The rock music continued to pour into the speakers of the car.
Me and my friends continued to jam out the song, while the girls stayed occupied by various means.
Monika was on her phone, most likely checking the social media and the times as of now.
Natsuki had her pink earbuds on and reading her usual Parfait Girls manga.
Sayori was continuously looking into what the girls were doing and obnoxiously asking what was happening, to which the girls apparently happily replied to her every question.
Yuri had her dark purple headphones on, and had an intense expression while reading a book.
Hellraiser, in the thunder and heat!
Hellraiser, rock you back in your seat!
Hellraiser, and I'll make it come true!
Hellraiser, I'll put a spell on you!
The song finally came to an end and all that played was silence.
I turned to Tom.
"So... how was it?" I asked.
He pondered his answer as he looked ahead.
"Hmm, that guitar solo was not so bad, actually." Tom commented, now turning to me.
"Yeah, it was actually decent." Jim added.
I nodded in agreement.
"I feel really amped up from that song... what should we play next?" I asked.
Somehow the girls heard me from whatever they were doing.
Each of the girls brightened up from their chance to play their choice of music.
"Play some more rock music!" Gabe suggested, to which was unpopular.
I rolled my eyes at his suggestion.
"Sure, fine."
I skipped around the CD for any rock songs in it.
Once I stopped, the song that played was "Cry for Help" by Shinedown.
In back, I saw Gabe bobbing his head to the fast and upbeat tempo of the song.
That wasn't case for any of girls, as they wanted a chance for me to play their type of music.
Nothing much I can do about that, the song is kind of decent anyway.
"To count it off 1,2 (1,2,3)!"
"You better pray that there's another way out!"
"Val, isn't that song from Shinedown?" Tom asked.
I nodded.
"Yep, it is. From good ol' Jacksonville." I simply answered.
Jim smirked at the band's origin.
"Jacksonville, Florida?"
I slowly nodded.
"Yeah...?" I answered, not knowing what he was getting at.
Tom also was getting confused from Jim's apparent smirk.
"What's going on in Jacksonville?" Sayori asked, vocalizing our confused thoughts.
Gabe poked his head out and yelled:
"ORE WA OCHINCHIN-"
I gave annoyed grunt at what he referencing, pressing my hands against the steering wheel.
His apparent yell also surprised the girls, causing them to shriek at him.
"For fuck's sake! Was that really necessary?" I growled, disorientated from the screaming.
Tom rubbed his ears from the ringing they gave.
"What the-"
He was interrupted.
"Fuck was that?!" Sayori yelled.
The car became silent, as the song was finally beginning to mellow out.
I saw everyone staring at Sayori with bewildered eyes, causing her to tap her index fingers together in anxiety.
"I never thought that you would say such a thing, Sayori..." Monika muttered, baffled by her outburst.
"Me too, I know I that I said you should be a bit more... confident in your word choice, but I didn't think you would go that far." Natsuki agreed.
"I also agree, it is actually impressive how you managed to say all that." Yuri chimed.
Sayori looked away.
"Ehehe... well, I just got really annoyed and got taken by surprise." She explained.
Tom turned his head to her.
"Say, you don't ever curse when you're surprised, or when you are annoyed, or even both!" He exclaimed.
Her tapping turning into wringing.
"I guess a bit manliness rubbed off me to say that, hehehe..." She muttered.
"Was that really necessary, Gabe?" I asked, looking up at the mirror.
He shrugged.
"Not really, I just had to make that reference there, you know? Kind of miss his content." He explained with a sullen tone to his voice.
I sighed.
"Let the man make some music, without his dark past corroding him." I poetically said.
He gave a small frown.
"Sure, I guess. Sorry about that, guys." He apologized.
A mix of different "it's okay, don't worry, and just don't do it again"s circulated in the van.
To lighten up the mood, I decided ask the boys in the back a question.
A question that would most likely resurrect Gabe.
"But hey, aren't we all going work out in the beach?" I asked, looking back to the guys in the back.
Gabe smirked, coming back to life at the thought of working out.
"Fuck yeah! I bought chalk, gloves, and-"
Me and Jim groaned at Gabe's equipment, knowing it was optional gear.
"What now?" He asked.
I looked directly at him and shook my head at him in disappointment.
"Well, I don't know! Maybe it's the fact that you brought things that make deadlifting 'easier'!" I pointed out.
Jim looked towards him as well.
"Yeah, Gabe. If we are going to rip out calluses, then so be it. Gloves and chalk can only do so much after a while." Jim explained.
I put up a finger to further validate his point.
"He's right."
On the other hand, Tom was completely and utterly confused.
"What are you guys even talking about?" He asked.
Sayori also was confused, apparently listening into our conversation.
"Yeah... what's a Kallises?" She questioned.
"Calluses." I corrected.
"Yeah, that!"
I sighed, not noticing that the three other girls were now looking at me.
"When you dead lift, you have to make sure that your hands are firmly grasping the bar. By doing so, your calluses, or the small portion skin below the fingers, are responsible from keeping your grip. Pulling up the heavy bar will literally skin your calluses out. This is further worsened when the bar has additional friction alongside your grip." I explained.
Sayori nodded in understanding.
"Oh... okay."
On the other hand, Natsuki looked terrified.
"Argh... please don't tell me that your calluses got torn off!" She begged.
I rolled my eyes and showed my hand to them.
They all had a mix of reactions.
Sayori gave a small scream at the sight of my hand.
A scream that sounded mildly surprised.
Only the other three girls looked at my hand without so much of a gasp.
I expected Natsuki to yell as well, but she didn't.
"Oh wow..." She let out, meticulously scanning my hand with her pink eyes.
I looked to Yuri and saw that she had a strange and somewhat interested look on her face.
"That looks a lot like self-mutilation." Yuri stated, the feeling of rigid disgust in her voice.
Monika looked the most interested, but I couldn't tell why.
"If Val ripped them off, then that means he has done a lot of progress!"
That's probably why.
I winked at Monika for getting what this meant.
"Yes, exactly! That's what it means! Well, most of the time. Either way, having tougher calluses means that you can handle heavier weights without resorting to gloves or chalk!"
I shot Gabe a look, to which he rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"Well shit, I am still going to use chalk and gloves when we get there anyway." He stated.
I snickered at him and continued to drive.
"Soy-boy." I mocked, to which Jim picked up on and mocked him too.
I noticed the surroundings of the place was vastly different to one at home or at the city.
We were at the neighborhood that contained the beach.
There was sunlight piercing the windows of my car, causing everyone to squint away from it.
I looked up to the mirror once more.
"Alright, we are almost there. Anyone have any song requests?" I asked, knowing that the girls wanted a chance.
Sayori was the first one to put her hand up.
"Ooo! Ooo! I got one!"
Natsuki was second and looked up.
"I got one too! And it isn't nightcore! It's got a nice guitar to it!"
Yuri closed her book and looked up as well.
"I have a suggestion as well, it has also has some guitar, but the atmosphere of the song is pretty good." Yuri suggested.
Monika locked her phone and joined the conversation.
"How about a change of pace? Instead of rock, maybe we can some rap into the mix?"
I was actually going to consider going with Monika's decision, but Tom had an irritated look on his face.
"Guys, we didn't let Sayori say her choice in the matter! Can we give her a chance?" He pointed out.
Sayori had an annoyed pout, upset that the fact that she was getting overshadowed and drowned out by everyone else.
I gritted my teeth at forgetting about that.
"Right... sorry Sayori. What did you have in mind?"
Sayori let out a deep breath, relaxing over the fact that she finally gotten a chance.
"I also had a kind of the same option as Monika, only my choice is not rap. But it won't be a popular choice. I don't think anyone would actually want to hear mine."
This caused Sayori shrink, as she sported a small frown.
As a result, the three girls rushed to her aid.
Natsuki was the first to comfort, wrapping her arms around her.
"Aww... Sayori, toughen up! Just say what you were going to say!" She cheered.
Yuri was next.
"I agree with Natsuki, if it is different than our recommendations, then I am sure it is a good idea."
Monika motioned the girls to hug her, to which made the girl much happier.
"Ah, don't be scared, Sayori! Tell Val what you wanted! He isn't the type of guy to make fun of you!"
Natsuki and Yuri gave their comments on that.
"That's definitely true."
"Absolutely."
Tom was next to comfort her.
"Sayori, I know what your choice is going to be. And I am pretty sure that Val won't mind."
I rolled my eyes playfully.
"If you want to hear some k-pop, then I don't mind. Though don't expect us to sing along with it." I jokingly stated.
Surprisingly, all the girls cringed at my thought process.
Sayori was the one to vocalize their thoughts.
"No thanks Val, we don't want to hear K-pop."
She then smiled.
"Anyway, my choice was is um..."
I heard whispers and muffled cheers behind us.
"It's 'I Want It That Way', by the Backstreet Boys!" She proudly said.
The girls gave a squeal at Sayori's choice of music.
"No way!"
"Oh my!"
"Yesss!"
I was honestly surprised by her choice of music, even more so than the squeal they gave.
"Huh... not bad. I can see why you like-"
"Love!" They all yelled.
My expectations were that only Sayori and possibly Natsuki would like the song, not Yuri nor Monika.
"I can understand why Sayori would be excited to play that song, but I thought you three had different tastes in music." I stated, hoping to get an answer.
"Valkyrie, just because we like different genres, that doesn't mean we have heard of those songs when we were younger." Yuri answered.
Monika agreed with Yuri.
"Yeah, Val. I remember Backstreet Boys when I was way into my teen years!" Monika stated.
Natsuki was next to explain herself.
"I love punk and nightcore, but I also love boy-bands!"
Sayori looked at her excitedly.
"Well... sometimes." She elaborated.
I looked to Tom and we traded looks of discomfort.
Mostly because of how fan-girly they have gotten.
"Alright... love that song. It has a pretty good beat and lyrics to it. But, some Big Time Rush would be nice."
I heard girlish squeals from the back of the car.
There poked out both Gabe and Jim with brightened smiles and eyes.
The girls turned around with confused expressions.
"Put that shit on!" Jim uncharacteristically cheered.
"Yeah! Do it!" Gabe also cheered.
All four of the girls hissed at them.
"No!" They yelled.
No matter how hyped they were, nothing can withstand the ire of four pissed off girls.
And so, they backed down.
I sighed, knowing what kind of mess we gotten ourselves into.
"Alright, Backstreet Boys it is. I kind of also want Big Time Rush, as well." I muttered, searching for the proper radio station that hosted the song.
They squealed in delight at how their wish was going to be granted.
Never did I think that Natsuki, Yuri, and also Monika be fans of that boy band.
If it makes them happy, why not?
"Wait, before you put it on... can you sing all sing it?" Sayori requested.
We all looked at her with bewildered eyes.
"What?!" We all asked.
"Are you guys deaf? Sayori asked if you can all sing along with the song!" Natsuki requested again.
We didn't respond, as we were still pondering on what to say exactly.
They noticed our hesitation.
"Valkyrie, could you sing?" Yuri asked.
I nodded.
But Monika took the spotlight from me.
"Yeah, Val can sing. Have you heard his voice? It's almost angelic!" She dreamily stated.
Someone in the back cleared their voice.
It was Gabe.
"That's an overstatement. Val can sing, but he's not that good. There was this one tenor that-"
He was cut off by the glares and quiet snarls each girl gave.
Gabe was somewhat immune to the effects of the glare.
"Um... my point is, we can sing too."
Sayori gasped at that.
"If you guys can sing, then that means..."
Tom shot his eyes up and knew what she was going to say.
"Wait, Say, no!" He attempted to stop.
It was too late, however.
"Then why don't you all sing with Tom?" She suggested.
I looked to Tom.
"You can sing?"
He nodded meekly.
"I can... kind of. I took singing lessons with Sayori when we were younger." He answered.
I sighed at this.
"Fine, we'll sing along with the song. You're girls are lucky that we know the song."
I played the song at long last.
When the song came on, each of the girls squealed in delight.
I cleared my throat, to start it off.
I can't stall any longer...
But we are almost there.
I can't believe that they can't see I am near the parking area.
It was time for us to sing.
"Yeah."
We let the first verse pass, as we didn't quite necessarily know that part.
Apparently that ticked off all the girls.
"Sing!" They yelled, angry at our initial hesitance.
We all straightened up from their reprimand.
I started it off.
"Tell me why."
"Ain't nothing but a heartache."
"Tell me why."
"Ain't nothing but a mistake."
"Tell me why, I never want to hear you say..."
"I want it that way."
Those simple words caused the girls to go on a frenzy.
"Oh my gosh! They all should be a boy baannnd!" Sayori chirped, amazed our novice skills.
"They should! They really should!" Natsuki added.
"That would be a dream come true..." Yuri commented.
"Girls! Imagine them wearing all white! White shirts, white pants, white shoes..." Monika requested.
"White fedoras!" Sayori finished.
And that was a killer.
They all squealed at the thought of us being a boy band.
Their chatter grew to the point where the next chorus part grew inaudible.
Not to mention our growing discomfort about all this.
"Oooh! I got an nice idea, kittens!" Monika brought about. "Imagine them being shirtless!"
I can tell we tensed up from that idea.
Especially me.
"Haah... Val being sweaty..." Yuri dreamily muttered, looking up in a daze.
My eyes shot up, and I looked up at the mirror to see my friends in the back staring at Yuri, at her comment with slight disgust.
"With those muscles..." Natsuki added, looking up with Yuri.
"Pointing at me and winking..." Monika also added, now looking up with the duo.
Sayori gave a dreamy sigh, but was looking towards Tom.
"Yeah..."
I looked at Tom to which he looking straight into the road.
He then looked at me, struggling not to look back at the mesmerized girls.
"We're here, aren't we?"
I looked up to the road and we were at the parking area.
I nodded at him.
"Yeah, it would seem so."
I turned off the radio and parked the car into a vacant spot.
"Hey!"
"Why did you turn off the radio?"
"Turn it back on!"
"Do it!"
I shut off the ignition of the car and turned to them.
"I don't know, it's maybe because we are here. You know, in the beach?" I deadpanned.
One by one, their annoyed expressions went to ones of mild embarrassment.
They looked away from me.
I sighed and laid my body back against the seat.
"At long last, we are here at this place. I feel as if this was hyped up for a while now." I thoughtfully said.
I unlocked all the cars and exited the vehicle, along with everyone.
Right away, I noticed the humidity and the apparent temperature difference of the area.
The sun was much more intense from before, so I pulled out a pair of aviators from my shirt pocket and checked if they were still viable after all these years.
Everyone was now exiting the vehicle and wearing their appropriate equipment.
Monika was the one who gathered them all in a circle.
I entered the circle to see what she was saying.
"Okay, everyone! I rented a six room beach-house not so far from here! There we can unpack our things and change into our other clothes. Is there any questions?"
Monika never told me anything about renting a six room...
Maybe that's why she took so long to come into the suite from last night.
"No? Alright! First, let's get changed! Follow me!"
I leered at Monika for taking the leadership role away from me.
And something in her knew, that I didn't enjoy this, and it was something to tease me with.
Or she simply didn't know.
My pick, at this point.
We all followed Monika to the beach-house.
And we did, we were somewhat impressed by the design of it.
The building looked relatively modest, as it was just a simple, small one-story house, being held up by multiple structural supports.
It had stairs that led up to the one-story building, and inside of it was six different rooms.
Each room contained a very small room for belongings, a bed, and small bathroom.
Gabe and Jim took their keys and went into their rooms in a simple fashion.
I then noticed that there was Natsuki and Yuri, waiting for me with the keys in hand.
"Val, do you want to help me get my new bikini on? It's a little less revealing, but it looks a bit spunky!" Natsuki requested.
Yuri was going to have none of it.
"No! Valkyrie, why don't you help me dress properly? I am sure that you will enjoy it!"
Something about Yuri's request made it sound forceful.
"Um... I think you two could handle wearing those. I am just going to the bathroom to change if needed." I stated.
They walked up to me.
"There wasn't any choice in the matter, choose one." Yuri demanded, glaring at me.
"Yeah! Who said you had a choice in this?" Natsuki added.
Sayori, Monika and Tom were still here with us, making this scene awkward.
Sayori attempted to ease the tension in the atmosphere.
"Guys... I think you should let Val choose what he wants to do... besides, I am pretty sure you all can wear your bikinis with ease!"
Tom also stepped in.
"Yeah... let the guy decide. Besides, I don't think he wants to get into 'funny' situations."
He looked at me.
"Isn't that right?"
I knew that it was somewhat directed towards Monika, but I let it slide.
"Yep, all I want to do is just get to the beach as soon as possible."
The two girls gave an annoyed grunt.
Natsuki stormed off to her room, while Yuri gave me a death stare.
"We better see you two at the beach." She warned, looking at me and Monika.
With the two going to their rooms, there was a stand off between Sayori and Tom for one room, and me and Monika for the other.
"How are we change into our clothes now?" Tom asked.
"Yeah, we need separate rooms to change!" Sayori stated.
I stroked my chin in thought.
"Do we just... share the rooms?" I suggested.
Monika nodded proudly.
"Mhm! Since you two are a couple, you guys could share a room, for now. Besides, we aren't going to stay overnight! This is just make sure all of our things are safe!"
"Oh..." Sayori muttered, understanding Monika's reason.
Tom stepped in.
"So is Val going to share a room with you?" He asked with a strange tone to his voice.
"It's the only way, so I guess so." She answered, while smiling at me.
Tom looked at Monika, and then started to walk to the room with Sayori.
He had his head turned and murmured the words:
"Be careful of her. There's no telling what she will do."
I was focused on what he trying to say, that I didn't notice Monika was getting ready to pounce on me.
And so, I was surprised when she pinned me against the wall.
Me pinning and being pinned became a norm, that I was almost unfazed by it.
Her face revealed all the stress and fatigue she was containing with in.
Obviously, I was worried about her, so I asked what was wrong.
Slowly, I broke free of the pin and brought in for a hug.
"Is something the matter, Mon?" I endearingly asked.
She took a deep breathe and released it.
"It's so hard keeping it all in..." She muttered. "I want to tell everyone that you are mine, just so they those two can back off! But when they flirted with you, I was just about to lose it!"
I stroked the back of head in an effort to calm her down.
"I am sorry, Monika. I understand what you are going through right now. It hurts for me not to say that I am all yours to them. But, it's inevitable of what's going to happen next."
She let out a shaky sigh.
"It's like you are cheating on me... but you and I know it, and have no choice but to go along with it!" She cried.
My grip around her grew stronger.
I don't want to be involved with them anymore...
Right...?
I want to be with Monika.
"What if I told them that I am with you?" I suggested.
This petrified Monika, causing her to freeze up in my arms.
"What if I told them that, so I won't and will not have sex with them?" I continued.
Her breathing started to become more erratic, as if experiencing tremendous fear.
"N-No! You can't actually!"
I pulled away from her to see her frightened eyes.
I saw her quivering from my suggestion and trying to figure out why she was scared.
"Why not?" I asked, knowing how dreadful the my words may be.
She held the side of my shoulders tightly.
"It's hard for me to say..." Monika reluctantly said.
She was close to saying what she hoped to say, but needed a little encouragement.
And so, I gave her a kiss on the cheek.
I saw her soften up from my peck.
"Monika, don't forget that I am your boyfriend. And it's my duty to listen to your every troubles... right?"
She started to brighten up.
"Yeah... it is. But, are you sure you want to hear it? I mean, aren't you going with the plan?"
I stroked her cheek.
"I would to have a reason to go with, rather than just going in willy-nilly. And if I have a good reason, then screw the plan of no limits and crap."
Monika took a deep breath and readjusted herself.
"Fair enough... I didn't want to reveal to you. But, I think I have to now..." Monika uttered.
I knew what she said next was going to change how I see the girls.
"You know that Yuri is obsessed about you, right?" She asked.
I nodded slowly.
My pen...
The awkward pictures of me...
Her overwhelming jealously of others...
"Yeah, I do..."
She bit her lips.
"Not only that, Natsuki is too. But it's on another type of obsession. She craves your attention and care, and is the type of girl to actually mentally abuse you when you are truly with her... just so you can spend more time with her. Not only that, she's going to most likely cut you off with your friends." Monika explained.
What...?
No way.
I couldn't believe what she was saying.
That can't be true.
Every word of it, seemed off.
It can't!
But at the same time, however...
No!
It felt true, correct.
All-knowing almost.
But I didn't want to believe her, just yet.
"W-What about Yuri?" I nervously asked.
Monika embraced me, as if scared for my well-being.
"There's no telling what she might do... maybe she might be capable of physical abuse, just so you don't lay an eye on anyone else... like I said, she's obsessed about you. What I do know, is that nothing good will come out of it."
I took Monika's explanation into consideration.
"How does this go into not telling them that I am with you?" I asked.
She looked straight into my eyes.
"They are going to hurt you."
I felt myself awaken to what she said.
What...?
"They are going to hurt me?"
Monika squeezed me tightly, just to keep me in place.
"I didn't tell you about the fact that she will hurt you, if you don't take her virginity. When we both asked her about it, Yuri's clarification for that was almost... insane. She said something along the lines of you always being a part of her, once you do take her... and if you don't, she will forcibly take it from you."
I understood what every word Monika was saying perfectly.
I could see why she was scared in the first place.
She's going to rape me?!
What the fuck?!
I pulled Monika away, to which she reluctantly pulled off.
I wanted to see her eye to eye on this.
"How do you know about this?" I simply asked, feeling suspicion on the information I was being supplied with.
Monika wanted to divulge into this, as if she was keeping this in for a while.
"This was back in the Literature Club, when me and the girls were in that closet."
I realized that there more to let on about all this.
"Okay... if Yuri wants to do that... then why would Natsuki hurt me, if I told them that? I thought she was more sensible than Yuri..." I questioned, confused as to why she even dive that low.
The fear in her eyes were still prevalent.
"As crazy as it sounds, Natsuki had something similar to what Yuri was getting at. Remember, how I said she might emotionally abuse you?"
I nodded.
"If she isn't going to get care and attention from you, then she will ultimately take you and make something worth her while."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Something that will make it worth her while?" I asked.
She looked away, in apparent fear.
"Yeah... I assumed that Natsuki was talking about being pregnant with your child, just so she can give the same attention you gave her."
My jaw fell to the floor.
"W-What?! Pregnant?! With my child?!"
She nodded reluctantly.
"It gets worse from here... she said that she's going to blame you for having sex with you and leaving her in the process."
I shook my head at her.
"No! That can't be true! How will she even rape me?!" I yelled in a hushed voice.
...
"By using her dad's sleeping pills. She said that her dad had some trouble sleeping, so she could use those to incapacitate you." Monika explained.
No...
I lied my head back and let out a huge sigh.
No fucking way...
That sounds really far-fetched...
She can't do that!
But why Monika lie about this?
Doesn't she not want me to do any of that, and limit my time with them?
What she is saying does make a little sense, though.
I can't believe Natsuki would do such a thing!
"Natsuki is going to rape me...? That doesn't sound like her though... she isn't the type of girl to do that!" I stated, feeling something was off about Monika's explanation.
She didn't budge from my point, still feeling sullen of the current situation.
"Val... as much I don't want that to be true, that is what she said. It's a side of Natsuki that I have never seen before... and the way she said it... her eyes looked a bit darker as well. Almost crazed, really." Monika went on.
The weight of the information was heavy, and it almost too much for me to bear.
But I needed to get through this day.
With the help of Monika, this should be calculated and ruthless.
"I don't remember my friends being so... fiendish. Even before all this, they were all reasonable and rational. I-I think something's up, I don't think love can make them like this." She rambled.
"You're right... something is up. I think that there is more to all this." I agreed, looking away in thought.
Why can't I just affirm myself and deal with the consequences?
I looked up to her.
"Monika, can't I just tell them to respect the choice now? If they do come after me, I am more than willing to protect myself."
She frowned and shook her head.
"They aren't going to strike immediately, Val. They are smart girls and they are going to plan on when to attack." She retorted.
I waved at that dismissively.
"Don't worry, I can handle a surprise attack." I reassured, hoping that it would work.
Her frown didn't dissipate.
"You might, since you are big and everything... but I won't."
My eyes shot up at this.
"W-What?"
She was growing more and more frightened at the passing second.
"The tone in their voices also meant that they are going to hurt whoever you chose..." She clarified. "I don't think I can handle a attack from both Yuri and Natsuki. They are going to strike at the most unexpected moment... and I have a feeling that they are going to be out for blood."
I embraced her, my arms giving her the protection and safety she needed.
"I won't let them hurt you." I declared, holding her tightly.
Monika hugged back, burrowing herself onto my neck.
"But what if they do? What if they attack me when I am not with you?"
She has a point...
Monika could live with us...
No, that would make it easier to strike.
I can't turn to my friends for help, since they distrust her.
I...
I have no choice.
I need to have sex with them.
Or do I?
There has to be another way.
"You're right, Monika... everything will just lead up to you getting hurt. And I don't want to ever see my loved ones getting hurt. I'll follow through with this plan we already have."
I sighed heavily.
"It's the only way to stop them from pursuing you, right?" I asked with a bit of fear.
"Maybe it is. By making them think that they are a part of you, will make them agree with our pact."
I had ever-lying regrets about all this.
If only I chose sooner.
Then none of this would have happened.
+ Destabilization 5%
"No." I muttered.
She felt her tense up in my arms.
"No, what?"
I balled my fists up.
"I am going to confront them about this. I don't care if they hurt me! I will protect you by any means necessary. If I need scare them, then I will do that! I am not going let them have their way! If they do respect the pact they made, then they will respect my decision!"
Her shocked expression still remained.
"What about me?" She muttered.
I sighed heavily.
"I'm sorry, Monika. If only I realized my true feelings... then none of this would happened. But I am still going to protect you from them. I'll... I'll think of something, but we first need to tell them!"
Monika pulled away from me with a mournful smile.
"Don't be, darling. I am happy that you chose me, and only me. But, I respect what you will do now... if only we had an another plan."
I rested my chin on top of her head and tried my utmost hardest to think.
"W-What if I told you there was a way to... wipe their memories of you?" She suggested.
I looked at her with confusion.
"Wipe their memories? Like hypnosis?"
She nodded.
"Kind of like that, yeah."
What about how time together?
Will that all be for nothing?
There has to be another way!
"Monika, I can't do that..."
She leered at me.
"Why not? It's a sure-fire way to make them forget you."
I let out a deep breath at what I was about to say.
If I tell her everything...
How will our relationship change?
I have almost nothing to lose besides her.
And it's the right thing to do.
I want to come clean with her, and not hide any secrets.
"Monika... the reason why I don't want to wipe their memories of me, is because of..."
She finished my sentence off for me.
"Because you already had an intimate time with them before." Monika coldly finished.
My eyes shot up from the surprise of her already knowing my idea.
Wait a minute...
What the fuck?
How did she...?
"Yeah... how did you know that?"
She looked away with a stoic demeanor.
"Don't worry about that, love. I am not mad about that at all. All I care right now is the future between me and you. But beloved, if you want them to stop their madness, then you have to listen to me."
+ Destabilization 10%
Is this the only way?
Wipe them of all their memories of me?
I sighed once more.
Everything I have done with them...
Just so I can help them be "normal", happier, and more social...
Will it be for nothing?
"Mon, not only did I have 'that time' with them, I also helped them."
She looked to me, and expected me to continue.
"Yuri... had this issue of cutting herself just so she can feel a bit happier when times are tough. I managed to get her out of that habit for the time being. And Natsuki was very self-conscious about her body, to the point where it seemed that she had low self-esteem. I helped her be proud of her small body and who she is. Monika, if we do follow with the mind-wipe, will it erase all my progress on helping them?"
I looked at her, hoping that wasn't the case.
Her mouth turned into a hopeful smile.
"Val, you are a really, really sweet guy for helping them. And thank you for helping them fix their problems."
Her smile wavered into a small frown.
"I...I knew that they were suffering from those conditions. I just never had the courage to help them and see through to their problems. Each time I try to bring it up, I just chicken out of it, scared of what will go wrong if I do help them. It really makes me wonder on who you should be with."
I knew what the conversation was dragging into.
"No! Don't beat yourself over this, Mon. It takes a lot of courage to actually help a person in need. The fact that you tried to help them and press them about it is admirable enough! That takes courage too, Monika! But, at the end of the day, I will still choose you! Don't forget that I still love you for who you are."
Despite the overwhelming she felt, she managed to smile once more.
"I love you, too."
She leaned in for a kiss, to which I stopped her by placing a finger in between her lips.
"You still didn't answer my question, dear."
Instead of answering my question, she pulled away from my finger and bit it.
"Ow!" I hissed.
She gave me a small glare.
"A small kiss knowing that you love me would be nice! But yeah, I will make sure that they won't forget all what you have done. In fact, I think I can pull something off to change their memories of you and make them see you as just a friend..."
My heart started flutter with hope.
"Really? Will they be back to normal?"
She nodded a bit, letting my mind set with ease.
What about my feelings for them?
...
It's too late for that now.
I...
I need to move on.
Even after everything I have done.
Even after all the time I have spent with them...
It's for their own good.
I looked at her.
"Okay... what do I have to do? I want to make this happen."
Instead of an answer, she puckered her lips and pressed against me.
Knowing that she had been waiting for a kiss, I divulged into her need and kissed back.
I pulled away prematurely for an actual answer.
"You don't need to do anything, darling. Just see to it that they don't lose it."
I raised an eyebrow.
"They don't lose it? But I don't want to-"
She rolled her eyes.
"No, you idiot! I am not telling you have sex with them, that's the opposite of what I want! Just keep them under control, stall them, until you officially make your choice!"
I mentally face-palmed myself.
"Oh... okay."
Monika let out a relived sigh.
"Once this is over, we can maybe do some actual relationship stuff."
I smiled back at her, now letting that awkward feeling aside.
"Like hand-holding?" I suggested.
She playfully rolled her eyes.
"Aw, come on! Don't be such a virgin! You know exactly what I am talking about!"
I continued to smile at her with a mocking flair to it.
"Right, watch a movie." I corrected.
She slammed a weak fist on my chest and started to giggle from my teasing.
"Hahaha! Stop it!"
I started to laugh with her.
But my mind started to drift towards the situation, in an inevitable sense.
Thinking about all this makes me wonder what went wrong...
Was meeting Tom a mistake?
Was meeting Monika a mistake?
No...
It can't be.
Otherwise, I would have never have met them.
But then I would have never met Monika.
Is this a mixed blessing?
Or is there something more to this?
+Destabilization 5%
Monika looked up to me with warm eyes, apparently knowing what I was thinking of.
"Ah, don't worry about it too much, darling. We'll get through this together."
Despite the whirlwind of thoughts, all of them came to rest when I saw her emerald eyes.
"Okay, I guess we will. But, I am taking your words into consideration. I want to hear what each of them say, alright?"
I knew she would be unhappy when I said that, but it couldn't be helped.
"I just want my friends to be normal again, Val. Like how they were before they became obsessed about you."
With a nod, I held her hand and we went into our rooms.
It was small, archaic, having an old analog clock to fit the rudimentary setting.
I unpacked my bag, to take out my headphones, phone, and clothes, so I can place them in the dressers for later.
Monika did the same for her bag, as she took her items and placed them in the dresser.
She also took out her bikini.
It was yellow, somewhat skimpy bikini.
"Hey... that isn't the one you were talking about from two days ago, right?"
Her face flared up.
"No, you idiot! I am not going to reveal that much! This is a new one that I never wore!"
I nodded with o shaped mouth.
"My bad... I just wondering." I simply said, while making sure I was to go to the beach.
Monika cleared her throat, to which I looked towards her.
She held the bikini in her hands.
"Well? Aren't you going to help me put this on?"
Right...
I told her I was going to help her wear her undergarments.
But I don't think now it's the best time...
What will everyone think when we are in a room together?
"I think everyone is almost done wearing their outfits for the beach... so I think I can't help with you that..." I muttered.
Monika was not going to take no as an answer and pouted at me.
"But you said you would help!" She moaned.
"I would! But it's a bit too late for that!" I said, hoping it would dissuade her.
As usual, it didn't.
"Come on, Val! I promise it will be quick!"
I looked at her suspiciously.
"Yeah, I have a feeling it will be quick. But that's not what I am worried about! I'm worried about the fact that you will probably try to seduce me while putting them on!"
Knowing that her plan was see through, her pout became cuter.
"Prude!"
I snickered at her.
"I don't think it's called being a prude, Monika. I think it's called being realistic, or at least careful of doing anything." I explained, walking up to her. "I'll help you wear your bikini, but no tricks or anything, okay?"
She gave a reluctant nod.
"Alright, fine. You're sometimes no fun!"
With a smile on my face, I started to take off her green top and pulled it over her head.
The same bra from last night was there.
I tried my best not to look down and focus onto her.
"Beloved, you could stare if you want... you know I don't mind."
And because of that, I closed my eyes.
"I know, but your radiating beauty makes it hard not to get uh... hard."
She giggled from my limited word choice at the moment.
"Trying hard, are we?"
I gave an grunt at her tease.
My hands glided down her hips, and struggled to find her skirt.
She gave a small moan as my hands caressed her.
I still struggled, causing her to assist by getting her hands to her skirt.
"Thanks." I mumbled.
I then moved onto her skirt and pulled that down.
She moved one leg up and let the other slide down her.
Now to put the bikini on.
Knowing that it was inevitable that I would get turned on by the girl, I opened my eyes and steeled myself from whatever lied ahead.
How can stop myself from being turned on?
Hmm...
"Val?" Monika called, confused as to why I stopped.
"Sorry, I just don't know what to think, just so I can prevent myself from getting turned on." I admitted without thinking.
Wait a minute...
Monika gave a small gasp at my thought process.
"D-Do I really turn you on a lot?" She muttered.
My eyes shot up at what I just said.
Now, I noticed that she was shocked that I was thinking such a thing.
"Um..." I mumbled, unsure of what to say.
Her face was a beet red on what I said.
Answer her!
"Y-Yeah... when you're naked, I can't help but think of bad things..." I muttered, trying my utmost hardest to bring myself out of this situation.
She started to giggle uncontrollably.
"Hehehe..."
The fact that I didn't understand what she was giggling at, creeped me out.
"Why are you laughing?"
She continued to laugh wildly, finding my apparent statement to be very amusing.
"Monika!" I called out, wanting an answer.
Instead of an answer, Monika shoved me.
Her shove caused me to stagger back in surprise, causing me to fall onto the floor.
Once that was done, she planted her foot on my chest and looked down triumphantly.
"You're so naughty, darling."
Now is not the time for this!
I was going to move her foot away from my chest, only for her to keep it planted by pressing down on me.
"I am not completely naked, as you can see, but I am willing to show you what my... 'radiating beauty'."
My gaze tightened.
"You could, but what if someone come in and-"
*LOCK*
"Oh..."
I looked towards the now locked door and stared back to Monika.
"Look, Mon. You know I can't control myself if you push me too far! Just give it up for now!" I begged.
She smirked at me.
"I would, but you complimenting me and thinking about what you would do to me, just... mmph!"
Monika jumped in the air and body slammed me.
"Ow..."
Her body curved against me, enjoying the warmth I provided.
"I just can't hold it in! Can we make love nooow~?"
Great.
She's not thinking straight.
"Pleasssse~?"
Monika beamed at me, was slightly twitching for my answer.
Right now?
"No, we can't have sex right now, Mon. As much I want you back, especially since you are practically crawling on me, having sex is a bad idea."
Her smile and seductive look didn't pass.
"Let me guess, you're worried about the noises leaking out, those two bothering us, and the fact that everyone might get suspicious since we are sharing a room, right now."
I nodded meekly, as she hit the proper points with pin-point accuracy.
She sighed in apparent relief.
"Don't worry about it, then. I have all under control..."
Her hand then brought me closer to her face.
My eyes were able to see through her strong green eyes.
Behind them was lust and love right now; there was no traces of the calm and collected Monika anywhere.
I managed to look to the right, in any hopes of escape but noticed that the analog clock has completely stopped.
What's going on...?
"Monika, did you just stop time?"
She looked as if she was caught red-handed.
Her eyes widened to an extent of fear and embarrassment.
"Um... I..." She mumbled, unable to make a proper sentence out of the situation right now.
I looked at the analog clock once more, still not budging at all.
I pulled out my phone and turned on the stopwatch.
Nothing was progressing.
What the Hell?
"Monika!" I yelled, wanting an answer from her.
She simply sighed and got off me.
Afterwards, she brought her legs in and rested her chin on top of her knees.
"I guess it's time that I come clean as well." She muttered, looking at the floor.
I continued to look at her, waiting for her compose herself.
"Val, you know I am no ordinary girl, right?"
I nodded.
"Yeah, you're one of a kind, really. Very, very unique." I complimented.
She gave me a weak smile but let out a shaky breath.
"I can't sugarcoat this but, I was born with omniscient powers. I can control almost anything and everything in here."
...
I couldn't believe at what I was hearing.
From the two girls' insanity to Monika having powers?
Today is not my day.
"How? How do you have these powers? That's insane! No wait! This is all has to be a prank!"
I waited for Monika to go along with the fact it was time to reveal the prank.
But she didn't, instead she looked somewhat offended.
"Val, I have proof of my powers. I am not a high schooler with Chuunibyou!"
I didn't get that last part.
"With a what?"
She shook her head.
"Never mind. Just look at the clock."
I stared at the clock, and saw it going backwards in time.
What the fuck?!
+ Destabilization 10 %
I suppressed to the urge to yell at how this was possible, but I was able to keep myself under control.
The clock then stopped.
"See? That shows that I do have powers over almost anything."
I stood up and sat on the small bed.
"That's so cool!" I amused, feeling as if I met a superhero of some sort. "Can you anything else, like spawn things in?!" I excitedly asked.
Monika nodded and spawned a bouquet of yellow flowers, placed in a neat green flower vase on the dresser.
I walked up the vase and picked the flowers up and took a huge whiff.
"This is amazing..."
I then turned to her with enthusiastic eyes.
"So, wait! Does that mean you have control over everyone?"
She didn't look up to me.
"I... I used to have control over everyone. When I discovered I had those powers, I went on a power trip, hoping that I can accomplish my goals without anyone interfering."
The hairs at the back of my neck started arise.
I felt extremely uneasy about this fact.
"To answer your question, no not anymore. It's just to a... bit of a minor scale, anyway."
I was still uneasy about all this.
"That goal was stupid at the time. So, don't worry, I learned my lesson and reversed everything..."
Something about her statement meant that there was more to it, but I didn't hear anything after it.
"But now, I am starting to recover my powers and I have a new goal in mind."
I knelt down in front of her.
"To stop the two girls... I know." I finished for her.
She anxiously looked up to me.
"I... I should have said this last night, but I was so scared of you leaving me. I thought you might think of me as a freak, or an abomination... and the thought you saying that to me really, really hurts."
Tears started well up in her eyes.
"Each time I imagine you saying that to me... just tears a hole in my heart..."
The welled up tears were now streaking her cheeks.
"I never asked for these powers, I was just given them. And each time I use them, I feel my mind growing more and more crazy! It's like I don't have any control over my actions, or any feeling towards them!"
I brought her in for a hug, and she wept in my arms.
"Monika, I think you are a gift to this world. I would never think of you as a freak of nature or such. I am actually a bit glad that you have such powers in the first place. This way we can accomplish our goals with a bit of finesse... if you know what I mean. Not only that, you having the power to spawn things and stuff which is so cool! I am really honored to have girlfriend like you, Monika. I can only wish that I can do same exact thing! "
She pulled away and looked up to me.
"Well, there is a way to get my powers... But, the thing is, I don't want these powers anymore, Val... I think they are a curse. A curse that wants you to keep using it just so you can lose it. All I want is to be with you, like a normal girl."
The posture that Monika gave said that she was hurt and burdened from having such abilities.
"I see... is there any way you release yourself of these powers? Anything you can think of?"
She nodded meekly.
"There's one way that I know of. But right now, I need to gather enough energy to make the two forget about you. And then revoke my powers from this world."
I smiled at her impasse.
"I see. How long would it take for you to gain enough energy? Did I waste some of yours from controlling time and spawning those flowers? Are you feeling all right?" I asked without mercy.
She smiled from my concerns of her well being.
"The power I just used only uses a minuscule amount of my energy, so I am fine Val. Changing a person's memory takes a massive toll of my resources, however."
She then sighed in apparent disappointment.
"If I did this when we first met, then this wouldn't have such been issue. Like I said, I am getting my powers back."
I nodded in understanding.
Did she use any powers when I first met her?
She did say she could change memories of people with ease back then...
Was I victim of this?
She did fall for me...
I need to ask.
"Monika... did you change my memories when we first met?" I asked with a neutral tone to my voice.
She took a hard look at me and squinted, having difficulty remembering.
"I... I don't know actually." Monika mumbled.
I raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean, you don't know?"
+ Destabilization 5%
"Each time I use my powers, more and more of my mind gets torn apart. It gets to the point where I start lose traits of my personality and my sanity. Also, memories that are or aren't significant feel really hazy. I can only remember them properly, if you mention it. Short-term memory loss is not affected, though."
I feared for once more.
"Wait, wait! If you use those powers again, wouldn't that mean you would go insane? If it took a massive toll before, then wouldn't that mean this would completely drain you?"
Monika deviously smirked at me.
"Well... that is true. But there is a countermeasure that you would be surprised to hear."
I leaned in for better hearing.
"I really want to hear it, Mon. Please tell me! I want to help you by any means necessary!"
Her smirk was on the verge of a clever grin.
"It's something I found out recently actually. To prevent those effects from manifesting, having any sort of sexual activity actually negates it!"
...
...
...
What?
I was at loss for words.
My jaw was agape, completely taken off-guard from her explanation.
Monika couldn't resist and laughed wholeheartedly.
In meantime, I still couldn't believe her.
"I can't believe it... how is that even a countermeasure?!" I skeptically asked.
She couldn't stop laughing.
"Hold on! Ahahaha! Hold on! It's just your reaction is hilarious! Hehehe!"
Monika clutched her stomach from the pain her laughter was giving her.
I waited for her to stop laughing and simply stared off.
"Oh gosh... that felt amazing."
I rolled my eyes.
"You were saying?"
She took a couple of deep breathes to recompose herself.
"Right... so I am not sure how it works, but doing something intimate with someone, preferably my lover..."
She seductively winked at me, to which I winced.
Mostly because it was hot.
"It somehow negates the side effects. My theory is that whenever I am feeling really euphoric or turned on, my mind grows more calmer and collected. Thus cancelling out the power drain!"
I stroked my chin.
"Isn't that the opposite of what supposed to happen?" I pointed out.
Monika shook her head.
"Well, I can feel my mind getting hazy, but it's the good kind. Like I enjoy the feeling. But I know it's the bad kind, when it gets really difficult to remember, and each time I try to remember it just makes me feel worse.
"Hmm... do you have any proof of this?" I asked, playing the Devil's advocate.
She nodded with vigor.
"When we had sex, last night. Every part of my body and mind felt relaxed. I felt myself growing more and more like my old self, like it was before I used my powers. So I guess that's why I think this happens."
I smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Well, if only using those powers didn't make you lose it and force me to have sex with you constantly, then I wouldn't mind having a God-like girlfriend." I joked.
She giggled at my joke.
"Yeah... that sounds a lot like an anime or hentai plot, honestly. I wouldn't mind tantric sex."
I scoffed at her.
"Monika, every man has his limits. And also I need to feel like it too." I went on.
Her smirk-grin still stayed.
"So Viagra?" She cutely suggested.
I let out an annoyed sigh.
And so, I stood up and brought my hand out for to stand up with.
"Come on. Let's get this bikini on and have some fun. I am looking forward to having our volleyball rematch, by the way."
Monika didn't take my hand and instead just gave me a death glare.
"I'll strike at night, when we are grouped up and about to leave."
I nodded.
"And, once we are done with all this, I going to need to recharge so I can rid myself of those effects. Are you going to responsible for that?" She stoically asked.
"Of course! Err... I mean, I guess so. If it's the only way to keep you sane and normal, then I will do it from the bottom of my heart."
She took my hand and pulled her up.
"Urgh... don't do it from the bottom of your heart. That'll be just boring and too romantic."
I took the chance to chuckle at her little critique.
"Anyway, are you just going to play volleyball only? You don't want to play in the water with the rest of us?"
I shook my head.
"Nah, I prefer getting some sunlight and relaxing."
She pursed her lips in disappointment.
"Seriously? Why not? Do you think that I will cheat somehow?"
I shook my head.
"Nope, and besides I know that you aren't that petty to do any of that. I just don't want to play in the water." I simply said.
She rolled her eyes.
"We'll see about that. Now help me get the bikini on!"
I put my hands up in front of her.
"Alright, alright!"
And so, I helped her get her bikini on, without any difficulties.
Although there were some times where she "mistakenly grazed" me, I managed to pull through.
While I helped her, Monika took off her ribbon, and made finally touches to her hair.
She had twin braided tails on both of her sides, with shorter, straighter tails closer to her chest.
"Tell me how I look, darling." She requested, feeling lighter from our talk.
I took a step back to check her out.
Monika posed by winking, leaning forward, and putting up the peace sign.
I coughed as a result.
"Wow, you look really cute." I muttered.
She's really, really cute...
Her elegant brown hair flowed all around her, contrasting with her yellow, somewhat skimpy bikini.
But I recognized something that was missing.
"Is there something missing?" Monika questioned, picking up on my pondering expression.
The bouquet of flowers on the dresser screamed at me to do something.
"Yeah." I answered, walking up to the bouquet.
I picked up a single lily and placed into her hair.
"And now you look gorgeous."
AN: Sorry for chapter responses, I planned on doing it Monday, but there was only one review to respond to. So... I decided I would hold off with it when I am done writing this chapter.
Also, I don't think I am going include lemons, unfortunately. I think in my opinion, adding lemons would just ruin the vibe of the whole chapter, and decided against it.
Though, if I do plan on writing more after this all whole fic is complete, then I guess I could give it a shot. Who knows?
Before I get into the reviews, there is about 1-2 chapters until the conclusion, as I feel that I am going overburdened by work in August, but I will see to that this fic will conclude on a high note.
Oh yeah, notice the destabilization marks, I put? Make it to a 100 and you guys might have a good idea of what might go on next.
Next chapter will out Wednesday.
Anyway, onto reviews.
Demissed Waifu, Hey! It's been a while! Alright now, for chapter 40? Not anymore, as there is no reason to blackmail or manipulate at that point. He is hers and she is his. And also, T-bot is actually something else, something that will contact him in the next chapter.
Guardian, wow I couldn't have said it better myself. That is actually he is basically doing, lmao.
But don't worry, someone else will slap some sense into her, and it won't be Tom.
I gonna keep hunnit with you chief, I enjoy writing the part about the nurse and the technician, their interactions is interesting to me, lol. Also, I get what you are saying. Gotta be strong and be a chad by resisting. And yes, he is still a virgin in reality, hehehe.
I also gave the other songs a listen, Joji's and Honne's music awesome. Thanks for suggestions, mate.
Uh, I am sorry sir. Won't happen again, I think. It's a classic build up scene, tho! You gotta appreciate how it turned out though, I liked it. Pretty sneaky right?
LMAO, I get that reference where you press y.
I still don't blame you for getting bored of these hoes, heh. I am ending it soon, as the next chapter should be all beach and fun.
Thanks for staying with until end, bud.
TitanSolracar, Actually, it is not a weird thing to like, all of those references are for comedic purposes.
Monika did fuck up there, it was pretty bad too. And hey, that sounds like an interesting idea of an idk, one shot for something. I enjoy the thought of his little brother being like his brother.
I still am accepting ideas for the fan idea, so far I got like two I think. And those two ideas are the synthesis of the obvious endings, heh.
YO WORD? But viruses tend to indiscriminate, so they can damage vital parts of any system. It could work if they were controlled, but given the circumstances they are in, maybe... just maybe.
Thanks for the review bruv.
Tsudzukete, It can be a bit disorientating to see them again, especially the distance of chapters between em. I tried to keep it in the continuity. Also, I do agree with you, I think I dragged it out for a bit too long, but hey more fluff the merrier, right?
Yeah, ik. Just stating that she is athletic as is and stuff.
Heh, I planned this from the start actually. The sudden choice for Tom was a bit comedic and prevents any mishaps from happening. Also, thanks for liking that little scene in the dining room.
Sayori in my opinion has the ability to be outspoken if needed to be, and so I applied that here. Just a little thought, since she is so gentle and kind, there has to be a little dark place where she can curse and yell such things.
Good idea, I am going to include the swimming competition between Monika and Yuri a thing. It would be pretty fun to write.
Thanks for the review.
Randonidiot1816, That's an interesting suggestion actually. Very unique as well. I like the condition where Monika either dies or has a falling out with Val/Frank. But setting that would be a bit tricky. Don't worry, I can pull through with that. Thanks for review.
Storm, If you want to write that go ahead, it looks pretty interesting.
Anyway, that's all for reviews.
Have a nice afternoon.