Chapter 8: Weekend Wanderers

Saturday Morning.

I just woke up and I'm currently brushing my teeth in preparation for another bountiful day. This might be one of the most satisfying weekend I ever had for a very long time. The owner was too generous to give us a huge bonus given the significant improvement on the performance of our company. We also don't have any weekend tasks assigned to our company, as well. Most importantly, I'll be hanging out a lot this weekend with the person I really adore.

Last night was the most heartwarming night I had in my life. I've always been a secret keeper type of person, but I managed to let out and share my past with her. I felt like we were a bunch of little chicks crying for food last night, but nevertheless, it was amazing and bizarre.

I gargled and looked closely into my eyes in the mirror, it's still reddish. Damn, I really shed a lot of tears last night. I shrugged as I placed back my brush on its case and wiped my face with my towel. I heard Monika come out of the shower room just behind me.

Monika went out of the shower graciously with a towel wrapped tightly in her body and in her head. I felt the hot steam of water come out from the door as she goes out. She looked at my dumb face, "Well, it's your turn now, ahaha~"

"Ahh... Yes, of course, thanks," I came back to my senses as I let out a small chuckle. "The shower room sure is steamy right now, you really prefer hot baths," I remarked.

"I sure am, warm baths is one of my favorite things to do in the morning," Monika answered sweetly. "And oh, by the way, have you finally picked the clothes that I may wear for today?"

Once I almost stepped inside the shower room, I answered, "Sure am! It's already laid out in the bedroom, luckily enough, I found the denim pants that are too small for me to wear. That might be a good fit for you," I said while scratching my cheek with a finger. "And uhh... hope it suits you well," I added.

"It's okay! I mean, we are going out today mainly for clothes shopping right?" Monika commented.

"Uhh yeah..." I answered monotonous.

"Then we should also consider shopping for my undergarments," Monika advised. "I can't really wear the same one over and over again right? And I can't even borrow those things from you, ahaha~" she added.

"Ahh... yeahhh, sure a...anything for you, Monika," I stuttered and blushed. Monika simply smiled in response. Jeez, how can she be open on personal and hygienic matters? Then I remembered, yeahhh... we're a couple alright.

After my silly thoughts, Monika left the bathroom as I entered the shower room just to give myself a nice and warm morning shower.

Ahhh, that was really nice. I stepped out of the shower room with my towel wrapped from the waist down. I quickly scruffed my hair with a facetowel to easily dry it up. What's Monika up to right now? Did my casual outfit suits her well? I might check it out.

"Hey Monika, how's the outfit going?" I said while I'm walking out from the bathroom to see what she looks like.

Monika looked back at me and lets out a faint blush. "Umm, I don't really know Rex, what do you think?"

I observed Monika from afar. It looks really good! She's wearing a white t-shirt with a surfboard marked on it, it's tucked in and mostly covered by a denim jacket,that wasn't really too big for her. She's also rocking that black belt and the slightly tattered jeans. I must say, she looks good in a boyish outfit. Something that I'm really surprised at, considering she has that cute face of hers.

"I must say Rex, your fashion sense is really good, what do you think of me wearing these?" Monika asked.

"Well, thanks but you should really change your hairstyle..." I suggested. "Maybe remove that huge poofy ribbon on your head and comb your hair straight down," I added.

Monika frowned a bit, "So you want me to remove this ribbon? I always go anywhere with my ribbon on my head, I love this so much..." Monika stated.

"Well, I am only suggesting that. You're really famous in my reality too you know," I said convincingly. "I'll comb it for you if you want..." I inched closer as Monika completely raised her hands forward to block me.

"Hey hey, stay where you are Rex," she shrieked as I raised my eyebrow in confusion. "You're soaked right now, and you really should get dressed first... I can do it by myself don't worry..." she quickly added.

Oh yeah, I am naked, how can I be so clueless! Anyways, I quickly followed her demands as I left her alone and grabbed my clothes to get dressed.

"Welp, this doesn't seem that bad," I said so to myself while I'm folding the sleeves of my checkered polo. Then, I fixed the belt of my jeans, too. I lightly sprayed some perfume to my body and fixed my hair afterwards. While I'm packing my things and preparing my camera, I decided to check Monika and see what changed so far.

"Hey Mo-" I paused suddenly as my eyes met the new look of Monika. Holy cow! She looked so different! With her ribbon placed down on the desk, and her really long straight hair flowing down so graciously, combined with that outfit, she completely looks like a stranger, if it weren't for those green eyes. My eyes widened and my jaw dropped as Monika noticed me staring at her with an astonished face.

"So how do I look like right now?" Monika firmly stated. "I, myself thought that I looked really different and its strange, ahaha~" Monika joked.

I can't even utter any words right now, I'm so amused and speechless.

"Rex, stop making me feel anxious," Monika said softly yet sadly.

I snapped, "No! I was just really astonished at your new look, especially with your hair flowing down smoothly..."

Monika looked away and blushed for a bit. "Thank you Rex, you also look really gorgeous with that outfit, it makes me happy!" Monika remarked as a wide grin formed on my face. "By the way, what do you mean by 'I'm famous in this world?'" Monika asked seriously.

"Huh? You weren't aware about it?" I asked confused.

"I mean, I know I'm from a video game but am I really that famous?" Monika asked.

"Monika! You're more famous than you think! Lots and lots of people played Doki Doki Literature Club and it was even well-known and widespread on the social media," I informed. "It's trending on the internet for months, and its popularity was acknowledged even by top gaming websites online!" I continued. "It's just that... I don't want you to be easily recognized and become a topic on the whole internet, that your exposure will distance us from each other," I worrily said.

Monika just stared at me and began to smile and blush, "Am I really that well-known here, ahaha, I should really be careful then," she commented immaturely but went back from her original serious mood. "It's sad to hear that my fame would distance us from each other..." Monika closed her eyes in worry, as she wears a ball cap on her head. "If a change of myself is what you want, then I suggest that you should give me a different name!"

"Not a bad idea!" I beamed up. "Monika is a really good name, I don't really want to change it, but we have to, to avoid suspicions," I commented.

"Then why not pick a name that is not far from what I have now," Monika suggested.

"Okay, that's good enough, let's deconstruct Monika and alter it," I said.

"Okay!" Monika responded as she began to mumble some names. I can't even think of a good one myself, Monique, that's too near, Mocha, nah that's too cheesy, Nica, hmm not really a fan of it, Dominica, sounds ridiculous. Come on Rex, just think a name and just do it.

I looked around at the room, and saw a shoebox with a swift. Hmmm, Nike? Nike, Nike, Ni... Nikki! That's pretty cute and it somehow is still fitting.

"Monika, I finally thought one," I said energetically.

"Me too!" Monika also stated.

"How about Nikki?" we said in unison. We started laughing out loud.

"Seems like that's a yes to me!" I expressly said.

"You're not wrong, Rex!" Monika agreed, or should I call her Nikki on narrations too? I don't know, maybe if I introduce her to someone instead.

"So Nikki, are you ready to spend the weekend with me?" I asked while offering my arm to her.

"Okay Rex, let's have a nice weekend!" she raised her right hand as her left arm linked it to my right arm. We cheered in unison as we left the apartment room.

After a few moments, Monika and I ride on a cab all the way to the train station. I am gazing at the window cab then suddenly, Monika nudged me and started to whisper.

"Hey Rex, didn't you mention me one time that you have a motorbike, why don't we use it simply to go to the mall?" Monika asked with a hand beside her mouth.

"I actually thought about that in the first place," I answered. "But, it wouldn't be really efficient if I grabbed lots of shopping bags while riding a motorcycle, plus the best shopping malls in this town is pretty far," I reasoned.

"Oh... I've never thought about that, ahaha~" Monika smiled. "This town seems pretty nice and urbanized, right?" Monika stated while gazing at the windows seeing all the tall buildings and lots of people walking on the streets .

"It sure is!" I agreed. I unzipped my backpack and grabbed my camera and focused it on the lively city view from the cab. Monika looked at me picking my camera up, and began to speak.

"You sure bring your camera everywhere, huh?" Monika remarked.

Once I took a shot of the city,I answered, "What would a photographer be without his camera?" I asked rhetorically. I pointed the camera to Monika as she quickly covered the lens with her palms and screamed lightly.

"Rex, don't point that thing to me so sudden!" Monika squealed.

"Come on Monika, are you really that shy to the camera?" I asked.

She puts her hands away from the camera as she looks away and blushed, "Not... not really, but okay, just don't take pictures of me without my con-"

SNAP!

Monika's eyes widened as the camera flashed so sudden. I laughed at her reaction as she furiously tries to get the camera from me as I took it away from her reach. Monika's body pressed on to mine as she still reaches the camera from my hand.

"Kyah! Rex! Stop embarrassing me!" Monika fumed as I continued teasing her.

"Why, I wouldn't show this to anyone though, and this is my first shot of you, shouldn't you be happy," I teased.

"Rex!" Monika inched closer too sudden our nose ended up touching each other and her chin landed on my chest. Monika paused on her tantrums while I paused with my teasing. I noticed the red blush on her cheeks and her eyes started to relax. I can feel her heart beat faster and stronger from her chest. She began closing her eyes as her lips slowly start to approach mine. I also started to close my eyes to accept the action.

Suddenly, the cab stopped moving, and the law of inertia broke our first kiss attempt, which sent Monika almost flying from her seat.

"Oops, I'm sorry Ma'am, sir, but we are here on the train station," the cab driver apologized.

"Hey! At least be more careful when decelerating!" I fumed as Monika shuts me down.

"It's okay Mr. Taxi Cab Driver, thanks for bringing us here!" Monika sincerely thanked as we both left the cab awkwardly.

We glanced at each other, and quickly blushed and started walking, trying to not to notice the presence of each other. I then grabbed the train tickets, and shortly, the train arrived while Monika and I took a ride on the train, still not noticing each other.

Once we are inside the train, sitting, I continued gazing on the window and took some good shots from the view. Monika is also gazing at the window not uttering even a single word.

"So... Monika, about earlier..." I stated. "I'm very sorry for taking pictures of you unconsciously, I just really want to..."

I paused as Monika's finger shushed my lips. "It's fine by me, I don't really have a problem about it, you're a photographer aren't you, I won't stop you from doing what you love the most," Monika said dearingly as my heart finally cools down by all these pressure.

"Monika..." I said worrily.

"So how many stations do we need to pass to get there?" Monika asked.

"Just three," I answered. "Once we get down there, we can easily walk to the mall and start shopping," I continued. "It's faster to get there by riding on a train than taking the bus."

"Yay! I'm so excited on our first date, Rex! It really makes me happy to travel the town together with you!" Monika cheered.

"I am too, Monika... I am too," I responded. "And uhh... About earlier before we get down the cab..."

Monika got embarassed real fast as she lowered her cap to somehow cover her face. "I'm very sorry, I got carried away," Monika apologized.

"Awww Monika, stop acting like Yuri, okay?" I said. "After all, we are on a date right now, remember?"

"Yeah, but I should've handled the situation better... I shouldn't be quick on things or you might think I'm weird or something," she remarked.

"Well, I got really excited actually," I said casually.

"Then maybe we can do it on another time, ahaha~" Monika giggled. I just blushed in embarrassment as the train stopped on the station that we need to go.

Lots of people started leaving the train including Monika and I. We left the train station merrily with Monika linking her arm into mine. As we approach the mall, we were astounded by the amount of people going in and out to and from the mall.

"Look at these people Rex! It's like there's a festival here!" Monika exclaimed. "I've never seen a very lively environment in a long time, this is refreshing."

"Yeah, I wonder why," I said confused. "Last time I shopped here, it's not as crowded as it was now. Grab on tight, Monika."

"Okay!" Monika cheered as she tightened her hold on my arm, resting her head in my shoulder while we are walking.

Our eyes widened as we read the sign erected in front of the mall.

'SALE 50% OFF'

"What a great coincidence!" I commented and Monika nodded in agreement. "We can buy more clothes, and more items!"

"Can't we be any more luckier?" Monika rhetorically stated. She lets go of my arm and started running towards the mall. I am quickly caught off guard as I called her.

"Hey! Wait up!" I called.

"Come on Rex! Let's wander around!" Monika childishly said.

"Sure, but don't run around, I don't want you to get lost!" I worried.

After roaming around the mall, we finally got it to the clothes store, Monika can't stop being hyper and energetic and I'm just following her everywhere she goes, trying to keep up.

"Damn it Monika, I'm getting exhausted let me breathe for a while," I said while panting.

"But we are here now Rex!" Monika positively responded. "Let's start buying some clothes for us."

"Good Morning Ma'am, Good Morning Sir! Are you here to buy new clothes?" a saleslady asked. I looked at her with a bored face. I never liked talking to salespersons.

"Yes! We are! What's your best outfits for us?" Monika energetically asked as I simply facepalmed.

"You can try our blouses, Ma'am and if you're not into blouses, our sweatshirts are top quality designed," the saleslady politely answered as she scurried to the blouse section and started flipping blouses. Monika eagerly followed, I followed, too.

"Pick one here, Ma'am," the saleslady politely requested.

"Oohhh, I like this one!" Monika commented as she picked the green blouse with a tie on its waistline.

"Nice choice, it fits perfectly with your eyes," I simply commented as Monika is flattered by my statement.

"Really? I should try it out!" Monika said happily.

"Follow me, Ma'am, here's the dressing room," the saleslady butted in as Monika and I followed her directions.

"Okay, I'll try it out Rex, tell me what you think, ahaha~" Monika said then I answered with a thumbs up and a smile.

After a few moments, Monika came out from the dressing room wearing the elegant blouse that she is wearing. My jaw dropped in amazement.

"What do you think?" Monika asked.

"You look perfect," the saleslady commented as I nodded in approval.

I quickly snatched my camera and focused it on her, "Come on, smile and pose for the camera!" I commanded.

"Huh, wait up!" Monika halted but shortly after, she posed forming a heart with her hands and beams a very wonderful and angelic smile.

"Aaaahh! So cuuuteee~" I commented after I took a shot. "You're so photogenic!" I continued to fawn.

Monika blushed, "Thank you Rex, ahaha... I'll buy this one," Monika commented with satisfaction. I am really happy for her.

"If you liked that outfit, you should try out these," the saleslady requested while holding two other blouses in her hands. Jeez, how fast are these people?

"No thank you, we'll look for others," Monika politely rejected as we left the saleslady alone, and I simply just followed.

While Monika and I are walking on the clothes store, lots and lots of salespersons started to come after us one after another. It is probably because undoubtedly Monika has a figure of a model, and they want to test outfits for her to wear.

"Try our necklace, Ma'am, try our new release of clothes, try our hats," all these obnoxious salespersons stated as Monika simply rejected things she doesn't find of interest.

Monika tried different style of clothes: turtleneck sweaters, sweatshirts, ordinary shirts, cardigans, shoulderless tops, crop tops,skirts of all lenghts, sneakers, slippers, boots, all of these magically suited her well. The satisfaction of my eyes and the salespersons too reached its peak.

After countless hours of Monika talking with these guys, wearing clothes that find her interest, and me taking pictures of her, we finally took a break by sitting on one bench there as she started getting tired by this cycle.

"I'm really impressed by the variety of clothes you can see in this store," Monika remarked. "The amount of people buying clothes here also amazes me as well."

"It's true, but salespersons always chase after you than any other customers," I chuckled.

"Yeah, I'm getting tired from all their offers, they keep on offering ne things that I don't even like," Monika sighed. "I know! Why don't you buy clothes for yourself as well?!" Monika suggested.

"We simply went here to buy clothes for you, I don't need no new clothes," I answered.

"Come on Rex, we can buy couple shirts! So that the world will know we are a pair, wouldn't that be cute~" Monika informed.

I smiled with the thought which left me no choice but to agree, "Fine, if that makes you happy, I'm happy too," I gently stated.

"Aww Rex, you're so considerate!" Monika said as she started hugging me with care. I smiled.

Doing Monika's request, I just realized how difficult it is to try different clothes in a short span of time. Now I understand why Monika gets tired of this situation. We found lots of cute couple shirts, some have cute characters in them, some are matching designs, and some are complimentary statement shirts. Monika was eager in trying them out, and I must say, I'm really eager, too.

Once we finished and picked our ideal shirts to wear sometime, Monika dragged me to the underwear section of the store. As she started looking at undergarments that caught her interest.

"Uhh... Monika, I don't think I should be here shopping with you..." I remarked.

"Don't be shy Rex, we're a couple now right, we even live together!" Monika argued.

"Yeah, but wasn't shopping for undergarments supposed to be personal?" I asked.

"We won't take long here, I'll just pick maybe a few, then let's pay for all the things we picked... Do you think this bra looks good on me?" Monika joked as I blushed uncontrollably, "Ahaha~ I'm just teasing."

After that awkward underwear shopping, we finally got to the cashier, paid for the clothes, and ended up taking home 13 shopping bags which consists of tops, skirts, shoes, underwears, and other accessories. It took a huge amount of money from me, that my 150% bonus that the owner gave me was gone in a poof, which leaves me to my basic salary again. Well, sacrifices must be made for the one you love, at least I made her happy, that's what matters.

We decided to divide the shopping bags to carry home. Monika carried 4 while I carried the rest. Upon leaving the store, Monika started roaming her eyes everywhere as she beamed up and looked at me.

"Huh, Monika? What's going on?" I asked.

"I found a nice place for us to eat, come on let's go!" Monika requested. As she started approaching the cafe quickly.

"Slow down, Monika! I'm grabbing a lot," I said while I started to follow.

We entered the cafe that Monika requested, the ambiance of thr cafe was very heartwarming. The place looks simple, but it feels customer friendly in here, and the decorations are cute and fresh. We sat on the seat near the window to keep an eye on the beautiful view outside.

"I love this place," I remarked. "It's my first time here, and I could feel that I would enjoy my time and the foods here."

"I agree! Once we entered the mall, the presence of this cafe attracted me... That's when I realized this would be a good place for our first date, ahaha~" Monika added.

"Oh Monika, your tastes are really top notch," I commented. "So, what would you like to eat today?" I asked.

"Hmm... I think I'll be having a cheesecake and a hot coffee to compliment it!" Monika said.

"Coffee? Do you really crave coffee that much?" I asked.

"Yes!" Monika answered enthusiastically. "I've always wanted to try coffee, and finally I got the chance today!"

"Okay! That's nice to hear!" I said as I called the waiter to tell our orders. Once we ordered our requested food, I grabbed my camera to look at the pictures I captured today. What did I order, you may ask? Just some chocolate bread with a coffee, as well.

I plugged my earphones to my ear as I began to skim around my pictures. Almost all of them include pictures of Monika with changing outfits. I am smiling by simply looking at the pictures, Monika is a real model! She looks good in all of these, a real photogenic. I'll never hesitate to keep taking pictures of her. My camera, my canvas; my angles, my paintbrush; my dear Monika, my model; I adore the art of photography!

Once I am done looking at the camera, I notice Monika, gazing at me, smiling with her hands supporting her chin, bobbing her head side to side. She stopped for a bit and started asking me questions. I unplugged one earphone from my single ear.

"Oh Rex, I was just wondering, what kind of music are you listening to, right now?" she asked. "You seem to be at peace, while looking at my pictures again, ahaha~"

"Oh, this? This is chillstep! I listen to eletronic music when I'm tired and finding some moment to relax!" I informed.

"Chillstep, I've never heard of that!" Monika said.

"Here, try listening to what I am listening right now," I suggested offering my other eraplugs to her as she accepted it and placed it to her ear.

"Wow, this is so calm and soothing," Monika said in a relaxing tone.

"It sure is, would you like to listen to other music?" I asked.

"No,it's wonderful!" Monika dejected. "Rex, have you heard of the sound of subliminals?" Monika calmly asked. The waiter placed our orders in our tables,as Monika and I thanked the waiter for good service.

"Subliminals?" I went back to the topic. "No, I have no idea, why did you ask."

"In someway chillstep reminded me of subliminals," Monika answered. "Subliminals are basically a bunch of calm noises designed to grant listeners wishes by simply listening to them for a long amount of time," Monika informed with her finger pointing up. "For example, changing eye colors, enhancing body features, getting their crush fall in love with them, etc."

"That's interesting," I mumbled. "But does it really work?"

"It does! Seeing some of my friends try it, it really worked!" Monika answered.

"Wait, really? How does that even work?" I took a bite of the chocolate bread that I ordered and Monika took a bite of her cheesecake, too.

"Mmm, delicious!" Monika beamed. "Anyways, back to the topic, subliminals have certain frequencies inside it, designed to trigger a person's subconscious. In addition, since the sounds are abstract, it passes through your conscious mind and affects your subconscious mind believing that it is true!" Monika explained. "I actually tried doing it to myself, but it doesn't work for me, maybe I've never listened enough, or I'm doing something wrong," Monika sighed.

"I don't actually get the point of your explanation, but since you've tried it to yourself, what did you wished for?" I simply asked rhetorically. "You're perfect in my eyes, dear... I don't want to see changes in your physical body, I love and adore every single piece of you!" I stated firm and sweetly.

The customers around us started giggling, they might overheard my compliments. I was instantly flushed, as Monika who was about to take another bite of cheesecake paused and giggled while looking at me.

"That's too cheesy!~" Monika responded. "More than this cheesecake will ever give, ahaha, I might call you cheesecake from now on."

I was simply drowned by embarrassment, and I can't even speak a word. Few moments later, I simply laughed it off, and pinched Monika on her cheek, on how cute she is, and she simply held my hand in return.

"Whatever you call me, I'll appreciate it!" I responded cooly. Monika stood up from her seat, and looked at me endearingly.

"Okay cheesecake! I'll be going to the restroom, I'll be right back!" Monika said.

"Alright, I'll be waiting for you here," I said.

Monika went to the restroom full of joy, she's obviously too happy she can't hide it. I stood up to my seat to arrange the shopping bags to get things checked before we leave. While I am arranging them, I noticed a person hug me tightly from behind.

"Oh my god, I finally found you! It's been 6 years! You've grown up so much!" a person with a squeaky voice stated excitingly.

I looked back to see a short girl with a short and orange hair. She looks familiar, but I can't point who she is.

"Excuse me, but who are you, miss?" I asked politely.

"Stop joking Rex, it's me Clarice! Your bestie!" she answered energetically.

I beamed a big smile, as I was ecstatic on things that are happening! "Oh my god, it really is you, you've changed a lot," I said returning her warm embrace excitedly.

Once I looked at the side, I noticed Monika looking at us with a sad and shocked face.

"W-wait!" I exclaimed.

Author's note:

Thanks for almost 30 follows, I can't thank you more for enjoying my story. Peace out! Love ya guys.