, you, Meiji and I can keep an eye on Sayori and the other girls."

"And you can keep an eye on me, right?" Monika asked, sounding hurt.

I hesitated. I still wasn't sure if I trusted Monika as of yet. "I admit, when I came up with this plan that was my initial thought process yeah. But you've been earning my trust over this week and you're the only one with access to the powers of the President. If anything, I want your help. I know that sounds like I'm using you, but I could never think of doing that to you, especially after what I saw in the original game."

She nodded. "I understand." Turning to me, she smiled. "Thank you."

"No problem. Now, I think it's time for you to make that announcement."

She chuckled. "Alright." Turning, we both walked back into the living room.

"Where were you two?" Natsuki immediately asked when we entered the room. "Making kissy faces at each other?"

"Not at all!" I said with a confidence I didn't feel. "Anyway, Monika?"

"Right. Ahem." She cleared her throat. "Okay you four. We're done with poem sharing right? Why don't we start figuring out-?"

"Hold on a second!" Natsuki immediately jumped in. "Is it just me, or did you say something strange just now?"

That's right. Sayori's not normally here, so she'd normally say "Okay, you three."

I remember that.

Apparently so did Monika, because she quickly jumped in. "Ahaha, I suppose you're right. I normally say 'Okay, everyone' don't I?"

"That did sound a bit unusual," Yuri said.

"Geez…why is the mood so weird today?" Natsuki said again. "Not even Yuri's immune to it."

"Uu…stagnating air is common foreshadowing that something terrible is about to happen," Yuri said softly.

"In your books maybe," Natsuki retorted. "Look, the only thing different is that we're at Sayori's house instead of the clubroom. There's nothing terrible about that. Although I am surprised at you, Meiji."

Huh? Why?

I repeated his words. Natsuki replied, "Of all the times for you to be a friend, you pick this time not to stay home with her? So much for you being all lovey-dovey."

Sayori, who was sitting on one of the couches, spoke up now, her face red. "It's not his fault. I just…need time alone sometimes."

"I would have stayed if you wanted," I replied. "Meiji and I both would have."

Damn straight.

Sayori looked away. "Thank you, you two…but enough about me. Monika? You okay? You've been acting strangely over the past few days. I mean, I guess being kicked out of your house would be a good excuse, but I think you've got more on your mind than that."

Monika smiled. "I-I'm fine, Sayori. Just a bit preoccupied with the festival is all. But speaking of that, we need to figure out the rest of the festival preparations. And Josiah actually had a great idea for that." She turned and motioned to me. "You're up."

"Wait, really?" I suddenly felt very nervous as all four beautiful girls stared at me.

Seriously? You pick now to act nervous? Man up!

Ugh, I hate that phrase, but in this case you're right. I steeled myself. "Okay, everyone. I think in order for this to go off without a hitch, we need two things. We're going to need something that brings potential new members into the performance and something that keeps their attention while they're there. So here's what I'm thinking. First off, Sayori?"

"Yes?" she looked up at me curiously.

"That poster you showed us was very cool. I think your talents would be best used in designing pamphlets and posters in order to draw people in."

She smiled a winning smile and gave me a thumbs up. "Of course!"

"I'll be helping with that," Monika said. "I'll be printing and assembling those pamphlets."

"Perfect. Next, Natsuki?" I turned to look at the cute blonde tsundere.

"Hmm?" she looked at me.

"You're the best baker out of all of us," I said. "Can you make some kind of confection like cupcakes or brownies or something?"

Her eyes brightened. "You bet I could!"

"Great. Last but very certainly not least is Yuri."

Before I could go on, she turned away. "I-I'm useless…"

"Oh, you're far from useless," I replied quickly. "What I think you'd be best at is utilizing your skills and brilliant mind to set the mood for the poem sharing. Something warm and inviting. Set the atmosphere. Use that beautiful handwriting to make banners and some decorations."

"Atmosphere? Um…about that…" She took a deep breath. "I love atmosphere!" She then closed her eyes and nodded to herself, apparently thinking about her ideas.

CLICK! Her mind's already racing, I see… Meiji chuckled.

The clicking noise was beginning to bother me at this point, but I couldn't let myself be stopped now. "Great!"

"But then what about you?" Natsuki asked. "You're not gonna skip out on this will you? If so, no cupcakes, muahaha!"

"Aaaah! My one and only weakness!" I fell to my knees in fake supplication. "Anything but that, my lady!" This got the desired affect. Everyone, even Sayori, began to laugh. I chuckled and stood up. "No, I had an idea for all that. I'm going to ask Meiji's parents if we can borrow his house to make the preparations. And that's not all. I think that instead of splitting up the work, we all work on everything together."

"Then why'd you ask me to make cupcakes?" Natsuki asked indignantly.

"Let me explain," I said. "When we help Sayori and Monika, they'll be the ones in charge and telling us what to do and all. When we help you, you'll be in charge, and when we help Yuri, she'll be in charge."

Silence filled the room. Not surprisingly, it was Natsuki who spoke up first, and judging by her tone she was excited. "So, I get to tell Yuri what to do, eh?" She rubbed her hands together. "I'm all for it."

"Don't be too mean," I chuckled, "or else Yuri might have you do something you won't like."

Natsuki looked nervous now, but it was Yuri's turn to laugh. "Uhuhu, no need to worry, Natsuki. I won't be that cruel."

"Good…"

I smiled. "Which day do you all want to meet? Saturday or Sunday? Or should we spread them apart to two days?"

"Two days I think," Sayori said unexpectedly.

I looked at her surprised. "Alright madam vice-pres, what's your idea?"

"Why don't we do Natsuki's cupcakes on Sunday? That seems like an all-day project. That means tomorrow we can do everything else."

"Does that sound good to you, Monika?" I asked.

Monika rubbed her chin and seemed to be thinking hard. "Maybe…I'm just wondering if we shouldn't start on the easiest project right now?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, Yuri's job is kind of cumbersome too," she said. "And if we start now, we won't be rushed."

Well I'll be damned, she really is leader material, Meiji said.

That's how she was designed. I wasn't sure if the normal game version of Monika would have come up with this.

"W-Well, if we do that, I'd be more useless," Yuri said sadly. "I'm not very capable with computers."

"I don't have a computer," Natsuki lamented. "Dad doesn't want to get me one until I get my grades up. Besides, I need to be home at a certain time."

"Don't worry! Monika and I can design the posters and pamphlets no problem," Sayori said. "All you'd need to do is assemble the pamphlets. How many should we make?"

"Well, how many students are in your school?" I asked, realizing that I had no idea how many a junior high/senior high Japanese high school would have.

"A lot," Natsuki said. "Around a thousand I think."

Damn, this is a bigger job than I thought, Meiji said.

Agreed. "So…what, maybe a few hundred? And maybe a couple dozen posters for the hallways?"

"Yeah!" Sayori said eagerly.

"I think that'll work fine," Monika added. "There's about…fifteen corridors in the school…plus the five posterboards that other clubs use to post…thirty-five. Two posters for each corridor and five for the posterboards."

I nodded. "You know what, you're right Monika. Three days seems perfect. We can start tonight, but I think we should go shopping first."

"What for?" Sayori asked.

"All our supplies," I replied. "Sayori, do you have a printer?"

"Of course!" she said. She stood and led me to another room next to the front door. Inside there was a small office with a large printer. She turned it on and flinched when an error message popped up. "Ehehe, I guess we should go to the store…"

Looking over her shoulder, I saw ERROR: LOW INK. "Well there we go. And we should also get colored paper and normal paper too." I opened the printer, and pulled the cartriage out.

Sayori and I walked back out. "Yuri, Natsuki, do you mind staying over while we all work on this?"

"I-I don't mind," Yuri said.

"I don't know if I can," Natuski said. "My dad doesn't like it when I make plans like that without telling him."

"Want me to talk to him?" Monika offered.

Natsuki looked startled at the prospect. "Um…are you sure?"

I'm guessing she doesn't want Monika to get yelled at by her dad, I said.

Is her dad really that bad?

Not right now. I think at the moment he's just strict and maybe a bit overprotective of her. But in the second act of the original game it's implied he's abusive.

"I'm sure," Monika said sweetly.

"A-Alright…" she said. "Let's go to another room."

"Of course," Monika replied as they stepped into another room. The living room fell silent as Meiji, Yuri, Sayori and I sat on the couch trying not to listen. I couldn't hear the words, but I could hear Natsuki's hesitant tone and Monika's own confident reassuring tone.

"Guys…I'm worried about Natsuki," Sayori suddenly broke the silence, causing me to jump.

"Worried about her? Why?" Yuri asked.

"Her dad sounds like a big meanie."

Wait, how'd she pick up on that? I wondered.

Sayori's always paying attention to everyone else, Meiji said.

Oh duh. Yeah.

"Sayori…" Yuri looked at Sayori. "I don't think it's our place to judge whether or not anyone is good or bad. We don't know the whole story."

"I doubt he's that mean," I said. "Strict maybe. Lots of parents are like that. They want the best for their children but do it in a very strict way. Doesn't mean he's a meanie."

She frowned. "Still…"

Sayori jumped a bit when I put a hand on her shoulder. "All we can do is be a friend to her; make her. If she's willing to share, let's be there to listen, okay?"

"Well, alright," Sayori said, smiling a bit uncertainly at me.

"We're back," Monika said, returning with Natsuki, who looked away from us as if she wanted to hide her expression. "I did my best to explain. He wasn't exactly happy when I said there was a boy here, but I assured him there wasn't gonna be a boy and girl party, just club members working hard to make sure the festival goes off without a hitch as Josiah put it. I mean, Sayori'd kill Josiah and Meiji if they tried anything."

A shiver ran through my body when Monika and Sayori looked at me with wicked grins. I gulped. "Y-Yeah, I bet."

Monika gave me a look that said "I wouldn't mind if you tried anything with me," and that made me blush even harder. She really knew how to play me. I cleared my throat. "W-Well then, let's make a list of all we need for the next three days."

Everyone sat at the kitchen table. Sayori went into another room. "Here you go!" Sayori said with a grin as she came back and handed everyone a pencil and a sheet of paper. "I don't need much, I think. Just paper and ink and some poster paper."

"I think we need more than that," Monika said. "Let's work on our list together."

Sayori nodded. I saw the other girls sitting and looking at their respective papers. Yuri looked at it thoughtfully, and whenever she came up with an idea deliberately wrote something down. She was chewing on her pencil as she thought, which I found adorable. Natsuki was scribbling fast on her paper. Monika was writing the list as both she and Sayori whispered back and forth as to what they needed.

Man, do I feel useless, Meiji said.

Same. Why don't we see what Sayori has in her fridge? I think since the girls are being so helpful, we should make dinner for everyone.

Hmm…hey, not a bad idea. But can you cook in this kitchen? Why not mine? I know what we have.

Hmm…maybe. But if Natsuki's father found out, she might get in trouble.

Good point. But we can at least get ingredients from my house. I'm sure Mom and Dad won't mind as long as we replace them.

Well why don't we just shop for dinner supplies at the store later?

Sounds perfect.

"Sayori?"

"Hmm?" she looked up at me curiously.

"Do you mind if I borrow your kitchen to make dinner for everyone? Since you're all working so hard, it's only fitting that I do something."

Her eyes widened and she began to drool. "Dinner?"

"But we have to go out to get supplies, right?" Natsuki asked.

"Well, I can shop for dinner supplies while we're at the store." An idea suddenly crossed my mind. "I should probably shop for supplies for meals the other days too…" I turned back to Sayori. "You think your parents would mind if I used your kitchen for today?"

She smiled and shook her head. "Not at all. I mean, they probably trust Meiji in the kitchen more than me."

I bet.

"Well, since it's a bit late, I'll make something simple. Maybe vegetarian pasta or something."

"Vegetarian? Aww, that sucks," Natsuki said. "I looove meatballs!"

Monika held up her hands. "Hey, there's no need go to all that trouble on my account," she said hastily and a bit sheepishly.

I smiled. "Tell you what, you guys. I'll make a big batch of normal pasta then make a smaller batch of vegetarian pasta."

Satisfied with this response, Natsuki went back to her list. I walked over to Sayori's cupboards and looked through them. I grabbed a few pots and pans, setting them down on the counters. When I had what I wanted, I pulled out Meiji's wallet which was still stuffed with cash. Looking over at the table, I saw Natsuki sitting and tapping her foot impatiently. Monika and Sayori were just finishing up but it was Yuri who seemed to be having the most trouble. She was still biting the pencil in her hand absent mindedly. "Hurry up!" Natsuki said, reaching her breaking point.

"E-eh!? Oh! I'm sorry, I was spacing out again, wasn't I," Yuri said. "Uu…"

"Don't worry," Monika said, "It's not that late yet." She looked over at Sayori. "When does the nearest supermarket close?"

"Um…nine or ten?" Sayori said uncertainly. "It's in a shopping center nearby."

Ten thirty, Meiji told me. I repeated his message.

"Oh, then we have time," Monika said, "but I also don't want you all up super late. Yuri, is there anything you're stuck on?"

"Um…yes, but I think I have enough on my list," she said, putting the pencil down. It was then she noticed how chewed up it was. "Aaah! Sayori, I-I'm so sorry, I-"

"Don't worry about it," Sayori said quickly. "It's fine. Now…shopping adventure awaits us! Just let me change!" She giggled and ran upstairs.

"So ladies, can I see your lists?" I asked.

"Yeah sure," Natsuki said, handing me her paper. Yuri silently and shyly handed me hers. Monika handed me hers and Sayori's confidently. I looked at Natsuki's first. As expected, hers was a long list of ingredients as well as kitchen supplies.

Do you have any of these? I asked, pointing out the supplies list.

I don't even know what half of those are, he replied.

Yeah, same here.

Monika's and Sayori's list was the shortest, comprised only of different types of paper, poster board and ink cartridges. Yuri's was a bit shorter than Natsuki's and had different types of papers as well as paints and other artistic supplies.

I think the nearest shopping center has a superstore with all of these things, Meiji said after we'd looked at the lists. All the things I recognize anyway.

Superstore huh? Good. Less time store-hopping the better.

"Ready!" Sayori came down smiling happily and wearing the same getup I'd seen her in when she and I went out on Saturday.

"Nothing like some good old shopping therapy. Especially on a day like today," I said as I headed to the door.

"Ahaha, how true," Monika said as she put her shoes on and grabbed her still somewhat wet umbrella.

"Is everyone ready?" I asked as I put on my shoes and stood near the door. When I received answers in the affirmative, I opened the door and headed out. I chuckled as I stepped out into the street.

As we walked, I had a sudden urge and acted on it. I pulled out my phone and looked through my karaoke list, hoping this would help everyone cheer up. I selected the song and turned up my phone's volume to the max. As the song began, everyone looked at me curiously as I began to sing. "Doo dee doo doodle doo de doodle loo doodee doo dee doodle loo doodee doo dee doo…I'm siiiingin' in the rain, just siiiiingin' in the rain-"

"What a gloooorious feeeeelin' and I'm haaaappy again," Monika sang, joining in suddenly. She smiled at me as we both continued. "I'm laughin' at clouds, so daaaaark up aboooove, the sun's in my heeeaaart and I'm reeeeaaaady for love."

Sayori giggled as she watched this, Yuri was watching the two of us with a small smile, and Natsuki rolled her eyes but seemed to be trying hard not to laugh at our impromptu duet. I was surprised I remembered the words, but more surprised that Monika knew them too. I never pegged her for an oldie movie lover. I was once again surprised by her singing talent. She even harmonized with me. Then again, I realized I still didn't really know much about her. As we finished, a passing thought said, "You have the rest of your life with her to find out."

What did you say? Meiji asked.

Huh? Oh, nothing, I replied. The thought caused me to blush. "Hey Monika, when did you watch that?" I asked.

"Earlier this year," she replied. "Right before summer break Tanaka-Sensei actually brought in a projector and we watched Singing in the Rain."

"You must have really enjoyed it," I said.

"Ahaha, I did," she said sweetly.

"So which store are we going to first?" Natsuki asked, clearly a bit disgruntled at how Monika and I were acting.

Sayori smiled. "We can get everything we need from the Tally-Ho at the mall."

Natsuki looked a bit relieved. "Oh really? That's good. They'll definitely have what I want."

"Y-Yes, they should have all the supplies I need too," Yuri added with a small smile.

Tally-Ho? Da hell?

Yeah, it's a massive superstore. Don't tell me you don't have Tally-Ho in your reality.

Yeah, we call it Wal-Mart. "Well, if we can get everything in one go, so much the better. Tally-ho to Tally-Ho!"

The girls giggled a bit at my dumb joke and we continued on. Sayori took the lead, occasionally stopping to jump into a nearby puddle. She's gonna get a cold if she doesn't stop, Meiji said worriedly.

"Sayori, be careful," I said, "We don't want you to slip and hurt yourself."

"Ehehe, I'll be fine," she said, smiling at me.

She's such a kid sometimes, I said.

Yeah, but I like that childlike innocence about her. Makes me feel…safe. Secure. Happy. Besides, this could help her.

Fair enough. "Okay, but just be careful not to get too wet. Meiji's worried you'll catch a cold."

"Okay, I've always wondered about that stereotype," Natsuki said suddenly, frowning in thought. "I've seen it in manga a lot. Someone gets drenched in the rain because they forgot their umbrella or something and the next day they're home with a cold. What's up with that? Is that actually a thing? My Dad always insists I take my umbrella with me whenever it's forcast to rain."

Yeah, I've seen that in anime too.

"Ah, um, I might have an explanation," Yuri said.

Monika looked over at Yuri, leaning down and putting her hands behind her back in her famous pose. "Oh? What is it?"

Yuri took a deep breath. "To put it plainly, no, getting wet won't cause you to catch a cold in and of itself."

I smiled. This reminded me of how Jamie, Harv and I would talk. We'd jump from subject to subject at random, simply enjoying the fact that we were talking and exchanging ideas. "I've heard that too," I said. "But the stereotype has to come from somewhere. Any ideas, Yuri?"

She nodded, her nervousness lessening. She didn't even notice as all our eyes were on her. "Well, the common cold is an airborn virus and the rain carries it to the ground. If we get wet in the rain the chances of infection go up. Also, colder temperatures do have a tendency to weaken the human immune system. Thirdly, viruses do live longer in colder weather." She looked up and noticed for the first time that everyone was looking at her. She jumped, her nervous demeanor returning. "Ah! I rambled again, d-didn't I?"

I shook my head. "Come on, Yuri, there's no need to be so nervous around us."

"I don't know about the rest of you, but I learned something new today," Monika added, smiling kindly at Yuri.

Natsuki nodded. "Not bad. Guess your brains aren't in your boobs after all," she said in a teasing tone.

"N-Natsuki!" Yuri said shocked. The rest of us laughed, causing Yuri to blush heavily.

"Aww, but Yuri's boobs are the same as they've always been," Sayori giggled. "Big and beautiful!"

Maybe it's just me, but sometimes it's weirdly suspicious that Sayori knows exactly what she's doing. I wonder how smart she really is.

She's probably people smart like you mentioned before. "Sayori…you're so silly sometimes." I wrapped my arm around her neck and gave her a gentle noogie.

"Hey, lemme goooo!" She squirmed in my grasp while the others laughed. "Meanie!"

I laughed and let her go. "Yeah yeah, we're both meanies," I chuckled.

"We're here, everyone," Monika said.

I looked up. Sure enough, we'd reached a street with a large shopping center. At first glance, it reminded me a lot of Akihabara. All the stores on either side of the street were labeled with large posters and bright signs. The street itself was too thin for any cars. In the distance a few skyscrapers pierced through the gloom. The lights helped brighten the street up a bit.

"That didn't take long," Natsuki said. "So, where's the Tally-Ho?"

"Follow me," Sayori said, marching forward. We headed down the street and after a couple blocks Sayori took a right, heading down a smaller street. We passed a Family Mart and a few other smaller shops as we approached a large building. If it wasn't for the domed glass ceiling with bright lights hanging down from above, I could have sworn we were still outside. The walkway was paved with gray brick, reminding me a bit of an older time period. In the middle of the walkway were small trees buried in soil held in place by a rectangular brick construction, these of which were spaced out every few meters and surrounded by a few benches. There were banners hanging from the ceiling which read "The Mall, The Bargain" spaced out ever few meters.

"The Mall, The Bargain?" I raised an eyebrow. "Why does that sound familiar?"

"You say something?" Monika asked as she put her umbrella in the umbrella rack and locked it in place.

"Nothing important," I replied. "Sayori, where's this store?"

"At the end of this walkway," Sayori replied, picking up her pace. She certainly seemed a bit happier.

I slowed down and began walking in step next to Monika. "What did you two talk about earlier?"

Monika motioned Yuri over. "Y-Yes?" the shy bookworm asked.

"Yuri, could you tell Josiah what Sayori and I talked about earlier?" Monika asked. She gave me a reassuring smile.

"Ah, um, well Monika said nothing but kind words to Sayori, telling her she would be okay and that her depression wasn't going to get the better of her. She said that she would be there for her if anything happened." Yuri looked at me with a worried look. "I wasn't aware she had depression."

"She's good at hiding it," I said sadly. "Monika, Meiji and I have been doing our best to reassure her, but you know how depression gets. All we can do is be there for her."

Yuri nodded in understanding. "I-I understand," she said with conviction. "I'll help wherever I can."

"Guys, we're here!" Sayori called back to us.

While no one was looking, I gave Monika a small pat on the back. Leaning in, I whispered, "You have earned my full trust." And she had. I could tell that she was really eager to prove herself to me, and bringing in a third party who she knew I trusted more clinched it. She was definitely worthy of any and all trust placed in her. I felt a bit guilty at not having trusted her before and decided that I'd make it up to her plenty later.

And mine, Meiji said.

Monika stopped, a startled look on her face which was quickly replaced by a look of sheer joy. She beamed up at me with the biggest smile I'd ever seen on her face. Tears formed as she whispered, "Josiah…Meiji…thank you so much…" She wiped a tear from her eye then walked over to where the shopping carts were. "Okay everyone!" she called out to the group as she pulled out a shopping cart, "Let's get started! Sayori, Meiji, since you two know this store why don't you lead us to the spots where we need to go?"

I walked up and put my hand on the cart. "I'll take care of this."

She looked at me and blushed. I felt my heartrate increase. Monika never really had any blushing sprites in the game, so seeing her like this was, in a way, relieving for me. It was also the absolutely cutest thing I'd ever seen. She looked away a bit, then pointed into the store. "Let's go!"

Tally-Ho was pretty large for a Japanese shopping center. The moment I walked in I was immediately reminded of Fred Meyer from back home but with a lower ceiling. There were aisles upon aisles of product. The entrance the six of us entered was located near the produce section. To the right the rest of the store loomed. To the direct right were ten checkout stations, seven of which were open for business.

The store was pretty busy the moment we entered. It caught me a bit off guard until I remembered that this was the afternoon when most people would be getting off work. "Alright Sayori, Meiji, where should we start? I'll shop for food last so don't worry about that."

Sayori pointed to the back. "I think that's where the printer stuff is." She headed in that direction. The rest of us followed suite.

We started at the back of the store where we found the paper and ink supplies Monika and Sayori had come up with for their part. While over in that same area, Yuri found some of the supplies on her list such as a white banner and some paints and brushes. When we were done in that section, Yuri asked if we could go and find the section of the store where they sold oil diffusers.

"What for?" Natsuki asked, confused.

"For some aromatherapy," Yuri said.

"What's that?" Sayori asked.

Yuri smiled. "It's one of my favorite contributors to a positive atmosphere. Depending on the oils or herbs you choose, you can change the mood of the air itself. You can even feel it permeate through your body. Relaxation, positive energy, romance, reflection…It's almost like magic."

Natsuki looked at Yuri and frowned. "That doesn't exactly tell me what it is. It just tells me you like it."

"It's a type of therapy," I interjected, attempting to cover for Yuri, who was blushing hard now and looking away. "The way I understand it, certain aromas can elicit certain responses in the body. Like Jasmine oil for example. It can…oh what can it do? I know it's an aphrodisiac and an antidepressant." I gave Sayori a brief look. She caught my eye but then looked away immediately. I decided to try and make some of them laugh at least. "And I think it helps with alleviating menopause symptoms."

Monika burst out laughing, Yuri held her hand up to her mouth blushing very hard, Sayori looked confused, and Natsuki was glaring at me. The only reason I knew about these is because I Googled it after Yuri mentioned it when I first played the game. "That's disgusting," Natsuki said.

"Yeah yeah, bad joke I know." I smiled sheepishly. Meiji, do you know if they have essential oils here?

Probably. I don't know where though.

"Well, why don't we go looking for some?" Sayori asked, smiling and holding her hands up excitedly.

"Actually, let's ask someone," Monika said. "Excuse me?" she asked a passing employee.

The employee, an older woman in the store's uniform which consisted, not surprisingly, of a red version of the ones I'd seen at Wal-Mart, stopped and smiled. "Yes?"

"Can you tell us where the essential oils and diffusers are?" Monika asked sweetly.

"Ah of course," she said. "Follow me." The employee led us to an aisle three ones down from where we'd been. "Here you are, the diffusers and oils are at the far end, center shelf on the right. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"I can't think of anything, can you?" I asked the girls. They all responded in the negative. "Then we're good for the moment. Thanks for your help."

"My pleasure," she said. Leaning in, she grinned. "Be good to these girls, you lucky stud."

Whoa… I felt Meiji blush which combined with my own made my face turn purple.

"Ah, um…th-thanks," I said as we headed down the aisle. Yuri walked quickly ahead of us, purpose in her step.

"Whoa, slow down and wait for us!" Sayori called out, chasing after her. However, Yuri was in her own world as she reached the diffusers, looking at them all carefully.

While she was doing that, I took a look at the oil choices themselves. Sayori and Monika both stood next to me, browsing as well. I picked one up. "Winter Alpine," I raised an eyebrow as I read over the bottle. "For those nights when you crave the scent of a fresh wintery forest." I nodded in appreciation. "Hey Yuri, check this out."

"Eh?" She had a couple diffusers in her hand when she walked over. "Winter Alpine eh?"

I unscrewed the lid and wafted the scent towards my nose. It really did smell like pine. In fact, it reminded me of Christmas. I smiled. "I like this…"

"Let's get it too," Yuri said, reaching over and taking the one in my hand. Our fingers touched at that moment, causing Yuri's face to go red. "Ah, I um…"

"It's alright," I said with a reassuring smile as I let go of the bottle. She retreated and placed the bottle in the cart before moving a bit farther away to look at other scents. I caught another glimpse of Monika's face. She looked a bit jealous, but the moment our eyes met, she looked away in shame. I walked over to her. "Monika…"

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm really trying. I really am."

"I know you are," I said in my best reassuring tone as I put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Come on, let's keep going."

Once Yuri was finished selecting the oil scents she thought would be appropriate, Natsuki practically dragged the cart to the confections aisle and began stuffing the cart with all sorts of supplies. "Just in case you or Meiji don't have what I need," she said when Sayori asked why the blonde was getting what she was getting.

Finally, it was my turn. I immediately felt self-conscious when the girls all looked at me expectantly as we approached the groceries section of the store near the entrance. I gulped. "Um, is everything alright?" I asked them.

"What're we having for dinner?" Sayori asked, practically bouncing off the walls.

"Something simple like pasta," I said as we headed down the grocery aisles. "I'm not sure right now what I can make for you all for food tomorrow and Sunday though. Hmm…" I furled my brow and thought hard. Meiji, are there any restaurants around here that are decent sit down places?

I can think of a few. Oooh, group date idea eh? I think my wallet can afford that.

If we ever manage to separate, I'll try and pay you back somehow.

Don't worry about it. If we succeed, my empty wallet will be a small price to pay for us escaping that nightmare I saw in the game.

"Sunday evening I'm gonna take you all out to a nice restaurant to celebrate," I promised.

Monika looked excited, as did Sayori. Yuri was looking away, blushing but smiling and Natsuki had her arms crossed but I could tell she was a bit excited. "You're gonna treat us to dinner?" Sayori asked excitedly, beaming widely.

"Yes I am," I said as I continued shopping for ingredients for dinner and meals for the next couple of days. As I continued shopping, Sayori and Monika walked behind me talking to each other. I couldn't help but overhear their conversation.

"Hey, Sayori?"

"What is it, Monika?"

"It's…well, it's about your dream."

"Oh? What about it?"

I heard Monika take a small breath. "Well, it's just…" she hesitated. "Ahaha, you know what, never mind. It's not as important as I thought it was."

"Are you sure, Monika?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. Sorry I asked."

"Well, if you're sure…"

The topic was quickly dropped and the two began to discuss food. Sayori asked Monika about what food she liked. As they talked, I tried to overhear what Natsuki and Yuri were talking about but I could only pick up snippets of their conversation. It did sound, however, like they were getting along. I picked up words and phrases such as, "…manga out there you'd enjoy…" or "…maybe read a novel together…" and such.

Meanwhile, I grabbed the ingredients I needed for tonight's pasta dinner as well as a few other ingredients for other meals during the weekend. I did ask Monika what kind of sauce she'd like for her portion of the pasta and she went for a Fettuccine Alfredo sauce. I smiled and grabbed some Fettuccine pasta while picking up the normal kind as well. If there was one thing about me, I absolutely love experimenting with food. I might have lived alone in my old world, but I could only eat so much repackaged processed foods before I got bored. Of course, the only times I really had time to cook was on weekends or days off because I'd been busy with work and school most normal days anyway, but I'd eventually begun making meals in bulk for my lunches.

"Hey, how are we gonna pay for all this?" I heard Natsuki call out as I finished shopping. Our cart was close to full by this point.

You know, I bet if I explain this to my Mom, she'll be so ecstatic she'll pay me back, Meiji chuckled.

Hah, maybe!

"I'll pay for it," I said. "And by I, I mean Meiji."

Monika quickly shook her head and walked up, reaching into her schoolbag. "I don't think that's very fair to you, Meiji," she said, looking as if through me again. She pulled out some cash and handed it to me.

No, it's really alright, Meiji said.

"No it really isn't," I said. "I wish I could pay you back too, but I don't have any cash."

"Geez, stop being a dummy," Natsuki said, handing me some money of her own. Yuri and Natsuki looked at me and were also offering money.

Before Meiji could object, I took it. "Meiji, I know how you feel, but it's not wrong to accept this help."

"Besides," Sayori said, "this is a club project! We should all pay."

I suddenly remembered something about Japanese school clubs. "Hey, wait a minute, doesn't the Literature Club have a budget? I thought Japanese schools had club budgets."

Monika paused. "Yeah…that's right! I can't believe I forgot about that, ahaha." She took out a notepad. "We're such a small club that I completely forgot. I mean, we are an official club, so I don't think our budget is too big, but if we're careful we can get reimbursed."

"Just remember to save your receipts," I said as we approached the checkout line.

"Um, sh-should we pay separately?" Yuri asked as I began placing everything on the checkout line. She looked a bit nervous. I suspected this was more than she was used to dealing with people.

"No I don't think that'll be necessary," Monika said. "I'll just keep the receipt and I'll sort it out when we submit the budget report."

The total for everything came out to almost ten thousand yen. Thanks to all the girls contributions, Meiji's wallet didn't suffer as much as it would have even if he did have enough to pay for everything. I grabbed as many bags as I could, and Monika, being the most athletic of us, insisted on carrying the rest. Natsuki, however, wasn't having it.

"No, I'm helping and that's final," the short blonde said insistently.

"Let's all carry something so that it's not just Monika and Josiah carrying everything," Sayori said, trying to calm the situation down.

Monika smiled and placed a few of the lighter bags down. "Alright, that sounds good."

When we left the mall, the rain was still coming down pretty hard. I grabbed my umbrella and opened it as I stepped out into the rain. "We should head back quickly," I said.

"Agreed," Monika said. "Okay, everyone, let's go."

As we began heading, Natsuki started the conversation back by asking, "Hey, did you hear about what happened to Yae?"

I turned. "No, what happened to her?"

"I heard she's about to get expelled," Natsuki said gleefully. "She was suspended obviously, but someone in class earlier today said she was about to be kicked out. About time too!"

I shrugged. "Well, we'll see what happens I suppose."

The wind picked up a bit and I thought I heard some distant thunder. That's not good, Meiji said.

Agreed. "We should try and hurry back as soon as we can. It looks like the storm is about to get worse."

"Ah, right," Monika said just as the rain began to fall even harder. "Try and keep all we have underneath the umbrellas if you can help-"

"Monika? Meiji? Is that you?" a new voice said from behind us. Turning, I saw Sayonika standing just behind us near the entrance to the mall. She smiled widely at us. "It is you guys! And I'm guessing these other three girls are in the Literature Club too?"

Wonder what she's doing out?

Looks like some light shopping, I replied, looking down at a small plastic bag in her hand.

"Who's this?" Natsuki asked, looking a bit suspiciously at Sayonika.

"Oh! My apologies. This is Fujiwara Sayonika. She's the class rep for my class. Sayonika, let me introduce Fujioka Sayori, Muramoto Natsuki and Yoshika Yuri, the other three members of the literature club."

Sayonika smiled and bowed. "It's nice to meet you three."

"Nice to meet you too!" Sayori said with a wide smile.

Yuri smiled as well, but with her signature nervousness. "It's a pleasure to meet you too."

"Yeah, nice to meet you too, I guess," Natsuki said.

"What are you all doing out here?" Sayonika asked curiously. "What's all that shopping for?"

"Just some shopping for the festival," Monika said with her confident club president persona. "We've got to use our weekend to prepare. How about you? What are you doing out?"

"Ah, well my parents are gonna be staying at work late so I decided to cheat a bit and get some fast food," she said with a grin, holding up the bag. I saw clearly now that she held a bag with a small logo on it, a simple stylized red M and the words MOS BURGER printed below the M. "Hey, that looks like a lot to carry. Can I help carry some of those bags for you?" she asked. "I don't have anywhere to be really."

I looked at Monika with a small sideways glance. I saw her look at me with a bit of unsurity in her eyes. She smiled a second later, a smile I interpreted as her saying that she trusted whatever decision I made. I turned back to Sayonika. "Actually, that would be helpful. We'd love some help."

Smiling widely, she walked over and grabbed a few bags from Natsuki and Yuri, then took one from me. "Lead on!" she said, chuckling.

Sayori smiled and fell into step with Sayonika. She looked eager to talk with the class rep. "You wear your blazer unbuttoned too?" she asked excitedly.

Sayonika chuckled. "Yeah I do. It's nice to meet a fellow unblazened one like me," she said.

Sayori giggled. "I thought I was the only one who used that word!"

"Haha you use it too?" Sayonika asked with a wide smile.

"Those two certainly are hitting it off quite nicely," Monika said as she fell into step beside me.

"Yeah they are," I said.

"So who is that girl anyway, Josiah?" Natsuki asked as she walked over to me.

"She's the class rep for Meiji's class as well as the president and vice president of the school's Art Club," I replied.

As we reached the main road and turned left, Natsuki's eyes widened, clearly impressed by Sayonika's accomplishments. "Well damn, that's pretty badass of her," she said.

"I will admit, I've heard of her before," Yuri said as she too joined us. "She's in the top twenty top scoring students in our school and started the Art Club sometime last year, I believe. She's also fairly athletic if I'm not mistaken. I've seen her a few times in PE. She's quite fast and strong."

"I've never had PE with her," Monika said. "Now I'm curious to see her in action."

"Getting a little competitive, are we?" I looked at her, grinning.

Monika leaned forward in that famous pose. "What? I can't be curious now?" she asked teasingly.

"Curious about what?" Sayonika and Sayori had suddenly rejoined us and were looking at me and Monika curiously.

I grinned. "Oh, Monika was just curious to see which of you would win in a race," I said.

"Oh! That sounds like fun!" Sayonika said excitedly. "If you're okay with it though, Monika."

As we reached Sayori's and Meiji's neighborhood again, Monika smiled. "That sounds perfect. Sometime after the festival then?"

"Sounds good to me!" She smiled and looked around the neighborhood. "Pretty awesome neighborhood you guys have here! Looks nice and quiet."

"It is!" Sayori said. "There's a park nearby too!"

"Really? I'll have to visit here then. My house is actually about six blocks away from this one if I counted right." She pulled out her phone and tapped at it for a bit. "Gimme a minute…let's see…aha! Yep, I'm actually a short walk away from here."

"That's cool!" Sayori said as we arrived at her house. "Here we are, Fujiwara-san. Thanks for your help."

"Call me Sayonika, everyone," she said with a smile as she put the bags down in the genkan. "I'd love to stay and help, but I should actually get back to my club's plans for the festival. We're doing an art gallery where all our members tried their best to recreate famous art pieces."

"We'll be sure to stop by," Monika said.

"Please do! I'll be stopping by yours too! What are you doing, by the way?"

"We're going to be reciting poems," I said.

"Really? Then what's with all the stuff there?" Sayonika asked curiously.

"Well, we want to draw in as many students as we can," Monika said confidently, "so we're gonna try baked goods and atmosphere to set the mood for the poem readings."

Sayonika looked impressed. "Now I'm definitely gonna stop by! I can't wait to see that." Sayonika bowed. "Well, I'll leave you to it. See you all on Monday!"

"See you then," I said, waving at the confident bundle of joy as she headed away back the way we'd come.

"Okay everyone," Monika said as we placed the bags on the kitchen table, "let's get everything set up for tonight's activities. We won't need much tonight, just printer paper and staplers. Sayori, let's go start the design."

"I'll start up on dinner," I said as I headed into the kitchen and began washing my hands.

"Not without me you're not. You're not gonna be working in the kitchen without my help," Natsuki said suddenly, following me into the kitchen. "I'm helping until Monika and Sayori are ready."

"What-what should I do?" Yuri asked in an unsure voice.

Monika stopped and thought a bit. "Well, do you want to get a headstart on your part of the festival? Maybe start some designs? When we're ready for help assembling the pamphlets, we'll let you know."

"Yeah, I can do that." I could already see Yuri's mind churning as she pulled out a blank sheet of paper and pen and began trying out some drawings.

Natsuki and I began to prepare the kitchen for dinner. Not like there was much to prepare for anyway. While the Japanese called what we were making pasta, I called it spaghetti. It wasn't too difficult of a dinner to make, which was why I was confused as to why Natsuki was helping me. After a few minutes, Natsuki spoke up. "So, who's that Sayonika chick?"

"Like I said, she's the class rep for Meiji's class," I replied as I pulled out the packets of dry pasta and placed them on the counter. "Believe it or not, she's the club president and vice president of Sakura Academy's Art Club, but she's interested in joining the Literature Club if you can believe it."

Natsuki looked at me with a puzzled look as she began filling one of the larger pans with water. "For real? How come?"

"She said something about how her club was becoming too political, kind of like how Monika felt in the Debate Club last year."

Natsuki shrugged. "Well, I can understand that. Club politics sounds like it sucks. Not like I have any experience in that."

"Well, the Literature Club is small right now," I replied. "Hopefully it won't ever get that way, but as long as you four are key members of the club it will be a place of fun and relaxation."

Natsuki sighed. "Well, all I wanna do is read my manga, but Monika keeps coming up with these activities for us to do. Reading a novel and talking about it, poems, all that stuff."

"Well in order to understand literature one must study all its aspects," I said. "Yes, Meiji and I both know that manga is literature, but I think that Monika really wants to have fun in this club too. She's trying to include everyone in club activities as best she can. That's the sign of a good leader."

"I'm not saying she's a bad leader, but I just wish she'd not dismiss manga so lightly," Natsuki said.

Wait, she does? When?

That's right…remember what she said on Wednesday? Something along the lines of how Natsuki has a big mouth for someone who keeps their manga in the clubroom.

Oh yeah…that does kinda sound like she doesn't like manga.

"I don't think she dislikes manga," I said. "She's got her own tastes just like you. I'm not sure if she's ever read manga before, to be honest."

"Seriously, what's wrong with manga?" she said in aggravated tone as she angrily broke some of the dry pasta in two so it would fit in the pot. "They're just as good as novels!"

"Absolutely nothing's wrong with them," I replied. "They've got their own merits, but so do novels. You guys read Sense and Sensibility recently right? Tell the truth, did you like it at all?"

She frowned. "It was hard to read to be honest. Yuri kept going on and on about it, but I kinda tuned her out. But…" she looked past me at Yuri, then lowered her voice. "Don't tell Yuri, but I don't dislike the book."

"Heh, glad to hear it," I said softly back.

"Speaking of manga," she said as she stirred the water while it heated up, "I've noticed you've been reading Parfait Girls. When did you become a fan?"

"This past Tuesday actually," I replied as I began mixing some sauce in another pan. "Meiji and I both read it while we were sick."

"How far along are you?" she asked.

"I just got to the part where they were introducing the guy," I said.

"Oh you mean Makoto?" she said.

"Is that his name? I haven't reached that part yet. Looks kinda generic to me, like all anime harem protagonists. You know, spikey brown hair, kind eyes, the works."

Natsuki giggled. "He does, doesn't he? N-Not that I've read harem manga or anything!" She tried to cover up her mistake.

"Haha alright, alright," I said, hands raised.

"Well…how are you liking it so far?" she asked, looking away with a small blush.

"Honestly? It's pretty cool so far. Kind of reminds me of those slice of life anime." I took a small taste of the sauce. "Hmm…needs a bit more salt I think," I said to myself as I put a few pinches more in then went to start working on the meatballs.

"Don't let the innocent first few volumes fool you," Natsuki said, waggling her finger at me with a grin, "It gets better soon! Trust me."

"Oh yeah? I can't wait to read everything then," I said as I began mixing the ingredients for the meatballs.

"Ah ah ah, I'll do that," she said, quickly walking over and taking the mixing bowl from me. "You watch the stove."

"But this was gonna be my-"

"If you want dinner to be amazing, you should watch a pro at work," she said with her wide toothy smile, showing off her fangs. "Besides, I know how to make meatballs better than anyone!"

"Alright alright, you win," I said, knowing better than to argue with the cute blonde tsun. I went back and kept an eye on the pasta and sauce while Natsuki mixed the meat in the bowl. I started getting lost in thought again as I stirred the two pans slowly. "So how'd you get into manga?" Natsuki paused and I saw a slightly pained expression pass over her face.

Whoa…that's not good, Meiji said.

Yeah…shit. I immediately backtracked. "Sorry, you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

She shook her head. "No…it's okay. I actually got into it because…because of my mom."

Hey all! I'm sorry for not updating this sooner. I was stuck in writers block and busy with other life stuff. But I finally got new inspiration thanks to my second mod demo of this story being released and it getting some cool attention. Anyway, hope the quality of this didn't degrade. Enjoy!

morbiusgreen