Happy Holidays everyone!

Chapter 76: It Runs Deep

?: "It's just a game. You and I are just the players and everyone else are the pawns. There won't be any check points. There won't be any extra lives. You won't be able to save your data. It's a winner take all and the lives lost will be gone forever. Soon everyone will understand their true nature. You know it to be the truth. You've seen it, you've seen them with your own two eyes, but just like any other. You turn a blind eye. But don't worry. It will all come to an end. Their extinction is closer than they think. The time is near. Hope you had your fill by then." The voice of a girl giggles in a very creepy way. Alone in the darkness.

Michael: "… Mi …" He groans in pain as the light blinds his vision. "Where? Where am I?"

?: "Mmm … Michael." Said a soft gentle voice.

Michael: "Huh?" His vison coming back to him as he felt a warm touch on his hand.

Yuri: "Michael" She says in her sleep.

Michael: "Yuri? Where am I?" He looks around his surroundings to see medical machines around the bed he's resting in. "Is this the hospital?" (How did I get here?) He gets up slightly. "Tch" (Ow, my body. How did I? Oh that's right. I was in a fight with Clyde and his gang. He had a pocket knife and he gave me a few bad cuts.)

He looks at his wounds bandaged up with some blood bleeding through it. (They really did a number on me. I never felt this much pain before from a few cuts. Yuri … you saw it didn't you? You saw who I once was. I'm so sorry.) He gently creases her hair and face. (Her face is warm, yet my hand is cold. Is it due to blood loss or was I always this cold?)

Yuri: "Mmm, eh?"

Michael: "Ah, did I wake you up?"

Yuri: "Michael?"

Michael: "Yeah it's me. You're not hallucinating."

Yuri: "Ah! Michael!" She hugs him.

Michael: "Ga!"

Yuri: "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hug that tightly."

Michael: "It's ok, but what about you? You aren't hurt, are you?"

Yuri: "No, but I'm the one who should be asking you. You …"

She tries to touch him but hesitates as she stares at his wounds. Not long until she gently touches his bandaged cuts did Michael took notice of the way she's looking at him. The way she gently touches his cuts, but an odd aura around her. The feeling of her gaze made him uneasy than normal. The way she looked at him, no the way she looked at his cuts didn't seem right. To him it looked like she was lusting over it? It's as if she was aroused by what she was seeing? Was she enjoying it or was it just his imagination?

Michael: "Yuri" She doesn't respond, but she grew unaware of the look on her face. Those … lifeless purple eyes. Before long he touched her shoulder, and it was then tears started to flow. "Yuri?" Those lifeless eyes returned back to normal.

Yuri: "I'm so sorry. If I just called the police officers sooner. You wouldn't …" She struggles to speak. "Why didn't I? That was a no brainer. I should've called as soon as they attacked. Instead, I just sat around doing nothing as you got hurt. What kind of a person am I to let that happen in front of me? Stupid, stupid, stupid." She tries to wipe the tears off her face, but more just kept coming.

"It was my fault you got hurt. I should've done something rather than just standing around watching you bleed to death. I'm so sorry. Please don't hate me. Please don't break up with me. I can't …"

Michael: "How long have I been here?"

Yuri: *Sniff* "What?"

Michael: "How long was I out?"

Yuri: *Sniff* "A few hours. The ambulance took you here while the police took me home to inform my parents on what happened."

Michael: "I see and what about the others? Do they know what's going on?"

Yuri: *Sniff* "They do. I told everyone what happened today on my way here."

Michael: "And what did they say?"

Yuri: "Sayori was hurt when she heard what happened and Monika was worried. Sky, Hina, Sebastian, and Ronald said they were disgusted by those bullies while the rest wanted to know where they were so they can beat them up."

Michael: "I see."

Dr. Feelgood: "Oh good you're awake."

Michael: *Sigh* "Hey again. How are things going?"

Dr. Feelgood: "Good, just checking on all my patients. Though I have to ask if you're even human?"

Michael: "Huh?"

Dr. Feelgood: "With the amount of blood lose I'm surprised you're able to wake up so soon. But I suppose it's natural for you?"

Michael: "…" He glares at the good doctor.

Dr. Feelgood: "Right, well I've already informed your mother and she'll come by to pick you up tomorrow morning. Also, since you're still feeling woozy, it would be best just to stay home."

Michael: "Yeah I figured." He plops on his bed.

Dr. Feelgood: "Miss it's unfortunate that I have to tell you this, but our visiting hours are now over."

Yuri: "… I see."

Dr. Feelgood: "Please don't worry. I'll do whatever I can to make sure Mr. Connor is well protected in these parameters. You have my word as a doctor." He bows.

Yuri: "Thank you. Please make sure to get plenty of rest Michael. We can continue our conversation another time when you're feeling better."

Michael: "Sure"

Yuri: "I'll visit you at your home once school's over."

Michael: "Fine" Yuri takes out her phone to make a call. (She must've asked her parents to drop her off. God, they must hate me for what happened today? Bet their having a conversation about our relationship. I can see it now. Not just that, she saw it. She saw my ugly side. There's no doubt about it. She saw and told her parents about it. Perhaps I should end it?)

Yuri: "Are you okay?"

Michael: "Hm? Yeah of course I am." *Yawn* "It's been a long day. I'm going back to sleep." He turns to his side away from her.

Yuri: "Alright. I'll take my leave. I'll see you tomorrow."

Michael: "Yeah sure."

Yuri: "I love you." She says before leaving the room while he sulks. (He must be feeling down? I don't blame him for feeling that way. If only there was something that I could do to cheer him up?) She stares up at the hospital building as the stars shine brightly. (Perhaps the others might have the answers I seek? It's … the least I could do for him. After my mistakes. Even if it's going to be embarrassing.)

The night continues until the sun rises as a brand-new day takes place. Thinking to herself as she makes her way down the halls during lunch time. (Perhaps I should have called in sick? I haven't been able to rest well last night, nor could I concentrate in class. My mind stuck in the dark clouds. I'm worried about him. When I called him this morning, he said he was doing fine despite being alone while his mother is gone for work.

The isolation he must be feeling, so alone … I'll go and visit him once classes are over. I should let Monika and the others know. Maybe I should tell them in person? Yes, that seems like a good idea. I could use the opportunity to ask them for advice on how to please Michael. I want to make him feel better about all this and to make up for my mistakes. Okay I'll do that.)

Bully: "Oh look who we have here? Walking down the halls without a care in the world."

Yuri: "Eh?" She turns her head towards the three bullies again. "You three?"

Bully: "You got some guts showing your face around here after our little squeamish last night. Especially with the whole school knowing about your little fetish."

Yuri: "Y-you three …"

Bully 2: "God my good arm is fucking cramping and I couldn't do anything with it. Thanks to your good for nothing boyfriend."

Bully: "Watch it man. She might cut your other arm?"

Bully 2: "Whatever, I'll take my chances. I'm getting backed up and I could use the help." He grabs a strand of her purple hair while she held her book tightly. "For someone like you, you smell great."

Yuri: "P-please stay back." She whispers.

Bully 2: "Eh, what was that? Speak up bitch."

Yuri: "I-I-I-I said …"

Bully 2: "Aw I see. You're into that NTR stuff?"

Yuri: "W-what?"

Bully 2: "Fine I'll play along."

*Squeeze*

"Eh?" He feels someone grabbing his shoulder again.

Johnny: "For a guy with a messed-up arm you sure got a lot of energy left in the tank." The bully doesn't respond. Instead froze in fear. "Tell me. Do you know how to write with your mouth?"

Bully 2: "Uh?"

Johnny: "I'll take that as a yes." He pulls him away from Yuri and stands tall in front of the three bullies. "Listen here. I may have lost to Michael in a fight, but that doesn't mean I'm no push over. You want to tussle let's tussle after school. I've been itching for fight when I heard what you guys did yesterday." He cracks his knuckles while the two bullies remain silent, scared to make a move.

Bully 3: "Fine we give." His two friends share a look of surprise. "Let's go you two."

Bully: "But?"

Bully 3: "We're already beaten up, our parents are angry, and the principle gave us a three-week detention. No need to make it worse."

Bully 2: "Says you! I almost died and what the hell am I supposed to do with a fucked-up arm like this. Not to mention our friend is still suffering from getting his lights knocked out from Connor."

Bully 3: "Tch, fine then do whatever you want. Not my problem anymore. I'm done." He begins walking away.

Bully: "Wait man." He looks over to Yuri. "Fucking stuck-up bitch." They all leave.

Johnny: "Wow, who knew Michael could fuck them up that badly. I mean I believed it when you said he knocked two of them out. You alright?"

Yuri: "I-I am. Thank you for your c-concern."

Johnny: "It's not all that great, just my way of apologizing."

Yuri: "A-an apology?"

Johnny: "… So what did those guys want? Did they want revenge on you?"

Yuri: "Indeed."

Johnny: "I saw how one of them touched you. You sure you don't want to tell the teacher about it?"

Yuri: "No, I don't want to make things worse. Even if it is them."

Johnny: "If you say so? Why didn't you speak up?"

Yuri: "Eh?"

Johnny: "I overheard what they were saying. I don't believe your into the whole cheating thing, but you could have at least, I don't know. Kick him in the balls?"

Yuri: "I know. I could have done something, but I just froze. The way they were looking at me. I just got scared. I can't think straight with all that has happened."

Johnny: "…" He scratches the back of his head.

Yuri: "Perhaps I deserve it? What they said of me is true. I never spoke to anyone, and I never interacted with anyone. When it came time to perform my poetry. I froze and ran away crying. I … I don't mind them speaking harshly about me. I know I deserve it, but whenever they say such negative stuff about him, about my friends, about the club. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bore you about myself. I'll let myself out. Thank you for your help." She bows.

Johnny: "Where are you heading off to?"

Yuri: "I was planning to read and relax at the library. I needed time to clear my head after what happened yesterday, and the library is the perfect place to do so."

Johnny: "That so? Think Ronald said the same thing too. I always thought he went there to study or do his homework?"

Yuri: "Does he?"

Johnny: "Yeah, he never has any homework when we head home most of the time. Guess it all makes sense."

Yuri: "Interesting"

Johnny: "Hey, do you mind if I join you? There's no telling if those guys or anyone else might show up and harass you again."

Yuri: "Would you really do that for me? I don't want to waste your time."

Johnny: "It's cool with me. I got homework to do anyways, and a test is coming up too, so I best hit the books?"

Yuri: "I-if you like. I could assist you?"

Johnny: "Really?"

Yuri: "Y-yes, I'm sure I can help you solve the most difficult problems. Th-think of it as my way of th-thanking you."

Johnny: "Thanks, I could really use the help and your friend Natsuki did say you're really smart."

Yuri: "Natsuki said that?"

Johnny: "Well, best we get going. Lunch won't last long, so we best get hustling."

Yuri: "Indeed" The two make their way to the library.

Johnny: "So how is Michael doing? I heard he got out of the hospital this morning."

Yuri: "I called him earlier before class started. He said he was doing well but knowing him I fear things might get worse."

Johnny: "How so?" She looks up to him with a serious look on her face with no words to say. "I-I see. Well … I hear stubborn guys like him are a, uh keeper?"

Yuri: "I told him to get plenty of rest and that I'll be there after school is over."

Johnny: "Not going to the club?"

Yuri: "I-I'll be there, but only to tell Monika in person and to ask for advice."

Johnny: "Advice for what?"

Yuri: "Th-that is quite e-embarrassing to say."

Johnny: "Ok? So do you think he'll show up tomorrow then, if he does what you asked or what?"

Yuri: "Personally I believe he should wait until next week. Tomorrow is our last day before the weekend after all and he should use that as an opportunity to rest fully."

Johnny: "Makes sense to me. Why bother showing up on a Friday after being gone for a day filled with injuries?"

Yuri: "Indeed, eh?"

Johnny: "Ah shit."

Clyde: "Oh, if it isn't the former captain and … Tsk!" He turns his head away from Yuri.

Johnny: "Still an asshole even after yesterday."

Clyde: "Piss off!"

Senna: "Clyde" She says with an annoyed tone.

Yuri: "Senna?"

Senna: "Oh hey it's you again? Are you doing okay?"

Yuri: "I-I am. Thank you for asking."

Clyde: "Hmph"

Johnny: "I'm surprised you're here. Thought the police would arrest your ass after your little stunt?"

Yuri: "Johnny please."

Clyde: "Tsk, what eves. I'm out." He starts walking away.

Senna: "Where are you going?"

Clyde: "Going to take a nap, duh?"

Senna: "Now hold it right there. You need to … Clyde!" He doesn't respond, instead just kept walking. "Gah! That damn boy."

Johnny: "Just give it up."

Senna: "That boy is such an asshole and so irritating. Sorry about that. He can such a handful sometimes."

Johnny: "Sometimes?"

Senna: *Sigh* "That boy. Well anyways, what brings you two here?"

Johnny: "Planning to head to the library to work on some stuff."

Senna: "Work huh? Sounds like fun. Mind if I join?"

Johnny: "You want to join?"

Senna: "Yeah, I need a quiet place to calm my nerves and you two seem like good company. If you don't mind?"

Johnny: "Fine by me, but it's up to Yuri over here."

Yuri: "Y-yes, you can join us if you like?"

Senna: "Really, thanks." The three continue making their way to the library.

Johnny: "Yo Senna, mind if I ask you something?"

Senna "Sure what is it?"

Johnny: "Do you know why Clyde is so hostile?"

Yuri: "J-Johnny!"

Johnny: "What, you're curious aren't cha?"

Yuri: "W-well … it's just … v-very rude to ask something so personal. That's all."

Johnny: "Really?" She nods.

Yuri: "S-sorry about that. We don't mean to intrude on your personal life."

Senna: "It's alright. I'm sure he raised a lot of concern for you guys. Though I could name a reason why he's been acting this way?"

Yuri: "R-really?"

Senna: "Yeah, but I think it's best not to share it with anyone. Things might get worse if he found out I told anyone."

Yuri: "I-it's fine. I won't hold it against you for keeping a secret. Y-you're a good friend."

Senna: "Aw thank you for being so sweet."

Johnny: (What am I even looking at?)

Later on, after school was over and Johnny passing his classes thanks to the help of Senna and Yuri.

Monika: "So you want to leave early to check up on him?"

Yuri: "Yes, I'm sorry for asking a selfish request, but I want to know if he's doing well with my own eyes. I haven't been able to rest well or concentrate on my works during class. Please Monika."

Monika: "Do you really need my permission?"

Yuri: "Eh?" Monika giggles.

Monika: "I'm worried about him too, so why don't you go on ahead and check up on him?"

Yuri: "Monika, thank you." She smiles brightly.

Monika: "Just make sure I said hello and that we're all thinking of him."

Yuri: "I will. You can count on me. Thank you so much."

Monika: "Anytime"

Yuri: "Oh, one more thing. There's something I like to ask you?"

Monika: "I'm all ears."

Yuri: "Um, this is quite embarrassing, but I was wonder if you have any helpful advice that I could use to help him?"

Monika: "Help him, like what?"

Yuri: "Well I was wondering if there was a way for me to help with his recover. Like any food I could get him, medication I should be giving him or something a boy would like? Anything that could be really helpful?"

Monika: "Hm? Something to do for a boy? Well, how about cooking him something he likes? His favorite dish."

Yuri: "I see, but I don't know his favorite food and I'm not sure I'll be able to prepare it properly?"

Monika: "Well you could always just make whatever you think is tasty? Anything really could help."

Yuri: "You make a valid point."

Monika: "Well if you're not sure what else you can do. Why not ask the others? I'm sure they can give you a few ideas that could help?"

Yuri: "That's a good idea. I'll ask Natsuki and Sayori for their opinion. Thank you for your time and help."

Monika: "Before you go. I think it would be a best to let Sayori tag along?"

Yuri: "Ah, you're right. If anyone is worried about Michael the most it's her."

Monika: "Bingo"

Yuri: "Though now that I think about it. Why didn't she already leave?"

Monika: "No clue, but if I had to guess, she's worried about her position as Vice-President?"

Yuri: "What do you mean?"

Monika: "She most likely felt she hasn't been pulling her weight as Vice-President and is worried about leaving me in charge with everyone while she's away? You know how she is? Doesn't like to be selfish."

Yuri: "Then does that mean?"

Monika: "If you tell her she needs to see Michael, she might agree?"

Yuri: "I understand, but why me? I know I'm worried and planning to leave early, but why can't you do it?"

Monika: "Thought it be better if someone like you who isn't President be the one to tell her?"

Yuri: "… Okay I understand."

Monika: "Good, now go. Ask for their advice and get going. I'm worried that Michael might get into trouble again if he's alone for too long."

Yuri: "Good point. I'll be sure to give you the updates about his injuries. I'll see you soon." She starts walking away.

Monika: "Yeah, see you later." (You sure have a cute smile. Only seemed like yesterday you were so shy to ask for help and so hesitant to give advice. I was so surprised when you came up to me to ask if you could leave and I was more surprised when you asked for advice. You've grown Yuri. Guess this is the result of him entering our lives?) She smiles to herself.

Natsuki: "You what now?"

Yuri: "I-I was wondering if you have any idea on what I could do for Michael?"

Natsuki: "Like what exactly?"

Yuri: "Uh?"

Natsuki: "Come on. If you want help, you need to tell me what exactly you have planned."

Yuri: "I just … want to nurse him back to health. He's hurt protecting me and I want to help in his time of need, but I don't know what to do exactly. Please Natsuki, any advice would do." She bows.

Natsuki: "Alright, alright, I got it geez. You're so hopeless sometimes. Hmm … What to do for him?" She starts thinking to herself. "Ah, I got it." She looks into her box full of Manga and pulls out one of the volumes before turning the pages. "Let's see here. Where is that scene? There it is. How about you try doing this?"

Yuri: "Eh?" She looks at the panel where the main lead nurses a guy. "I see, but why is she dressed as a maid?"

Natsuki: "Cause she thought that's what guys want."

Yuri: "B-but I don't have an outfit like that and there's no store where I could go get one at this time of the year. P-plus it's e-embarrassing." She whispers her last words.

Natsuki: "Who said anything about dressing like a maid?" Yuri looks to her confused. "Just change the scene? Simple right? Instead of wearing a maid uniform try something else, like a nurse, housewife, bikini, or anything really? Hell do it in your underwear if you have to."

Yuri: "Oh dear, that's uh?"

Natsuki: "Well if you're not going to do that then why not do what he wants?"

Yuri: "What he wants?"

Natsuki: "All you two been doing is what you want and even if you say, he's the one to suggest it, he's the one putting effort into your relationship."

Yuri: "I see and a relationship is about being equals? If he's putting in so much effort for me to be happy then I must do the same. Okay I got. I think I have a better understanding now."

Natsuki: "Whatever. Just make sure he's doing well so we can hang again."

Yuri: "I will try my best. Thank you for your help."

Natsuki: "Just get going. The longer you stay here the more trouble that idiots going to get."

Yuri: "Ah you're right. I need to talk to Sayori now."

Natsuki: "You both planning to go see him?"

Yuri: "Indeed"

Natsuki: "Well guess that makes sense knowing their history."

Yuri: "I best get going now. Thank you for your assistance. I'll see you soon."

Natsuki: "Just get going." Yuri bows then leaves to go talk to Sayori. *Sigh* (Idiots, but they're my idiots.) She smiles.

During that time, Sayori is groaning on her desk while Sky just watches on.

Sky: "Uh, is everything ok with you?" Sayori just groans even more with her face on the desk. "I'll take that as a no." She groans again. "Are you worried about Michael?" Sayori groans in response. *Sigh* "Speak up. I can't understand you if you're just going to keep groaning all day."

Sayori: "Meh" Sky had a look of defeat as she moves a strand of her light blue hair away from her face.

Yuri: "A-am I interrupting?"

Sky: "Oh hey, no. Sayori is just being a pain."

Yuri: "Michael?"

Sky: "Michael yes." Sayori groans. :(

Yuri: "Sayori, would you like to come along with me to visit Michael?" Sayori groans again.

Sky: "Speak now." She says harshly.

Sayori: "That sounds great, but I shouldn't. I don't want to leave Monika with all the work."

Sky: "Even though you hardly do any." She says under her breath.

Yuri: "Sayori please. It would mean a lot if you go and visit him. I've already talked to Monika, and she said to leave it all to her."

Sayori: "I don't know."

Yuri: "If you don't go then he might not be able to show up for a long time. He might get into more trouble if you're not there to hold him back."

Sayori: "You're right!" She stands immediately up causing both Yuri and Sky to get jump scared. "I need to help my bro and I ain't taking no for an answer."

Sky: "Even though Monika gave you permission to go?"

Yuri: "That's good to hear. Shall we get going?"

Sayori: "Yup, just let me tell Monika we're be off." She runs off to where Monika is.

Johnny: "Saw the flash running, what's going on?"

Sky: "The two of them are going to leave early to check on Michael."

Johnny: "Oh right."

Sky: "You knew?"

Johnny: "Me and Yuri hung out at the library during lunch, so I already knew the plan."

Sky: "You two were at the library, why?"

Johnny: "Clyde and those boys showed up again."

Sky: "Ah, say no more."

Johnny: "Wasn't going to, but ok?" (I really don't want to tell the whole story again.)

Sayori: "Kay, let's go."

Yuri: "Wonderful"

Johnny: "Hey is it alright if I tag along?"

Sayori: "Huh, you want to go see MC too?"

Johnny: "Not exactly, but more like a bodyguard."

Sky: "Bodyguard?"

Johnny: "Look after what happened yesterday. I thought it be best if I tag along."

Sky: "Well you have a point. Lately things have been getting out of hand."

Johnny: "So with that, would it be alright if I come along?"

Yuri: "Well … I don't mind. What about you Sayori?"

Sayori: "Cool with me. I really don't want to get into trouble out there. All those events are still new."

Yuri: "Indeed"

Johnny: "So we agree?" They both nod. "Alright just let me tell Monika and Ronald what's going on."

Later after getting permission to leave early and letting everyone up to date. The three of them leave to Michael's place. During which they had a conversation.

Sayori: "Man it's so nice that everything is so calm today. Every time we go out there's always trouble."

Yuri: "Indeed"

Johnny: "Wait, it's not always like this?" Both girls shake their heads while he starts to sweat nervously. "Uh …" Clearing throat. "So, you and Michael live in the same area right?"

Sayori: "Yes sir."

Johnny: "So I'm guessing this morning you went to check up on him?"

Sayori: "Nope"

Johnny: "Say what now?" He says with an expressionless face.

Sayori: "I was planning to go visit him before school started, but he wasn't home at the time. Matter of fact Gabriella told me they won't be home until the middle of the day. By that time, I'm already at school." Clouds start to form over her head.

Johnny: "But you did call him during lunch right?"

Sayori: "I did, but he just told me he's fine, but alone at home."

Johnny: (I feel like I should ask why his mom's not there, but I don't think I want to know the answer?)

Sayori: "Oh that's right. Yuri, you wanted to ask me something?"

Yuri: "Yes, I've been wanting to ask for advice on how to make Michael happy?"

Sayori: "Happy in what way?"

Yuri: "L-like how to … um … help ease his pain?"

Sayori: "That sounds pervy."

Yuri: "Ga!"

Sayori: "Just kidding."

Yuri: "…"

Johnny: "Think you broke her?"

Sayori: "I'm sorry. I just wanted to mess with you."

Yuri: "Please be more considerate Sayori."

Sayori: "Sure, sure. To answer your question … How about food?"

Yuri: "Monika already told me."

Sayori: "Dang it! And here I thought I was being helpful."

Yuri: "I'm sorry."

Sayori: "Nah, don't be. Guess that proves we're on the same wavelength."

Johnny: "Knock her down she finds a way back up."

Sayori: "Ah I got it. What would you like to see?" She stares up at You.

Johnny: "M-me?"

Yuri: "Oh I see. Ask from a boy on what a boy would like."

Sayori: "That's the plan. So, what would you like if you were in MC's shoes?"

Johnny: "Uh?" Both girls look up to him for guidance with Sayori giving him the puppy dog eyes. (Crap)

Soon enough they arrived at Michael's place.

Sayori: "We're here."

Johnny: "So this is his place?"

Sayori: "Yup" She grabs the spare key from her pocket and unlocks the front door.

Johnny: "You sure it's cool of us to just come in?"

Sayori: "Yeah, what's the problem?"

Johnny: "You could at least ring the doorbell?"

Sayori: "It's fine. Let's see. He's not down here?"

Yuri: "Perhaps he's in his room resting?"

Sayori: "Maybe? Why don't you go check up on him? I'll get the stuff ready to cook."

Yuri: "A-alright then." She heads upstairs while Sayori heads to the kitchen.

[Always by Saliva]

Johnny: "…" He looks around his surroundings to see pictures of Michael and his mom, but none of his dad for good reasons. He then saw an old photo of him and Sayori along with another girl similar looking to Michael, but different. (Who is this girl next to them? Gold eyes, dark brown hair. A relative maybe?)

Sayori: "Hey Johnny could you come over here for a bit?"

Johnny: "Sure" He sets the photo back down and leaves to where Sayori is at.

Meanwhile upstairs, knocking on the door.

Yuri: "Michael?" She waits for a response, but nothing. "Michael" She tries again, but nothing. "Forgive me for intruding." She says before gently opening the door. "Are you awake?" No response due to him being asleep. "Ah, good. You're okay." (Good, he took my advice and is resting.) She smiles to herself then notices the blanket covering him is slipping off. Revealing his bandaged body.

"…" Her eyes looking dull. "Michael" Without hesitation, she gently caressed his body. (Injured yet full of energy. Beaten with the odds stacked against him, but still able to fight. A strong build, but a soft heart. Named after an angel, but bleeds like a normal man. A fierce look upon his enemies, but warm eyes looking upon me. Strong cold hands when fighting, but a warm touch of love. This person is male just like my father. Both I love, but different. I love my father as one, but this one. This is the one I love in a completely different level. This man … is my lover.)

Are you turned on?

*Gasp*

Looking down on his sleeping face. Taking the blanket, she covers him before heading back down to see how the other two are doing only to …

Sayori: "Oh hey Yuri. Did you find MC?"

Yuri: "He's asleep in his room. Uh, what are you doing?"

Sayori: "Gonna cook some food, why?" Yuri looks over to Johnny as he shrugs. Later.

Rising from bed with a yawn while rubbing his eyes.

Michael: "Man, what time is it?" He looks to his phone for time before noticing a scent in the air. (What's that smell? It smells good. Did mom cook or what? No, she's at work at this time, unless she requested early leave?) Making his way downstairs. (Could it had been Sayori? No that can't be it? Unless she brought the others with her to help?)

Sayori: "Oh MC you're awake."

Johnny: "Yo"

Yuri: "Are you feel well?"

Michael: "I'm ok, but … why are you guys here?"

Sayori: "Silly MC. We were worried about you and thought we could drop by to see you."

Yuri: "But you were asleep, so we took the time to get supper ready."

Michael: "I see and you Johnny?"

Johnny: "I just came to see if you were still alive. It be a shame if you croaked out like this."

[Song Ends]

Sayori: "Silly John, you were worried about him too. I saw how worried you looked."

Johnny: "Hey!"

Yuri: "Johnny was kind enough to escort us here so we wouldn't get into any trouble."

Michael: "Really?"

Johnny: "You guys' suck, you know that?" They all laughed and had dinner together. They talked as they tell Michael what's going on at the club.

Michael: "I see, so our stories are due next Friday."

Johnny: "Yeah, she thought we had enough time to finish our stories but thought giving us one more week would be good enough to make any changes."

Michael: "And yours?"

Johnny: "Just need to fix a scene."

Sayori: "Mine's all done."

Yuri: "Mine is complete as well."

Michael: "Well that's good. I'm almost done with mine. Just need to make a change or two and I'm all done."

Johnny: "Been working on it while you're not in school?"

Michael: "Well I can't just sit here and do nothing. Got nothing else to do and nowhere to go. Might as well work on it."

Sayori: "That's pretty smart of you MC." He nods to his old friend.

Johnny: "Well if that's all then, guess it's time for me to get going."

Yuri: "Unfortunately I must leave as well. If I'm not home in time my parents will get worried."

Michael: "Right I'll see you two later then."

Johnny: "Yeah, later."

Yuri: "Goodnight Michael. Please get plenty of rest tonight. I'll come visit again tomorrow."

Michael: "Sure, later." They both leave his place. After some time had passed with Sayori keeping Michael up to date with other things such as how the others are doing. Soon after the two childhood friends would head to his room to fix him up. "Ouch"

Sayori: "Sorry, does it still hurt?"

Michael: "Yeah, the wounds are still deep."

Sayori: "Try to tough it out MC. I still need to apply more alcohol on your cuts."

Michael: "Ow!" He twitches. After applying the rubbing alcohol on his wounds. Sayori would then help apply new bandages on him. "Thanks for helping me. Trying to tie it around my body is a lot more difficult than my leg."

Sayori: "Anytime. How does it feel now?"

Michael: "Comfy, feels like I could sleep a lot easier now."

Sayori: "Bet showering was difficult?"

Michael: "It was. Not like the cast I had on my foot. At least I can cover it with a bag, but this. Man it was a nightmare. The soap seeping into my wounds, the gooey bandages, and the fabric of the towel touching my cuts." *Sigh* "Not looking forward to tomorrow's shower."

Sayori: "Well I'll make sure to help you out when you're ready to shower."

Michael: "Thanks" He lays in bed. "It's dark out. You should be heading home now. You still got school tomorrow." Sayori snaps her finger.

Sayori: "Rats"

Michael: "…"

Sayori: "Something wrong?"

Michael: "It's nothing. I just feel pathetic is all."

Sayori: "Why?" He turns away covered in his blanket. "Was it … scary out there?"

Michael: "…" His lips quiver.

Sayori: "I'll be sure to come over again tomorrow after school." She gets up and heads to the door. "Monika and Natsuki hope you get better." She says before leaving him, but he doesn't respond.

Meanwhile, making her way home alone. Staring up at the dark sky.

"He hates you now. You caused this. He suffered because of you."

Yuri: "…"

"What are you going to do now? How will you ever make it up to him? You have nothing he wants. He doesn't want that gross body of yours."

(I …)

"Just do the right thing. You don't belong together. You're no good."

(I …)

"Do the right thing. Let him be happy."

(… You're right. I need to do the right thing. I can't let this continue. I need to do it. I need to end it. I … I need it again. I need it so much. Forgive me, Michael.)

End of Chapter 76