I gently open the door to see Sayori's corpse hanging from the ceiling.Her bloodied fingers and her empty blue eyes leave a scar on my mind. I couldn't save her... I... I failed... I failed her once again...I woke up from my nightmare. Cold sweat was dripping from my face and my body was trembling. The alarm clock didn't really help at all to calm me down. I was breathing and panting heavily. Monika immediately woke up due to this and tried to calm me down. At first it was hard, but her gentle touch and her soothing words managed to calm me down at last. I felt tears suddenly run down my cheeks. I embraced Monika tightly and firmly.

" I don't want to lose Sayori again! Not again!" I sob on Monika's shoulder.

" I don't want to lose her too. That is why we must try our hardest to save her." She pats me on my back. It calms me down a little.

" I'll try my hardest to encourage her. Yoku, she needs you now more than ever, So please, don't get discouraged to help her." She pulled away from my embrace and cupped my cheek in the palm of her hand. Her green eyes and warn smile made some of my doubts go away.

" Thank you Monika, but I still am worried about her." I got out of bed and rubbed my eyes. I decide I should at least try my best in comforting Sayori.

Once again, we did our morning routine but this time, more solemn and tense. We ate the reheated mac and cheese in silence. We either are too busy thinking about Sayori or just appreciating each other's company. The few words that left our mouths are either plans on how to stop Sayori's suicide, or exchanges of intellectual thoughts or the passionate exchanges between lovers. Once Monika left for school, I decided to look into the log book once again.

Time: 7:00 am Location: Sayori's Bedroom

Sayori sits on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Sayori already took a shower and put on her uniform, but due to her sadness, decides to just lay in bed. Sayori decides to sleep in and skip school for today.

I took a deep breath and sighed heavily. I grabbed the breakfast I prepared for us and went to her house. As I walked to her house, I could feel my heartbeat become faster and louder. I stood in front of Sayori's door yet I hesitated to knock. No, I must do this! I took a deep breath and knocked on Sayori's door.

" S-Sayori? Are you up yet? We might be late for school if you're still sleeping." I waited for a response. A moment of deafening silence is my response. I was about to bust trough the door to see if Sayori is ok, but I heard the sound of slow footsteps going downstairs. The door opened to see a disheveled and sullen on Sayori. She was already wearing her uniform, but it has creases in some parts. She forced a smile and clenched her fists.

" Yoku... You wanted to walk to school together with me?" She stammered out these words.

" Of course Sayori! I enjoy walking with you every morning." Sayori seemed to wince as I said this words. I sighed and walked up to her.

" Sayori, is... something troubling you?" Sayori looked down and went silent.

" No. I'm fine. Let's just go to school." Sayori walked ahead of me, but I noticed something.

She walked differently today, instead of her usual perky and energetic walk, it was the opposite, she was slow and disoriented. Her usually bright blue eyes are now empty and hollow. She walked silently beside me, refusing to look at me all the way to the school. As we reach the school gates, Sayori just muttered a goodbye and ran ahead of me.

" God dammit! I just want you to be saved Sayori..." I muttered to myself as I walked inside the campus.

The classes come and went once again. Lunch rolled by, but instead of eating with Sayori, I sat alone in the cafeteria. Akami-sama has some work to do while Monika had something to do in the classroom. I looked around to see Natsuki sitting on a small table with Yuri. I got up and joined them. They were surprised at first, but they let me sit with them. After I settled down, they resume their argument about manga.

" I told you Yuri, manga is a form of literature! It tells a story and presents all the needed parts for a form of literature." Natsuki proudly states her argument.

" Yes, but it relies mostly on pictures and not words. It shouldn't be classified under literature, it should be classified under visual arts." Yuri calmly retorts. Natsuki was taken aback by this. Natsuki then shifts her focus towards me.

" Wait a minute... why is Sayori not with you Yoku?" Yuri rolls her eyes at the sudden change of topic.

" She, well, isn't feeling well..." I murmur to myself, but loud enough to be heard by the two.

" Is she ok? That's a sudden change. Yesterday she was so energetic. Did she catch something?" Natsuki was clearly worried about Sayori.

" I do hope Sayori could attend the club. She doesn't fail to lighten up the mood in the club." Yuri plays with her hair, but she too is worried.

" I'll try my best to convince her to come." I sighed and ate the last bite of my protein bar. At the corner of my eye, I saw something purple. I looked at Natsuki's sleeve and saw a pretty ugly bruise near her wrist. She saw this nd immediately pulled down her sleeve.

" You didn't see anything." She silently whispers to me. I nod in response. Yuri was about to say something when the bell rang.

" Oh, time to go. See you guys later at the club." I waved goodbye as I quickly ran to my classroom.

As the last four classes come and go, I managed to finish the poem I've been working on. It was about the situation I'm in.

The Path

It was still morning yet I'm lost,

In the woods still covered in frost.

I ran and ran to find the way,

but now I cry out in dismay.

But as hope faded in my eyes,

I hear the flight of butterflies.

I looked far and saw a bright light.

Stirring in me the will to fight.

I was pretty proud about this. I placed it in my pocket for safekeeping. As the last class was dismissed, I hurried out the door towards Sayori's classroom. I managed to find her just a moment before she went home.

" Hey, are you not going to the club today?" I ask with a soft tone.

" Oh, I... just feel a little bit under the weather, that's all." She laughed it off, but I know it, she is in pain.

" Sayori... I understand, but... can't you spend at least a few minutes in the club? Everyone is worried about you... I'm worried about you." I walk up to her, but I stop. She slowly backed away as I appreached her.

" Yoku... ok, I'll spend at least 10 minutes there, then I'm going home." She gave me a pained smile before we went to the Literature Club.

We went inside the club room and saw the three of them waiting for us there. Monika and Natsuki had a worried look on their faces, while Yuri had a concerned expression. We sat down and Yuri immediately went to make tea. Natsuki and Monika approach us and sat down.

" Hey Sayori! You've been down lately, what's bothering you?" Natsuki asked Sayori as she held her hand. Sayori glanced at me, but she shakes her head.

" It's... nothing. I'm just tired, that's all." Natsuki nods, but her worried look still hasn't left her face.

" You know Sayori, if you ever feel down or sad, talk to us. After all, everyone in the literature club is a family to one another, and as Club President, the happiness and well-being of everyone is my concern." Monika pats Sayori's head a little. Sayori smiled a little, but was still clearly sad.

" Natsuki, Yoku, give the two of us some privacy. I really want to talk with Sayori here in private." Before Natsuki could question Monika, I grab Natsuki's hand and leads her to Yuri.

" H-Hey! W-watch where you're touching m-me! Idiot!" I let go of Natsuki's hand as we reached Yuri. She wiped her hand off with a tissue from the desk. She accidentally drops it but Yuri picks it up quickly. Natsuki and I throw her a strange look.

" I-I'll throw it away! Besides, I'm going to the comfort room anyway, so it won't be a hustle for me." Yuri's breathing was fast yet heavy, she was shivering. For a moment, I saw a glimpse of something else in her eyes and then, she was back to being the timid and shy Yuri. Natsuki just shrugged it off as something Yuri does.

I looked at Monika and Sayori, who seemed to be in a serious and heartfelt talk. They talked quietly with each other. The door opened as Yuri walked out the room and Natsuki just sat down and read manga. I however, just stood there, waiting anxiously at the result of their talk.

( Monika's POV)

I opened Sayori's character file in the backround in case anything happens. Sayori and I sat silently across each other. I broke the silence first.

" Sayori, do you like spending time in the literature club?" Sayori was silent at first, playing with her fingers or ribbon. But after a while, she answered.

" Yes, I loved spending time here in the literature club. But now... I just keep feeling pain here." Sayori slumped into her seat.

" Tell me why, so that I may be able to help you." I know it's not right for me to say this, but I want to hear it from her. It's for her own good.

" Yoku, Yoku is the reason. I wanted to make him friends with everyone because he seemed sad lately. At first it was fine, seeing him happy made me happy too, infact, he has been helping me cope with my problems this past few days. But I feel like I'm losing him... I'm losing my best friend." Tears began to drop from her eyes, yet she continued to keep her pained and forced smile on her face.

" I'm a horrible person Monika. I'm so selfish, really selfish. I wanted Yoku to gain more friends and now that he has those friends, I regret doing it. I realized that I wanted Yoku for myself, but I can't help thinking, does he want me?" She continued to sob, causing my heart to ache at the sight.

" Let's face it Monika, I'm worthless and pitiful. I'm not as bright or amazing as you, I'm not as beautiful as Yuri and I'm not as strong as Natsuki. If I take Yoku for myself, we'll just wallow in our depression together. Look at me Monika, I just force myself to stick with Yoku like a parasite. He can't even think about his own depression due to me. I have forced him to constantly think about me and my problem. He would trouble himself by going to my house early in the morning to make sure I'm ready to go to school. Just how useless I am? How much trouble do I cause to poor Yoku?" Sayori buried her face in her hands and wept quietly. I placed a hand on her shoulder.

" Sayori... Please stop. Don't think of yourself like this. Yoku doesn't think of you as a burden, in fact, Yoku is really worried about you. He doesn't want to lose a friend like you. He worries about you everyday because he cares for you. You're a wonderful friend Sayori, and we all know that. You're the one that makes the literature club a welcoming place for all of us. You have the one thing all of us don't have, the sweetest smile in the world. And that is what makes you an important member of the club. Look, Yoku is also battling his depression, and if you give up, so will he. So please Sayori, I urge you not to give up. Everyone here in the club will support you every step of the way, so please... don't give up Sayori." Tears were flowing down my cheeks. I let go of Sayori and she looks at me. Her frown was still there, but disappearing. Her eyes may still be dull and empty, but a small glimmer is now shining, even if just a little. We hug each other tightly. I pat her a little on her back. I hope she would remember my words in her heart.

" Thank you Monika. I'm ok now, but may I please go home early?" I reluctantly agreed, but I warned her to call us if something happens. She simply nods and stood up.

( Yoku's POV)

After they finished embracing each other, Sayori said goodbye and left the club early. Monika sighed and looked at me.

" How did it go?" I asked her anxiously.

" I'm not sure. I think we have to keep watch over her." We both sighed. Worry has filled our hearts, and for good reason. I told Monika to decide about what to do with the club during the festival.

We drew up some basic outlines for what we plan to do on our poem presentation. Since it's a week long event, we guess it would be best if we stick to some sort of theme for each day. Everyone agrees with this plan. Monika continues to lay out the groundwork for the activity on a notebook. We decided to basically start picking out the themes for each day. After that was done, we shared some poems with each other, but we couldn't really focus since Sayori isn't here. Soon, Monika concluded the today's meeting and we all left for our homes.

I reached my house around 5 in the afternoon. I opened the door to hear nd smell the wonderful aroma of something cooking. As I walked towards the kitchen, I could her Monika sing 'Your Reality'. I entered the kitchen to see something that nearly gave me a heart attack. Monika was cooking dinner with a naked apron. I stood still for a moment in utter shock, trying to process what I'm seeing. She noticed me and turned around with a cute twirl like a ballerina.

" Do you like it, Yo~~ku?" She said teasingly before winking at me. My heart started to race.

" I... Uhm... Uh... Ye... Like it... me... Uhhh..." I said this incoherent jumble of words due to my btain short-circuiting.

" Teehee~ Glad you did! Cause I ain't wearing this again ever again." She laughed sadisticly. She continued to make our dinner as I settled into a chair.

Monika was making sautéed vegetables. As she cooked, we talked about how I managed to become so skilled at cooking. I told her that I became so good at cooking because I really wanted to impress my family and friends. But mostly, to impress my old crush.

" Oh? You used to like another girl? Tell me more about her." She pressed me to tell stories about my life. I wanted to steer clear of this, but I gave in.

" Fine, but if I have to tell you about her, I have to tell you my life story." I sighed, and began to tell my story.

" I used to live with my mom and dad when I was younger, but sadly, ny dad died. I had an older brother and sister who was just finishing college at the time, they decided to spread their wings and move out during that time. My mom couldn't really handle this and decided to start venting it out on me. At first, it started as simple verbal attacks, then it escalated slowly. Couple this with the bullying I received in elementary school, and it was a recipe for depression. When I reached high school, it was normal for me to come home and get beaten up with a belt or something hard. There even came a point in my life, when my depression has become so hard to deal with, I thought of killing myself. But before the day I decided to kill myself, I met her." I paused for a moment, for I could still remember her face clearly. Monika finished her cooking and served me a plate. She sat beside me and with those green eyes, looked at me with concern.

" I can't remember her last name now, but her name was Erina. She was a great person. She was strong in all aspects. She was able to compete in different athletic competitions and many intellectual competitions. Yet, even with such fame, she stayed humble. This girl invited me to join the newly formed anime club in my school. I met most of my friends there. My grades also started to get higher, to the point where I was a straight A's student for some time. It was a pretty nice time in life. But you know, all good things come to an end. I really looked up to that girl, in fact, I really liked her. But one day, I found out that she had to transfer schools due to her parent's work. I was really saddened by this. Even a year later, I still am." I simply smiled it off, this feeling of deep sadness and pain.

" I'm... sorry. I did not know you bad such a history." Her green eyes filled with regret and Monika bit her lower lip. I smiled at her and held her hand.

" It's ok. I'm here with you now! Besides, I feel that couples should share personal stuff with each other." Monika nods and smiles. We began to eat, while still chatting about the stuff in my world. Once again, we follow our usual routine at night. We take a shower, slip into our pajamas and begin to sleep. This time however. we cuddle once again into each other's arms.

We woke up to the sound of my alarm and did the usual routine. Bath, Uniform, cook breakfast, eat and go to school. Monika, left earlier than me as usual. I always hate the part where she leaves me earlier. I went over to Sayori's house. I knocked in her door to see if she is already up. After a moment, the door opens to reaveal a sad and sullen Sayori in her uniform, but she seems to be better off today than yesterday. She muttered only a simple 'Good Morning' and she began to walk in silence. At least today she could manage a response to the small talk I initiated between us. We reached school, and this time, Sayori decides to turn to me.

" Hey, Yoku. I'm really sorry if I've been really down lately. I'll just... talk to you about it later. Bye!" Sayori once again dashes towards her classroom. Damn it Yoku! All your progress on Monday and Tuesday is lost. I groaned and headed for ny classroom.

After classes ended, I dashed for the club room. Sayori wasn't there, she left early. I sighed and took a sit si that we can begin. We first shared our poems before we started planning for the festival. The events transpired like what happened in the game. Monika told everyone that we'll be performing and reciting our poems in front of everyone and etcetera. It was like I was playing the game once again, then, the moment of truth came. The three argued about who should I help and in the end, came to me to decide.

" I choose..." Everyone waited for my answer anxiously. Should I pick Monika, the ond I love? Natsuki? Someone who cannot easily do their job? Or Yuri, the one who clearly wants to spend time with me? I pondered and thought about this, until an idea popped up.

" I choose... Everyone!" I smiled nervously as the two let out a loud 'HUH?!". The two were baffled by my decision.

" Y-you see, won't it make sense to just help everyone here? Sayori just lives next door and Monika is helping her, so I'm sure they'll finish earlier and help us do the tasks. Right?" Monika laughed nervously while I waited for their response.

" B-but I... I, nevermind. As long as you can keep up with the two of us then I don't mind." Natsuki huffed at me. She then proceeded to angrily grab a manga and read.

" I-I'm fine with it... but... is it okay for you to have this many people at your house?" Yuri asked sheepishly.

" Yup! Anyway, let's get this meeting wrapped up. I want to check on Sayori as soon as possible." Everyone nodded in response to me and prepared to go home.

" Okay everyone! I guess this wraps up our meeting for today!" Yuri and Natsuki wave goodbye as they left. After Monika and I cleaned up the classroom and left home, I told her what has happened.

" Our situation is slowly deteriorating. Yoku, For now... I think it's best if we just wait until Sunday to see what's gonna happen." I nod and we left the campus. Before we could leave the school grounds however, we heard footsteps running towards us.

" You two! Wait!" We heard Akami-sama call out to us.

" You're gonna need this!" He pulled out something from his pocket.