Hey… I'm back. Anyone still remember this story?

I know it's been a long time since I've updated and I'm so sorry. I'm gonna be honest because I think I at least owe you guys that. I've been going through a lot of shit these past few weeks. Depression, writer's block, loads of school work, and a whole bunch of other complicated mental shit. I won't go into detail but I just couldn't find the inspiration/ time to write.

I've had a rough fucking month but I think it's starting to look up. Hopefully...

Anyway here's the long awaited chapter 7. Hope you guys enjoy.

I rolled over in my bad as my eyes opened. I blinked away my blurry vision and propped myself up on my elbow. Once my vision was cleared I looked to the other side of the bed expecting to be greeted by a sleeping Monika. However, all that lay in her space was the other half of the bed.

"She must have gotten up before me." I thought to myself. "Not that that's new or anything."

I reluctantly got out of bed and made my way down the hallway exiting my room. Once I entered the living room I could hear a sizzling sound coming from the kitchen. I looked over to see Monika standing by the stove. She turned to face me and gave me a wide smile.

"Oh! You're up." She said excitedly. "I made eggs and toast. I would've made bacon but you didn't have any."

I was completely speechless. I entered the kitchen and was hit with the aroma of a well-cooked meal. I looked into the pan on the stove to see scrambled eggs sizzling to the heat.

Monika looked at me with a mixture of confusion and worry. "Um… I hope you don't mind. I guess I probably should've asked you before taking food from your house."

I turned to Monika still remaining completely silent. I didn't know what to say.

Monika only seemed more confused. "D-Do you not like it?"

I stood there staring into her eyes waiting for my brain to form a sentence. Realizing that I was lost for words, I pulled Monika into a tight embrace.

She was slightly startled by the sudden action but quickly returned the hug.

"Dean are you okay?" She said as she wrapped her arms around me.

"I-I've never-" I stumbled over my words, my mouth unwilling to admit it. "I've never had anyone cook for me before."

I could feel tears filling my eyes but I quickly fought them off.

Monika simply held me closer, tightening her grip around me.

"Dean... " She said sadly.

I slowly pulled away from the embrace and pressed my lips against hers. We stayed like this for a while as I continued to fight off any tears that crept into my eyes. After a few moments, we pulled away.

"Thank you, Monika," I said sincerely.

She smiled at me. "It's no problem. I love you. I'll cook for you whenever you want."

Monika brought me into another embrace. "You're not alone anymore Dean."

We pulled away stared into each other's eyes lovingly.

"Alright!" Monika perked up. "I'm almost done here. Go get dressed and then we can dig in."

I smiled at her one more time then went to leave the room. As I walked away I looked back at her.

"Monika," I said in a serious tone, "I love you."

She smiled back at me. "I love you too my special rose."

I walked back into my room and threw on an MCR t-shirt along with dark blue jeans. I put my chain choker around my neck and adjusted it so that it was comfortable. I then re-entered the Kitchen where Monika had set two plates for her and myself. I sat down and we began eating.

"Hey, Dean," Monika spoke up. "What did you mean by you've never had anyone cook for you?"

"Well, I guess I kinda have before." I clarified. "I mean I'm sure my mom has made me sandwiches before when I was a kid but I don't really remember much from back then. Most of my life has just been fast food, pizza, and sometimes just small snakes from the gas station. My mom's barely around and I don't really know how to cook so…"

Monika smiled at me. "Well, not anymore. I've decided to make you breakfast and dinner every day. And lunch if we don't have school."

I give her a small chuckle. "Thanks but that's not really necessary. I mean thank you so much for this but you don't have to cook for me every day. I've never really had a big appetite anyway."

"Well, then why don't we go out to eat sometime?" Monika asks. "And I mean at an actual restaurant. Not fast food."

I think to myself for a second then look over to Monika. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

Monika blushes after hearing this. "W-well I mean… If you'd like to call it that."

I smile at her awkwardness. "Sure. We should go out on a date. I mean ever since I played the Our Time mod that's all I really wanted to do."

"Oh God that mod," Monika said jokingly. "Actually that reminds me. You should take me shopping for clothes. N-not that I don't like your clothes or anything."

"You know what, we should," I say. "My sister and I share a bank account and I've put a few hundred bucks on it from past jobs."

"Are you sure that's okay?" Monika asked. "I mean I don't wanna waste your money or anything."

I give her a small smirk. "Well, it won't be a waste if I get to pick out some of your clothes."

Monika blushes then smirks back at me. "What did you have in mind?"

I blush back as I make my suggestion. "Well, there's this sweater that I think might-"

"You want me to wear a virgin killer sweater?" Monika asked in a serious tone.

"I mean… Yes." I respond.

"Well, I won't tell you how to spend your money." She says, flirtatiously. "And it would be horrible of me to not wear something my boyfriend bought me." Her blush grew wider.

"It's a date then," I say in an equally flitty tone.

Once we finished breakfast we got into my car and made our way to school. Due to traffic we only arrived just on time and had to head to class immediately.

I painstakingly sat through my classes, excited for my date with Monika. I wondered what kind of clothes she would pick out. The only thing I've seen her in since she came here was my band tees and skinny jeans. I knew skirts were more of her style so I wanted to get her one. While I was lost in thought my name was called by the teacher.

"Dean?" She said questioningly

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked towards the front of the room.

"Huh?" I said, wondering why she called me.

All that was followed were a couple chuckles from my classmates.

The teacher looked at me unimpressed. "Well, clearly I've been boring you so why don't I just hand out the worksheets now."

A few reluctant groans came from some of the students. I caught a few angry glances towards me which made me sink in my seat.

"I wish Monika was here," I thought to myself. If she was she'd probably give me a bittersweet smile or say something like "You should pay more attention. Education is important." Monika probably has amazing grades. She was apparently some sort of school idol back in DDLC so it would make sense. I never really got good grades in school. I was more of a straight C student with the occasional D. I do have an A in both my elective classes but they basically hand those out there. It's not that I'm incapable of getting better grades, I'm just not willing. However, I might as well start trying now instead of later when Monika sees my report card.

I get a decent amount of work done in the rest of my classes now that I've decided to actually pay attention. My classes seem to pass by fast now that I'm keeping busy and digital music comes before I know it. Once digital music starts I head into the class where Monika is patiently waiting. After she sees me enter she perks up and runs over to me practically while I'm still in the doorway.

"Have you decided on a song?" she says.

"What do you mean?" I say confused.

Monika looks at me disappointed. "The song that you promised you'd sing."

"Oh yeah, that." I say reluctantly. "I haven't decided on one yet. Give me a minute to find one."

"Okay. I'll set everything up in the meantime." She says excitedly.

I spend a few minutes looking through songs on my phone. I wanted to pick something that I knew really well but also something with a strong message since the whole class would also be listening. After looking for a few minutes I found exactly what I was looking for.

"Hey, Monika I think I found it," I called out.

Monika practically skipped over toward me. "What is it?"

"Breaking the Habit by Linkin Park," I answered.

Monika looked interested. "I don't think I've heard that before."

"You should be able to decode the lyrics," I said.

"So why'd you pick this one?" She asked

'Well, Linkin Park has always been my favorite band. I've been listening to them since I was a kid. Actually, I think this is the first song I've heard from them. Anyway, recently the lead singer, Chester Bennington, died. He had depression and some problems with drugs. And… he committed suicide."

"Oh, That's awful. I'm so sorry." Monika said sincerely.

"Yeah, I always kinda looked up to the guy." I continued. "He always put so much emotion into his songs. He was a great artist. Anyway, this is my favorite song by him. It really speaks to me. Sorry I know that sounds stupid."

"Not at all," Monika replied. "Songs are a lot like poetry. They use clever word forming to convey a thought or emotion. The whole point of it is to speak to you. And the best music is the kind that makes you feel something.

"Was that your writing tip of the day?" I chuckle.

"Well, that wasn't really about writing." She chuckles back. "Anyway, I'd love to hear you sing it."

I walk into the small recording booth and approach the microphone that was placed inside. I put on the pair of headphones that were hanging on the microphone stand.

"Alright, I'll find an instrumental version of the song for you to sing to." She says.

Monika sits outside of the booth on a computer while I wait. Once everything is all set Monika puts on her own pair of headphones.

"Alright, everything's all set." She says. "Tell me when you're ready."

I take a deep breath. "Alright, I'm ready."

The music begins to play. I wait for the opening instrumentals to finish and then I sing.

"Memories consume like opening the wound

I'm picking me apart again

You all assume

I'm safe here in my room

Unless I try to start again

I don't want to be the one the battles always choose

'Cause inside I realize that I'm the one confused"

At first, I'm nervous and unsure if my singing is any good. However, I feel better knowing that Monika is the only one that can hear me. Once I get to the chorus I start to get more confident.

"I don't know what's worth fighting for

Or why I have to scream

I don't know why I instigate

And say what I don't mean

I don't know how I got this way

I know it's not alright

So I'm breaking the habit

I'm breaking the habit tonight"

By the second verse, I'm practically singing the song naturally.

"Clutching my cure

I tightly lock the door

I try to catch my breath again

I hurt much more than any time before

I have no options left again

I don't want to be the one the battles always choose

'Cause inside I realize that I'm the one confused"

"I don't know what's worth fighting for

Or why I have to scream

I don't know why I instigate

And say what I don't mean

I don't know how I got this way

I'll never be alright

So I'm breaking the habit

I'm breaking the habit tonight"

As I finish the second chorus I prepare myself for the next part of the song which is supposed to be screamed.

I'll paint it on the walls

'Cause I'm the one at fault

I'll never fight again

And this is how it ends

It almost feels like the song has taken me over and singing it is almost as natural as speaking. I gather all of the emotions inside of me and release them with each word.

I don't know what's worth fighting for

Or why I have to scream

But now I have some clarity to show you what I mean

I don't know how I got this way

I'll never be alright

So I'm breaking the habit

I'm breaking the habit

I'm breaking the habit tonight

I arrive at the final stretch of the song and I put all of my energy into finishing strong.

I don't know what's worth fighting for

Or why I have to scream

I don't know why I instigate

And say what I don't mean

I don't know how I got this way

I'll never be alright

So I'm breaking the habit

I'm breaking the habit tonight

I'm breaking the habit (tonight)

As the music fades I can feel myself coming back to reality. I look at Monika who looks absolutely dumbfounded. I walk out of the recording booth and I'm immediately greeted by applause from the class. Confused, I look at Monika who claps along with a guilty smile. After a few seconds, the applause fades and the class returns to their work.

I look at Monika confused. "How were they able to hear me?"

Monika blushed embarrassingly. "Well, I may have played your audio out loud for the class."

I tried looking at her angrily but I couldn't help a small smile from appearing on my face.

"You did amazing though," Monika said trying to save herself. "Really that was… emotional."

"Thanks," I said, my anger subsiding.

"Those parts where you screamed…" Monika continued. "This song really does mean a lot to you huh."

"Yeah. It does." I say. "So did you figure out what it's about?"

Monika thinks to herself for a second. "Based off of what you said about the singer I'd guess it's about drug use. Specifically trying to quit. Hence the name 'Breaking the Habit'."

"Correct. You're very observant." I said.

"But…" Monika continues. "I don't know how this song relates to you. You haven't had any problems with drugs have you?"

"No." I chuckle. "I like to think art is up to interpretation and music is my favorite form of art. The way I interpret the song is that it's about someone who has done things in the past that they're not proud of. It's about someone who's trying to become a better person."

Monika looked at me intrigued. "That's very intellectual of you. So how does that meaning relate to you?"

As I reluctantly open my mouth to explain the bell rings.

"I'll… tell you later. I promise." I say as I exit the class."

I sit through my last class before lunch actually listening to the teacher for once. Once the class ends I exit and I'm immediately approached by Devon who was walking through the halls.

"Yo Dean what's up." He calls out.

"Hey, Devon." I greet back.

He walks past me and I follow.

"Hey so I was thinking of heading to the gas station and getting some drinks," he says. "You wanna come with?"

I look at him confused. "You mean right now?"

"Yeah" He clarifies. "You coming or what?

At this point, I notice that we were heading to a door outside the school. I stop in my tracks as Devon opens the door and looks back at me.

"You know we can't leave during lunch, right." I say.

He laughs in response. "Damn your girlfriend must be too good of an influence on you. It's right across the street. No one's gonna notice or care."

I could really use an energy drink right now. And all the vending machines here only have water and orange juice.

"Ehh… Sure why not." I say reluctantly.

We both head outside and make our way to the edge of the school. As we're walking Monika calls out to us and jogs over.

"Hey, I thought I saw you two leave." She says. "Are we eating outside today?"

I try to make up an excuse. "Uh… no, we were just-"

"We were gonna head over to the store and get some drinks." Devon says.

Monika looks confused. "But, isn't that off campus?"

Devon laughs again. "Why does everyone say that? It's literally right across the street. People do it all the time."

"Well actually Dean has to help me with something in one of my classes so you're gonna have to go without him." Monika says, glaring daggers into me.

I decided to play along, terrified of Monika's gaze. "Oh yeah. I totally forgot. Sorry, Devon Maybe next time."

I feel one of Monika's daggers stab into my side.

"I mean… not next time- I mean… see ya." I stumble out as Monika metaphorically drags me away.

Once we're back inside Monika looks at me angrily.

"What were you thinking?" She asks.

"What?" I reply. "He's right people do it a lot. And you can't tell me you've never left school before."

Monika shakes her head and sighs. "Well, I have many times. But that was a video game. I don't even think teachers existed there. Technically The school didn't even exist beyond two classrooms and a hallway."

We both start to walk towards the cafeteria.

"But we can't do that here" She continues. "This is real life… probably"

"What?" I say confused.

"Well I mean it's possible we're all in some kind of movie or video game right now." She explains.

I laugh at her comment. "No. If this is some kind of fictional world it's definitely a fan fiction."

We stay silent for a few moments. While the author contemplates deleting that line

"Anyway don't get off topic." Monika continues. "You could've gotten in a lot of trouble for something like that."

"Alright, I wont do it again." I reassure her.

"I'm not lecturing you." She says sincerely. "I just don't want you to get in trouble."

"I know." I reply

"I care about you." She says lovingly.

I grab Monika's hand and our fingers intertwine. "I know." I say with a smile.

We get our lunch and sit together. After awhile Melony walks up to our table and sits with us.

"Hey guys" She greets us. "Sorry, we didn't have too much time to talk yesterday. But I wanted to get to know you a bit more Monika."

Monika smiled at her. "Oh, that's sweet of you."

"Well I just watched a movie about a guy who transfers to a new school and no one hangs out with him because he's new and he ends up getting murdered because he's always alone." She responds. "Not that I think that will happen to you or anything. Unless Dean's plotting something."

We sit in silence for a second from that last comment.

"Sorry." Melony apologises. "That was weird to say."

I laugh awkwardly. "It's fine. Thanks for being friendly."

Melony smiles then looks over to Monika. "So, my boyfriend is taking me shopping today. And I know you just moved here. And I couldn't help but notice you've been wearing Dean's clothes to school. So I was wondering if you two wanted to come with us. Make it a double date?"

"What a coincidence." Monika says. "We were actually planning on doing exactly that."

"No way." Melony says laughing. "Well, then I guess you wouldn't mind coming."

"We'd love to right Dean." Monika says as she looks at me.

"Uh… yeah, why not." I say trying to hide my awkwardness.

"Alright let's meet up after school and we can drive there together." Melony says as she walks off. "See you then."

After lunch is over I sit through my classes yet again, trying to work harder than usual. Once my last class ends I walk out to the front of the school to find Monika talking with Melony and her boyfriend, Derek.

I approach them and Monika greets me. "Hey Dean you ready to go?"

"Yeah." I look over to Derek and Melony. "So I'll just follow you guys."

Melony chuckles then quickly wipes her smile.

Derek speaks up. "Yeah, it's not too far from here. Thanks for coming by the way. I hate going into Victoria's Secret with her."

I laugh at his comment. "No problem."

"Alright let's head out!" Melony says excited.

Monika and I hop into my car while Melony and Derek get into theirs.

"Alright. Hopefully, this won't be too awkward." I think to myself. "It'll be fine. Just focus on that Virgin Killer Sweater."

I turn on the engine and follow Derek's car out of the parking lot.

And done! Damn, I think that might be the longest chapter so far. I guess that's only fair since I made you guys wait so long.

I'm not sure when the next chapter will be out but hopefully, it'll be soon.

Thank you so much for your support and patience and just all my bullshit in general. You guys are amazing.