A/N:

Back when the game came out in 2016 I had a fixation to this game, it's story, and especially it's characters. But slowly. as with a lot of people I eventually faded out.

HOWEVER

In mid-late 2023, my fixation was brought up again, and I finally figured out the Definitve (in my opinion) Best Girl... Sayori. This came about because I remembered how her route played, and in my current state of life, I found myself heavily relating to her feelings of depression (It doesn't matter if others love you if you also don't love yourself, you know?) So I wanted to give her a better fate then what she got. Not just for writing, but for me too. And from then, the story was conceived, writing ot a few paragraphs at a time on my phone.

But enough of my rambling, I hope you enjoy what I've made!

Beep beep beep beep!

I hear my alarm clock ringing, pulling me out of a deep sleep. I yawned and stretched my arms before falling on my back, staring at the ceiling as I recalled the day before:

I visited Sayori because I haven't seen her in a few days and didn't seem like her usual self, and finally learned of her severe depression and got to know her real self a little more.

Then, one of the other girls from the club visited me, and we had quite a lot of fun working on preparations for the festival today, and before she left, would've possibly kissed me until Sayori suddenly showed up! Considering my earlier visit learning of her depression, it was incredibly awkward for the 3 of us.

But it was after the girl left when she confessed her true feelings about me. It didn't take a lot of thinking to realize that, as much as I got to know the cute girls in my club, there really was no one who I felt this strongly about, no one else that I'd want to spend the rest of my life than my best - now - girlfriend, and it pained my heart that I'd been neglecting her as time went on. And so, I retorted with my own confession and fully accepted her into my life.

I wonder how she's doing now?

I pick up my phone after confirming the time before opening my contacts, choosing her name and then hitting the call button. It started ringing. And ringing. And ringing. Why isn't she answering? My conscious mind started to worry the longer it went on, especially since she would answer most of the time, until an automated message played stating that the call timed out.

Sighing, I finally decided to get up and prepare for school like usual. I left the house and looked over at Sayori's, though I couldn't see her anywhere. That dummy, she overslept again, didn't she? I sighed and turned away–

...No, that's not right. She told me yesterday why she would come late - she has trouble finding a reason just to get out of bed.

Feeling bad for thinking like I usually do, I decided to check on her at her house, waking her up if I have to. A passing thought told me that waking her up in her own house was too much, but I pushed it aside. A good boyfriend wouldn't let his girlfriend be late to school, would he? But more than that, I told her that I would be there for her, and that's what I'm going to do.

I knock on her door before letting myself in. As it was yesterday, the first floor was eerily empty, almost like it was haunted. Her shoes were in their place, her living room remained unused, there weren't even signs of breakfast. It felt... very unsettling–

THUD

"What the...?" It came from above, the sound of a heavy object fell on the floor. Maybe she slipped off the bed from a nightmare, but whatever it was, I have to check on Sayori. As I get closer to her room on the second floor, I can feel my heartbeat louder and louder, reaching my ears, but why is that? Of course she's fine, she's always been a little clumsy. Maybe she tripped when she realized how late she awoke.

But then, why isn't she answering my call? Why am I getting so anxious? Why do I hesitate to open the door? For all I know, she may have landed on something sharp and she can't get up. Whatever it is, I have to steel myself and push through. This may be a breach of privacy, but she leaves me no choice.

I firmly open the door.

"Sayo–"

Suspended in the middle of the room, Sayori dangled from a rope that was wrapped over her neck. Her legs were still kicking the air, trying for the chair that had fallen out of reach. Her bloodied hands frantically clawed at the hard rope to no avail, all the while she violently squirmed in desperation, unknown that it would speed up her death. Her voice squeaking and gasping for what little air and her face writhed in agony as her twitching eyes were losing their color.

"SAYORI!" Without thinking I rushed for her aid, grabbing her by the waist while enduring her kicking, and lifted her up enough to give her some breathing room. I could see her hands convulsing onto the rope to free her throat, after which I quickly set her down safely onto the floor.

Her legs immediately gave out and she fell onto her knees and injured hands which stung as soon as they felt carpet, sullying it with her blood. She coughed and gagged from her sore throat, violently inhaling and exhaling as much air as her lungs could muster. Eventually, ugly cries got mixed in, her hoarse voice cracking in pain as I watched her in silence.

How...? Why did this happen? I thought we were finally starting to understand each other. When we confessed to each other, I thought things were finally going to be better for the both of us...

"I-I..." Sayori forced herself to speak through her hoarse throat, even if the painful coughing was its sign to stop. "I-I couldn't even... d-d-die properly..."

"..." I knelt down in front of her and stared at her crimson fingers, trying their best to lessen the contact with the carpet.

She tried to execute herself, but her own clumsiness ensured her failure.

"Sayori..." my mouth started to wriggle, and my heart was aching to cry. "How could you betray me like that? I told you that I would be there for her, that I would make these feelings go away and yet..." my breathing felt uneven, my whole body wanted to scream, "Don't you trust me, Sayori? Don't you trust your friend who has been around for all those years?"

My hands reached out to her wet face, pulling it closer so she was looking right at me. From the corner of my eye, the rope had left a very nasty scar. "You're so... selfish. How do you think I'd feel if I'd found you, dead in the air? Have you ever thought about that? How do you think I feel now?! " From there, my tears couldn't hold themselves anymore. "You... you... dummy... "

I pressed my forehead against hers and started to weep. When her cries became louder, so did mine, and as I rubbed against her head, she held mine tightly, apologizing between her strained cries.

We did not attend school today. The girls texted us, wondering where we've been and reminding us of the festival, but Sayori wanted me to lie, so I did. Monika didn't buy into it though, citing a strange poem she found in the submitted pamphlet and privately thanked me for rescuing her friend. I'll have to ask about that later.

But as for me and Sayori, we spent the rest of the day on our own. When we weren't doing anything in particular, we were cuddling while I reassured her that I would stay by her side no matter what.

We distracted ourselves with familiar activities like we used to when we were kids. We watched anime together, played a few lighthearted and nostalgic games, most of which were brought over from my house, and even read and discussed our favorite manga.

We took a nostalgic walk around the neighborhood while reminiscing about the old days, sharing laughter and whatever snacks we brough for ourselves. Along the way, we also got rid of the rope to prevent the thought from resurfacing.

But what else she got really into were her poems. She taught me more about her relationship with poetry, presented her older poems while explaining their meaning, and we even wrote a poem about her attempting suicide, giving it happy ending of her rescue. I admit, seeing Sayori this genuinely happy made me happy as well.

When I originally joined the club, I did so to get closer to the 4 beautiful girls. But now, I'm thankful to the literature club for allowing me to meet 3 new girls, as well as the opportunity to spend even more time with Sayori. I'm sure Sayori must feel the same.

We were watching her favorite anime as we lied on the couch, her head sleepily resting on my shoulder, and her hand wrapped between my fingers. It was only when she yawned that I realized how late it was, so I suggested we end the night here. Even so, I won't let something as simple as the time of day separate us.

"In that case, you take the bed, and I'll sleep on a mattress," She told me.

"Wh-what?" I raised my hands in protest, "No way, this is your bed so you take it! Besides, you need a good night's sleep way more than I do."

"But you're the guest here! It's not your first time lying in a girl's bed, you know!"

"D-Don't say it like tha-"

"Yah!" I was playfully pushed onto the bed, and was about to get up until I was overtaken by the vanilla scent and the soft pull of fabric as I sunk deeper int it.

"Oh wow, that's a nice smell," the words involuntarily escaped my mouth, to which Sayori giggled. I smiled too. I would do anything to protect her precious smile. clasping her hands under her chin

I watched as she removed her bow and set it on her desk before lying on her mattress. I don't remember the last time I've seen her without her bow, so seeing her naked hair somehow felt more intimate. A-Actually, maybe I shouldn't use that word...

"I had fun today," she suddenly said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Hm? Y-Yeah, me too," I smiled, "Let's have fun like this tomorrow too, alright? Maybe we could even invite the other girls on a trip together since we completely skipped the festival today."

She nodded, "Let's do that. The more, the merrier." A few seconds of silence passed while we thought of anything more to say, but we were too tired already for anything more.

"I guess that's goodnight, then," I said.

"Yeah," Sayori closed her eyes, "Good night."

And so, through the tears and immense emotional pain that she endured, Sayori lives another day.

…

…

…

Well, it didn't take very long, for only a few minutes in our bed, Sayori called me because she can't sleep. When she closed her eyes, all she could see was her perspective as she was hanging, running out of breath as she teared at her flesh.

So without thinking too much, I lifted the covers and told her to join me. She was hesitant, but she complied and laid down by my side while I lowered my arm over her body. Our bodies were intimately touching, sharing our heat. In all our years together, this was the closest we have been.

Now, in a situation like this, freaking out would be a normal reaction. I mean, Sharing a bed with your crush or significant other? Your bodies bundled up together, where you could feel every movement, down to their breath on your neck? It's a dream come true for any couple in a relationship. If it were a normal night with anybody else, maybe I'd feel that way too.

But not right now, not with Sayori. I'm not blushing. I'm not feeling embarrassed. I'm doing this for no other reason other than to keep her safe and sound, whether she was my girlfriend or not. Sayori needs all the love, all the reassurance she could possibly get. She needs to be saved, to be rescued from her dangerous imagination, and that's what I want to provide.

"This feels... nice." She said, cuddling closer to me. I hummed back, fixing my posture and . "But..." she looked at me, sadness suddenly swirling in her eyes, "Hey... Is it okay if, even after this night, I still hate myself? If I still wanted to... die?"

"Well..." I pondered for a moment, to give her an answer without sounding forceful. "Depression isn't something that goes away in one day and night. You've survived the lowest point of your life, so things will only go uphill from here."

"...But what if they don't?" She looks at me with fear in her eyes, "What if I wake up tomorrow and just... threw my life away? What if I woke up in the middle of the night and jumped off the house, or out the window? If I overdosed on pills, or fell down the stairs or stabbed myself, or–!"

"Shhh, please don't talk about that anymore." I pull her head closer to me to stop her disturbing train of thought.

"Whatever you try, I'll stop you. I'll hold on to you tightly in my arms, like I'm doing right now. After all..." I give her a genuine smile as I look at her eyes that shone beautifully under the moonlight, "...that's what I've always done. Right?"

I saw her eyes glimmering with tears as she gasped lightly. "...I don't... get it. "I... don't get it. Why are you being so nice to me? You know that it hurts so... so much... Why do you keep saying things that make my heart beat faster?" her voice was trembling, and her grip on my shirt tightened.

"Because it's not supposed to. It may be painful now, but the more I love you, the less it'll hurt." When my hand fell slightly to brush her silky, unkempt hair, I felt her flinching at my touch, but I kept going. With every stroke, she finds herself pushing her face into my chest.

"Why do you... spend your precious time on me... even though I'm... I'm so... worthless?" Her body started to tremble, and I could tell she was trying to suppress her cries.

"Because you're not." Slowly, I lower my lips to her hair, gently kissing it. She flinched again. "To me, there is nothing more important in this world than you. I'll help you not out of pity, but because I want to. I want to spend more time with you, and make you smile, and laugh. Not just for you, but seeing you happy, also makes me happy. I love you, Sayori, with all my heart. And I swear, no matter how long, no matter how much effort, I'll make the rain clouds go away."

"A-A-And... A-And if they don't?"

"If they don't..." I paused, my hands sliding to caress her cheek, "I'll still love you."

She gasped again, her eyes gleaming as she took my words to her heart. I smiled and nodded at her, to tell her that it's okay to let it out. So she did, digging her face into my shirt and weeping into it, staining it with her tears. I didn't mind, of course, and I continued to embrace her as I had one arm, one her back, and one through her hair, gently caressing her in a rhythm.

When she was done, she looked up at me with a smile, carrying a weird combination of pain and elation. Our faces were really close, blushing profusely although the lack of lighting would hide it from us. We looked into each other's eyes as I could feel her breath on my face, as did she. Suddenly, a thought flashed into my mind, but... No, I don't think I should. That would hurt her a lot, wouldn't it? When everything is going well, I shouldn't break atmosphere and—

But Sayori's bandaged hand fell on my cheek. She returned her angelic smile as she caressed my face like I did to her, and felt her warm breath once more as she got closer and closer until...

Our lips finally meet. Her hand flinches for a moment before letting herself fall into the kiss, her lips soft and delicate just like she is. She leans into me, her hand sliding up my face to the back of my head and making a few noises, while I hugged her closer and leaned in myself.

To the both of us, it was cathartic. Year after year we've known each other, all the way back as children. We lived a few feet apart. And we saw each other very frequently. We played the same games, walked the same pathways, watched each other grow...

But now here we are. Now, it's just Sayori and I, all alone in the bed. No one to watch, no one to interrupt, as we shared our first passionate kiss in the dark.

We pulled out with a soft but audible chu ringing in our ears, Sayori released her breath, her warm hand slithering down to my cheek. We took a moment of rest as we breathed, drowning in each other's eyes while we processed what just happened.

"...are you okay?" I finally ask.

She giggles slightly, "Is that what people say after their first kiss?" She joked, but I didn't laugh. "...It hurts. like a knife was stabbed into me, twisting my insides. But... still..." She tried her best to smile at me. "That's what I wanted to do. To push past these feelings, no matter how much they hurt. Besides, the sooner I get over it, the better. That's what I believe to be love."

My heart skipped a beat. I held her face close to me while staring at her bright, blue eyes that match the starry night, before lovingly pressing our foreheads together.

"Sayori, I have a request." I began, "Yesterday, you told me that the world sent me after you as punishment for being selfish, but I don't think so. I believe It sent me here because it wants me to help you. And that's exactly what I want to do," I told her. "I promise to help you, and keep you safe, but I want you to promise me in return.

"What is it?"

I paused to look at her face, my own stern with determination. I want her to know that I'm dependable as a boyfriend and childhood friend, and I want to be able to trust her on my end.

"If you truly love me, I want you to promise me that under no circumstances, you'll never, ever try to kill yourself again."

"Ah..." Her breath was caught in her throat, as if the words refused to come out. She looked at me with a mix of worry and sadness, and I could see the edge of her lips start to wriggle.

"Don't you believe in me? I want to believe in you too."

I hear her breath in my neck, before she digs herself into my collar. "Please..." she begs, "save me..."

I hum, "Of course." I lower my head to kiss her head before hugging her tighter, keeping her in my safe embrace. Right now, it is just me and Sayori in this little room, nothing in this world would ever come between me and her.

In the past, as much as we grew together, we were also growing apart. I got engrossed in my hobbies and didn't think much of our relationship, while she refused to show me her true feelings.

And yet, here we are. Lying in the same bed, hanging onto each other like our lives depend on it, and sharing kisses together. Of Course, that doesn't mean I'm not worried. It's a long road ahead to recovery, and I'm sure we'll face a lot of obstacles for her mental health and our relationship. But it's okay, I'll be patient, for me and for her. As her boyfriend, I will protect her and take care of her when she can't.

And to do that, she has to love herself as much as she loves me. To do that, I have to talk to her, listen to her, love her, cuddle her, kiss her, and reassure her that no matter what...

"I love you, Sayori."

"...I love you too."

A/N:

And there it is. This story actually has a lot milestones for me. It was the most physically intimate one I've made, and it even featured the first ever kiss. I hope I was able to properly convey the feelings

If you're wondering why I'm uploading it in 2024 despite starting in 2023 is because... well, I lost steam for the story right at the end during the editing phase, only for it to take a day or two for me to finalize it for publishing :P

If you have anything to say, don't be afraid to to leave a review!