~Doki Doki Study Slumber Party Bonus Vignettes~

1. An Empty Nest

It was strange. For the first time in a long while — for what felt like years — Hiro's home was filled with silence.

"Hah… What am I going to do with my time?"

It was the natural result of dedicating all her focus to looking after Shujinkou and her guests. It was the one task she devoted all her time to over the last couple of weeks.

But Shujinkou had awaken recently and is now staying over a friend's house for the weekend.

"Hm?" She felt her phone vibrating in her sweater pocket and pulled out to answer.

Her mother's face soon filled the screen. Despite dealing with a huge backlog of tasks at her job, she was as jovial as always. Hey there, Hiro, enjoying the implications behind the empty house."

Hiro chuckled awkwardly. Comments like that reinforced the idea that Hisa can read her mind even when far away.

"Just don't be having boys over again just because Shujinkou's gone," Hisa continued.

Her mother's words were crushing. Even after all these years, Hisa could still read Hiro like a book.

"Huh? But wait, I wasn't even considering that," Hiro protested.

"I know, I just wanted to say that." Hisa laughed. "But maybe I should have said something like that to Shujinkou given his current situation."

"I know you're joking, but… sometimes I worry," Hiro lowered her head, gently clutching the helm of her sweater.

"About what? We both know that they're all good kids." Hisa reassured her.

"I know. I… just have a bad feeling. I hope it's just a lingering worries from the last month."

Little did Hiro know her vague worries would come true in ways that she couldn't imagine.

2. Nighttime Chat

That night, Shujinkou could not sleep. He twisted and turned in bed — trying various different postures and positions — only to find it increasingly difficult to fall asleep with each passing moment. He could understand if his anxiety kept him up, but for once, he did not feel any.

That's what annoyed him more than anything else.

He sat up with a sigh and slipped out of his sheets.

Maybe moving around will help.

Shujinkou mindlessly wandered the halls, his mind replaying everything he had experienced that day. Could there have been such a day that was emotionally exhausting and also really fun.

It feels like a paradox.

Yet, thinking about it didn't worry him too much. Perhaps there was no real reason and he simply couldn't sleep.

Maybe some outside air will help.

Shujinkou stepped outside, a soft breeze caressing his face.

"Hm?" His eyes zeroed in on a figure sitting further out. "Rei?"

She peeked over her shoulder, greeting him with a slow wave.

"Couldn't sleep either, huh?" Shujinkou said as he walked over.

In response, Rei slowly shook her head.

Sitting down neck to her, Shujinkou awkwardly scratched his right cheek. It didn't feel like Rei was expressing an inability to sleep.

"So… What are you doing out here?" He asked.

Rei looked up, her sole visible eye taking in the glistening sky above. Each star seemed to sparkle extra bright.

"Ah."

Shujinkou agreed that it was remarkable sight.

Just like the night Gramps and I went camping.

"Hey, Rei, you wonder if there's anything more out there?"

Rei looked at Shujinkou, seemingly curious about his question.

"I don't mean just planets, but do you think that there's just something beyond what we know?"

Rei slowly shook her head.

"You should try it some time. It really gets the imagination flowing. When I was a kid, I used to try breaking the walls between dimensions with my voice. Granted, I was just copying Gotenks…"

Rei slowly raised her left hand, pointing at herself.

"I'm not saying you have to scream… I was just giving an example."

Shujinkou scratched his right cheek. Even though Rei had spoken to him before, imagining her screaming was just as hard as imagining Kiyoko upset.

"By the way, you feeling good about the exams?"

Rei shrugged. It was as if she was imitating Kiyoko.

"Ah."

Rei continued to stare at Shujinkou, clearly interested to know his feelings on the subject.

"Me? I guess I feel like I'm getting there. Right now, my goal is just to pass since that's the most realistic expectation I can put on myself." He wondered if he could do better, but he didn't want to pressure himself. "Even if I don't pass, at least I got to spend today and tomorrow with you guys, right? At least there's that."

Rei once again pointed to herself.

"Of course you too."

Hearing that, Rei formed a small smile on her face. It felt nice that he was able to help her smile, but it also left Shujinkou a little flustered.

However, that was always a price he'd be willing to pay.

3. His Best Subjects

"Uhm…"

Shujinkou timidly scratched his right cheek. Even after reviewing his past practice exam, he still struggled to apply the concepts he learned towards his new practice questions.

"Hey, Shiko… When was the Treaty of Versailles signed again?" Sayori asked.

"The 28th of June in 1919."

"Ah, thanks."

Sayori wrote the answer down and moved to the next one.

"Hey, Shiko, when did the Napoleonic Wars start?"

"May of 1803 after the breakdown of the Treaty of Amiens."

"Thanks."

Sayori moved on to the next question.

"Hey, Shiko… Who was the American President during the Louisiana Purchase?"

"Thomas Jefferson."

"Shujinkou, I never realized you were a history buff," Yuri said.

"Hm? Oh, I'm not really that. It's just history is kind of an easy subject for me."

"Wait… Was that you admitting you're really good at something," Natsuki teased.

"That's because Shiko's always been good at history," Sayori pointed out. "Even when we were kids, Shiko would be one of the only people in our class to consistently get the top grades in History."

"Really, Shujinkou?" Monika gazed at Shujinkou with interest, something he felt to be a tad embarrassing. "How come you never mentioned that before?"

"It's really nothing. I just think history is kinda interesting so it's easy for me to absorb and retain the information."

That being the end of the conversation, the group continued studying until the silence was broken again.

"Hey, Shujinkou."

Shujinkou glanced up from his textbook. This time Fuyu had something to say.

"Your grandparents went on a lot of adventures, right?" Fuyu asked.

He nodded. "Yeah."

"Do you actually believe that?"

Shujinkou shot her a confused look.

"I mean, they told you stories when you were a kid, correct? Haven't you ever thought they were just telling you exaggerated accounts?" Fuyu clarified.

"Well, after Gramps passed away, I did wonder for a bit, but I pretty much ignored it," Shujinkou replied.

"How come?"

"Because Gramps and Granny Hisa always seemed so… capable of surviving what they told me they been through."

His fellow Literature Club members could not refute his logic. They had already witnessed just how capable Hisa not too long ago.

"Why do you ask?" Shujinkou wondered.

"Just makes me think of my dad." Fuyu replied.

"You know, I actually thought the real reason Shiko was so good at history was because he always liked listening to Gramps and Granny Hisa's stories," Sayori admitted.

Shujinkou simply shrugged. "Whatever the reason, history was the only subject I had any confidence in for my entire school career."

"What about art class? Even the teacher was impressed with you back in the day," Sayori pointed out.

Shujinkou's expression darkened. "…Don't you remember what happened then?"

"Oh… Right…" Sayori winced.

"What did happen back then?" Yuri asked.

"A lot of the other kids got mad at Shiko for setting a high standard and began picking on him to get him to turn in worse work," Sayori explained.

"Naturally, it worked…" Shujinkou said with a depressed sigh. "That was until I randomly decided to stand up for myself even if I really didn't…"

"But you did, Shiko. It was great," Sayori praised.

"I only did it because you did it for me and got pushed for it… Besides what happened after doesn't really make it feel like a win."

"What did happen after?" Monika questioned.

"The bully leader threw some paint which Shiko dodged at the last second. The person hit threw some in retaliation and so on and so on before a huge art war broke out," Sayori recalled.

"Art war?" Kiyoko repeated perplexed. "Really?"

"So many things were flying through the air, or at least the non-sharp stuff. People were painting each other, scribbling mustaches and so many other things. It was a real warzone and the only thing Shiko and I could do was hide behind an overturned table."

"It was scary…" Shujinkou shivered as he recalled that moment. "It didn't even end there."

"The war raged out of the classroom and eventually most of the school got in on it. The police had to get involved to calm everyone down. By that point, Shiko and I were hiding in the bushes outside."

"Wait, your school was the one that had the riot I heard about when I was younger?" Fuyu gasped.

"That's right… It made the news…" Shujinkou chuckled nervously. "The teachers were not exactly happy for three weeks after that."

"Ouch. "

"Yeah…"

4. Charm

"Alright, I think I may be getting the hang of it." Shujinkou brushed his bone-dry brow once he finished his recent set of practice questions.

"That so?" Mali appeared behind Shujinkou, holding on to his trembling shoulders. "You really are improving Senpai."

With a teasing laugh, Mali softly patted his head - the patronizing act was just as embarrassing as before.

"You know, I think you deserve a reward, Senpai." Faster than he was able to form words, Mali crawled in front of Shujinkou, kneeling right between his legs. "What to reward Senpai with…"

Mali giggled as she observed Shujinkou's flustered expression.

"Ah… I got it. Senpai can continue where he left off from."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"Senpai can have what I denied him earlier this semester."

Shujinkou watched as Mali brought her right index finger to his lips. It softly pressed against them before hovering over her own pair. The way she caressed her own lips with it made it obvious what she wanted to do.

"W-Wait, you don't have to-!" Shujinkou exclaimed.

"Are you sure? Senpai seemed so eager before and so disappointed when I denied him the chance last time." Mali teased.

"I was just doing it because you said it was the only way you let us have the clubroom!"

"Aw, Senpai… If you say it like that, you make it sound like sharing a kiss with me is the worst thing in the world."

"N-No, I wasn't saying that…"

"Ehe…"

Shujinkou gulped as Mali continued to caress her lips. They were as shiny and glossy as a runway model and were practically begging to be kissed.

"Just kidding. I know Senpai isn't comfortable with it happening like this," Mali giggled.

Shujinkou could feel himself nearly self-destruct from the embarrassment he felt.

"Hey, Mali… I know you missed Shiko, but he really needs to focus on getting ready for the exams," Sayori said. "You shouldn't disrupt his flow while he's feeling good."

"Besides, Shujinkou not passing wouldn't be the most interesting result, right?" Monika pointed out with a knowing smile.

"Hmm… School Idol-San really has grown over the last couple of weeks," Mali complimented. "It makes me wonder if that newfound confidence will be applied to other parts of your life as well."

Shujinkou agreed with Mali's assessment. It's been on his mind ever since he returned to school, but Monika seemed more self-assured in his eyes.

"Shujinkou, how long are you going to keep staring at me…?" Monika's cheeks were slightly flushed as she questioned him.

"Oh, right, sorry…" Shujinkou looked away flustered.

"Seriously, you really are a dummy, Shujinkou. Monika already has all the guys at school staring at her all the time, she really doesn't need her only guy friend to do it too," Natsuki playfully chastised.

"Come on, that's an exaggeration…" Monika insisted.

"No. No, it is not," Fuyu, without looking up from her phone, said this.

"And then there was the maid incident," Yuri brought up with a teasing smile.

"…It always goes back to the maid thing…" Though she was smiling, Monika was on the verge of tears upon being reminded of her brief stint as a maid.

"The maid café did nearly stop the whole event," Sayori pointed out.

"Even the teachers talked about how the school's star student stopped all the festivities," Fuyu added.

"And I have to say, School Idol-san, I never believed in that kind of power until that day," Mali giggled. "The power to charm the masses on such a small playing field along with the irony that the people you'd like to, you can't easily charm."

"Well… I think I like the fact that I can't 'easily charm' some of those people." Monika said with a teasing wink.

It appeared to be a playful jab back at Mali, but it was obvious to most everyone there for whom it was really meant.

5. An Open Secret

"Hah… I'm exhausted…" Monika sighed.

"You know, for the person who constantly tells me to slow down, you seem to be going full tilt yourself right now when it comes to our studies," Fuyu noted.

"I know I'm being hypocritical right now… But I'm just trying to reach the highest point I know I can. It's something my parents used to tell me all the time."

"Well, I can relate to trying to live up to something." Fuyu pushed her glasses back over her eyes before she continued. "By the way, I have to ask something."

"What is it?"

"Is the Literature Club's crushes on Shujinkou an open secret yet or-"

"Eeh…" Monika looked away, covering her faint red cheeks with her hands. "What makes you ask that all of a sudden?"

"I was just curious. You guys seemed to be a little more… 'open' about it in some capacity." Fuyu answered.

"I... think it is… a little. It's not like it's been mentioned explicitly but I know we all know how we feel about Shujinkou. I think just being a little more open about it than usual helped fill the void of him being gone. And everything after he woke up was just… Well, just relief and the fact that it feels like he's been gone forever."

"Huh. I guess that explains why you've been a little more lax about it overall."

"What do you mean by that?"

Ahem. Fuyu looked away, pressing her glasses even closer to cover her eyes. Behind her back, she revealed one of the first practice exams taken over the weekend. "I happened to find this out in the open."

"You mean that isn't yours?" Monika said.

"No. It's yours."

Monika heart sunk.

"Don't worry, I grabbed it before anyone could look through it." Fuyu offered the packet for Monika to take.

Monika held it against her chest, keeping what was most important hidden from curious eyes. "Thanks, Fuyu. I really owe you one."

"As long as a fellow student is in trouble, I'll do my best to assist them. That oath still holds true even in moments like these."

Though small, there was a smile on Fuyu's face as she readjusted her glasses again.

"You really should show that side of you more at school," Monika encouraged. "The other students wouldn't be so scared of you if you did."

"They also wouldn't listen either," Fuyu countered.

"They will. Once you find the right balance."

Right balance?

It was advice that should be taken into consideration, but it would have to be for another time.

6. Don't Think About It

"…Just use your head next time, 'kay. Now just get dressed already." Natsuki took Yuri by the hand and led her back into the hallway. Guess that explains why he was being so forceful…

They were both blushing profusely, unable to block what they just saw from their heads.

Yuri gulped. "That was…"

"Yeah…" Natsuki nodded in agreement.

"Really though-"

First what I did when we walked here together, then the cruel game Mali pulled on us, now this…!

"This is becoming too much!" Yuri buried her face in her hands, collapsing on the floor with a "thud!"

"Just don't think about it," Natsuki said.

"I don't think that's possible…"

"I know but just don't think about it."

"But what about-?"

"Don't think about it."

"But then I was met with-"

"Don't think about it…!"

"And when he turned around-!"

"Especially don't think about that!"

Natsuki collapsed on the ground with a tumultuous groan.

"It was…"

"Don't think about it."

The two sat there in silence until the door behind them opened. They were afraid Shujinkou had heard them, but that would have been a better outcome than what they saw.

Mali closed the door behind her before exchanging curious stares with Natsuki and Yuri.

She simply giggled and left with a satisfied smile.

"Did she also-?"

"…Don't think about it…"

7. Dere

"Senpai. Natsuki-chan. I'm glad you're here." Mali approached the two with a smile.

"You being glad to see people hardly ever a good thing," Natsuki sighed.

"That's not true. I was glad to find you all safe and sound during Senpai's raid."

Natsuki wanted to say something — to offer any kind of retort — but she figured it'd be best to let the conversation move forward.

"Why are you happy to see us?" Shujinkou asked.

"Well, I'm always happy to see you Senpai. But the reason I'm glad Natsuki-chan is here with you is so she can witness your lesson."

"My… lesson?" Shujinkou scratched his right cheek, wondering whatever it was Mali wanted to teach him. Somehow, he knew it wouldn't be related to anything related to the exams.

"It's about time Senpai learned how to deal with girls better."

"I think I deal with girls fine. At least, way better than I used to."

"Maybe. After all, I think Senpai handled brining two girls into his room while naked like a champ."

"Ugh…" Shujinkou wished he had a shell to crawl into.

"You're never going to let that go, are you?" Natsuki grumbled.

"It's Senpai being assertive. How could I?" Mali giggled. "Anyway, I think the best way for Senpai to learn is to categorize the girls he does know in a way that he can understand best."

Shujinkou anxiously scratched his right cheek. "How?"

"We're going to categorize the girls in your life as Deres."

Deres? Shujinkou and Natsuki collectively felt a chill.

"Let's start off with Natsuki-chan. She's easy since she's so tsundere."

"I'm not a tsundere!" Natsuki raged.

"Started off cold and aloof to Senpai — tsuntsun — with the usually nickname of 'Baka' but overtime started to be very deredere, especially when Senpai does something that tickles her fancy," Mali continued.

"I don't get lovestruck around him…!"

"Did you not hug him recently?"

"You were watching us?" Natsuki gasped.

"Ah, so you did hug recently," Mali replied with a big smile.

Natsuki wanted to kick herself for so easily falling into that trap.

"Let's move on, Senpai. The next girl would be Club VP-san, who is obviously, as far as you know, is very Deredere.

Then there's Oppai Lily-san who is Hajidere since she can be social and outgoing, but also sometime suspiciously only nervous and embarrassed around Senpai exclusively.

And then there's School Idol-san who is clearly a yandere."

"What? What about Monika screams 'yandere' to you?" Natsuki objected.

"Oh. Sorry, for a moment there I believed Monika's prime example number 1 for a yandere. Really, School Idol-san's more of a Teasedere," Mali corrected.

"That makes more sense," Natsuki accepted.

"That said, Senpai may need to learn how to handle yanderes in the future. After all, if Senpai keeps attracting Deres, he'll have to deal with another one in the future."

"Another one? Shujinkou said perplexed. "I don't… think I've been in a situation like that for a first time."

"Ah, sorry. I'm was thinking aloud again, Senpai."

"And exactly what kind of dere would you be?" Natsuki questioned.

"Hm. Can't you guess, Natsuki-chan?"

"…Sadodere."

"Ehe, not a bad guess." Mali complimented. "For a bonus round, Senpai used to be an Utsudere, now he's partially a Bakadere."

"B-Bakadere…" Shujinkou lowered his head in shame. He didn't realize Mali thought he was that stupid.

"Aw, Senpai, don't look so glum. That's why I said partially. You're not really stupid, just hopelessly innocent and naive."

Was that a genuine compliment or a criticism? Was it both? Shujinkou wasn't sure.

"So… Did you learn anything here, Senpai?" Mali asked.

"I'm not really sure what I was supposed to learn…" Shujinkou admitted.

"That since you attract deres with your innocence and golden heart, you may snag yourself a Kami/ Yan/Mayadere someday at this rate," Mali concluded.

Shujinkou shivered at her proclamation. "That's a scary thought."

"No kidding…" Natsuki fretted.

8. Hammock

Taking a break from studying, Kiyoko decided to rest in her hammock. She was swayed back and forth by the wind, but she didn't mind. Sometimes, it was rather enjoyable.

"I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that you have one of these."

She watched Yuri approach from the corner of her eye.

"They're one of the best places to get some downtime. You want a turn?" Kiyoko offered.

"Oh. No, I wasn't trying to hint at that." Yuri said.

"I know. I was just asking."

"But I wouldn't want to ruin your break."

"It's cool."

Kiyoko sat up and slid off the hammock, offering space for Yuri.

"Well, I've never actually rested on one of these before." Though initially hesitant, Yuri climbed on top and laid spread across it.

"You look tense," Kiyoko noted.

"I'm not exactly sure what the proper position is…" Yuri worried.

"There is no proper position. You just gotta relax the same way you would on any bed," Kiyoko instructed.

"Just like in bed…" Yuri stretched her legs out straight and brought her hands over her stomach. "Like this?"

"Whatever you find comfortable."

"So, I'm just supposed to look at the sky and swing?"

"There's no goal, Yuri. You're just unwinding," Kiyoko gently pushed the hammock with an encouraging grin, letting Yuri sway from side to side. "How's that?"

It felt nice. The gentle swing, the soft breeze, and the charming view above was very comforting. I can see why people like these. It's very relaxing…

"… Hey, can you scootch over?" Kiyoko requested.

Yuri did as she was asked, providing enough space for Kiyoko to lay next to her. The two gazed at the bright orange sky above for a while, but overtime it became apparent to Kiyoko that something was plaguing Yuri.

"…Kiyoko?"

"Yeah?"

"About you and Kenzou-"

"You don't have to worry about me and Ken, Yuri. It's not the same thing," Kiyoko assured.

"Well, if you say so… It's just that his vagueness was kind of off putting," Yuri admitted.

"It's like I said, he was in a rush and didn't want to be a bother. Trust me, Ken's fine." There was a warmth in her tone that washed away any doubts Yuri had left.

"Okay. Sorry for prying," Yuri apologized.

"No problem. I appreciate the concern."

The two went back to staring at the sky for a bit.

"Can I ask you a question?" Kiyoko said.

"Yes."

"Why were you and Natsuki screaming last night?"

Recalling the events of the night before, Yuri blushed profusely. Kiyoko could feel heat radiating from her red face.

I may have struck a major chord there.

9.

"Hey, do you really think I made the right decision?"

"You worked really hard, so I'm sure you'll pull it off. Heck, I bet you'll do even better than you thought you would."

"I doubt that."

"You always doubt yourself and you always prove yourself wrong."

"It's not like I'm doubting I'll pull it off."

"You literally just questioned if you made the right decision."

"Okay, true, but that was more of a last-minute fear thing. I'm pretty sure I can at least pass. I'm just trying to keep my expectations… real."

"Excuses."

"C'mon. I'm starting from zero here!"

"Don't we all start from zero?"

"We don't usually have to cram so much information in our heads at once."

"Okay, I admit that that's a challenge. But hey, all you have to shoot for is passing."

"That was what I was saying!"

"Yeah, but when I say it, it's encouraging. When you say it, it sounds like an excuse."

"…Are you messing with me?"

"Obviously, it's not like I got a million chances too."

"Ugh… Why does everyone seem to like teasing me?"

"It's like your Kōhai says."

"Really?"

"I'm pretty sure you get it from Mom."

"…I can see that."

"But in all seriousness… How are you doing?"

"Honestly, I'm doing pretty good. It still stings that Dad just doesn't… But it's fine, because… I think I'm just done asking for something that I'll never have. Part of me always focused on what I didn't have that I started taking what I did have for granted and eventually isolated myself from the people that I still had. Seeing Dad reminded me of that – reminded me that I was acting the same way as him not too long ago."

"You were just a kid, Shujinkou. You don't need to be hard on yourself for trying to deal with grief the only way you thought was possible."

"…Part of me will always regret how I acted back then, but I stopped using it as an excuse to hate myself. Now I just have to better appreciate what I do have."

"You raided a hideout full of criminals to save your friends. I don't know how you can appreciate them more."

"Hehe. I guess so."

"So you're really fine?"

"Yeah."

"So, you're telling me that I didn't show up for spiritual guidance?"

"I guess not. Maybe… Maybe you're just here because I wanted to see you – to let you know that I'm still okay."

"I wasn't worried. It takes you awhile sometimes, but I know you'll always pull through."

"…"

"…"

"…Well, guess our time's up."

"Already."

"You know I'd stay longer if I could, but someone has to keep Gramps company."

"True."

"…Keep taking care of yourself, okay?"

"You too… Sis."