A/N: The chapter is going to be the initiative to rising action portion of my fic, therefore it is going to be much longer. Scratch that, this can be considered the finale of the prologue. However before I start responding to the reviews, I would like to respond to these three outstanding ones first and explain myself.

Anon, Well given the fact that he's stuck in a world that isn't his and doesn't wish to be there in the first place, it is somewhat justified that he acts like this. Sure, he goes off in a tangent sometimes, but it doesn't necessarily mean that he's a "hormonal 14 year old." Maybe you can elaborate on what part he sounds like that, and how I can explain; as it is my duty to help explain some errors I've made.

Nathan, I am not quite sure how this is all Val's fault for whatever crisis he has generated. If it's the multiple "dates" he has been getting then that's all on him. However, the car accident and losing control on saving Tommy, that isn't his fault. Rather, it is implied that someone is pulling strings and tying up loose ends...

Dark, there's a really specific reason why I didn't choose a real name for Valkyrie, compared to James, Gabe, and Thomas. But I'm sorry if you don't like my work since it breaks your "immersion". Everyone has their likes and dislikes, I can't mess with that.

Now moving on, to other reviews.

Vanilla, your way of reviewing is astonishing, your analysis and predictions almost reads my mind. And to respond to your question of Natsuki-OC shipping only, it's probably not going to happen, given the circumstances on how the others are advancing to him... unfortunately. *wink wink*

Guardian, Leg Day is really important. And because of you, Val lied for the first time in forever... Nah, I'm just messing with you, it was a small plot hole that I had to resolve.

Pheonix, thanks for the compliment, I appreciate it a lot!

Nukem, Hey! Thanks for the feedback. I know I'm missing some words here and there, but I'm trying to proofread my work before I submit it. Besides I'm just as excited as you all are when I upload a chapter. That's assuming if people do get excited when I do though...

Tatana, I assume that you have taken inspiration from the DDLC fanfiction community and their stories. As writers, it is a good thing for others to express their thoughts in the form of literature. Although I'll be primarily focusing on my work, I'll be there to support as patronage for doing the same thing for me, given that I have the time to do so unfortunately. Also, thanks for the feedback!

As I was going to start writing, I saw that randomguy, a person that has favorited my story a while back, has started a fanfic of his own. He, like Tatana, is inspired by the stories on site. A word of advice, there is potential, the number one thing on writing is to go with the flow and plan ahead. Gather your thoughts so you won't be stuck on a certain part for hours. Besides that, keep it up. You got interesting ideas to mend on.

With that, let's jump right back in.

"Well?" I questioned impatiently. To show it, I crossed my arms and leaned on one foot.

"Okay, okay! I'll apologize!" Natsuki was visibly nervous. "Can everyone stop staring at me?! It's getting me pissed!"

Mostly everyone stared away. I can tell Natsuki doesn't apologize often, if not ever. Doing this requires bravery and willpower, something I can commend.

"I'm sorry for saying all that. Like how I said Val liked my poem more than yours... And what I said about your boobs... I didn't mean it... You aren't the type of girl to do such a thing..."

"Good. Now Yuri," I motioned her with my hand. "It's your turn."

"Uuu... I'm sorry! For everything I said! I'm really, really sorry! And... thank you... I would never do such a shameful thing..."

What shameful thing?

"Now was that too hard?" The two girls glared at me mildly, but I dismissed it. "Didn't think so, now you see guys. That's friendship! Forgiving each other after a fight!"

Jesus, it were boys then this have would been so much less stressful... By now, everyone would have moved on. Now I can only hope that the girls didn't keep a grudge on each other. I doubt they are going chill like us guys after fight. We all would be chilling and having a ice cold soda.

Man... I want some soda...

"Good job Valkyrie! I'm really glad you stepped in to stop the fight!" Sayori chirped. I nodded in response. She reared her head towards the two girls.

"Besides! You two are naturally beautiful girls! Both of you would be perfect romantic partners for-" Tommy's hand clasped over her mouth. "Mmmmph? Mmmph? Mmmm? Mmmm..." He then ruffled Sayori's hair, to which Sayori giggled and smiled brightly.

"What did you put in her mouth, Tom?"

"Ah. Some chocolates."

"Oh. That's adorable."

Both Tom and Sayori flushed red.

"What?"

"Guys, I'm going to go early... I need to walk this off... I'll see you guys tomorrow." Natsuki interjected. "And I'm going to bring another poem!" She said as looked at me.

We all shared our goodbyes as she left.

Yuri came up behind me.

"Valkyrie? Can I speak to you for a moment?..." Yuri timidly asked with a sad smile.

"Of course."

We walk to the closet of the class room. Once we make it there, she gives an exasperated sigh.

I raise an eyebrow. "What's wrong? Why did you bring out here?"

"I'm just really embarrassed. I-I can't believe I acted like that... You probably loathe me whenever you look at me..."

"What? No I don't! Why are even you saying this?"

"I let my emotions get the better of me. Uuuu... I feel so... bad..."

"Well don't be. You handled the situation in a way better fashion then I probably could. In fact, it makes me think more highly of you, to speak with such passion to defend your claims."

She started to nervously play with her hair, while looking away from me. Her face was adorable...

Take it easy Val. You're treading in dangerous territory.

She also looked as if she was thinking of doing something, but wasn't quite sure...

"Yuri? Is everything all ri-?"

I was interrupted by a hug that made me flinch.

How is Monika hugging me- oh.

I was so used to getting hugged by Monika that I didn't notice it was actually Yuri hugging me. Her chest distributed the heat towards my chest, and it felt really, really soft.

I finally hug her back. She sighed happily in response.

"Thank you. You are so kind, Valkyrie... I'm so glad that you are here with me."

I pulled away from the hug. "Hey, likewise friend. Likewise."

She tensed up when I said friend. I patted her shoulder, with a smile. She smiled back, but with that tensed expression.

"By the way, Valkyrie... about what Natsuki said... about... you know my br-..." She stopped herself from saying anything else.

"Huh? What do you mean? What did she say?"

"Uh... Don't worry about it..."

"Ok. I'll not worry about it. But c'mon! That's my 'catchphrase!'"

"I'm sorry! It's just so... easy to use and it gets me... ex-calm! It gets me really calm! Haha..." She blushed.

"U-um also I want to say one more thing... c-can we... uuu! Nevermind..."

"Come on Yuri!" I wrapped my arm on her shoulder. "What do you want to say? And please! Speak your mind, I like it when you do!"

"Uh... Valkyrie... y-y-you're t-touching me..."

I am?

"Oh! My bad! Sorry..." I pulled my arm away, only for Yuri to hold it.

"No. Don't let go..." Yuri turned to look at me. She had those focused eyes... It looked attractive...

Okaaay... This is getting creepy.

"I want you, to go to the movies with me. So we can see the premiere of the Markov Links." Her voice became slowed and sounded heavy. It was almost slutty?

"Uh... Sure. When do we go?"

She took my arm wrapped it around her waist. She pulled in closer to me.

OKAAY, THIS IS SOME MONIKA LEVEL SHIT RIGHT HERE!

I looked around to see if anyway was looking at us. Fortunately, not. They were all chatting at the other side of the room.

She whispered, "The day when we come back, we can go tonight..." I can feel her warm breath tickle my ear.

JESUS FUCKING CHRIST! HOW DO MONIKA AND YURI HAVE THE COURAGE DO SUCH THINGS IN PUBLIC?

"Uh... no p-problem..."

"Good then it's settled." Her eyes went back to normal.

Yuri took my hand and led me to where everyone was.

Hey! SHES TOUCHING MY HAND! IN FRONT OF EVERYONE! WHAT THE HECK?!

I took a sit next to Tommy and Sayori. Yuri, in the other-hand takes a seat besides me and scoots up to me. Kind of personal space breaking close...

Just don't look at her and don't pay attention. This weirdness is almost at an end, I hope.

Once Monika saw me, she gave a jealous glare towards Yuri, and Yuri returned the glare. I squirmed in my seat.

"Well! Now that's been dealt with... I hope everyone's read each other's poems and found it a new experience to enjoy and be worthwhile! How did you all feel about sharing poems?"

"I found it a pleasant experience. Being complimented for something we dedicated our souls into, is a worthwhile experience indeed." Yuri stated.

"Well, I found it a lot of fun! Both Val and Tommy gave me really cute poems that I love!" Sayori chirped excitedly.

"Yeah... It was alright. It's pretty "lit" to talk about our poems with others."

"What do you have to say, Val?" She said with a concealed scowl.

What did I do? I didn't anything!

"Well um... I find it an awe-inspiring experience for all. Learning about the poem writers, leads to the fact that they have hidden potential."

"Anyway, it's almost time for us to leave, so for when we come back in the following day, we all should have new and improved poems for all of us to enjoy!" Monika concluded.

"Ah! Finally, I want to take a nap before hitting the gym!"

Everyone looks at me weirdly.

"What? It's leg day! Can't miss leg day ever! Nothing is going stop me in leg day!"

"I dunno Val, there's always a possibility that something could go wrong~!"

Wait what does she mean by- oh. My eyes widened. OH NO!

"O-oh y-y-yeah you are right Monika... Anything can happen, yeah..."

Everyone chuckled at my loss of confidence. I couldn't care less. I was terrified on what will happen when I step into Monika's house today.

"Okay, it's time to go everyone! See you the following day! Val, I need to talk with you for a bit..."

"Sure... no sweat."

"Bye Monika, bye Yuri!" Sayori said as she grabbed Tommy.

"Take care you two! And hey! Good luck." Tommy left with a wink to me.

I felt my face lose it's color.

"Goodbye Val, I hope to see you again." Yuri said as she left the room.

Now it was just me and her. Me and Monika.

"Uh... I'm gonn-"

"Where do you think you're going?! Sit down!" Monika yelled.

"Yes ma'am." I take a seat right across from her.

She had her hands on her chin, while her elbows rested on the table.

"Finally! I'm making sure that you are coming with me. I don't want you to be late to our, discussion."

"B-but it's... it's leg day!"

"NO! I don't care if it is leg day! Your legs are just fine!"

"Aww come on... please?"

"No!"

"Pretty please! Besides I need to pack up, if I going to stay a while..."

"ARGH! FINE!"

Phew.

"Do you promise that you will be there though?"

"Yeah..."

"Then I won't anything to worry about. I want you at my house no later than 8. Is. That. Clear?"

I meekly nodded.

"Good. Now leave. I have to handle some stuff before I can leave."

"Alright Monika... Jeez." And with that I left the club room.

I went down to my locker so I could pick up my jacket.

I got there in a manner of seconds, and the hallway was completely empty. I had to get the hell away from Monika and come up with a plan to not go to her house...

I lied to Monika, I actually didn't have to go the gym today. My legs were already sore from yesterday. I would feel bad about lying, but lying to her felt like it... increased my survival rate. I know this is just a memory, it just felt good to leave a dangerous situation like her.

I put in my combination for my lock and it opened. I took out my jacket and put it on. It was pouring outside and didn't seem it would let up.

What am I going to do...

I heard some voices around me.

"Huh?" I looked around, there was no body.

I proceeded to walk to the exit, until I was hit with a paralyzing headache. I slowed my pace drastically until I was put to a stop. I clutched my head to stop the pain, it gotten so bad that I had to close my eyes. I used the wall to support me, but I don't know how long it was going to support my failing clutch on it.

The voices grew stronger... I opened my eyes to see if anyone was there.

What the hell...

I saw phantoms, they all looked like they were from real life... No large eyes, existing lips, flat and sharp noses alike, normal colored hair... The phantoms seemed to students and staff alike. All were talking and going about their business.

Is it over? Is this hell over? Am I free? Is everything gonna go back to normal?

That headache I had dissipated immediately.

I just wanted to talk with anyone, hear the latest news, gossip, test dates, and stuff. I wanted to find my friends and tell them about what just happened! After looking about I think I found them.

I ran towards what looked to be my friends. I got closer and it indeed they were! Gabe, James and Tommy were laughing and having a good time. I had to join in!

"Guys! Guys!" I yelled. I was ecstatic! Everything is normal again!

They didn't respond to me...

Am I... still stuck here? No. It can't be...

Everyone started to vanish... I saw everyone started to vanish...

"No! NO! NOOO! PLEASE! WAIT! DON'T GO! PLEASE!" I screamed frantically.

I turned around to look at my friends, Gabe was the first to go, then James, then Tommy. He looked up to me, and he gave me a mournful smile and he too, vanished with them.

I dropped onto my knees. My knees were unable to support my weight. I felt my nose bleed as the headache came again. I dropped on all fours. My eyes burned as tears threatened to fall out.

I just wanted... to everything to be normal again...

Two wet drops fell on to floor. My tears were hot as they raced down to my face.

I can't do this anymore... Every second I'm here... I feel as if I've gotten used to it. The real world seems as if it was a distant memory.

I didn't want to move. I don't care any more. Just let my sanity break... I just don't care anymore...

You don't care about Tommy?

I do care... but, but... I can't go on...

If you do care, then you would anything it would take to save him. Did you forget he is a coma?

No! I do care! I know he is a coma! But this hurts so much... I missed the real world so much...

The struggle of not being there to comfort his devastated family and the unimaginable pain he is going through just to survive, is all for naught? He's giving you a chance to save him. And here you are, crying pathetically just cause you miss how everything used to be. Don't you get it? Tommy is giving you the fighting chance to make that all happen! Are you going to waste it and moan about the changes? Or are you going take the opportunity and fight back?

My other voice was right. I had to do this. I'm going to take the chance! I'm going to bring Tommy from the brink of death! We are going to laugh about the experiences we had during our time here! I won't give up now! I'm going to fight till my last breath! I will secure my victory!

The world around started to go back to the simulated world again.

Let's do this. No one is going to control what happens. I going to take this simulation down and bring him back. No more doubts, no more worries. This will be a new beginning.

I felt as if my mind has been coated with an extra layer of protection. I feel as if I have woken up.

I got back up and wiped my face.

Let's do this.

I got out of the school and I was making my home. I took out my headphones played some music. The track I was listening to is Missing, by Orax.

The song reinforced my reinvigorated mood. Something about the chords made me feel energetic and powerful.

I exited the school from the gates, I made my way towards home. It was unusually busy, pedestrians and cars were all present on my commute back home. I still had personal space, so it wasn't that bad.

Younger students walking hand and hand with their mothers, fathers, and siblings. Some were even walking with their friends back home. I felt myself give a small, but hopeful smile.

The streetlights were giving it's radiant orange glow, it reminded me of my real home. This suburban neighborhood was identical to mine... No.

Instead of missing the real world, I decided that I reminisce about the good times I had with my friends.

My mind raced back to freshman year at high school...

It was a boring day. It was the first day of school, nothing important was going go on. Just a whole lotta crap about what to do and what's expected of me. Whatever. I don't care. I don't care if I was the one who got snickered at when I got things wrong. I don't care about sitting on the bleachers of the gym, being the last one to be picked, I don't care if I had any friends. I got through middle school without friends, and now I could do it at high school for 4 years! Nothing is going to change.

I was at a classroom with a whole bunch of freshmen like me. They were talking about everything besides the game we were playing at the front of the board.

"Hey dude, do you know anything that starts with a D and is piece of clothing?" A kid said with a happy go-lucky smile.

"Y-yeah I do. A down jacket."

"A down jacket? Alright." He turned to give the answer to his team. "Hey man, what's your name?"

"My name is uh... V̴̦̟̫͖͈̹̺͕͍͚̦̘̀̀ͅa̠̼͓̣̲̗̝̬̰̺͉̥̞͍̭͉̱̜͞l̸̜͍̺̹̭̙̥̯̫͙̰̻̜̫͔̀͞ͅͅķ̪̗̣̻̰̹̤̝̟͈̯͕̪̦̘̀̕͞r҉̰̗̭̲̳̺̥̪͟i̴͕̠̗̯̳͉̬̮̳̲̱̲̪͇̗̺̫̻͜͡͠e̛͖̯͉͉̙͠͠." What's yours?"

"My name is Thomas. Or you can call me Tom or Tommy, it don't matter."

"You have a nickname? That's pretty cool..."

"It's easy! Your nickname can be uh... hmm..." Tom tapped his chin in thought.

"See... It's hard..."

"I've got it! How about V͏̴̡̻̼̺͈͜a̡̛̫̤͓͉̝̞̞̹͞͞l̵̨̼͇͓̬̹͇̖̯̠̼͟ ?"

"Huh... I like it!"

Everything between that was a blur. I can faintly recall talking about TF2 and other Valve games at the time... We talked about the skins and hats, the economy of the trading system, and weapons.

It wasn't that long that we actually had classes to go, so we can introduce ourselves to our teachers. We both entered our third period class. It was United States History. The room was all lit up naturally by the sunrays. It felt nostalgic somehow. The tables were arranged in four seats each. Me and Tom sat down together. Two other kids sat down with us.

The teacher came around with a group classwork. All four of us groaned at this, and we suddenly felt a little more comfortable together.

"Hey there! My name's Thomas, and this is my friend, V̀á̶̧̧͞l̨̕ḱ҉̢͜r̸i̧̛͠e҉͘͞ !" Thomas chirped.

Friend? That quickly?...

I meekly waved my hand at them, despite being 2 feet away from us. They both smiled warmly.

"Yo. My name's Gabriel, or you guys could call me Gabe."

"And you are...?" Thomas inquired.

"Name's James."

"Oh. It's nice to meet you both! Now let's get down to business..."

...

I didn't bring an umbrella, my coat's hood was protecting my head and my music from the cold water. I felt tempted to let the water wash me, wash away all the worries I had about this. Instead I sunk down, and let the raindrops splash onto the pavement. It made me feel... calm, despite the brewing storm I was probably going to have to go against.

It wasn't long until I made it home. By then, the song has ended. I turned my headphones off. And entered my home and readied myself for the rest of the day.

I placed my bag on the hat rack and took off my shoes. I was exhausted, by everything.

I was going to fall onto the couch, but I realized I was drenched. I carefully took off my jacket and uniform. I placed them inside a plastic bag, so I can clean them later. I was stripped to my boxers and t-shirt, the only articles of clothing that weren't attacked by water. It was still pouring outside, I don't know why, but it felt as if I can stay here and ditch Monika. Ditch Yuri, Natsuki, Sayori and the literature club, the school and ...

No. I can't ditch Tommy. I'm doing it for him.

I gave an irritated sigh. Oh well. I forgot this is all a simulated version of Tommy's memory. Whatever that memory may be...

I decided to text James on the situation outside.

"James" "What's the news?"

"Val dude" "We've been worried sick about you" "The machine started repeating destabilization imminent or some shit" "The doctor was going to unplug it so he can save both of you, but Guiliot stopped him" "He said it was going to back to normal"

Warning! Continued interactions from outside world will result in destabilization.

Damn! I need to know about Tommy...

"How's Tommy? I gotta go after this"

"He's doing a lot better now, we are just worried about you" "Stay safe, for me, Gabe, and Tommy"

I closed the messaging app and went up stairs. I fell on my bed face first and closed my eyes."

*Brrrh*

Great. Someone texted me. How come this always happens when I text Gabe?

I pulled up my phone to check who it was.

Fuck.

It was Monika. And from the texts she was pissed.

"Pick up." "We have much to discuss." "Pick up. Now."

Jesus Christ! Alright, alright!

"Chill out" "I was busy" "What do you need to talk about?"

"I was thinking that I could come over instead."

"I'm really busy right now" "Can we talk about this later?"

"Why? What's so important right now?"

Oh shit. Hmm... What's a good lie...

"I'm doing homework right now" "AP Calc hw" "So I need to focus"

Monika is typing...

Please don't counter, please don't counter, please don't counter...

"Ah. How about I help you out by coming over? I know a lot of Calculus and I going help you out. Besides, I know where you live."

That last sentence sent a small spark on my spine, which caused me to jump a bit.

"No thanks" "I prefer doing it myself" "I'll text you back"

"There wasn't a choice. I'm coming over."

Are you fucking kidding me? I was actually genuinely pissed at a girl!

What now? Oh yeah...! I turned off location after she was waiting for me outside...

"I'm not home"

"Oh? Where are you then?"

"Don't worry about it" "Look Monika" "The punishment or whatever can wait" "I really need to get back to my work" "I'll text you back"

I was left on read.

I'm not sure if this is good or not.

*Brrrh*

"You're adorable when you make a stand. Fine. I won't bother you again, goodbye."

Oh c'mon! Is she really going to use reverse-psychology? I don't want to be near you!

...

Did she just call me adorable?

...

But it feels as if I betrayed her... It's making me feel guilty...

I reach out to text her back but I stopped myself from doing so.

No. When I make my stand, I won't change it.

I closed the messaging app and locked my phone.

What now? I kind of successfully avoided Monika for now. But knowing her, she's going to come back in force...

Go camping? No... That's too risky, and I don't even know how to camp really!

Hang out with Yuri or Natsuki? Nope. I'm not going touch that subject, or anyone hopefully for that matter...

Hang out with Tommy and Sayori? Actually screw it, I don't feel like going anywhere. I'm sore...

If Monika comes, I'll think of something... I'm sure of it.

Do your homework? Do I even have any homework?

I go downstairs and picked up my wet neck bag. I opened it, all the contents inside were actually safe and not even soaked.

AP Cal... AP Cal... There it is!

I pulled out a folder for that class. I was right, there was homework for AP Cal.

Aw man... I hate Calc though...

I brought my homework and bag upstairs, so I can start doing it.

Derivatives, limits, and integral notations... Nothing too hard, I did a shit ton of these back at May.

It didn't take a while for me to do the problems, it was a review. I took the test back at May and it's still fresh on my mind.

What now? There's nothing else I can do besides sleep.

I check outside the window, it is still pouring outside.

I sigh at the sight of such depressive but calming weather.

Yep. Sleep it is.

I put away my homework and put it into my bag. Once I did that, I lied down with my arms being the extra cushions and crossed my legs for warmth and comfort. Looking up at the ceiling, I began to think...

Why is this memory repressed? I keep getting interrupted by everyone whenever I think this... Tommy never told or mentioned anything about going to another school with Sayori, if she apparently exists in the real world... Hell, this isn't even a proper memory! Nothing makes any sense! No matter how fucked up a person's perspective is, the world around them will always be the same, not transformed into an anime world or what not... Wait... what if this memory isn't exactly a memory... What if it's a memory about something else, besides his life! This has to be some form or representation of Tommy's past! Wait... the girls I've met are Sayori, Natsuki, Yuri, and finally Monika...

I shudder at the hint of her name.

What if these girls are actually a form of Tommy's thoughts?! Ok so... Sayori is a outgoing, happy-go-lucky type of person, something Tommy is in the real life... Natsuki is girl who's into cute things... Something Tommy doesn't really like... Yuri is a girl who's into dark and spooky things like me... Tommy didn't really have an opinion on those and was sometimes too overly 'critique-ish' on the scare factors. And then we have her... Monika... she's way too unpredictable to make a consensus. She has a strange vibe with her... I'm not sure what it is but, it's something that doesn't belo-

I hear a loud knock at my door.

Huh? Who's here at this hour and weather?

I look outside from my window and identify who knocked on my door. It was dark and raining, making identification difficult... I squinted harder to see who it was-

*KNOCK KNOCK*

Well, I have no choice but see who it is. I leisurely walk down the stairs and took a peak at who it is.

Oh no.

It's her! It's Monika and she's pissed!

"HEY! I HEAR YOU! OPEN THE DOOR!" She angrily roared.

I complied, as I undid the locks and knobs.

Time to lie again...

I fake fatigue as I opened the door, yawning while doing it.

"Oh, hey Mon, come on in..." I drowsily said.

She stomped inside. I flinched for a millisecond and closed the door. Monika crossed her arms and glared at me. She was wearing a black coat with boots on, her umbrella was a neon red. She clasped down the umbrella and threw to me. I, again, caught it without hassle.

"Cut the shit. I can see right through you, Jones."

Huh? Aw shit...

"I'm actually tired, Monika... I've had a long day..." I futilely attempted.

"Well, wake up! We need to talk about... what happened at... Study Hall..." She looked nervous for a split second before maintaining that angered expression.

Not this shit again...

I remained silent, as I helped her out of her coat and placed it on the rack. Monika was wearing seductive red dress underneath the black coat. It was revealing, as it hugged her breasts. Fortunately it was not "see-through" and it was thick enough to reveal anything else. Her hair wasn't in that pony-tail and flowed elegantly and freely.

This doesn't look good.

I led her to my sofa, we both sat opposite ends.

"Very well. What do we need to talk about?"

"Don't play stupid, Jones. We both knew what was going to happen."

I might well accept my fate...

"What happened? Tell me." I knew this was going to disorient her and loosen her guard.

"Eh?! W-what do you mean by 'what happened?' you know it already!"

"No. I don't."

"I can't believe you are that dense! I thought you knew! Argh!"

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She walked up to me slowly.

"We. Were. Going. To."

This is it! I'm so screwed! There's absolutely no way I'm going to be able slide past this one!

"Kiss."

There. That word. Great. Now what? Am I supposed to die now?

"Ooooohhh! You were talking about that?" I said with false understanding.

She gritted her teeth. "Yes, we are talking about that."

Last resort, acceptance.

"Hey look. It's okay, it was the heat of the moment and I completely-"

"No!" She balled her fists up. "Stop dancing around it! I'm sick of it!"

Sick of this? This might be my chance to live!

"Dance around what?"

She ignored me and sat back down, her angered posture vanished immediately. She looked away from me. Her eyes being away from my sight.

"You turned your head..."

"I know..."

"You told me that I was grinding on your..."

"I know..."

"STOP SAYING THAT!" She looked up at me, her face was being trailed with tears. Her face was in a pained expression, she was quivering her hurt frown and was shaking...

My god. What have I done?

I instinctively got up and squeezed her. She didn't hesitate to comply, she buried her face into my neck and sobbed uncontrollably. I placed my chin at the crown of her head, and waited for her. I ran my hand down her hair, it was silky smooth, it flowed down my hand like cotton. And it somehow eased her crying.

"D-do y-you know wh-why I wanted to k-kiss y-you?" Her voice was muffled, she had her mouth on my shoulder.

I sighed.

"Why?"

"It's because..." She looked up to me. "You fought for me, Val... That guy insulted me and made me feel small... I felt helpless..." She gave a small smile at me. "But you came and defended me... That's why I like you so much... That's why I wanted to kiss you."

I was honestly baffled, I couldn't respond to what she just said...

She likes me?... She wanted to kiss me?

"I see." I pathetically said.

"I... I have come to terms... if you didn't like me back..."

What do I do? If I say yes, then she'll be my girlfriend, my fake and digital girlfriend. But if I say no, then things will permanently be awkward for the both us. We will never see eye-to-eye ever again...

"It's... It's... It's fine, if you don't like me back... I know you probably like Yuri or Natsuki... But not me..."

Yuri? Natsuki? What? What do they have to do about this?

"But... I need to know... do you... like me...?"

...

It's now. Or never.

A/N: Doing a rewrite chapter 8, so I took it down.