Chapter 48: Let's Chat

*Flash Back*

[Dirty Dancer by Enrique Iglesias]

Focus, no other thought than a single task. That is all he can do as he moves his body to the rhythm of the music. Distraught, hurting, and in pain not physically, but mentally. Not paying any more attention to his past, he focuses on his skills as the next event draws closer. An event that he must participate as a member of the Dance Club known as Mirai. A name he did not choose, but a name his class decided upon. Tapping his feet, swaying his hips as he dances. Keeping a sharp eye on his reflection he watches to see if he made any imperfections as he practices his routine. While he dances, in order to keep his rhythm going and steady without losing concentration he decides to lip sing the song he was listening to, to get more into the routine. With some satisfaction he decided to stop for a bit to get some water and rest.

Michael: "Phew, that's it for today. I manage to get better with our routine." He hears slow clapping and immediately turns his head.

?: "Nice moves you got there Mr. Conner." Appeared a girl with blond hair and brown eyes.

Michael: "It's just Michael. Mr. Conner was my father."

?: "Sharp are we? I like that."

Michael: "What do you want … Sara."

Sara: "Nothing, I heard music playing and decided to see what was going on."

Michael: "I'm just practicing before the event."

Sara: 'Even though you're already good at it?"

Michael: "Talent means jack to me. I'm only this good because I practice." He dries off his sweat.

Sara: "Well nothing wrong with that. I just wanted to see that sweet ass of yours." She gives him a certain look. A very seductive look.

Michael: "Are you hitting on me? You can cut the crap and just talk to me normal."

Sara: "Harsh, makes me wonder what you would say if I revealed to you my … woman hood." She places one finger on her shirt, pulling a little bit down for him to see her cleavage.

Michael: "… You think that I'm just some beast?"

Sara: "Aren't all men?"

Michael: "…"

Sara: "Well enough of that. How about we practice together. We still need to do that partner routine."

Michael: "Very well."

Sara: "You're a strange one, but I think I might like you." She gets up and personal as they begin the partner routine, but before they started, she leaned into his ear and whispered softly and seductively. "We should spend more time together if you catch my drift?" She giggles as Michael remains silent.

*Flash Back Ends*

[Song Ends]

*Alarm Clock Rings*

Michael: "Rhm" He mumbles, turning his body over he slowly shuts the alarm off his phone. *Yawn* Rubbing his eyes to see the world around him. *Sigh* (Guess I can't let go of all of them, can I?) He looks over to his sides and saw it was just him alone. (Oh, right Sayori said she was going to hang with her parents today. They asked if I wanted to come, but I declined. Her mom was a bit sad that I would spend another Christmas year alone especially when I'm hurt, but I … I needed the alone time. Besides I'm not that crippled. I can still do tasks on my own.)

After doing his morning routine he lays on his bed. (Why did I have that dream? Why do I feel alone? I feel … regret, but … No, I made the right choice in leaving her, it's just … I guess it's true? Despite all the pain we receive, the humiliation, and the fear. We end up missing that rush.) He sighs heavily again. (I need to think of something to do. Keep my mind out of the past.) He says to himself as he ties his hair into a ponytail keeping another set of hair covering his right eye.

When he went outside, he saw it was a beautiful Christmas day. Gentle snow falling from the sky. Everyone enjoying their day off from school and work. Enjoying their lazy day with their families or so a couple of people would like. Alone at her big house, Monika spent Christmas Eve and day watching movies with no signs of her parents being home any time soon.

The day before Christmas Eve her parents told her that they won't be home for a while as they are going to a business trip and would most likely be home by the time New Year's Day has arrived. She didn't ask why they had to work on this time of year but knowing her parents they will just tell her that they value work more than anything else and so must her someday.

With not much to do at home and bored of watching holiday movies. She decided to go out for a walk around town. During her walk she notices that there were some stores still open but were scheduled to close early today. She didn't know what to do exactly so when she saw that the café was still open, she decided to go inside for something warm.

When she entered the bell rang near the door letting the owner know that a customer has arrived. She looked around the café and saw that there weren't any other customers inside. It was empty and quiet except for the calming music playing on the speakers.

Owner: "Why hello there! How can I help you today?"

Monika: "Hello, could I get a cup of coffee?"

Owner: "Sure thing! Anything else?"

Monika: "That will be all."

Owner: "Alrighty then. One cup of coffee coming right up. Please make yourself feel comfortable." He gets started making her drink.

Monika: (Wonder what made him want to open up this time of day?) She goes through her phone as she waits to be served her drink. She spent her time reading articles and seeing if there were anything new coming out like movies, clothes, or anything else she can think of.

Owner: "Here you go. Just like you asked for."

Monika: "Thank you."

Owner: "You're very welcome." He says before leaving to the front.

As she sits at her seat drinking her coffee, she wonders how everyone else is doing. She could call them or text them but felt she shouldn't as she doesn't want to bother them while they're with their families.

Monika: *Sigh* (Man it sure is lonely when no one is around.) She looks around the empty café. She closed her eyes and started daydreaming only to be interrupted by the sound of the bell ringing.

Owner: "Why hello Michael, how are you!?" Monika jolts up at hearing a certain name and voice.

Michael: "Hey there, I'm surprised you're open today."

Owner: "Well you never know when someone wants something hot and warm? What can I get you?"

Michael: "The usual."

Owner: "One cup of coffee coming right up."

Monika: "Michael, is that you?"

Michael: "Huh? Monika? What brings you here?"

Monika: "I was going to ask you the same thing?"

Michael: "I just came to get some coffee. His coffee is always the best to get around town." He takes a seat across from her. Setting aside his crutches near his seat.

Monika: "I thought that you would be spending today with your mother?"

Michael: "My mom had to work today and I got a little bit bored staying at home, so here I am."

Monika: "I see." (His mom works a lot too.)

Owner: "Here's your cup Michael"

Michael: "Thank you."

Owner: "Now Michael try not to flirt with every girl you see." He gives him a smirk.

Michael: "Wh-what are you talking about? No, I'm not." His face starts to fluster.

Owner: "I'm just messing with you boy." He chuckles before leaving them both and Michael felt a gaze on him.

Monika: "So you're a player huh?"

Michael: "What, no I'm not." He could feel his face burning up.

Monika: "I know, I'm just messing with you."

Michael: "Stop that, you're going to give me a heart attack." Monika giggles. "So, what brings you here?"

Monika: "Oh well you see my parents are off working too, so I thought I might go for a walk around town. That's when I found this place and so here I am."

Michael: "I'm sorry to hear that." He takes a sip of his coffee.

Monika: "How have you been? I haven't seen you in a while since our last club meeting."

Michael: "I've been busy with a lot of things. Sorry that I couldn't see you sooner when you called all of us that day."

Monika: "It's fine. You did what had to be done, but I am curious about what you were doing that time?"

Michael: "Well …" He set aside his cup and tells her about what was going on between him and Natsuki and helping her deal with her problems. He didn't tell her everything but told enough for her to understand what was going on and to let her know that Natsuki is doing fine now.

Monika: "That's great to hear. I'm glad to know that Natsuki is doing well."

Michael: "Yeah sorry I can't tell you everything."

Monika: "It's alright. After all it is her business. It's best that you didn't tell me the whole thing."

Michael: "Thanks for understanding. I'm sure she'll tell you it herself someday."

Monika: "Maybe"

Michael: "Last time I talked to her she was excited to see the club again since her suspension is now canceled."

Monika: "I'm sure she is. We all are since Sebastian told the truth."

Michael: "I've been meaning to ask, how exactly did you know about Sebastian telling the truth to the principle?"

Monika: "Don't forget that I'm one of the Student Council Member. I know lots of things that goes on in our school."

Michael: "Should've known."

Monika: "Hey Michael, could I ask you something?"

Michael: "Ask away."

Monika: "If you're not doing anything would you like to hang out for the rest of the day?" She says confidently, but deep down she was nervous. He puts down his now empty coffee cup.

Michael: "Sure I don't mind." He grabs his crutches.

Monika: (Oh crap I forgot about that!) "Oh, on second thought maybe we shouldn't?"

Michael: "Why is that?"

Monika: "Uh, well you know?" She looks at his crutches.

Michael: "Don't worry about it. I can still travel just fine in these."

Monika: "A-are you sure?"

Michael: "Of course I am." He offers his hand to her.

Monika: "Alright if you're sure about this?" She takes his hand and they leave.

Owner: "Have a great day you two!"

Monika & Michael: "You too!"

Monika: "You seem to know him quite well?"

Michael: "Well I come here a lot so after a while he knows what exactly I want and plus he tells me some fun facts. He's quite funny."

Monika: "I could tell. The way he talked you." (This is nice. A nice steady walk in the winter. It's so very refreshing. Wonder how Michael feels about this? I know he told me not to worry, but I can't help it.) She looks at him using his crutches to walk steadily on the icy floor. (He's done so much for everyone. Putting aside his own health for our sake. He could have easily said no to me and headed home to rest, but instead he decided to take up on my offer and walk with me. Not only that, but his injury was caused when he went to help Sayori. I wonder how she feels about all this?)

Michael: "Are you feeling, ok?"

Monika: "What?" She looks at him surprised.

Michael: "I said are you feeling ok? You look down? Is something the matter?"

Monika: "No I'm doing fine. Sorry to make you worry."

Random Child: "Hey look mommy. It's a couple."

Child's Mother: "Now sweetie don't point it's rude." Monika's face starts to turn red and Michael chuckles.

Michael: "Don't worry about it. I'm pretty sure that kid didn't know better."

Monika: "Yeah you're right." (C-c-c-c-couple?) She places her hands on her cheeks.

Michael: "Well let's continue."

Monika: "Oh right. Coming." They walked a few blocks. "Hey, so I know your mom is busy with work and all, but what about Sayori considering she's watching over you?"

Michael: "Well her and parents made plans to go out for Christmas. Her folks invited me since they didn't want me to spend Christmas alone and they wanted to keep an eye on me, but I declined."

Monika: "Why though?"

Michael: "…"

Monika: "Michael?"

Michael: "I just needed some alone time. That's all."

Monika: "You should've left with them. It scares me that you do these things on your own."

Michael: "I know, sorry."

Monika: "Well can't be helped, but just so you know I'll be the one watching over you okay, so don't think you can do whatever the hell you like so easily."

Michael: "Figures, from a Student Council Member and the Literature Club President. Fair enough."

Monika: "Good, so let's continue our walk. We can take a break when you get tired, okay?"

Michael: "Yeah sure thing."

Hours had passed since the two of them walked around town. Every once in a while, they would take a small breaks from walking and just sit around talking until it was time to continue going.

Monika: "There's not much to do."

Michael: "Yeah since it's Christmas Day. Everyone is most likely at home chilling." They both look up at the sky and notice it's starting to get dark.

Michael: "Looks like we need to head back now?"

Monika: "Yeah we should." She says disappointedly.

Michael: "Don't look so down. We can always hang another time."

Monika: "Yeah you're right. I guess I'll be talking you home now."

Michael: "Hm!?"

Monika: "You know since you're still injured and all. Don't want you to get hurt on your way home now, can we?"

Michael: "You make a good point. That would be nice. Thanks for offering."

Monika: "With pleasure." She smiles sweetly.

During a long walk back to Michael's house. They both shared laughs and discussions about?

Michael: "And that's why Sonic Drift sucks."

Monika: "So is that why the game is bad?"

Michael: "Yup and it's been a joke ever since." They both fight the urge to laugh until Monika saw that they made it to their destination.

Monika: "Well we made it to your house, so I guess I need to head home as well." She said sadly.

Michael: "It's for the best. A lot can happen during the night."

Monika: "True, but still …"

Michael: "... Could you wait here for a second?"

Monika: "Uh, sure, but why?"

Michael: "There's something I've been wanting to give you."

Monika: "Really?" He nods to her.

Michael: "I'll be back in just a second." He quickly enters his house and heads straight to his room.

Monika: "Try not to hurt yourself!" She says as he struggles getting upstairs. After waiting patiently in his living room, he finally came back down.

Michael: "Here this is for you. Sorry if it isn't much." He hands her a small box.

Monika: "A gift for me?" He nods to her. She opens the small box to reveal a very fancy-looking pen. "A calligraphy pen?"

Michael: "Yeah, I thought I might get you this since I see you writing a lot at school. Sorry if it seems lame compared to other gifts, I could've given you. Maybe I should've gone with a better alternative?"

Monika: "No this is perfect. Thank you, Michael. I love it."

Michael: "You do?"

Monika: "Of course I do. I always receive gifts from boys, but they only do it to get my attention or to swoon me, but you. You took the time to think about it and gave me something without asking for anything in return. Thank you."

Michael: "... Well … I'm glad you're happy about it." He smiles nervously.

Monika: "When we meet at the club, I'm going to use this pen for a great poem, so just you wait."

Michael: "I'm looking forward to it."

Monika: "See you later." She heads to the front door.

Michael: "Yeah see you soon. Take care."

The two said their goodbyes and she left his house. As she walks away from his place Monika started feeling heavy emotions piling on. Emotions so strong she couldn't think clearly.

Monika: (Why didn't I go for it?) Her heart beats faster and faster. (Why didn't I just walk up to him and do it?) She starts breathing heavily. (He is kind. He has a heart. He is …) In the end one thought started to repeat itself in her mind.

(Why didn't I kiss him?)

End of Chapter 48