Author's Note: After spending a few extra days prepping this, I think it's finally ready. Be slightly warned this is 3x longer than the previous two chapters. Also, early thanks to my personal acquaintance, Crystal, for taking the time to read through my story early for proofreading. It really was appreciated.

Chapter 3: Fleeting dream

"You said we'd meet again, but when we did, we might not recognize each other... I think I understand.

I see myself the way you remember me. And you see yourself the way I remember you."

-XIII: Roxas (Kingdom Hearts 2)

Sayori, full of energy swings open the door to the clubroom, "I'm baaaaaack! And I brought the new member!"

I give myself a hearty sigh and mutter behind her, "This sure, brings back memories... Hearing her like this before getting introduced to everyone is almost intimidating." I start to shudder behind her, feeling timid all of a sudden. I was certainly a super introvert growing up, and I remember I always excessively shy and timid around girls going through high school. Granted, I have grown up past that point in my life, but why am I feeling this anxious? I've learned to be more confident than this over the past several years; especially in smaller groups. This shouldn't be an issue! I try to pull off a confident façade even though I feel like my legs are trembling slightly as familiar faces from the Literature club start to greet me for the first time... in person.

?: "Welcome to the Literature Club. It's a pleasure to meet you... Sayori always says nice things about you, Josh."

I can already feel myself getting flustered. Yuri is the first one to greet me, just like in the game. She was about as tall as I figured she would be in person. She was maybe a few inches short of my own height and that long violet hair... sure was something you wouldn't normally see in our reality but it appeared a shade darker than what the visual novel portrayed. Her physical appearance was absolutely stunning and mature just like her mannerisms. When I first played the game, I found myself oddly attracted to Yuri (AND NO, not because of her body type). I had the biggest crush on her primarily because I was always interested in shy and timid girls. Most girls like that were usually raised well, polite and sweet at heart. They also usually shared similar passions the more you find out about them on a personal level. And Yuri was no different, granted having a knife collection to me isn't necessarily weird... I have a sword collection but you don't see anyone judging me anytime soon. Passions aside, seeing Yuri in person certainly raised my anxiety...

Josh: "I-It's a pleasure to meet you as well..."

?: "Seriously, Sayori? You brought a boy here? Way to kill the atmosphere."

Oh boy, here we go. Hot-headed Natsuki in person... I will admit she is definitely pretty cute, despite her petite size to everyone else. Her pink hair was probably more offsetting than Yuri's violet hair, yet oddly enough I felt like it suited her. I was personally never into tsundere type girls but Natsuki I think was an exception to my rule of thoughts. I feel like she puts on that tsundere façade for us when she's around people she doesn't trust. When understanding her back story, I felt bad for the kind of life she's had to live. Having to live under a house of abuse while still trying to undertake the stress of school and life? It makes sense why she acts the way she does at times. However, I have also come to realize and appreciate Natsuki as a person; it takes time for tsundere girls to warm up to someone, especially when it comes to being nice to someone they like. Deep down inside though, Natsuki may be childish at times but I know she has a good heart too... even if she doesn't always show it.

Natsuki: "What are you looking at? If you got something to say then say it."

Josh: "Hmm..? S-sorry, were you expecting me to say something?"

Yuri: "Natsuki... there's no need to act that way around our guest..."

Natsuki gives her usual pouting expression while folding her arms and looking away from the rest of us. "hmph." Well at least things aren't too different so far. Sayori cuts in for a moment,

Sayori: "Don't mind her, ehehe~ She gets moody sometimes."

Sayori whispers into my ear but returns to the others, "So that's Natsuki, energetic as always! And this is Yuri~ She's the smartest one in the club!"

Yuri gets flustered by Sayori's comment, trying not to be too embarrassed in front of me. "S-sayori... don't say things like that..."

Josh: "W-well, it's good to meet both of you.."

My anxiety will be the death of me if I can't get myself to calm down... It takes me a bit of time to get used to new people and Natsuki and Yuri are extremely cute in person... but that really only leaves one person left...

?: "A-Ah... Josh... It's so nice to see you again."

Sayori: "Monika! ...Eh... Wait you two know each other already?"

Coming up behind the club members, the president, Monika herself makes her grand appearance. Tall, beautiful, athletic and undoubtedly gorgeous. Honestly, if I was an anime guy right now I think my nose would be spilling blood right about now. She's definitely more than I could probably handle. She appeared to be a little flustered herself but keeping her confident composure a little bit better than me. She was a little shorter than Yuri and she has those beautiful, emerald green eyes, and had her long brown hair in her signature ponytail being held by her white ribbon. If my anxiety didn't give me a heart attack by now, it certainly will if I get too personal around her... But I digress, my anxiety is still through the roof for me and I wasn't even sure if I could spit out a clean sentence without sounding like a nervous train wreck. I took a deep breath to collect myself a bit and tried to act normal.

Monika: "Ahaha.. Yeah, we know each other from last year's class... But in all honesty... It's nice to see you again."

I meekly avoid her eye contact for a moment and make my reply, "It's nice to see you again too Monika..." I really wanted to smack myself in the face right now, I feel like I'm embarrassing myself right now by acting like this. I haven't acted like this... in a very long time. There was only one other person in my life that made my heart pound like this... but that was long ago since that was broken apart... now being subjected to all these girls is almost more than I can take.

Monika: "Say! Since we're all here now, how about we get those cupcakes out?"

Sayori: "Ooooooh Yes! I'll get them!"

Natsuki: "Uh, Sayori, no. I made them, so I'll go get them, okay?"

Sayori: "Aww... okay then... ehehe..."

Yuri: "Perhaps I should go fix some tea as well."

Monika: "Yes Yuri, that would be great."

Everyone seems to get along well so far, it's actually pretty surprising. You can only imagine so much from a game perspective but when seeing everyone in this reality, that is so similar to my own, the atmosphere seems so much different. Monika, Sayori and I all gather around a group of desks formed together to make a larger table like they did in game. Like I figured, I had the choice to sit next to either Monika or Sayori. By this time my anxiety has decreased to a manageable point. I suck up any courage I have left in my consciousness and take a risky choice of sitting next to Monika. Monika is taken aback by my choice and she almost appears a little nervous for me being this close to her.

Monika: "Say, why aren't you sitting next to Sayori..? Wouldn't you be more comfortable sitting next to her?"

Josh: "umm.. Is there something wrong with me sitting here next to you..?"

I try my best not to make our situation awkward but I wanted her to know I wasn't afraid to make my own decisions here. I give her a calm smile and she gets flustered even more from my response.

Monika: "Well... n-no... I was just curious. It's fine though."

She averts her gaze from me and just in time. Natsuki comes back with a tray of those iconic, colorful, fluffy, cat-like cupcakes. She triumphantly presents them to us and sets them on the table.

Natsuki: "Ta-dah! What do you think?"

Sayori's mouth drops and Monika appears impressed. My expression could only be described as anticipating and also impressively astonished with Natsuki's culinary skills. Even for a high schooler this is pretty damn impressive.

Sayori: "Uwaaah? Oh my gosh these are so amazing and cute!"

Sayori immediately takes one and Monika and I follow suit. After unwrapping the cupcakes, Sayori takes a large bite and gets her face covered in icing. I try my best not to laugh at her but Monika giggles at Sayori's face which causes me to chuckle a bit too.

Monika: "Sayori honey, do you need a napkin?"

I immediately pass a napkin over to her without saying anything. Sayori takes it, giggling a little bit as well, "Maaaaaaybe, hehehe~ Thanks Josh." She cleans the icing off her face after she finishes eating the cupcake. Monika starts to eat her cupcake as well, clearly enjoying it. Meanwhile, I can clearly see Natsuki glancing at me in the corner of my eye, waiting for me to take a bite as well. Being just as meticulous as the game's protagonist I try to turn the cupcake to the best possible angle to take a bite. Trying out the cupcake, it was sweet with a really good texture... yet, reminds me of home... Well not my current home, but home when I was living with my family. I remember having cupcakes this good when my mom made sweets from time to time. These cupcakes are certainly something special if they remind me of my childhood home... My face shows a contented expression; I am clearly satisfied with the cupcakes.

Josh: "These are absolutely amazing, Natsuki. Thank you for making these."

Natsuki: "W-why are you thanking me...? It's not like I... made them for you or anything..."

Josh: "Heh... oh really...?" I smirk lightly and look away from her trying to conceal a small laugh, "Oh, I beg to differ...heheh... Sayori told me otherwise." I say quietly, but just loud enough for everyone to hear. Monika and Sayori giggle and Natsuki becomes flustered and huffs like her typical tsundere self...

Natsuki: "W-well... they weren't just for you... y-you dummy!"

She plops down in her seat and a smile runs across my face as I quietly laugh to myself feeling victorious. As I finish up my cupcake, Yuri returns with her tea set and giving everyone around the table their respective teas. It's been a while since I have had tea but it's always nice to have once in a while. For me especially, I would like to drink warm tea to help calm my nerves and stresses from the day. Most days though, I only drink coffee or energy drinks when I'm feeling drained or exhausted.

Josh: "So the faculty allows you to keep the tea set here in the classroom?"

Yuri: "Mhm, the teachers gave us permission, besides doesn't a cup a tea help you enjoy a good book?"

Josh: "I imagine so. Tea helps relax the mind, so I imagine tea and reading go well together."

Yuri: "I-I see... so you understand what it's like."

Monika: "Ehehe, so are you trying to impress our new member Yuri?"

Yuri: "E-eh? W-wha... T-that's not..."

Just like in the game, Yuri becomes noticeably flustered and insulted she looks away.

Yuri: "I just meant that... well.. You know..."

Josh: "I understood what you were trying to explain Yuri." I give her a genuine smile, hoping that she'll feel better about the situation.

Yuri: "O-oh... I'm glad..."

Yuri smiles faintly to herself and joins all of us at the table and Monika raises a brow at me and smiles. I can't tell exactly, but I keep getting the feeling that Monika probably wants to talk to me more... Yet, I am also curious to what she's thinking about. I was anticipating that she would eventually say something to me.

Monika: "So what made you decide to join the Literature club?"

Well... so far, a lot of the dialog is very reminiscent of Doki Doki Literature Club itself. Which isn't a bad thing, but I was expecting a little more realism and diversity in conversations. No matter... I'm fine with the original talk since I'm speaking my mind now, rather than seeing just lines of pre-written text for myself. Sayori casually looks over at me but goes back to talking with Yuri and Natsuki for the moment.

Josh: "Well I haven't joined any other clubs yet and Sayori tells me she's really happy here in the Literature club..."

Monika: "Ahaha.. I understand, don't be embarrassed okay? I- erm, I mean, we'll make you feel right at home okay? As president of the Literature club, it's my duty to make this club fun and exciting for everyone!"

Josh: "I understand... S-so... what made you want to start a brand new club like this? If I recall, weren't you a part of the debate team?"

Monika: "Ahaha... yeah, about that... I quit the debate club. I couldn't stand dealing with the major politics, ESPECIALLY, in the debate club."

Josh: "Ah... I don't blame you... politics are certainly a pain. It's better to make a club out of something everyone can enjoy in my opinion... Politics and debating just sounds...miserable and demanding."

Monika: "EXACTLY! I feel the same way about it... and I personally love Literature so I just decided to make a club about it!"

I'll be honest I heard about how different debates can be. I only rarely heard about debate clubs and teams when I was in high school. I had a friend of mine on the debate team in our high school and our team actually went to regionals as champions. However, I heard it was not exactly the best thing in the world to do. To me all politics are a pain in the ass; case in point: there is no winning. Topics aside, Monika has been trying to lock in eye contact with me, clearly intrigued by me, but I'm still a little uneasy; feeling shy I can't maintain any eye contact with her for more than a second or two so I decide to continue conversing until I can feel more at ease.

Josh: "So... is it really difficult starting a new club?"

Monika: "Well, let's just say not everyone is on board with starting something brand new, especially something that doesn't grab ones' attention, like Literature. We'll all have to work hard for the upcoming festival to earn new members but I'm sure our hard work will be rewarding! I'm also confident we can grow this club before we all graduate. Right everyone?"

Sayori: "That's right!"

Yuri: "We'll do our best."

Natsuki: "You know it!"

It's times like this when I am reminded that I am in an anime/video game simulation and this kind of enthusiasm just makes me smile. It's good to see such positivity in people. I remember high school being a hell of a roller-coaster ride of terms of emotions and literal stress. Drama left and right, friends and classmates backstabbing each other from gossip and so on. Granted Doki Doki Literature Club does have its moments, but I am hoping that this will be different. Yuri starts a conversation with me about the topic of reading in general.

Yuri: "So Josh, what kind of books do you like to read?"

Josh: "Well... um... I have been reading a lot of different things lately... Some comics, manga... and a couple of different horror novels that I picked up a while back."

Both Yuri's eyes and Natsuki's eyes light up, focusing their attention on me. Natsuki wants to say something, but she keeps quiet like usual.

Yuri: "Ah, I see... you're certainly diversifying yourself in literature already... T-that's impressive..."

Josh: "You could say that... I was an artist before a reader though... and recently I have been interested in combining both art and literature to tell much more defining stories."

Everyone looks at me in awe, Monika appears to be staring at me more intently than the others. But at the same time, I feel like she's also staring dagger through the side of my head... or towards Natsuki and Yuri. I'm just trying to make everyone like me a little bit, and I was being honest in my answer. I do tend to read horror e-books occasionally as well as manga from time to time when I'm not in the mood for gaming or buried in my work.

Natsuki: "Horror huh? I can't stand horror..."

Yuri: "Oh..? How come?"

Monika: "That's right... You like to write about cute things don't you Natsuki?"

Natsuki: "W-what? Why do you say that?"

Monika: "Well you left a poem on your desk after the last club meeting, it looked like you were working on poem called-"

Natsuki: "D-Don't say it out loud! And give it back!"

Monika hands over Natsuki's poem. All of us are giggling a little bit at the situation except Natsuki. Sayori wraps her hands around Natsuki's shoulder and teases her in a friendly manner like she did in the game. This little scene was always kind of adorable since Sayori likes to tease Natsuki yet praising her for being cute. I feel a little bad for Natsuki at times. Teasing can be all fun and games but it can also be impactful on someone's mentality; but if I recall everyone in the Literature club is fairly good friends (at least as far as I can visibly tell).

Sayori: "Ehehe! Your poems and your cupcakes! Everything is just as cute as you are~!"

Natsuki attempts to scoot away from Sayori in her chair. Her expression was priceless.

Natsuki: "I'M NOT CUTE!"

Lies, she is cute. Even when she's getting embarrassed by her friends. Sayori tends to do a pretty good job at bringing out the best in others. It's humorous at times, but I decide to shift the focus from the embarrassing moment by going along with some of the old dialog I remember from the game.

Josh: "So, Natsuki you write your own poems?"

Natsuki: "Yeah? Why do you care?"

Josh: "I think that's awesome. You should share them sometime."

Natsuki: "N-no! Y-you wouldn't like them..."

I cross my arms and lean back into the chair a bit and sigh. "Well, you never know unless you try..."

Yuri: "I can relate to how Natsuki feels. It's difficult to share that level of writing with just anyone... but it's best to share that writing to oneself."

Monika: "Oh? You have writing experience too Yuri? Perhaps you can share some of your writings with us sometimes to make Natsuki feel better about sharing hers."

Yuri: "Ehh..."

Yuri is just the same as Natsuki about sharing poems but that, again, was not surprising to me at all. I smile to myself remembering these events from the past and now seeing them again in person.

Josh: "I can understand sharing personal talents can be intimidating especially when you're not accustomed to it, but we're all friends here, right? I'm sure we can get comfortable enough to read some of our own poetry sometime."

I'm not sure if me speaking up made those two feel any better or any more confident. The both averted their eyes and they were still silent.

Yuri and Natsuki: "…"

Sayori: "Aww but I wanted to read everyone's poems..."

I can't help but find myself staring at everyone individually. It was fascinating to hear that their voices were all so different than what I expected. But each of their separate voices and their tone of speaking reflected each of their personalities perfectly. Yuri probably had the softest voice in the room, a little shaky at times when she was feeling shy or nervous but when she did talk normally without any stuttering, she honestly has a really beautiful voice. Natsuki being an aggressive tsundere, wasn't afraid to speak up or speak her mind. She sounded like the youngest in the group, having a slightly higher pitched voice than the rest of the girls and her tone normally would have a touch of sassiness behind her speaking mannerisms. As for Monika... well it's about what I expected after hearing her beautiful voice all those years ago in her song... I remember it so well. She has a soft-spoken voice at times too but she knows how to confidently project her voice like a leader. Her voice seems so much more genuine and sweet now hearing her in normal conversations. She speaks up once more declaring what we should do for tomorrow.

Monika: "Okay, everyone! I know something we could all do. Let's all write our own poems and share them with each other tomorrow. How does that sound? That way, we can all get a little more comfortable with each other's writing."

Sayori: "Yeah! That sounds like a great idea!"

Yuri: "..."

Natsuki: "Well... fine."

Josh: "Well, no complaints here..."

Monika: "Well, it's settled! Well with that, how about we conclude today's meeting! Don't forget about your assignment for tomorrow."

Monika looks over at me and smiles sweetly, "Josh... I really look forward to seeing how you express yourself..." she winks at me and I find myself getting flustered again slightly but I struggle to keep my composure. I take a deep breath and look back at her smiling.

Josh: "S-same to you Monika."

As everyone starts to clean up from today, I walk over to the desk where I had placed my bag and sigh to myself. My anxiety has been an utter nightmare today. I close my eyes for a moment thinking about all that's happened, I'm not even sure how to process everything... In the midst of my thoughts.. another voice starts to catch my attention,

Joxhaus: "So... everything in the simulation so far could just be replicated from the original game itself, having some variation in dialog options and reactions based on word choice and events. Most of this appears typical like all the other simulations we have done. Although... there are some anomalies appearing too... Must be minor bugs..."

Josh: "...Is it just me or does it feel like a dream?"

Joxhaus: ".̣̞̹͍.͓͎͔̼̲̺.͖͟I̛͇ ̩̪̰̪̳̤̜d̻̝̦ͅO̳͉͚̖͓̥n̤̯̯͚̞̮'̜̠̤͝T̰͙́ ̡͕̻͈̯k̞̗̝͍̩̀N͢o͏̤̲ẉ̤̗̪̗͇̕,͚̯͉̱ ̦̖͚w͖͕̥̞̣̥̭͜H̱̥̮y̘̩̯͚͎̖͚ ̷̟̯̦̮̼d̶͍͚0̝̫̘͖͘n̥͕̤̥͝'̲̭͓̙̟̫͖T̴͉̥͙ ͉̺̼͚͝y͜O̻̰̞̜u ̦͚p̞͖͎̰I̲̦͓̖̩̖̕n͡C̳h͇͖̣͍ ̭y̩̰̗ơUr̬̗̟s͎̜̠͜e͙̞͠L͍̠̪̠̟̯̩f͈̰ ̠̖̀a̠͕̘̞͔͕n̗͡D͙̝̘̲̣̜̰ ͅf̺̥͕͉̗̀ͅĮ̠͎nd ̀0̭̲͉͖͕̤͍u҉̝̩͔̣̗͚̺T̫̟̮̲̖?͔̫͖... what nonsense are you on about..?"

Josh: "? umm...ah never mind. I'm not sure what I'm thinking about... and are you okay?"

Joxhaus: "Clearly, you don't know what you're saying... You need to keep your head out of the clouds and remember we're here to do a job, not fall in love. Even if we are the guinea pig of this simulation... I swear, you're probably going to end up making this job longer than it needs to just because you miss the feeling of being in love. As for your question? I'm fine... just minding my own business while you're off getting cozy with virtual women."

Josh: "...are you sure? You're not jealous or anything are you?"

My Nobody starts to seem annoyed but keeps his calm tone of voice; he only sighs for a moment in the quiet of my mind.

Joxhaus: "...I see everything you see, and what kind of a stupid question is that? I feel like you forget that I don't have a heart, or emotions to feel such things. In the end, I am a part of you."

Josh: "...Well... okay then..."

Joxhaus: "Pay attention idiot!"

Sayori: "...-eeellooooo?"

My thoughts are broken by the sound of Sayori saying "hello" in a long and awkward fashion; because she's fully aware I'm lost in thought, she intentionally swats my shoulder and I'm back into the virtual reality.

Josh: "OW! What was that for?"

Sayori: "Ehehe, if you weren't so lost in your thoughts I wouldn't have had to hit you so hard~ But, Monika wants to ask you a few questions since the meeting is over. Hope you don't mind."

Josh: "huh..? Umm, okay then?"

Sayori: "Don't worry~ I will be waiting right outside, so we can walk home together!"

Josh: "Alright, hopefully this won't take too long."

Sayori giggles to herself and cheerfully skips to the door of the classroom and waits outside in the hallway. Meanwhile, Monika is standing by the window of the classroom staring at the glowing red-orange sunset. I walk towards her slowly feeling a little uneasy and Natsuki and Yuri end up leaving as well, chatting to themselves as I walk up to Monika. As I timidly approach her I start getting anxious again, what does she want to talk about? I find the means to speak up...

Josh: "Hey, Monika...? what did you want to talk to me about..?"

Monika giggled softly, and turned toward me staring into my eyes intently. I can clearly see her beautiful green eyes and my anxiety starts to flare up but it isn't the same as the first time. Her voice seemed cheerful, yet curious.

Monika: "Could you take a seat for me please...?"

I do as she instructed me and I see a smile run across her face. She appears to be thinking, maybe running her thoughts through the simulation and the code. She gave a soft sigh and she speaks up again.

Monika: "Alright then.. Aaaand, stop!"

With a snap of her fingers everything in the simulation changed color, or in this case, saturation... Everything appeared grey, the air felt still and I look over towards the exit door; Sayori appeared to be frozen, in a mid-twirl right outside the door. I look back towards Monika, who was smiling and casually walked up me slowly, taking another chair nearby and sits down in front of me.

Josh: "W-what..? What's going on?"

Monika: "Oh~ Nothing special~ Just allowing you to take a little break and maybe get some time to chat with me for a little bit~"

Josh: "S-so... you know who I am then?"

Monika giggles and blushes lightly but sighs, "Well, yes and no. I remember a past time where I felt like I knew you, but that isn't the case, because I know this is the first time I'm meeting you. Josh is your real name, right?"

Josh: "Y-yeah... it is."

Monika: "Ahaha~ Good. I'm so happy I can at least start this off right. I just wanted to get to know you a little better to start off your first day. I hope that's okay~?"

Josh: "Y-yeah... I'm okay with that."

Personally, I can't even believe this is happening. I guess my assumption was right; she is still very much aware of this simulation, and she knew I was real but... what happens from here? Well, who knows; but I certainly didn't expect Monika to literally freeze time in the virtual world just so we could talk.

Monika: "Gosh, you're much more attractive than I was initially hoping...~"

She started to run her finger across my chest slowly, and my heart-rate has nearly doubled. The anxiety is probably going to be the death of me. Monika is exceedingly beautiful and for her to say something like that so genuinely is almost more than I can take. My face was burning up at this point and I guess you could say my breathing was a bit heavier because I was nervous. Monika appears to have taken notice of my condition and only giggles to herself more.

Monika: "Oh gosh, are you okay Josh? You seem a little anxious~ I hope I'm not making you feel uneasy."

Josh: "Ah..ahaha.. yeah, I'm okay I promise!"

I don't think I was being completely honest in my own statement. I felt like my heart was going to explode from my chest, she was only less than a foot away in front of my face, looking right into my eyes, as if she were searching for something.

Monika: "Ehehe~ I'm so happy that I don't have to talk to a blank face of code anymore..~ Just the real you, here in my world! Ah... and your eyes.. they're so.. different. They're beautiful... I've never seen a person with different colored eyes before like this."

I'm getting even more flustered hearing more compliments from her. I feel like it's getting a little hot in the room even though the air is completely still. Why is this happening? She's making my heart race so much and I haven't felt this kind of feeling in a long time. I'm slowly starting to feel at ease even though my anxiety is telling me otherwise.

Josh: "Ahaha... yeah I have a mutated eye color..."

Monika: "Ah! I see, that's amazing! I've heard only a few kinds of people get that from their genetics! Hehe~ but that really just makes you more unique in my eyes."

I think I'm visibly trembling, my face has been pink for a while and even Monika notices I'm still a little uneasy, she giggles and takes my hand for a moment hoping it would help calm me down. Her hands were smaller than mine, soft, gentle and warm, so this is what her touch is like?

Monika: "Ahaha~ you're so adorable when you're nervous and shy! But you don't need to be nervous around me~ Besides I want to make you feel comfortable in the days to come. So that brings me to what I would like to ask you."

I start to slow down my breathing and I look at Monika as I recompose myself slowly and I finally manage to make a clear coated response, "Alright... what is it?"

Monika smiles as if she had finally made some progress and retracts her hand from mine, "I know you're feeling a little on edge still since you joined here, so if it's not too much trouble do you think we can talk again sometime soon? Just the two of us?"

I'm more or less taken aback by how calm and nonchalant she's being right now. If she's got this much control over the world right now, why hasn't she just erased everyone and just kept the simulation at just the two of us? This is probably going to boggle my brain for a while. Well I mean, I guess this is better than having everyone die or having the simulation turn into a nightmare. I fix my breathing and attempt to act confident again to respond to her request.

Josh: "Yes, I would love that actually."

I'm still trembling a bit but at least I didn't stutter in my answer, my heart rate is still going fast but it's not as bad as it was just a few moments ago. Monika smiles cheerfully and stands up to return the chair she was sitting in, back to where it was.

Monika: "I'm glad to hear that~ I'll be sure to make you feel more comfortable okay?"

She flashes a wink in my direction, which causes me to become even more flustered for a moment and she looks back to the window and snaps her fingers again. The color returns to the world and time is back to normal here. The glowing sunset, warms my skin once again and from the classroom exit I hear a soft humming coming from Sayori in the halls. I turn back towards Monika who gives me a little nudge with her elbow and smiles. I think I noticed the faintest blush run across her cheeks.

Monika: "Well, that's all for today! I'll see you again soon okay?"

Josh: "A-alright... I'll see you later then..."

I get up from my seat and sigh slowly, trying to fix my breathing before walking out of the room. I stood at the exit to turn towards Monika once more and she was smiling and waving at me. I meekly wave back with a shy smile and I leave the classroom, and before I even get a chance to think, I get tackled from behind in the hallway.

Sayori: "SURPRISE! Piggy-back ride! Ehehe!"

Josh: "AH! ...Sayori! ...Stop! ...You're going to kill... me!"

But it was too late, she tackled me with enough force to catch me off guard and I lost my proper footing. And from there, I hit the floor. Thankfully, I caught myself just enough so I wouldn't land face first, or in this case, rib-cage first. Although, for a moment I'm stuck on the ground with a giggling Sayori on my back.

Josh: "Sayori..."

Sayori: "Ehehe~ Yeeeeesss?"

Josh: "Did you really have to do that?"

Sayori: "Sorry~ But yes! It was necessary!"

Josh: "Can you at least let me get up?"

Sayori: "Ehehe~ What's the magic word~?"

Josh: "...please?"

Sayori: "Ehehe~ Alright, I'll let you get up."

Sayori gets off my back and allows me to get up. I readjust my clothes and I look towards her with a slightly annoyed look, "Ehehe~ what? I said I was sorry." Sayori was poking her index fingers together again, giving me that cute, awkward look again. How could I be mad at her?

Josh: "If you wanted a piggy-back ride you could have just asked, instead of just tackling me to the floor."

Sayori: "Ehehe... I know but I just wanted to surprise you on the way out~"

I sigh softly and turn my back to Sayori. "You make no sense sometimes... Want to piggy-back ride now?", I look back to see she's beaming with joy and jumps onto my back and I hold onto her legs and I basically carry her all the way out of the school building.

As we leave the school grounds, she jumps off my back and she walks beside me now and we start to chat on the way home. The wind was low and cool as we walked on the sun setting roads.

Sayori: "So what did you think about the club?"

Josh: "Wasn't too bad... I guess I could get used to it. And I'm happy you convinced me to go to it. Now we can see each other a bit more."

Sayori: "Ehehe~ I'm glad too! By the way, what did Monika want to talk to you about?"

I was really hoping this question wouldn't come up. Since, Monika literally froze time for us to talk, I should probably go with a reasonable answer that Sayori would believe.

Josh: "Well... she asked if I had any questions regarding the club and that if I had any concerns that I should let her know."

I hate having to lie to her, but I really don't think she would believe the truth either. I think that would be far from her comprehension. Fortunately for me, Sayori believed what I said. It was a simple explanation that would make the most sense.

Sayori: "Oh okay, just checking~ I didn't hear you guys say anything while I was out in the hall as far as I could tell, but you didn't take very long either."

Well, I guess my suspicions were correct, Sayori didn't hear anything Monika and I talked about... I guess that's good? Since everything else in the simulation was frozen in time, it would make sense she didn't hear anything. After that, we continue to just casually talk and muse about our days and we eventually approach our homes. The sun is still setting but it's past the horizon at this point, it's becoming to get darker outside and the cool breeze blows gently and Sayori and I stop at her house.

Sayori: "So, do you really think you'll enjoy the Literature Club, Josh? You seemed a little overwhelmed from it..."

She sounded worried but I'm curious as to why she's asking me this now... I was anxious for almost the entire time I was in the club. However, I really don't need her of all people to be worried about me. I just need to reassure her that right now, but I also need to be honest.

Josh: "Yeah, I think I'll cope with it. I just need to feel a bit more comfortable around everyone. That's all. My anxiety was just... getting the better of me today, ya know?"

Sayori looks troubled, as if she wasn't sure what to do and she runs up and gives me a hug.

Josh: "uh... Sayori..?"

Sayori: "I knew something was wrong today, but I wasn't sure how to ask you that while we were in the club today. I'm sorry... for being a terrible friend."

I naturally hug Sayori back and pat her head and her back and smiling a little.

Josh: "Sayori, you didn't do anything wrong... My anxiety is kind of like a temporary issue that can be fixed over time. Once I get more comfortable around everyone I think I'll be back to normal, so please don't blame yourself like this, okay? And besides, you always manage to make me feel better no matter what. So stop saying you're a 'terrible friend', you're at least showing me that you care and that you're worried about me. So there's no way you can be a 'terrible friend'."

Sayori: "O-okay, if you say so Josh..."

Sayori still doesn't sound 100% okay. I know she worries quite a bit for the sake of our own happiness but at the same time she's suffering a lot more inside, and if she keeps thinking like this, blaming herself... the depression is just going to get worse. I need to fix the mood... even if I have to be weird about it.

Josh: "...Sayori?"

Sayori: "...hmm..?"

She looks up at me quizzically and looks at me with her big blue eyes. The way they were shimmering from the dusk light, made me think she still had a lot on her mind. Since we're both weird in our own way I know the best way to make her smile again is to make her laugh; I poke Sayori's cheek with my index finger and she immediately gives me a confused look at first, I smile and say in one of my weird higher pitched voices, "Boop!", I poke her other cheek with my other hand and squish her adorable cheeks and I start to ask her in the same weird voice, "Who's my best friend in the whole wide world?", a smile starts to break across her face and she's blushing very lightly. I know that look, she's fighting the urge to laugh. I repeat the question once more.

Josh: "Who's my best friend in da whole wide world?"

Sayori starts to giggle and her giggling turns into laughter and she responds with, "I AM!" she hops up and hugs me, giggling some more. I smile and hug her in return. Afterwards, we let go of each other and her mood appears to be positive once more.

Sayori: "ehehe... Thank you for that Josh... I really needed it."

Josh: "I know you would do the same for me, and besides I don't want you beating yourself up over something so minor. I care about your happiness too you know."

Sayori: "Hehe! Yup! That's true~ and I know you do. I'm sorry if I worried you though."

Josh: "It's okay Sayori, I always want to be there for you too, I just hope you know that."

Sayori: "Aww that's sweet of you, Josh... but I'll be okay I promise."

Josh: "Pinky promise?"

I hold up my pinkie like I did at the beginning of the school day and Sayori giggles lightly, holding up her pinkie to mine. "Pinkie promise!" I still personally think this is childish, but if it makes her happy I see no reason to not do this for her.

Josh: "Good, now I'm gonna get home and fix some dinner, so you better beat me outside tomorrow for school."

Sayori: "I will do my best~ Maybe if I'm lucky, I will beat you out here twice~ ehehe~"

Josh: "Ahaha. Good. I'll cya tomorrow Sayori, good night."

Sayori: "Good night Josh!"

Sayori waves goodbye to me as she enters her house and I walk a couple yards to my house and I yawn, already feeling the weight from just the "single day" of Doki Doki Literature club's simulation. I enter the house I started the simulation in and lock the door behind me. I take off my shoes and set them by the door but that's when I noticed something that was by the entrance of the house... there were another pair of shoes. They were smaller, and white with pink on the ends... if I recall... there's only one person who wears these shoes...

?: "A-Ah... Ahem..."

I look up and in sheer astonishment I see Monika wrapped up in a towel peeking her head outside of the bathroom located on the first floor of this house. My face immediately flushed red, and my body was frozen. I couldn't help myself but stare at Monika from across the way and she was flustered as well but she broke the awkward silence, "H-Hey Josh... umm don't freak out or anything... but I-I can explain... b-but could you be a sweetheart and get my clothes? They're sitting on your couch..."

I'm personally at a loss for words right now but I do as she asked, I walked to the couch located in the living room, retrieving Monika's clothes (which actually appeared to be more casual clothing). I walk towards the bathroom and handed Monika her clothes at the door. She takes them optimistically and smiles, closing the door to the bathroom quickly and calling out, "I'll be out in a minute~!" My face is still burning up, I'm speechless. I decide go to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water from the refrigerator. I return to the living room and I sit down at the couch, trying to process what the hell just happened. I try to slow my breathing down by practicing meditation for a moment, but the silence is broken by Monika opening the door to the bathroom, fully clothed in a casual attire. She was wearing yoga pants and a T-shirt. My anxiety starts to kick in a little but I try to keep my composure by being serious for a moment.

Josh: "S-so... care to explain why you're in my house..?"

Monika averts her eyes for a moment feeling a bit awkward by our current situation and she sits near me on the couch and we start to have a much more serious conversation...

Monika: "Ahaha... Well, about that... I honestly wanted to talk to you more... call me selfish if you want, but I felt like this was the only way I was going to be able to do this without having to rely on stopping time every day. Besides, like I said earlier, I felt like I knew you before but at the same time I know only so little about you. On top of that I think you're already aware of the idea that I'm sentient in this reality, right? I mean, you didn't react the way I thought you would earlier."

Ah... shit, I remember getting all anxious and not being able to really spit out any reasonable sentences. On top of that I didn't exactly ask her how she was able to manipulate time either. So, she basically knows that I know that she's sentient. I guess now's a good time to be serious with the conversation, anxiety or not.

Josh: "Y-yes, I was aware you had control over this world to a degree..."

Monika: "Mhm, I thought so. I can read some of your thoughts from time to time too. Ehehe~"

Josh: "W-wait! Really!?"

Monika: "Mmm... well, sometimes. There's so much code running at once, it can be a little hard sometimes when pin-pointing an exact thought you're having. If you think about certain things for too long sometimes, i might be able to catch a glimpse of those thoughts. Like earlier today before coming to the club you thought about if I would know who you were and if Yuri and Natsuki would still be the same."

I felt my heart sink, I felt like something bad was probably going to come out of this conversation, I only listen as Monika continues.

Monika: "I think I also heard a little bit about me destroying this reality out of jealousy of the other girls. But let me put your mind at rest, I love the Literature club and my friends. So don't worry, okay? Besides... I found out everything I needed out of your thoughts anyway~"

What...? What did she mean by that...? As soon as that thought passed my mind, Monika was beaming and she scoots closer to me leaning a little close to my face and she was blushing slightly, looking directly into my eyes.

Monika: "So... do you still feel that way about me...?"

My face starts to go red as my heart-rate goes erratic again. Fucking hell... Monika is literally asking me if I still love her... And truth be told... I still do. Even after all these years spending my time alone, living in an apartment by myself, working my ass off as much as I can off of digital media, I still love Monika. I still have her character file hiding in my laptop even though I no longer have the game installed... I did dream about meeting her one day and what it would be like, but I did not ever imagine it would end up like this. I can't avoid this question, so I just have to tell her the truth.

Josh: "I... I do... a-and I'm sorry for being so... anxious... haha... I just... never thought this would ever happen to me... ya know...?"

Monika looks into my eyes for a long time and she almost seems hypnotized, and I also feel my answer is giving her a lot of new feelings. The look in her eyes almost appears as if she had been longing for this moment in her life.

Monika: "Ah...Ahaha~ Gosh... I know we technically just met today... but knowing that's how you feel about me... it makes me feel so happy! Ahaha~ but don't worry... I know you're still anxious, but just know that this is happening. Oh! And before I forget... close your eyes for a moment~"

Josh: "Close my-... W-what for?-"

Monika: "-don't ask, just do it for me, please~"

Monika puts a finger over my lips to cut me off, and feeling defeated otherwise I close my eyes slowly to her request, my face is still pink because I think I know what she's going to do... as soon I even start to think about it, I feel her hand caress my cheek gently as I feel a soft touch graze against my lips. I go from pink to red within a few seconds... Monika... just kissed me. My heart starts to pound harder and Monika retracts herself away from me blushing as well and I open my eyes slowly looking over at her hoping to confirm with her what just happened. She's giggled a little to herself.

Monika: "Josh... I hope that proves to you how I feel about you... Ahaha~"

Josh: "It does Monika... it does."

Monika: "So... do you mind if I chat with you a little more this evening?"

Josh: "If we can chat over dinner, then I'm okay with it Monika."

Monika: "Oooh! That's actually a really nice idea! I haven't really eaten anything since lunch anyway... Ahaha..."

Josh: "That also reminds me... why were you using my shower?"

Monika: "O-oh... well you were taking a while to get home because you and Sayori were talking for quite a bit. And since you were also trying to help her get past her doubts... I figured I would have enough time to take a quick bath... Ahaha... y-you got home a little sooner than I hoped."

Josh: "A-Ah.. I see... well it's fine, I'm not mad or anything, it just caught me off guard... Anyway how about I fix us something to eat?"

I get up and make my way to the kitchen and start fixing some food. Personally, I was in the mood for a special ramen dish I learned how to make on the internet but as I was making my way to the kitchen... Monika must have been reading my thoughts again... she's starting to tease me...

Monika: "Oh by the way... if you were curious... I might give you a little peek one of these days... Ehehe~"

Josh: "W-wha- What are you..?"

I blush again and look back her with a surprised expression on my face. Monika looks over at me giggling and replies, "Hehe, I'm just kidding Joshy~ ...or am I?"

Oh for fuck's sake. Not only is she reading my thoughts, but she's intentionally trying to tease me now.

Monika: "Sorry~ you're just so cute when you get flustered like that~! I couldn't help myself. Ahaha! I'll stop reading your thoughts now, I know it's for the best to not invade your personal privacy."

I just feel embarrassed now... but I feel better knowing that she will at least stop looking into my thoughts. And honestly, I don't think she understands my Nobody, Joxhaus yet... I know that side of me still has doubts but I can't let my doubts plague this opportunity I have been given. For now, let's make the best of this. I start fixing the food for us at the kitchen.

Josh: "This should only take a couple of minutes okay?"

Monika: "Okay~ Sounds good."

Monika turns on the T.V. in the living room and starts to make herself at home while I continue to prepare the food. I use all the necessary spices and seasonings and take my time to make this food properly. I guess if anything this will make for a good first impression. But I still can't believe everything that's happened today. I know I said it before and it's stupid to think that this could all be some dream... but like Monika said, "this is happening." I still can't believe it but I just have to seize the night that has been presented to me. I can't stop now.

Next Chapter: The Will of the Forgotten