Authors Note: Thank you all so much to everyone who read, faved and reviewed the 1st chapter! Feels great to know people actually read it and didn't just gloss over it, lol. As you will read in this chapter, I'm using some of the dialogue from Act 1 to make things familiar to any DDLC fan, but also taking them in my own direction! As I said before, don't expect this story to be a carbon copy of the game. Regardless, I hope you enjoy this chapter (which I didn't expect to be this long). A follow and review is always appreciated! I'm always open to constructive critique. Thank you!
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As soon as the final bell rang, the class became abuzz with activity, student and teacher unanimously eager to go home. I stood up and started gathering my papers together, hastily shoving them into my bag. As much as I wanted to make Sayori happy, I felt a certain uneasiness about going to this meeting. What if I don't fit in with these people? What if they end up hating me and I'm stuck there awkwardly trying to make conversation for an hour? Maybe I should just pretend my mom needed me home or something...
I ultimately snapped out of my selfishness and decided that, if I could call myself Sayoris friend, I would go, regardless of how bad it turned out. For her sake, at least.
I slung my bag over my shoulder and headed for the door. Trying not to get swept into the crowd of people trying to leave, I lingered by a nearby restroom (it looked a little odd but I was clear of the swarm of people). I tried to find Sayori throigh the tsunami of students but saw no sign of her. I pulled out my phone; maybe she texted me? Nada, no new messages. 'She's probably stuck in a crowd in another part of the school or something', I thought. Might as well wait around for a bit before I decide to leave.
Soon, the crowd thinned out to a handful of students. I clicked my phone off and looked around the hall. My eyes drifted to a dull green poster-board, with various flyers and sheets tacked onto it. I walked over to the board and read a few of them. It was what you'd expect to find on a high school bulletin board; school announcements (most of them talking about the festival next week), the lunch menu for this week (the fish soup they served today was amazing), advertisements for various clubs. I saw a sheet for the anime club, which said it was having a meeting later today. Maybe if Sayori doesn't show, I'll try to pop in on that...
A flyer caught my eye.
"Doki Doki Literature Club Seeks Members!"
I read the summary.
'Love reading? Enjoy expanding your mind? Want to just relax with a good book? Then consider joining the Literature Club, with meetings every day after school from 4-5pm. We would love to see you there!' Various stickers of chibi cats and books doted the colorful paper, masked with a few red ribbons. It was very...cute.
My eyes glanced down to the sign-up sheet. It disheartened me to find that there wasn't a single name scrawled on the paper. 'So they really are trying to find new members.', I thought to myself. I suddenly felt bad for thinking about skipping on this meeting. How selfish could I be? Imagine how sad Sayori would be if I just up and left, and having to tell her club friends she couldn't get a member after all. I shook my head clear of those dark thoughts.
At the very bottom was a roster of the current group members, which read:
President: Monika S.
Vice-President: Sayori M.
Member: Yuri K.
Member: Natsuki T.
Hm. Guess I'll be meeting those two later. I didn't recognize the other two, but the name Monika did sound familiar...
I heard a rapid taptaptaptap of footsteps and turned to see Sayori practically barreling at me. She came just a few feet short of colliding with me before she almost collapsed at my feet. She put her hands on her knees and tried to catch her breath between ragged gasps. The scene was both concerning and somewhat hilarious.
"You alright? Need some water?" I started reaching into my bag, digging for the small water jug I usually keep in my bag.
Sayori stuck her arm, grasping her hand out like a toy claw machine. She swung her head up and practically chugged the bottle 'till it was dry. "Thank...you…'zuma…" she managed to say in between pants.
"Did you run here? What class did you come out of?" I said.
She regained her posture, her breaths now cleaner. "Art. With the new teacher, Mr. Tagomi." My brain draws up the campus map...from here, that class is practically on the other side of the school.
"You didn't have to sprint here, I was going to wait for you anyway." I say, taking my empty water jug back.
"I know, but I couldn't help it! I'm just super excited! I can't wait for you to meet everyone! They're really great people, your going to love them!" She says, her voice sparkling with enthusiasm.
Sayori led me down the hallway, passing by rows of closed doors. We walked outside and crossed the foyer, passing by the koi pond. Soon we were in an adjacent building, where she led me up a flight of stairs. 'The seniors building', I thought to myself. Normally I have no business being here, but I guess I do now.
Sayori guides me past more classrooms until she stops at one, the door slightly open. On the doorknob was a makeshift sign that said 'DDLC' in red marker, a heart drawn next to it. Sayori turned to me.
"Ready?"
I shrug.
Full of energy, Sayori swings open the classroom door. Before it slams into the wall, I hastily grab the knob, stopping it from full momentum.
"Everyone! Say hi to our new member!" Sayori practically shouts. I open my mouth to say something, but first I take a moment to look around the classroom.
The class is clearly used by a teacher during the school day, as shown by the papers and posters strewn about on the walls and tables. A row of long windows faces down towards the koi pond, midday sun streaming in through the windows. Uniform wood desks run down in rows, with shelves stocked with books and folders behind them. In the far right corner, it seems there's a walk-in closet (probably with supplies inside).
Sitting at the teacher's desk, a girl with flowing brown hair (and a white ribbon to match) looks at Sayori and I and gives me a genuine smile. She shuts her silver laptop and gets up to greet me. "Hello! My name is Monika. Welcome to the Literature Club. It's a pleasure to meet you." She extends out a hand, which I gingerly shake. "Kazuma. Likewise." is all I can manage to say.
"Say, I think I've seen you before. Didn't you have physics with Dr. Serizawa?" She gives me a thoughtful look, trying to place me.
Suddenly, it clicks in my head. "Oh yes! I remember you as well. You won the experimental trebuchet project at the end of last year. Feel bad for the janitors who had to clean up all those eggs, though." We both share a laugh. Monika looks past me. "Yuri! Come say hi to our new member!"
This Monika is in this club? One of the most popular and smartest girls at this campus? Monika, from what I've heard about her, is practically a model student, with great marks and an important figure in a bunch of groups and clubs. It's no wonder she's the president of this one, but I didn't expect her to be apart of this sort of group.
Looking up from her book (an unusually decorated one, I might add), a mature-figured, tall girl with steel black glasses and faded violet hair greets me. "Oh, um...greetings. M-my name is Yuri. You must be the boy Sayori always talks about." Her voice, as smooth as lavender, puts me at ease.
"Nice to meet you, Yuri." I say, but my mind lingers on that comment. 'Always talks about?' How many times has my name come up in this club before? I look at Sayori, but she seemingly wasn't paying attention or just didn't hear Yuri's comment.
"And last but not least we have…wait, where is she?" Monika glances around the class, puzzled. "I could've sworn I just saw her." She raises her voice. "Natsuki! Where are you?"
"Over here!" I hear a girls voice yell from the closet. I hear books being shoved around on shelves before a girl steps out from the room.
Woah.
Natsuki, as Monika called her, is a short girl (maybe around 5'5 compared to my 5'10), with pink hair and eyes to match it. Red ribbons are tied in her hair, and a red hair clip rests on one of her bangs. On her collar I can see a pin of a little chibi cat (just like the ones on the poster). She dusts herself off (I wonder what she was doing back there?) and walks over to us.
'She's so cute…' I can't help but think.
She stands next to Yuri (a considerable size difference between the two) and looks me up and down. She turns to Sayori. "You brought a boy, Sayori? Way to kill the mood." She folds her arms on her chest. Sayori laughs. "Oh, don't be so mean to 'zuma, Natsuki! He's really excited about becoming a new member, so show him at least a little politeness! Besides, you did bake cupcakes for him, soo…"
Natsuki stammers. "N-no I didn't! All I did was bake cupcakes for a new member, not him!"
I pipe up, "But I am the new member, so technically you did bake them for me."
Natsuki gives me a look. Oh boy, now I'm on her bad side apparently. I haven't been here for more than five minutes and I've already made an enemy. What's next?
Trying to move things along, Monika claps her hands together. "How about we all take a seat? Natsuki, you can get your cupcakes out now." At this, Natsuki smiles and walks towards the teachers desk, where a small mini fridge sits next to it.
Five desks have been arranged to form a makeshift table, with one being stuck out in front as the 'head chair'. Monika sits down at the head one as Sayori and I sit next to each other.
"How about I prepare some tea?" Yuri asks.
"Good idea!" Sayori responds. Yuri nods and walks to the closet. I hear shuffling followed by the sound of a faucet turning on. From across the class, I can see Natsuki fidgeting with a plate, adjusting the foil ever so slightly. When she has it just right, she carefully picks it up and walks to our table, placing it in the middle of our 'table. She takes the seat closest to Monika.
Yuri returns to the table, a tray in her hand. I can't help but gaze at the intricate designs etched on the plattery, reminiscent of early Japanese geometric art. It looks beautiful, and rather expensive. Gently, Yuri places the tray next to Natsuki's plate.A small, steaming pot with five teacups rests on the tray. Carefully, Yuri places a teacup with a dish in front of us, and pours tea. The smell wanders into my nostrils, a faintly fruity smell like wild berries. Reminds me of oolong tea, a favorite of my mother when she gets migraines.
"Ready?" Natsuki asks us. Like a magicians cape, she lifts away the foil.
Sayoris jaw drops a little. "Uwooooah!"
Resting on the plate are eight white, neatly-arranged, fluffy cupcakes decorated to look like little cats. Icing was used to draw the whiskers, and little pieces of chocolate were used to make the ears. They were very adorable, and looked delicious.
"Natsuki, these look amazing!" Monika says. Natsuki gives a bright smile, enjoying the praise. "Well, when I'm the one baking them, you know that it's gonna be good!" Yuri laughs quietly, and Natsuki glances at her.
"Soooo cuuuuute!" Sayori squeals, and eagerly reaches out to grab one. Natsuki quickly slaps away her hand. "Don't just grab them! I'll serve them. "Owwww…meanie!" Sayori whimpers, gingerly rubbing her 'bruised' hand. I chuckle. Natsuki sure is a feisty one.
I grab the cupcake and slowly turn it around in my fingers, looking at the craftsmanship. It looks professionally made but has a certain 'homely' vibe you only get from home baked goods. Clearly a lot of love went into creating these. It's almost a crime to eat it...
Out of the corner of my eye, I can feel Natsuki looking at me. Is she waiting for me to take a bite? To see my reaction? I pull down part of the wrapper and take a hearty bite. The flavors dance in my mouth like a fiesta, chocolate swirling with vanilla. It takes all I can muster not to just shove the sweet treat into my mouth.
I turn to her. "Natsuki, this has to be one of the best cupcakes I've ever tasted. Thank you for making these."
Natsuki's cheeks blush, and she turns away. "Th-thank you. That m-means a lot." I smile warmly. Perhaps I still have a chance to be friend with her after all.
Monika looks at me. "So Kazuma, what made you want to join the Literature Club?"
'Shit', I think to myself. I should have been prepared for this answer, and something tells me I shouldn't tell Monika I'm only here mostly because I was practically dragged here by Sayori.
I regain my composure. "W-well, I haven't joined any clubs yet, and Sayori always seems really happy here, so I figured…"
Monika smiles. "No need to be embarrassed! As president of this club, it is my top priority to make sure you feel right at home with us."
I take a sip of my tea. "So your the President of this club, I see. What about all your other clubs? How are you making time for them?"
She gives a light laugh. "Well, to be honest, I started to grow tired of all the politics and drama that comes with clubs of that variety. Clubs fulled with people more interested in flaunting their own egos and pushing their authority. So I resigned from my posts and opted to make a club based on something I've always had a love and respect for. And if other people join it, that makes it all the worthwhile!"
"Monika is a great leader!" Sayori chimes in. Yuri and Natsuki nod in agreement.
"That's wonderful." I take another sip of my tea, my thoughts lingering back to the flyer and the empty sign-up sheet. "I'm surprised that there aren't more people than just us. It must be difficult to start a new club, even with the support of your peers."
Monika nods. "Many people can have a great idea, but they don't lack the drive to see that idea realized. It can be a challenge to lure in new members and convince them that we are both fun and worthwhile, especially when it comes to something like literature, which people associate with school and, in turn, boredom."
Sayori adds in, "Which is why we've been working really hard on our event planned for the festival next week. We're trying to make out showcase really stand out for the rest of the school."
Monika nods. "Each of us is doing something that fits our defining interests for the event. For example, Yuri will be making decorations and working on the theme for the event, while Natsuki will be making snacks to offer to guests. I'm not sure what the other clubs have planned, but whatever they do, I'm certain that ours will be one to remember!"
She sets her teacup down into its dish. "But even if nobody decides to join, I would be more than happy with just us five together. It would be their loss, anyway.", she says with a laugh.
I share the laugh, taking another bite of my cupcake. This, combined with the tea, go really well together. I could get used to this.
A brief silence.
"May I ask, Kazuma, what do you enjoy reading?" Yuri says, who has mostly been silent until now.
I try to think of a response. I can't just say I almost only read manga, can I? Unless I want them to think I'm some sort of social outcast or something. I'll just try downplaying it…
"Well, I mostly read books that focus on science fiction and adventure, but if I want to be honest I tend be more engaged with manga than anything else."
Natsuki's face perks up. It looks like she wants to say something, but if she did she doesn't. She takes another bite of her cupcake.
Yuri seems indifferent. "I see. I can't say that I read much manga, but I do respect the ability to convey a story almost solely through visual arts. It takes a talented writer to master that level of storytelling."
"What do you like to read, Yuri?" I ask, intrigued.
She's silent for a moment. "Let's see…" She tracers her finger around the curve of her teacup. "The stories I enjoy the most are the ones which build deep and complex fantasy worlds, world's with an intricate level of detail and thought put behind them. I admire the ability to craft a world unfamiliar to the reader that one can simply get lost in."
She goes on, clearly passionate about her favorite genres. "I also have a deep interest in psychological elements, with an emphasis on horror or shock. How writers can twist and convey the readers thoughts into their own image for a more personalized reaction has always interested me, what with the different styles possible. I'm currently in between reading two books that play into this element well. If you are interested, I could introduce you to them."
"Oh, I'd love to." I say, not even thinking about what I'm saying.
"I hate horror, or anything scary." Natsuki half says, half mutters. "I try to write about happier thing." She slowly spins her teacup disc around with her index finger.
"You write, Natsuki? Thats awesome. I'd love to read one of your poems someday." I say, genuine enthusiasm in my voice.
Natsuki blushes again, trips over her words. "Y-you wouldn't like them. What I write is, what I'm told at least, is too…"
Monika cuts her off. "Cute?"
Natsuki goes beet red. "D-Don't say t-that!"
Monika giggles. "Awww, but in a good way! It's both simple and complex. You should be proud of your writing. It's unique."
Natsuki shakes her head, as if a fly is buzzing at her face. "It's not that they're 'cute'", she says, doing a quotation mark gesture with her hands. "It's just...I'm not confident in how I write."
"Oh, I understand."
Yuri nods. "Often for both experienced and amateaur writers it can be difficult to open up your emotions and thoughts to your audience. When you write, your aren't just writing for a crowd, you're also writing for yourself. It's okay to not want to share sometimes."
"Do you have experience with sharing your work, Yuri?" Monika adds. "I think Natsuki would benefit from it if you two traded your writing for peer review one day." Sayori and I nod in agreement.
Yuri seems displeased at the idea, but she goes along with it anyway. Sayori looks at her and Natsuki. "I'd love to read your poems if you ever felt confident enough to share them with us!".
Monika is silent for a moment, but then speaks up. "I have an idea, everyone!" Yuri and Natsuki look at Monika with a glaze of uncertainty. "How's about we all write poems for each other to read and review! I feel that it would be a great way to learn everyone's styles of writing and help us become more confident in sharing our work with others, as well as improving our styles."
She turns to Sayori (who's now on her third cupcake) for agreement. "Mmph? Yeah! A good icebreaker!" She muffles, cupcake in her mouth.
My voice chokes. "That sounds like a great idea, but there's just a slight hiccup." I pause. "I...wasn't really sure if I wanted to join the club. I was looking at a few others that would take…" my voice trails off, as does my point. Soon all four girls are looking at me, a dose of sadness in their eyes.
"B-but…" Monika says.
"I'm sorry, I just thought…" Yuri says.
Natsuki looks away from me, rejected.
"Oh, Kazuma…" Sayori says.
I run a hand through my hair. 'God damnit.', I think to myself. I'm completely defenseless against these girls. How can I make a clear-headed decision when I'm in a situation like this?
Well, if writing the poems is the price I have to pay to spend time with them…
I clear my throat. "Okay, I've decided it. I'm joining the Literature Club." One by one, the girls eyes lights up. Sayori squeals. "Ohhhh Kazumaaa! I'm so happy! Ahahaaaa!" Through the desks she embraces me, almost making me knock over my teacup.
Monika lifts her teacup, as do the other girls. "Then it's official! Welcome to the Literature Club, Kazuma!". Everyone clinks their glasses together and takes a drink. After Sayori let's me go, I do the same.
Monika glances at her watch and claps her hands together. "Okay, everyone! I think we can end today on a good note. You all can leave now, but don't forget to write and bring your poems for tomorrow's meeting!"
Monika turns to me. "Kazuma, I look forward to seeing how you can express yourself." She says with a slight giggle. I smile. "Likewise, Monika."
Yuri begins to put away the tea set while Natsuki and Monika place the desks back in order. Feeling unhelpful, I try to help Natsuki rearrange the desks back. "Don't worry, I got it." I say, my hand brushing up against hers. She blushes, and pulls her hand away. "Thanks Hercules, but I think I got it." She snarks, pushing the desk back into order.
Sayori appears next to me. "Hey Kazuma? Since we're already here, did you want to walk back home with me? Like old times?" She says in a hopeful tone.
That's right. With Sayori being occupied by the club, we never went home at the same time. Now there's no reason not to. "Sure. Let's go." She grins and turns to the door. "Bye guys!" She calls behind her back. The other three say their goodbyes as I head out the door.
…
"Sooo? What did you think about the club?"
We've just left the campus and were walking back home. What's convenient is that Sayori and I live only a few blocks away from each other, so we don't need to worry about splitting up. She walks backwards in front of me, eager to see my reaction.
"I think she's very cute. Certainly looks like a lot of fun."
Sayori face turns to confusion. She stammers. "H-huh?"
Holy shit. What did I just say?
My thoughts scramble like eggs. God damnit, speak!
"I...I said, the club looks cute, like it's very close-knit. It looks like a lot of fun."
Sayoris face repeats that odd emotion from this morning again, once again confusing me. What face is that supposed to represent? I really can't place it. Is it sadness? Fear? Resentment? Or just confusion? I have no clue.
We walk in silence for a moment. About a block away, I can see the rooflines of her complex. "So, your gonna go to tomorrow's meeting, right?" She says, some uneasiness in her voice. At least, I think it's uneasiness.
I nod yes. "Why wouldn't I?"
"Just making sure, 'zuma." She gives me a half-hearted smile.
We reach the gates to her home. I wave goodbye then start the walk home. My mind lingers back to the club. Monika, Yuri, Natsuki and of course, Sayori. Four interesting and diverse girls who all share a love for literature. Would I really be happy spending an hour after school every day with them? I think so. I mean, I think I made a good first impression on them (or, at least, I hope so). They seemed to like me, as I did back.
Plus, staying in the club means getting the chance to know Natsuki better, among everyone else.
I unlock the door to my house and step inside. As usual, my parents have already gone to work, lights off in the apartment. I check the stove and a pot of soba sat, still warm to the touch. I grab a bowl and spoon and empty most of the pots contents into it. I snatch a soda pop from the fridge and take my stuff upstairs to my room.
Placing the bowl and drink down on my desk, I dig in my drawer for a fresh sheet of line paper and a pen. I put it in front of me and stare at the blank paper.
Shit.
Now comes the hard part.
What do I write?