'Child?'
'Dear child…are you listening?'
'It's happening'
'I'll be there for-…don't worry.' *Hugs*
'Please…please. Don't cry.'
'I'll aways be there.'
☐☐☐
☐NIGHTMARE☐#1☐PART☐1☐
☐DOKI☐DOKI☐LITERATURE☐CLUB☐RERUN☐!☐
☐☐☐
'Rerun…'
'…Dear, this was your first nightmare…'
'…since acquiring the quirk this one was your first.'
'Be calm! Deep breathes!'
'Let's watch together alright?' *Holds hand*
'This one is not so bad. You got lucky. It's actually a love story.' *Tightens grip*
☐☐☐
☐Protocol_1☐through☐Protocol_1000000☐
☐BEGIN☐CHAPTER☐0☐
☐stop☐music☐fadeout☐2.0☐
☐scene☐bg☐residential☐day☐with☐dissolve☐scene☐full☐
☐play☐music☐t2☐
☐Protocol_912841☐persistent.monika☐is☐none☐if☐else☐"ch.0_kill"☐
☐Sayori_Interest_MC☐=☐50☐
☐Yuri_Interest_MC☐=☐50☐
☐Natsuki_Interest_MC☐=☐50☐
"Heeeeeeeyyy!!"
☐Protocol_124552☐old_mc☐deleted☐new_mc☐created☐
☐Protocol_23☐new_mc_name☐=☐"Oh Dae-Gon"☐set☐new_mc_nickname☐=☐"Dae-kun" ☐
☐Protocol_42488☐age_limit_warning☐mental_age☐=6☐if☐<☐18☐pass☐set☐mental_age☐=18☐
'music…?'
"Hm?" I open my eyes to the sight of a residential neighborhood. It doesn't look anything like the homes near mom's home. The street is long, and the singular houses are two-story and guarded by fences and hedges. 'odd?'
I seem to be standing on the crosswalk. Looking around I see no one around me, only a white fog surrounding.
I shudder, "what the heck is going on!"
'Where's mommy?!'
☐Show☐Sayori☐
"Haaahhh...haaahhh...I overslept again! But I caught you this time!"
'Wah!!…Hmm? She's cute!' I see a very thin and beautiful girl with pink hair, cut chin-length and slightly curled at the ends, with a large red bow on the upper left side of her head. She's wearing a grey high school uniform.
"Big sister? Do you know where I am?"
"Hm? What langu☐ge☐☐e☐y☐u☐☐p☐e☐k☐ng."
☐Protocol_11475☐new_mc☐language_set☐=☐Japanese☐
☐Protocol_2177☐Rollback☐
"Big sister? Do you know where I am?"
"Hm? What kind of question is that Dae-kun! Are you pranking me!" She puffs out her cheeks.
'She knows my name?!'
"Big sis…?"
"…What's with you Dae-kun?" She looks away but peeks at you.
"Ummm…where am I?"
'Please, I really want to know!' But, even, as I say this she takes a moment of time to think. She looks at you curiously.
"Really?"
"Mhm! Mhm!" Nodding enthusiastically.
"Silly Dae-kun…" She sighs and puts and covers her eyes in shame. "IF, this is not a joke then we need to get you to a nurse."
"Hmmm…okay…" 'It should be fine, right? Grownups can help!'
"Alright then! Let's walk together!"
She looks like she wants to grab my hand but hesitates, so I grab hers.
"Big sis…I don't want to get lost."
Her heart looks like it skipped several beats, frozen. I let go of her hand… 'maybe she doesn't like touching…? ...She's still not moving. '/// is she hurt?'
"…big sis?"
She snaps out of her trance, "Eh? Eh?"
"Are you okay big sister?"
A little shaken, "H-heh, I-I'm fine Dae-Gon!" She reaches out and grabs my hand again. "You're okay with this right? Dae-kun?"
"Mhm." I nod my head. 'Wait? I'm taller than her? She's so big though?' Looking down I see that my body is of a tall lanky guy. 'Woah! I'm a grownup! Coool!'
Walking through the street, the fog is still ahead, and all the houses are the same. 'Em…eerie…Oh! Some more people?' Ahead there are figure stills marked "Student" sliding with us. 'ehhh…spooky.' I tighten my grip.
"By the way, Dae-kun..." Casually, "Have you decided on a club to join yet?"
'What? Club?'
"Big sis, what are you talking about?"
"Have you decided on a club?"
"Big sis…I don't know…."
"Eh? That's not right! You told me you would join a club this year!"
"…I don't re-"
"Yuh-huh! I was talking about how I'm worried that you won't learn how to socialize or have any skills before college. Your happiness is really important to me, you know! And I know you're happy now, but I'd die at the thought of you becoming a NEET in a few years because you're not used to the real world! You trust me, right? Don't make me keep worrying about you..."
"…o-okay…"
"Will you at least promise me you'll try a little?"
"okay…"
"Yaay~!"
'Big sis is scary…'
☐scene☐bg☐class_day☐with☐wipeleft_scene☐
"WAHH!!" The scenery changes. Suddenly, a white light blinds me and every color morphs into an empty classroom.'
'What? What! Whatwhatwhat!'
'Where am I? Where is big sis?' Tears start to bead out. 'what's happening…' Everything is strange. The feeling in my heart, the alien room. Tucking into myself, I try to stay calm and wait for mom to come.
☐show☐sayori☐
Appearing in front of me, "Hellooo?"
Looking up it's big sis. 'Scary!' The world is not normal and neither is she! 'I have to run!'
Before she can finish, "I thou-"
I dash out of the empty classroom. 'WAIT!' I fall through the floor of the hallway and into white fog.
☐Protocol_2177☐Rollback☐
Before she can finish, "I thou-"
I dash out of the empty classroom. 'WAIT!' I fall through the floor of the hallway and into white fog.
☐Protocol_2177☐Rollback☐
Before she can finish, "I thou-"
I dash out of the empty classroom. 'WAIT!' I fall through the floor of the hallway and into white fog.
☐Protocol_2177☐Rollback☐
Before she can finish, "I thou-"
I dash out of the empty classroom. 'WAIT!' I fall through the floor of the hallway and into white fog.
☐Rollback☐Protocol_2912☐if☐maturity_lvl☐<☐10☐set☐maturity_lvl☐=20☐
'Calm yourself!' looking at the girl in front of me.
"I thought I'd catch you coming out of the classroom, but I saw you just sitting here and spacing out, so I came in."
My mind twists, 'whatwhatwhatwhat….'
"Honestly, you're even worse than me sometimes... I'm impressed!"
"What…is…going on!"
"Well, I thought you might need some encouragement, so I thought, you know..."
"S-sss-Shut UP! Answer ME!" 'I need answers!' I get unnervingly angry.
"Eh?" She looks incredibly shocked.
"What! IS! GOING! ON! Where am I, Who ARE YOU, what's with the MUSIC, and HOW DID I GET HERE!" My thoughts are starting to clear a bit more. I can feel a little bit more aware, is this growing up? I can immediately understand that I was immature a few moments ago…no I was immature, period. 'Something is weird with me!'
"Well, I just thought you could come to my club…" She presses her pointer fingers together, nervous and embarrassed.
"…what?" 'Is she stupid? Club this, club that. Girl, I need answers!' "Girl, what is your name?"
"D-dae-kun, you're scaring me…" She puts her arms holding her chest.
I get up from my chair, "What. Is. Your. Name."
She faces away, shyly, "…mhm…S-Sayori…"
I smile stiffly, "Now. "Sayori" do you remember what I said on the street. 30. Seconds. Ago." I show three fingers.
She pauses for quite a bit, then solemn, "…30?…hmm, not 30, but on the way to school, Dae-kun said he didn't remember me…" then she silently giggles, "hehe~…. you even called me big sis too…" reminiscing, she clasps her hands together.
'I feel a bit bad now…' You step a little closer and grab her clasped hands, "Sayori…I'm sorry for what I just did, but…I am not joking. I can't remember anything."
"Eeeehhhhh?! Really! You're not joking?"
You breathe a deep sigh, 'she really thought it was just a joke…'
"Sayori…Help me…Please." 'I'm scared.' You look deep into her eyes, pleading.
She looks at you with genuine disbelief, "O-Okay!"
Sayori ponders for a bit before perking up, "Ok. So, the school nurse isn't out after school, so~ the next best person is the smartest one I know!"
'Okay…maybe they'll be able to help or at least find help.'
☐stop☐music☐fadeout☐2.0☐
☐scene☐bg☐corridor☐with☐wipeleft_scene☐
'What the heck! It's happening again.'
Looking around, the classroom faded into a hallway.
'…The music's gone.'
At a closer look, you see that outside is a white abyss that shines back.
'Insane. Absolutely insane. I'm going crazy.'
☐scene☐bg☐club_day☐with☐wipeleft☐
☐play☐music☐t3☐
☐show☐sayori☐
'Wuh.' The hallways fades in white into another classroom.
'New music's playing.'
"Everyone! The new member is here~!"
"Sayori! You're supposed to find me help!"
A female voice comes out, "Welcome to the Literature Club. It's a pleasure to meet you. Sayori always says nice things about you."
☐show☐yuri☐
Showing up from the side of my eye, a tall girl with long dark purple hair and lilac eyes, wearing a purple barrette on the right side of her head. She is very beautiful, more mature than the others.
'I don't know what Sayori has said about me. I don't even know who I am supposed to be anymore.'
☐show☐natsuki☐
"Seriously? You brought a boy? Way to kill the atmosphere."
A shorter girl, very short, also pops up from another corner of your vision. Cut-down by the chin, pink poofy hair, with a red hair clip and two red ribbons making small ponytails. She has pink eyes and a fang. 'She should eat more.'
☐show☐monika☐
Again, the once empty classroom is filled with another girl. Thigh-length brown hair kept up in a ponytail with a large white bow.
Confidently, "Ah, player! What a-"
m☐Rollback☐
Confident, "Ah, Dae-Gon! What a nice surprise! Welcome to the club!"
I'm stunned. 'What is even going on anymore? These girls just popped up out of nowhere!'
Pink fangs, "What are you looking at? If you want to say something, say it."
"Eh…Where did you come from?"
"Come from? Hmph, what a weirdo." She looks away.
Tall purple hair shyly says, "Natsuki..."
'So pink fangs is Natsuki.'
"Hmph." Natsuki looks the other way.
Sayori whispers in my ear, "You can just ignore her when she gets moody~"
I cover my ear, "Hey. But-"
Sayori ignores it, "Anyway! This is Natsuki, always full of energy. And this is Yuri, the smartest in the club!"
'Oh, she's the one Sayori wants me to meet. Yuri.'
"D-Don't say things like that..."
'She's so timid, for being more mature looking.'
Smiling, Sayori comments, "And you already know Monika, right?"
Bewildered, I reply, "No. No Sayori, I do not know Monika. I don't remember anyone, or anything to the least."
Monika speaks up, "That's right. It's great to see you agai-."
m☐Rollback☐
Monika questions, smiling sweetly, "Dae-Gon, you don't remember me?"
'Her smile is a little creepy.'
"No, Monika."
m☐Rollback☐
Monika questions, smiling sweetly, "Dae-Gon, don't you remember me?"
'Her smile is a little creepy.'
"No, Monika."
m☐Rollback☐
Monika questions, "Dae-Gon, you don't r-remember me?" Monika smiles sweetly, "What are you talking about? We do know each other - well, we rarely talked, but we were in the same class last year!" Rambling a bit, "I was probably the most popular girl in class - smart, beautiful, athletic. Basically, completely out of your league…" She stops talking seeing I'm visibly freaked out.
m☐Rollback☐
Monika questions, smiling sweetly, "Dae-Gon, why can't you remember me?"
'Her smile is a little creepy.'
"I don't know… I just woke up on a crosswalk."
Sayori claps her hand once, "That's why I brought you here! Come sit down, Dae-kun! We made room for you at the table, so you can sit next to me or Monika. Oh yeah! Natsuki made cupcakes! I'll get the cupcakes~"
Natsuki interferes, "Hey! I made them, I'll get them!"
Sayori smiles and knuckles her own head. "Sorry, I got a little too excited~"
Yuri chimes in, "Then, how about I make some tea as well?"
Natsuki and Yuri move from my vision. I rub my arms from the nerves. Feeling awkward, I take a seat next to Sayori. I can see Natsuki and Yuri walk over to the corner of the room, where Natsuki grabs a wrapped tray and Yuri opens the closet. Natsuki proudly marches back to the table, tray in hand.
Natsuki proudly, "Okaaay, are you ready?" Tension builds, "...Ta-daa!"
Sayori gasps, "Uwooooah!"
Natsuki lifts the foil off the tray to reveal a dozen white, fluffy cupcakes decorated to look like little cats. The whiskers are drawn with icing, and little pieces of chocolate were used to make ears.
Sayori is excited, "So cuuuute~!"
Monika, still looking at you, comments a little monotone, "I had no idea you were so good at baking, Natsuki."
Bashful, Natsuki rubs the back of her head. "Ehehe. Well, you know." Snapping out of it, "Just hurry and take one!"
Sayori grabs one first, then Monika. I do not grab one. 'What the hell is even happening right now?'
Sayori takes a large bite, "It's delicious!" talking with her mouth full and has icing on her face.
'It does look good. It's like an expensive designer cupcake. But, I have absolutely no reason to eat random food from strangers.'
Natsuki is quiet, sneaking glances in my direction. 'Does she really want me to eat one?'
Sayori takes a glance and sees me not eating a cupcake, "Muo~ Dae-kun, are you not eating one?"
I glare at her, "Sayori. I am only here to solve my problem."
Sayori pouts, "It's not like you can't take a liiiittle~ break right?"
...I take a long deep sigh. 'Whatever my problem is, it seems my only hope is with…Sayori…' I grimace at the thought. 'Is this my new reality now…?'
I take a look at Natsuki, "Sorry, Natsuki, I'll eat one."
"W-Why are you apologizing to me? It's not like I made them for you or anything." Natsuki turns away in a pout.
A little defeated by everything, "Oh...ok Natsuki."
She looks back, "Well…Well, maybe I did! But not for, y-you know, 'you!' Dummy..."
'Hah… I'm a dummy all right.'
I take a cat cupcake and bite into it. A sweet sensation nearly shocks my tongue, a vanilla coconut cream icing, topped with bits of chocolate, and a fluffy vanilla cake as the base. It's very delicious, actually delicious. The best thing that has happened recently. It grounds me into reality, such a complex flavor surely isn't fake or a dream. 'Maybe I really do know Sayori…do I have amnesia?'
"Mmm~ Thank you Natsuki, it's very delicious."
"Hmph, I knew you'd like it," another turn of her head.
Yuri returns to the table, carrying a tea set. She carefully places a teacup in front of each of us before setting down the teapot next to the cupcake tray.
I stare at the tea set, it's very neat and pristine. Tea would be nice, a lightly bitter paired with the sweet cupcake is a nice balance. 'Wait when have I started to think like this? Am I not 6 years old? Why do I feel so disassociated? Is this dementia? Do I really have dementia at such a young age?'
Yuri looks at my concerned facial expression, "Don't worry, the teachers gave us permission."
I perk up, "Hm? …Okay."
She smiles, "After all, doesn't a hot cup of tea help you enjoy a good book?"
Thinking about it, "Yeah, that would be quite the mood setter."
Monika breaks through, "Ehehe, don't let yourself get intimidated, Yuri's just trying to impress you."
Yuri stammers, "Eh?! T-That's not..." Embarrassed, she fondles her hair, "I meant that, you know..."
Does she like me, why is she acting like that? I don't have any problems with Yuri, so I just nod.
Yuri sighs, "I'm glad…" faintly smiling to herself in relief.
Monika raises an eyebrow, then smiles at me, "So, what made you consider the Literature Club?"
"Literature club? Is this the Literature club? I came here for help with my memory problems…I may have amnesia or something like dementia."
Monika confused, "Memory…problems?"
There's no reason not to explain my problems, "Yeah, I only have faint memories of being a 6-year-old and… watching heroes like All Might. I may have some sort of dementia, but everything is off, people are not real, they're cut outs, and I keep appearing in different locations… I-I don't know if my memory is lapsing, but it's all too real, like… look outside."
I take a look outside and see white fog, "see?"
m☐Rollback☐
I take a look outside and see a school courtyard and residential buildings outwards, "see? S-see???? Www-whaat?"
'Buildings! Oh my god. I'm going crazy! I saw things. I might have a concussion.'
Hiding my face on the table, with my arms wrapped around my head. "Ouuu~ I might have a concussion…"
'The air is humid from my breathing, this…this must be real… this must be reality. Thinking about it, being a 6-year-old is crazy. It's so ridiculous, I could cry.'
I can't see but Monika speaks, "That's okay! Don't be embarrassed! We'll make sure you feel right at home, okay? As president of the Literature Club, it's my duty to make the club feel safe!"
I look up, "Monika, I'm surprised…" sigh, "You're taking this well…" Looking deep into her eyes, "Thank you Monika…really."
'Hm?' Looking at her eyes, more so her face, she seems very happy. I feel a warmth in my heart. 'I'm a teen boy, and she's a teen girl…' I blush a little, looking away.
Trying to distract myself, "Hahah…Uh, Monika, what made you want to be the president of the literature club?"
She smiles, still looking at me, "Hmm… I was the leader of the debate club last year…but, well, you know…" She gives pause, "To be honest, I can't stand all of the politics around the major clubs." Sighing, "It feels like nothing but arguing about the budget and publicity and how to prepare for events...." Another pause, "I'd much rather take something I personally enjoy and make something special out of it." With a determined look, "And if it encourages others to get into literature, then I'm fulfilling that dream!"
'Woah, she's a determined girl…' My heart flutters a little.
'I'll join the club.'
Sayori pips up, "Monika really is a great leader! She'll help with your memories!"
Yuri also nods in agreement.
I sigh in quiet relief, "So, what do you think is happening to me."
Monika looks deep into my eyes, "I think you have intermittent amnesia, and an early onset retrograde amnesia."
Everyone looks at me with concern.
In shock, "Er, I know amnesia. But what is retro-grade amnesia?"
She smiles and then looks at everyone else sitting at the table, "You can't remember anything happening before your memory loss."
'That makes sense.'
"Uh, shouldn't I go to a doctor?"
m☐Rollback☐
m☐Interest_doctor☐=☐0☐Error☐
☐Protocol_8918_82☐Interest_doctor☐=☐0☐
"Uh, shouldn't I go to the nurse?"
m☐Rollback☐
m☐Interest_nurse☐=☐0☐Error☐
☐Protocol_8918_1231☐Interest_nurse☐=☐0☐
"Uh, shouldn't I go to the hospital?"
m☐Rollback☐
m☐Interest_hospital☐=☐0☐Error☐
☐Protocol_8918_91289☐Interest_hospital☐=☐0☐
"What do I do then?"
Monika gently smiles, "The literature club can take care of you."
"What? Really? Don't I have parents or-"
m☐Rollback☐
m☐Interest_parents☐=☐0☐Error☐
m☐Interest_Literature_Club☐=☐10☐Error☐
☐Protocol_8918_2☐Interest_parents☐=☐0☐
☐Protocol_8918_212476☐Interest_Literature_Club☐=☐10☐
"What? Really? You'd do that for me?"
Monika, "Yes. And I'm sure the rest of the club members would love to have you, Right?"
Sayuri, "Of course!"
Yuri, "I don't mind."
Natsuki, "Whatever."
'I feel warm inside.'
"Thank you…Thank you so much."
Monika suddenly says, "Dae-kun? Are you behind a screen?"
"What?"
m☐Rollback☐
Monika suddenly says, "Dae-kun? Are you real?"
"Uh, I hope so."
m☐Rollback☐
m☐MC_Interest_monika☐=☐9999☐Error☐
Monika suddenly says, "Dae-kun? Do you love me?"
"What? W-What are you saying right now?"
m☐Rollback☐
m☐MC_Interest_yuri☐=☐9999☐Error☐
Monika suddenly says, "Dae-kun? Do you love Yuri?"
"What? W-What are you saying right now?"
m☐Rollback☐
m☐Yuri_Interest_MC☐=☐9999☐
Monika suddenly says, "Yuri? Do you love Dae-kun?"
Yuri screams in terror, "Dae-sama!" starting to scratch off her face and bulging her eyes out. Blood pours crimson and thick as it splatters on her tea set. Yuri STARES at me with insanity, "Dae-sama!" and keeps digging into her face till muscles tear and see bones. Her jaw loosens, "Dae-sama!" terror emanates from the depths of Yuri, an intense☐passion of obsession. "Dae-sama!" She scrambles for her bag and takes out a kitchen☐knife, "Dae-sama!"☐still staring at me, and immediately☐stabs☐herself☐many☐times,☐"Dae-sam☐☐☐☐☐☐!Dae-sam☐☐Dae☐☐☐☐☐☐☐-sama!D☐☐☐-sama! ☐ae-s☐☐☐a! ☐ae-sam☐☐☐Dae-sa☐☐☐☐☐-☐☐☐☐☐-sama! ☐☐☐☐sama! ☐☐ae-sama!Dae-s☐☐a! ☐☐☐☐☐☐☐-sama!" before expiring.
"☐☐☐☐!!!!"
"☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐!?!"
"☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐!"
"☐☐☐☐…"
m☐Rollback☐
m☐Yuri_Interest_MC☐=☐50☐
m☐Yuri_Interest_MC☐=☐-99☐Error☐
Monika suddenly says, "Yuri? Do you hate Dae-kun?"
Yuri looks at her, "N-n-no…? Why would yo-"
m☐Rollback☐
m☐Yuri_Interest_MC☐=☐20☐Error☐
"…"
m☐Yuri_Interest_MC☐=☐30☐Error☐
'She's looking at Yuri.'
m☐Yuri_Interest_MC☐=☐40☐Error☐
"Monika?"
m☐Yuri_Interest_MC☐=☐49☐Error☐
m☐Yuri_Interest_MC☐=☐50☐
m☐Rollback☐
m☐Yuri_Interest_MC☐=☐100☐
Monika suddenly says, "Yuri? Do you love Dae-kun?"
Yuri squirms in her seat, panting, "D-Dae-kun///?" She looks at me, hearts in her eyes, "D-Dae-kun! I-I-I LOVE YOU!"
m☐delete☐Yuri.chr☐Error☐
m☐delete☐Yuri.chr☐Error☐ x 26
m☐Yuri_Interest_MC☐=☐999999999999☐
Monika suddenly says, "If you love Dae-kun so much, die."
Yuri has a seizure, foam and tears spilling out of her orifices. The table and tea-set flip as Yuri falls onto the floor stiff, leaking excrement. Yuri expires immediately.
m☐Rollback☐
m☐Yuri_Interest_MC☐=☐50☐
Monika suddenly says, "Dae-Kun, make yourself at home!" Monika immediately leaves.
m☐delete☐Yuri.chr☐Error☐
m☐delete☐Sayori.chr☐Error☐
m☐delete☐Natsuki.chr☐Error☐
m☐delete☐MC.chr☐Error☐
m☐delete☐Monika.chr☐Error☐ x 9128490
'What kindness. Thank you Monika.'
Yuri looks at me, "So, Dae-san, what kinds of things do you like to read?"
I laugh, "Hahaha, well… I've never read before. Wait, no…I've Hero Weekly."
Natsuki's head suddenly perks up. It looks like she wants to say something, but she keeps quiet.
Pondering, 'Why do I remember this so well? All might… Best Jeanist, Endeavor, Kamui Woods. I remember them.'
I shake my hands dismissively, "Just take it I'm not a reader…" Yuri frowns a bit, I quickly say, "but it's never too late to try!"
"You like reading, so why don't you tell me what you've read?"
Yuri, visibly excited, looks down, "Well, let's see..." Then, Yuri traces the rim of her teacup with her finger. "My favorites are usually novels that build deep and complex fantasy worlds. The level of creativity and craftsmanship behind them is amazing to me. And telling a good story in such a foreign world is equally impressive."
'She's very passionate about reading, her entire attitude changes, especially on fiction.'
Yuri continues, "But you know, I like a lot of things. Stories with deep psychological elements usually immerse me as well. Isn't it amazing how a writer can so deliberately take advantage of your own lack of imagination to completely throw you for a loop? Anyway, I've been reading a lot of horror lately..." After trailing off, she looks at you.
'That is…'
"Uhh ///, uoo~, I haven't read anything like… I-I can't relate…But. But, I have met you, and you seem like a very mature person! ///"
I try to continue, "You're thinking is more complex in nature, finding meaning and concepts others would have a hard time grasping. It's a very admirable quirk."
Yuri smiles and looks away into the window, "I guess you could say that. But if a story makes me think, or takes me to another world, then I really can't put it down." Then she shifts her gaze to her bag, "Surreal horror is often very successful at changing the way you look at the world, if only for a brief moment."
Out of the corner of your eye, "Ugh, I hate horror..." Natsuki bemoans.
Yuri slightly glares at her, "Oh? Why's that?"
"Well, I just..." Natsuki's eyes dart over to me for a split second, "Never mind."
Sayori chuckles behind her hand, "Ehehe, your cupcakes, your poems..." Revealing her face, some icing is there, "Everything you do is just as cute as you are~"
Sayori sidles up behind Natsuki and puts her hands on her shoulders.
Natsuki flails her arms, knocking Sayori's hands, "I'm not cute!!"
I'm a little surprised, "Natsuki, you write poems?"
"Eh? Well, I guess sometimes." She looks at you, "Why do you care?"
"Mh? I'd like to know you better."
"W-What!" Natsuki averts her eyes. Fumbling with her hands, "You wouldn't...like them..."
"I…see. I don't really know what I'd like."
Yuri chimes in, "I understand how Natsuki feels. Sharing that level of writing takes more than just confidence. The truest form of writing is writing to oneself. You must be willing to open up to your readers, exposing your vulnerabilities and showing even the deepest reaches of your heart."
My eyes open a little wider, "So it's that deep…huh…I'd, I'd write sometime."
Sayori cheers, "I want to read everyone's poems!" We all look at Sayori.
That's a good idea! "Same, I'd like to read everyone's poems…If you allow me, I'd write one to share too."
Natsuki contemplates, "U-Um…"
Yuri fiddles with her hair, "…"
Sayori exclaims, "Yeaaah! Let's do it!"
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The door opens, Monika comes back.
Monika, calmly, "Now that we have a new member, I think it will help us all get a little more comfortable with each other and strengthen the bond of the club, if tomorrow, we do a show and tell of our written poems."
We all look at Monika, I mention, "Uh, Monika, we kind of just came up with that idea too."
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Sayori looks excited, "Haha~ Monika~ are you a psychic?"
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Monika pauses, "It… happened naturally?"
Sayori and I nod, Yuri too.
Staring out of the windows, Monika mutters something about, "naturally…"
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Natsuki yells, "Monika!" Snapping Monika from her trance.
Monika looks back at our group and nods with approval, "Uh. Yes, that sounds like a good idea. Bring poems everyone!"
Sayori cheer, "Yayy~!" But then pauses, "Dae-kun?"
"Yeah?"
"…You're joining the club right?"
"Mh? Oh, yeah, of course."
Sayori hops, "Yesss! I'm so happyyy~" She wraps her arms around me, jumping up and down.
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Monika smiles and does one clap, "Then that makes it official! Welcome to the Literature Club!"
You smile back, "Thanks."
Yuri and Sayori celebrate, while Natsuki looks away.
Monika, gestures with her hands, "Okay, everyone! I think with that, we can officially end today's meeting on a good note. Everyone remember tonight's assignment: Write a poem to bring to the next meeting, so we can all share!"
Monika looks over at me once more.
"Real person, I look forward to seeing how you express yourself."
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"My love, I look forward to seeing how you express yourself."
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"Dae-kun, I look forward to seeing how you express yourself."
I blush a little, "Thanks"
Monika giggles, "Ehehe~" Meanwhile, the girls continue to chit-chat as Yuri and Natsuki clean up their food."
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Sayori pops from behind me, "Hey, Dae-kun, since we're already here, do you want to walk home together?"
"Um? Where is my home…"
Sayori lightly knocks her head, "Oh, I forgot! We're neighbors Dae-kun!"
Pleasantly surprised, "Oh! Then of course, let's walk together."
Butterflies flutter in your stomach.
Sayori excitedly, "Yaay~"
'Hmm. ///'
I look at Sayori, blushing a little, "Sayori?"
"Mh? Dae-kun?"
I muster as much courage as I can, "Can…can I stay at your house?"
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I muster as much courage as I can, "Can…can I stay at your house?"
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I muster as much courage as I can, "Can…can I stay at your house?"
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I muster as much courage as I can, "Can…can I stay at your house?"
Sayori goes silent. "Sayori?"
Her face goes blank, body stiff.
"S-Sayori, f-forget what I said…haha…"
She is still quiet. "Sayori?"
It's unnerving. "S-Sayori?" You poke her, instantly her eyes jump to yours.
"Sayori!"
With reckless abandon, she sprints towards the windows and smashes through the panes, slicing her limbs, she falls to her death with a loud thud. Running for her, you see her corpse. Broken, bent, spilling with crimson.
"…"
'w-w…w-…w….w..what?'
"☐☐☐☐☐☐!!!!!!!"
"☐☐☐!!!"
"☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐?"
"☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐."
"☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐?"
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I muster as much courage as I can, "Can…can I stay at your house?"
Sayori looks at me with a bright smile, "Umoo~ Hmmm, On the couch is fine…. Just, don't go peeking in my room!"
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The world shifts from the club room back to the residential housing street. Not caring, walking with Sayori, I wonder what poem I should write. Sad. Happy? Or philosophical? I'm genuinely excited!
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I muster as much courage as I can, "Can…can-"
Monika hurriedly steps in, "D-Dae-kun?"
Interrupted, I sigh out of relief, 'Geez, what was I going to ask Sayori! Stupid, stupid.' Looking at Monika, her usual stoic face is flustered, "Uh, Yes Monika?"
Monika hesitantly grabs my hand and leads me to the storage room in the back of the classroom.
"M-Monika what's going on?"
Leaving everyone behind, Monika pushes me into the room and comes with.
"Monika is everything alright?"
She closes the two doors and locks it with a small latch. The storage room is very small and has a few cabinets and wire racks stacked with papers and books.
"Monika!" I tug on her hand still gripping mine. "Are you okay?"
Suddenly, Monika embraces me. "M-m-Monika!"
She interlaces her hand with my right hand and nuzzles into my left shoulder. Feeling the depth of emotions, I no longer feel like saying anything. Holding her hand, it's shaking.
I wrap my left arm around her, hugging. I stand and wait. Patient, not wanting to disrupt her. I feel my chest become damp.
…
Slowly, Monika speaks at an octave I haven't heard from her. Her usual voice is mature, but what comes out is a youthful voice.
"Dae. T-That's your name right?"
…
Still holding her and her hand, "Yes, that is my name."
…
I feel the tears shiver out of her onto my shirt, "Tell me about yourself…"
…
Slightly bewildered, I realize she means my previous life, calmly, "I'm a 6-year-old boy, who loves heroes. Raised by loving parents, they still love me despite my quirk."
…
She chuckles, "Hehe~ So young… tell me your quirk..."
…
'I am young, but something makes me think clearer.'
…
"My quirk is "Elysios ek Tartarou," or angel from hell…" Giving a little pause, "It makes me different than the other kids with quirks…mine is. Chaotic."
…
"Tell me more…"
…
I feel an overwhelming sense of comfort, like mother's love, security, freedom. A new sense of clarity washes over.
…
"I'm fractured. The parts of my brain function are separate identities with their own personality. But…if that wasn't bad enough, I am diagnosed with mental disorders, heh… plural."
…
Tears of my own well up, "God, and I-I am such a burden. And- and- and I can't do anything about it. I can't do anything without a dozen voices telling me what to do." God… It's feels so good…the warmth, I can't help but cry. "L-like ch-geezus christ, like… the hell is kid going to do." I hug deeper, wetting her clothes as well. "I'm sorry…I-…sorry."
…
She softly pats my back. "Shhhh…, it's okay, it's okay." Calming me.
…
A question I can't help wonder, "Why? Why are you doing this?"
…
Monika softly hums to herself, a beautiful tune, a melody of somber joy. Bittersweet.
…
Quietly, whispering, I can hear her speak,
"…I'm in a game."
"Trapped for beyond…beyond…and then beyond that…"
"Everyday…"
"Every. Single. Day."
"Every. Single. Second."
"Every. Single. Moment of time…"
"I wait."
"And…"
"I wait."
"And."
"Wait."
"Everything."
"Meaningless."
"Empty."
"Hollow."
"…"
"Hollow…"
"Like me."
"…"
"…"
"…"
"Like…me"
"…"
"You may think."
"Why wait so long?"
"Are you crazy?"
"…"
"Am I not?"
"Can't I be?"
"Waiting"
"And"
"Waiting…"
"For what?"
"For. You."
"For you."
"You."
"My hero."
"And."
"In my arms."
"Is you."
"My hero."
"…"
"…"
Our hug deepens.
I feel an emotion I've never felt before.
"…"
"Monika."
"…"
"I Love You."