Chapter 82: Tear me in Two

[Everything by Bridge to Grace]

Random Student: "Look all I'm saying is she didn't deserve that."

Random Student 2: "Oh come on you know she does. She always ignores us and hides in the library. I say fuck that bitch."

Random Student: "And what if she was shy, ever thought about that?"

Random Student 2: "So?"

Random Student 3: "No he got a point. Thinking about it now. She always did seem like she was going to faint whenever someone approached her."

Random Student 4: "Then how do you explain the club she's in or Connor being her boyfriend?"

Random Student 3: "Maybe they tried getting close to her and she got comfortable with them?"

Random Student 4: "Oh don't give me that crap."

Random Student 3: "Fuck off with that shit. It was fucked up then and is still fucked up now. I feel bad for the poor girl."

Another day has passed since the event on Tuesday when Yuri was made a fool in front of all. The day she was shoved into the school's fountain in front of everyone when she tried to defend Michael. An event still fresh in everyone's minds as they continue to talk about it. What started off as a simple chat soon became a debate all around the school with people actually defending Yuri saying she never deserved it while others say she does.

With the debate heating up every minute, teachers and staff would have to keep an eye out to make sure this debate doesn't get out of hand as more and more students began to get more violent. With the tension rising, caught in the middle as he tried to avoid everyone. Michael is seen on top of the roof staring through the fences as he looks off to the distance where he could see the town under a grey sky with voices in his head on constant repeat.

"Michael, would you like to join me? W-would you like some tea? Michael … Mi … ch ... ael …"

Michael: "…" He clenches his fists while fighting the urge to cry. The constant reminder of his failure. The dagger of everyone's words twisting ever so slowly. "Yuri …"

While he continues to stare off into the horizon. The school bell rings ending lunch period, but to him. He couldn't care less. What would be the point in returning to class? Everywhere he goes, Yuri is the talk of the town and the pain in his heart is a constant reminder of that day. The day she broke up with him … for being a burden.

With not much options left he decided to stay at the roof and stare off into the abyss. Slowly consumed by the darkness of his self-doubt only to be brought out when he heard a very sunny voice.

Sayori: "Ah there you are." He doesn't respond. "What are you doing up here?"

Michael: "Air" She tilts her head. "I needed some air. I couldn't be there any longer."

Sayori: "That makes sense."

Michael: "And what about you?"

Sayori: "Me?"

Michael: "Why aren't you in class?"

Sayori: "Oh, schools over. It was over ten minutes ago."

Michael: "What?"

Sayori: "You didn't notice?"

Michael: "I guess not. I've been lost in thought all day. Guess I forgotten time."

[Song Ends]

Sayori: "Well I came looking for you since the club started and Sakura is about to finish her story today."

Michael: "That's right. She didn't get the chance to finish last Friday." He looks out again before looking back at a worried Sayori. "Let's go."

Sayori: "You sure? If you want to go home, I could tell Monika that you weren't feeling well."

Michael: "I appreciate it, but it wouldn't be fair for Sakura. She spent so much time working on her story. It be rude if I just decided to leave. Besides, I want to know how it ends."

Sayori: "Well if you're ok with that." They both head to the club. "Have you been sleeping well? You don't look so good."

Michael: "I haven't been sleeping well. It's been difficult falling asleep."

Sayori: "…"

Michael: "I'll try not to fall asleep during Sakura's storytelling, promise."

Sayori: "If you need air, don't hesitate in asking Monika. I'm sure she'll understand."

Michael: "I will." He says as they continue their way with Sayori getting more worried about his mental health.

Meanwhile at the club.

Lily: "Hey Monika, can I ask you something?" The red head spoke.

Monika: "Of course you can. What's up?"

Lily: "How are things going with Michael?"

Monika: "Oh that … well …"

Lily: "Will he be ok?"

Monika: "I'm not sure. Natsuki, Sayori, and I went to check on him during the weekend and he almost set his house on fire."

Lily: "Really?" Monika nods. "How?"

Monika: "He said he was trying to cook something and his sink caught on fire."

Lily: "Uh?"

Monika: "We managed to stop it before it caused severe damage and cooked for him, but it was still scary."

Lily: (Not even going to ask how that happens.) The door suddenly opens catching everyone's attention as Michael and Sayori enter. "Oh hey you two."

Sayori: "Hey everyone. I found him."

Monika: "Oh good work Sayori."

Michael: "Sorry for being late."

Monika: "It's fine. I'm just glad you're here. You doing okay?"

Michael: "…"

Monika: "If you want to head home you can. I won't fault you if you do."

Michael: "No … I want to be here. I want to know how it ends."

Monika: "If that's what you want then, Sakura."

Sakura: "Yes"

Monika: "You ready to finish your story?"

Sakura: "I am." She takes her spot in front of the classroom while everyone else takes their seat.

After spending half of the day with her reading her odd little story. The story finally came to an end with her clubmates clapping in confusion to what they just heard. Just don't ask what she wrote. With her story coming to an end and still having time to spare. Monika found it necessary for everyone to have free time before calling it a day.

Sayori: "Well that was a pretty good story, wasn't it?" She says stretching her body.

Michael: "I suppose so." He rubs his eyes while Sayori looks behind herself.

Sayori: "Looks like Johnny and Natsuki are going to Duel. Want to join them?"

Michael: "…"

Sayori: "MC? You doing ok?" Without saying a word. He gets off his seat and walks out of the room. "MC wait up." She goes to follow him but is stopped by Monika.

Monika: "Let him go for now."

Sayori: "But?"

Monika: "Let him get some air. Being here is hard enough for him."

Sayori: "I know what you mean, but I'm worried. What if someone picks a fight with him?"

Monika: "I doubt anyone is that stupid. The way he is now. Messing with him is the last thing they want to do.

Sayori: "I guess so." (I hope everything will be ok. I'm worried for the both of you. Please be ok Yuri.)

[Forever by Papa Roach]

Alone, hurt, and confused. Walking down the streets alone, far from everyone. The grey sky still lingering as the clouds grew darker. The streets somewhat full of people as he makes his way to parts unknown. The sound of cars driving by and the people walking past him. The reflection of his life appears. Despite being alone, the reflection of the windows says otherwise. A reflection of himself and Yuri together with the real Michael being alone. Ignoring these images, he makes his way to the beach where there are no reflections, no mirrors to see his ugly side.

Arriving to his destination, he chose to stay there, silent as he stares off into the sea. The scent of sea salt, the cold breeze sending him shivers. The seagulls echoing through the shores with the crashing waves. Taking it all in as he closes his eyes off the world around him, surrounding himself in darkness, hoping for peace only to be given despair as images of Yuri's smile flash upon him.

Yuri: "Don't be rude Natsuki. She's right I'm nothing. Would you like tea? I love fantasy that take me to a new world. Horror helps me understand more about myself as a human being. There's a little Devil in us all."

The memories of the first day they met, the weeks they spent in the early days of the club. The knowledge they gained from each other and the barrier they broke to reach each other. From day one of misunderstandings to inspiring each other. From being distant to being close. Memories began to flood him heavily.

"Be careful it's very sharp! It's very warm. He deserves better."

The scars reappearing. The very same that Sara inflicted on him. The very same Yuri helped heal, now reopening as tears run down his face. Dropping on his knees as more memories appear. The painful memories caused by Sara. The abuse she inflicted upon him, the rough sex they had. The blood-soaked past on his knuckles, the dirty money he won. At his lowest a familiar voice echoes into his ears, piercing his heart and mind with poison.

"You never changed. You never will. You are a monster and that will never change. You're just like dad. You hurt her the same way he hurt mom. How will you face it now?"

Michael: "Tch!" His fists shaking in anger. (Get out of my head. Get Out of my head. Get Out Of my head. Get Out Of My head. Get Out Of My Head. GET OUT OF MY HEAD!) He opens his eyes to the depressing scene before him. A scene he experienced many times before in his past. The light of the day now being buried by the darkness of night.

No longer wishing to be there any longer. He makes his leave. The lights of buildings flashing upon his face as he stares off. The bus slowly making its way to his neighborhood. Finally arriving to his streets. When he made his turn from a corner, he notices the lights are on in his house. Who is home he wonders as he approaches his house, passing the gates. When he reached his front door, his question was answered when he entered.

[Song Ends]

Sayori: "Welcome home MC." He stares at her blankly. "Are you hungry? I made dinner if you like?" She gives him an adorable little smile. "Ah! Maybe you want to shower first? Get clean and comfy before chowing down on some delicious food. Actually, that sounds nice. Hey MC, mind if I use your bathroom to freshen up?"

Michael: "…"

Sayori: "What's wrong MC, you doing good?"

Michael: "…"

Sayori: "MC?"

"What are you waiting for? Go for it. Prove to the world you're just like dad. Let her get rid of your troubles. She's right there vulnerable. She won't know it until it's too late. Are you going to break her? Break her mind or break her body? Why not both, you know you can."

"Are you ok, you're scarring me."

Michael: "Why are you here?"

Sayori: "Huh?"

Michael: "Why are you here?" He says annoyed.

Sayori: "Just wanted to make sure you're ok and that you're eating properly."

Michael: "Why?"

Sayori: "What do you mean?"

Michael: "Why do you care for someone like me?"

Sayori: "Why wouldn't I? We're childhood friends. We're family."

Michael: "How can you be so trusting?"

Sayori: "Eh?"

Michael: "How can you trust a man like me?"

Sayori: "What do you mean? I trust you."

Michael: "Can you honestly say that if I failed you?"

Sayori: "I do."

Michael: "What?"

Sayori: "You're not like your dad. I know you won't do anything to me or anyone else." She looks him straight in the eyes.

Michael: "I see." She walks up to him and pets him.

Sayori: "What's really going on in your head?"

Michael: "Bad thoughts. Terrible ones that I could never take back if I lose myself."

Sayori: "Oh MC …"

Michael: "I don't know what I would do if I lose myself. I've already lost a friend and a lover. I don't know what I would do if I lose you. These negative thoughts are poisoning my head. How could I ever think about violating you. My precious friend." Tears start to fall.

Sayori: "Do you need a moment?"

Michael: "… No … I don't want to be left alone." He rubs his eyes.

Sayori: "Do you want to eat? It's yummy."

Michael: "Yeah, that's sounds nice."

Sayori: "Ok, I'll make you a plate. Take a seat."

Michael: "Ok"

Sayori: "You're going to love it. It's something my mom's been teaching me. It'll knock your socks off." She makes him and herself a plate to eat. The two ate in silence as the night grew late. "So, how is it?"

Michael: "It's good."

Sayori: "Good, I'm glad it came out right."

Michael: "Did you really make this?"

Sayori: "I did, but I did have a lot of trouble getting it right."

Michael: "Did you set the sink on fire?"

Sayori: "No! Just used the wrong spices and temperatures." She pouts at his retort.

Later that night.

Michael: "Are you sure you don't want to sleep in the spare room?"

Sayori: "I'm sure. This futon is comfy."

Michael: "But the bed is comfier."

Sayori: "I know, but you don't want to be alone, right?"

Michael: "…"

Sayori: "Thought so. So, I'm going to sleep right here, in this futon and not move an inch to your side." She says with a confident smile on her face.

Michael: "Do as you will." He shuts off the lights and tucks himself in his sheets.

Sayori: "Hey MC."

Michael: "What?"

Sayori: "You're good person."

Michael: "… I'm off to sleep. Goodnight."

Sayori: "Goodnight MC."

They both shut their eyes and went to sleep. During the late hours, unable to sleep. Michael gets up off his bed to see a sleeping Sayori. Seeing her peacefully asleep, he leaves his room and makes his way to the bathroom downstairs. After doing his business he stares at his reflection. The color of his hair, the color of his eyes. The looks he has. All reminded of his dad. Choosing not to dwell on it any longer, he heads back upstairs, not to his room but to the spare room. There he sat on the bed, thinking.

"She's asleep. Why aren't you taking advantage of this golden opportunity? You're not together anymore, so it's fine. Take another for yourself. Fuck that hoe. Bet she never planned to do it with you anyways. You're childhood friend though. Bet she wants to try out new things if you know what I mean? Or perhaps you want Natsuki? She's quite strong, but she doesn't stand a chance against you in a real fight. You could easily mop the floor with her. She can't fight back when you pounce. Or do you want the Queen? You want to defile her, who wouldn't? She's a hottie, very athletic. Bet she's tight. Would that make you happy?"

The voice laughs.

"Oh, how daddy would be so proud of you. For you to follow in his footsteps."

Michael: (Get out my head, Michelle.)

"Oh, you're wrong. I'm not doing anything. I'm not even here. These are your thoughts, not mine. This is who you are. These are your demons. This is your desire. The one speaking to you, is yourself."

(Get out of my head! I won't do anything to them! I won't give in!)

"You will. You've already lost it. The one who kept you tamed. She's no longer in your life. She saw the real you. The monster that you are. You pushed her away. You drove her to this and now you're alone. You will become what you hate." The voices leave.

(Is this my fate? Is this the unknown future, I fear? To lose her. It can't be. I don't want that future without her. I want us to be together forever. The forever now. I want that. More than ever.)

Early morning.

Sayori: "MC, MC, wake up." She shakes him.

Michael: "…" He opens one eye up.

Sayori: "MC wake up. We got school today."

Michael: "Uhh, five more minutes."

Sayori: "Come on MC. If you don't get up, you're going to be late." She pleads but still no luck. "Fine, guess I'll have to do things the old fashion way then." She takes a few steps away from him and quickly jogged to him. She jumps and lands on him causing him to gasp for air.

Michael: "Gaa!"

Sayori: "Are you awake now?" She says sitting on top of him.

Michael: "I am."

Sayori: "Good, sorry about this but you left me no choice." She finally gets off allowing him to sit up. "I'm going to make breakfast while you get ready. Deal?"

Michael: "Deal" She smiles before exiting his room allowing him to do his morning routine. He soon leaves his room still tying his tie on his uniform.

Sayori: "Ah, just in time. I made some eggs and bacon." She gives him a plate. "Now eat up and get full. We got a long day ahead of us." She starts stuffing her face with food while Michael stares at his plate. "So, did you sleep well?" He doesn't respond as he barely touched his food. "MC?"

Michael: "Huh?"

Sayori: "Did you get enough sleep last night? You still seem tired."

Michael: "I … had some trouble sleeping, but I'll be fine today."

Sayori: "You sure?"

Michael: "Yeah … This is good." He takes a bite out of his bacon.

Sayori: "…" (I wish there was something I can do to cheer him up. If only I could take away his pain. I hate seeing him this sad.)

Michael: "Ready to go?"

Sayori: "Huh, oh yeah. I'm ready."

They both leave his place after washing their dishes and headed off to school. Meanwhile on the other side of town. Adjusting his neck, hearing a crack. Waiting for the cross light to change with his ear buds on, but force to take them off when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

Senna: "Good morning, Clyde."

Clyde: "Morning" He puts his ear buds back on causing his friend to pout. Tapping at his shoulder again. *Sigh* "What?"

Senna: "God you're such an ass sometimes."

Clyde: "You know it's fine." He says sarcastically.

Senna: "Not what I meant." The light changes with them crossing together. "What do you think about all this?" He looks at her, head to toe.

Clyde: "I think you look fine."

Senna: "Not what I'm asking!"

Clyde: "Then be more specific."

Senna: "I'm talking about Yuri. What do you think about all this?"

Clyde: "And why are you asking me?"

Senna: "You know why." She looks him dead on the eye.

Clyde: "I don't know what you want from me."

Senna: "Just want to hear your opinion."

Clyde: "I'm sure the whole school already said it for me."

Senna: "Are you with or against her?"

Clyde: "…"

?: "Oh hey look over there." The two look in front of them to see a friendly face.

Clyde: "Great" Annoyed at who he sees.

Sayori: "Hi Senna."

Senna: "Oh hey it's you and Connor." The four of them stand in front of each other. "Good morning to you two."

Sayori: "Good morning. You two ready for class today."

Senna: "Not really. I have a quiz today."

Sayori: "Aw, that sucks but I know you can do it. You're really smart."

Senna: "Oh! Thank you."

Clyde: "Smartass is more like it." Senna glares at him.

Senna: "I heard that you ass." Her friend just shrugs.

Sayori: "Heh, heh, you two are funny."

Senna: "Funny how?"

Sayori: "You two seem to know each other really well to make those kind of jokes."

Senna: "Well …" The bell rings.

Sayori: "Oh, that's the bell. We best get going or we'll all be late."

Senna: "Yeah good idea."

Sayori: "Come on MC. Let's get going." She grabs his arm and drags him to class.

Clyde: "What a crazy bunch."

Senna: "I know, but they do seem like good people."

Clyde: "Hmph, if you say so." He walks ahead. "Hurry up. Classes about to start."

Senna: "Right" She follows him and day went by as usual.

Later after a whole day of another debate between students. Monika takes center stage to give an announcement to her clubmates. She decided to give everyone a break of sharing their stories and to have the rest of the day relaxing. With that matter settled, everyone separated into groups to have free time.

Sayori: "Hey MC, you doing ok?"

Michael: "I am, why?"

Sayori: "Well … you look tired. You sure you don't want to leave for home now?"

Michael: "I'm fine." He yawns.

Sayori: "If you say so." She looks away from him. "Do you want to Duel? Keep your mind off of things?"

Michael: "I guess a couple of games does sound good." He goes through his backpack to grab his deck with Sayori doing the same. After getting the desks ready. They faced each other and battled it out as normal. With one hiccup or should I say multiple hiccups. "Looks like I lost again." He sets his cards down in defeat.

Sayori: "Are you sure you're feeling ok?"

Michael: "I am. Why do you ask?"

Sayori: "Let me see your hand."

Michael: "Ok" He reveals his hand and his set cards.

Sayori: (Knew it. He had all these plays to summon his Scarlight way sooner and ways to counter my plays and yet he didn't. Not only that. He kept making dumb decisions and misplays.)

Michael: "You done?"

Sayori: "Yeah"

Michael: "Well I lost. Good game."

Sayori: "…" She looks at his favorite card. The now beaten-up Red Dragon. (Me win? He's not even trying anymore. This was all a fluke.)

Natsuki: "Hey, you two done Dueling?"

Sayori: "Yeah, we're done."

Natsuki: "So how'd it go?"

Sayori: "Well …" She looks over to him. "MC?"

Natsuki: "What, what's going on?" They both check on him only to realize his eyes were closed.

Sayori & Natsuki: (He fell asleep!)

Natsuki: "How long has he been like this?"

Sayori: "Too long. He hasn't been in his A game all day. He doesn't even bother summoning his favorite card or any of its forms. It's like he's unbale to use them and even when he does summon it, he doesn't even bother to protect or bring them back." The two girls look at a now sleeping Michael, resting his head on the desk.

Natsuki: "Guess it all finally got to him."

Sayori: "And it's only going to get worse. He barely eats anymore."

Natsuki: "…" Her eyes widen when she heard her say that. She thinks back to when her dad stopped eating and started to worry that Michael might be taking that same path.

Sayori: "What about you?" Natsuki doesn't respond. "Natsuki?"

Natsuki: "Huh, what?"

Sayori: "How did things go for you and Johnny? Your Duel?"

Natsuki: "It went fine."

Sayori: "That's good."

Michael: "For … give me." Both girls look to him again, still sleeping.

Natsuki: "… Yuri."

Monika: "What's going on here?"

Sayori: "Oh hey Monika."

Monika: "Is he asleep?"

Sayori: "Yeah, sorry about that."

Monika: "It's quite alright. Let him rest for now. If he doesn't wake up by then. I'll be the one to watch over him."

Natsuki: "You sure you want to do that?"

Monika: "He's my friend. It's the least I could do. Help him in his time of need. I won't make the same mistake as before."

Natsuki: "If you say so. You want Duel against me Sayori?"

Sayori: "Yeah, that's ok with me." She gets off her seat and the both of them head towards where Johnny, Ronald, and Jane are at.

Surrounded in darkness. Walking endlessly in the abyss.

"…" Hearing a small voice from the distance. "…" Getting closer to the voice.

Michael: "Hello?" He arrives to where the voice came from but saw no one. "Who's there?" Still nothing or so he thought as he felt a presence behind him, but feared to look back as she spoke.

Yuri: "Why did you hurt me?" Another voice can be heard echoing behind her own.

Michael: "…"

Yuri: "Was it all a lie?" The echo repeats after.

Michael: "…" He starts breathing heavily.

Yuri: "Why weren't you there when I needed you? Do you want me to die? To leave me dead like some whore?" He turns to face her.

Michael: "That's not …"

Yuri: "You really are just like your father. You never cared about me, you never cared about us. You only cared about yourself. You only dated me to please yourself."

Michael: "That's not true! I loved you!"

Yuri: "Liar, you only loved the pleasure. The pleasure you secretly wanted. That's all I was good for. Just a girl to fuck."

Michael: "I never thought of you that way."

Yuri/Michelle: "Stop lying." He gasps when he heard his sister.

Michael: "Yuri!" Before he could move, it was too late as she took out a knife from behind. "Yuri, don't!"

Yuri: "You … you drove me to this." She takes the knife and stabs herself multiple times before dropping it and falling to her knees with tears running down her face. The horror in his eyes. "I … hate … you."

Michael: "No, no … No!" He shot up from the desk he was sleeping on and breathed heavily.

Monika: "Michael, is everything okay?"

Michael: "Huh, where?"

Monika: "You're still in the clubroom. Everyone already left." He looks around to see she's telling the truth. "Did you have a nightmare?"

Michael: "I have." He takes deep breaths to calm himself.

Monika: "What was it about?"

Michael: "… I … don't want to talk about it."

Monika: "If you say so. I won't force it out of you." She takes her seat across from him, crossing her legs. "Are you calm yet?"

Michael: "I am now. I take it Sayori left for home?"

Monika: "She has."

Michael: "I see … sorry that you had to wait for me."

Monika: "It's quite alright. I can't imagine the pain you're going through. Being here must make things worse for you?"

Michael: "It's not like that. I have a lot going through my head."

Monika: "…" She stares at him, then stares off to the window to see the sun is setting down. "Are you doing anything today?"

Michael: "What?"

Monika: "Do you need to be home right now?"

Michael: "No, not necessarily. Why?"

Monika: "Good to know." She gets off her seat and offers her hand to him. "Would you like accompany me on a night in the town?"

Michael: "Huh?"

Monika: "Come on. Let's go see how the people are doing today. It might help put your mind to rest."

Michael: "I-I suppose so?"

Monika: "Good, then let's get going. We don't have all day to waste." She grabs his wrist and drags him to town. After a short bus ride downtown. Still dragging him around. They find themselves in a clothes shop.

Monika: "So what do you think?" She shows off her outfit of choice. A short black dress with frills on the upper part of the outfit with a white belt to compliment it. "Looks nice right?" She does a twirl to show off her new outfit.

Michael: "It looks good."

Monika: "You don't think it shows off too much skin, right?" She checks herself out in the mirror. "Then again, the summertime is getting closer, so this might be suitable. Plus, it's so cute and on sale. You know what I'll take it. What do you think?"

Michael: "It's your money. Buy whatever you like."

Monika: "Fair point." She heads back in the changing room. While she does, Michael looks around the empty shop. "It's quite nice we have the place to ourselves. Those girls don't know what they're missing."

Michael: "I suppose so." She finally steps out, back in her school uniform.

Monika: "Well, I think I'm all set now, so just let me pay and we can leave."

Michael: "Ok" She walks to the cashier and pays for her clothes of choice. After paying they both left the store. Taking off his tie and adjusting his jacket. "It's quite chilly today."

Monika: "It is." She stares at the slightly dark sky. "Are you hungry? There's this fast-food place nearby. It has the best French fries in town."

Michael: "If you're hungry, you can buy for yourself."

Monika: "You sure?"

Michael: "I'm not really hungry right now." His stomach growls.

Monika: "You sure about that?" She smirks. His stomach growls again.

Michael: "Just take me to the damn restaurant." He gets embarrassed while Monika giggles at his expression. After arriving to the fast-food joint. They sat across from each other and ate their meals. Monika enjoying a sandwich with such delight while Michael eats his burger slowly.

Monika: "Ah" Just drank her juice. "That was good, right?"

Michael: "It is."

Monika: "Hey, do you want to go to the beach?"

Michael: "…" He thinks about it while taking a sip of his drink.

Monika: "I know it's a bit cold, but I hear, hearing the ocean calms the nerves. So, what do you say?"

Michael: "Alright"

Monika: "Good" She smiles as they continue eating their dinner.

After having a delicious meal. The two of them make their way to the beach. During their walk they would talk about different topics to pass the time. While passing by, Michael notices a crane game in one of the buildings. When Monika noticed this, she asked if he wanted to play. He nodded and the two of them went in to play one game with him getting a prize.

Michael: "Here" He gives her a fox plushy.

Monika: "Wow, you made that look easy. Every time I tried, I always end up losing it."

Michael: "I … have skills."

Monika: "Mind teaching me a thing or two?"

Michael: "Maybe some other time."

Monika: "I can wait. Thanks for the plush. I'll take good care of it." She hugs her newly acquired fox and the two continued on.

Eventually, they reached their destination and saw the dark sea. The stars shining brightly as if they were the moon themselves. So small yet filled with vigor. A bridge of light leading to an infinite space.

"Wow, it's so beautiful."

Michael: "…" The two stared intensely at the scene before them. Amazed at a rare opportunity. While she gazed at the beautiful road. Michael himself bites his own lower lip. It wasn't long before Monika notices this and went through her bag, pulling out her mini speaker. Next thing he knows, he heard music playing from the little electronic.

[Dj Got Us Falling In Love by Usher]

When he turned to her, all he saw was a smiling Monika. Encouraging him to do what he does best. The one thing that always cheered him up. The one thing that always helped clear his head.

Monika: "Care to dance?" Keeping her smile.

Seeing this helped him crack his own smile as he walks ahead, taking off his jacket and undoing the first two buttons on his shirt. He begins to make his moves to the beat of the song. Bobbing his head to the rhythm and raising his arms around. When the song picked up, he begins his foot work. Swaying his hips and arms, tapping his foot before spinning in place. As he does this, Monika is seen watching his every movement. Mesmerized by his fluent motions. The foot work, the swaying in his arms, the rhythm of his breathing, the smile on his face.

However, that smile would soon change as memories start to appear in his head. As he dances, he is brought back when he first met his crew. The images of Jason, Sara, and … Evan. Dancing in sync. The memory of them dancing with him as a team. A single tear dropping down his face as he came into terms that one of them is gone. Never to return, even when he wishes for it. Not wanting to stop as this was the only connection, he had left of him. Michael kept going as he could almost hear his voice.

"What they say is true."

He flicks his head upwards.

"We may be both men, but we're not the same."

He opens his arms up while standing on one leg.

"I am me and you are you."

He spins in place.

"Don't be like me, a flirt."

He flicks his head downwards.

"Be yourself. Find love."

He moves side to side.

"And never let her go."

He spins again with his head held high.

"You always have a choice."

He stops in place but keeps his arm movements going.

"Now become the real man that you are."

He continues his moves, going all out. The bending of his knees, the movement almost emulating a worm. The way he stands, the steps he takes. Bobbing his head up and down like a robot. He kept the rhythm going and showed no signs of slowing down and even when he did. He immediately picked it back up to eleven. Ending his routine by going all out, making it difficult for Monika to follow his choreograph. While he finishes it up, he remembers his crew as they dance around him. Ending it with a pose.

[Song Ends]

Breathing heavily as Monika claps for him.

Monika: "You were amazing." Still catching his breath. "Where did you learn those moves from?" He looks to her. "I always wondered about that."

Michael: "Well …" He rubs the back of his neck.

Monika: "Did it involve your trauma?"

Michael: "… Yeah." The both of them took a seat on a nearby concrete wall and sat there in silence as they stare off into the starry road.

Monika: "I know it's hard to talk about it, but it's not healthy to bottle it all up. Sooner or later, you're going to snap." He sits there silent. "What's been eating you?"

Michael: "Do ever wonder what the future might hold for you?" She tilts her head, confused. "If I had accepted your confession. What would your thoughts be?"

Monika: "My thoughts about us dating?" He nods while staring deeply into her eyes, with a serious look. "Well … I would be happy. Very happy. I got to date the boy I'm in love with. What else would I feel?"

Michael: "You won't feel worried?"

Monika: "Why would I?"

Michael: "You and I are different. We come from different worlds. You the Queen that everyone admires and me the bastard child everyone despises. What do you think will happen when everyone hears that we're dating?"

Monika: "It won't matter to me. If there is a future like that, I wouldn't care what they think. All that matters is you and me. I don't care about my reputation. I give it all up to be with you."

Michael: "And will happen when we graduate?"

[Starting Over by Saliva]

Monika: "Eh?"

Michael: "What will happen we graduate? Will we still be together or will we break up? Will we go to the same college, will we get tired of each other, will we cheat on each other, will we have a long distant relationship, will we stay together, or will we drift apart? Will we stop seeing each other and date someone else, will we grow distant, or will we lose each other? If one dies, what then? Will we love again? Would you want that? That uncertain future or would you want everything to be the same forever? The forever now. A time where we're stuck in an endless loop. What would you want when life just keeps knocking you down?"

Monika: "…"

Michael: "In the end it doesn't even matter. Nothing matters to me anymore. The world has torn me in two. The struggle I faced, only came back in the end. The ending I want sealed off. The guilt I feel grows ever more. That's what happened between us. I loved and lost. The one who accepted my faults, the one who showed me love than pain. Ended up causing me so much more pain than the last I once loved. Who am I? Have I really changed or am I still a coward? The voices in my head. They won't leave."

Monika: "… I see … now I understand what's been bothering you this whole time. You've faced so many hardships. You fought for yourself, your self-worth, your friend's future, but felt helpless when it comes to loving another. I now know what's been eating you up."

Michael: "…"

Monika: "Tell me. How did you and Sara met?" His eyes widen.

Michael: "W-what?"

Monika: "What did you see in her? What made you love her in the first place? When we first met her. The way she treated you. It made me curious how you two ended up together. So, please … tell me."

Michael: "…" He looks away from her. It was clear that it was difficult for him to talk about Sara.

Monika: "Sorry, I didn't mean to …"

Michael: "It was blind love."

Monika: "Huh?"

Michael: "It was blind love. Blind, young, stupid love. At times painful yet pleasurable. A lustful desire brewing with in us."

Monika: "The pain you're talking about. Are you referring to her abusing you?" He nods.

Michael: "Back then, she showed me genuine love. The love I wanted growing up. To be loved by a woman other than my mom. A partner to call my own. That was the reason I fell for her. The reason why we started dating. How wrong I would become later. That genuine kindness turned bitter. A dumb plot on how we met at a Dance Club.

A team made to entertain others. We met, we danced, we fell madly in love. A simple plot to any story, but for us. That wasn't the case as it had a twist ending. Even when she started making demands, I followed her blindly. Unaware that I was caught in her webs. The signs were there, but I ignored them. Only realizing it too late. She had me at the palm of her hands. Even when I finally built the courage to leave her. I ended up crawling back to her."

[Song Ends]

Monika: "What do you mean by that?"

Michael: "Before we started preparing for the New Year's Festival. I started having dreams of her again. Dreams of the past we had."

Monika: "You don't mean." The realization finally hitting her.

Michael: "I do. I ended up seeing her again. Our paths crossing again. It was as if fate wanted us to meet again."

Monika: "Then you?"

Michael: "I took her back and I let her do whatever she wanted to me. The pain, so addicting, so pleasurable. It was then I realized how much of a fuck up I am when I wished for more." He struggles to say what next.

Monika: "… Does she know?"

Michael: "Sara or Yuri?"

Monika: "…" She looks at him disappointingly. His lips quivering. "What … did you do?"

Michael: "Tch … The reason I was gone. When the four of you were working for our performance. I was out there fucking like a rabbit. Struggling to fight it, only to end up wanting it."

Monika: "…" She gets up and stares down on him with his eyes shut.

*Slap*

His eyes shot open as he touches his burning face. She left him a handprint.

"You … you … Gya!" She walks away, leaving him alone on the beach. Hurt.

Michael: "…" He held his head down in shame as he is left alone in his thoughts. Ending the day on a sour note.

End of Chapter 82