Chapter 1 - Confession
Monika had never felt so strange in her life. Just glancing up and down at Sayori gave her goosebumps. She could tell something was up with the innocent pink-haired girl, but she just couldn't describe what.
The girls were gathered in the clubroom. Natsuki trailed after Yuri shyly as the tall girl busied herself making tea. Natsuki had been spending a lot of time around Yuri lately, and although she made excuses about it, Monika knew she was warming up to her.
Sayori, meanwhile, had busied herself writing a poem on a sheet of paper. A slight hum came through her throat, and Monika watched as she scribbled words on the paper.
Happy thoughts
Happy thoughts
Happy thoughts
"Hey, Sayori." Monika sat down in the desk next to hers.
"Hm?" Sayori glanced up from her paper.
"You seem a little distant today. Are you feeling down again?"
Sayori shrugged, doodling circles on the edge of her paper.
"I don't want to bother you about it, Monika. But..."
Monika smiled gently. "I don't mind at all, Sayori. I just want to help."
Sayori paused.
"Why?"
Monika bit her lip.
"Because you're my friend, Sayori." Monika glanced over at Natsuki and Yuri, who were still making tea.
"Let's step out for a minute."
Monika led Sayori out of the clubroom, gently taking the smaller girl's hand. Sayori blushed and smiled slightly at the gesture.
They stepped into the hall, and Monika sat down on the floor, motioning for Sayori to join her.
She did so, hesitantly, taking Monika's hand again.
"So. What's on your mind?" Monika prompted, squeezing Sayori's hand.
Sayori frowned, biting her lip.
"I guess I'm sad." she mumbled. "I didn't want to accept it at first, but I just don't know how to feel happy anymore."
Monika nodded.
"I'm sorry, Sayori. What made you happy before?"
Sayori blushed, then looked away shyly.
"You... and the other club members. Now... I just feel like a burden. Like no one wants me here."
Monika smiled, looking down at her lap.
"Sayori... we all love you and want you here." she said softly. "And... well... I like you a lot more than you probably think."
Sayori stared at Monika.
"W-what do you mean?"
"I... I'm not sure. All I really know is I like you."
There was a slight giggle on Sayori's lips.
"Really? You mean..."
Monika nodded.
"Sayori, whatever happens, I want to make you feel good again. I care about you so much."
Sayori leaned closer to Monika, giving her a soft kiss on the cheek.
"Honestly... I feel the same way about you. W-will it make you happy if..."
Monika pulled Sayori close and kissed her, this time on the lips.
"Sayori, you make me happy. Nothing would make me happier than to be with you."
Sayori hugged Monika close, sobbing into her shoulder.
"Thank you, Monika. You make me so happy."
Monika smiled, rubbing Sayori's back.
"I love you, Monika."
"I love you too, Sayori."