Literature Club: Return to their reality

Chapter 10: Revelations

A few hours later (at least for them; on my side it's actually the next evening) we arrive at the clubroom. In fact, we've spent the last half an hour digging through Monika's wardrobe. It's never a good sign when a woman is looking through her clothes with such expression, but this time there literally is a gaping void with occasional running code she fishes them out of. Sorting through things that aren't properly rendered (making a bunch of notes on what to fix) or are in need of some adjustments (even more notes) or just lack a matching skirt (predictable... will need to go shopping... ugh) or just aren't fitting for the occasion, we finally settle on an elegant black dress and a matching black ribbon. And a cute heart-shaped necklace with a large emerald.

It's still a while until the last lesson ends and the others arrive, so we use this time to gather our thoughts. Should we really spill it all out? And how to approach such a topic?

If only we could communicate such hard things to others as easily as... Actually, that's it! We do have a co-conspirator.

"Maybe we should talk to Sayori first, what do you think?"

Monika looks at me for a few moments, before agreeing with the idea and summoning her console. I barely get a glimpse of the quickly appearing lines of code, but the last command seems to be creating a sound limited to a specific volume. And I'm pretty sure it's aimed at Sayori's classroom. Heh, someone's quite resourceful, isn't she?

A few minutes later, Sayori indeed appears at the door. She does look somewhat somber, but brightens up upon seeing me here.

"Oh, hello there Player! I'm so glad you're joining the Club after all! Or should I call you" – and she uses my name, by which she knows her boyfriend – "at least when in private?"

"I don't mind either way, as long as it isn't confusing for you," I reply. "I know, the situation is hard to wrap your mind around, and we've just spilled it all on you yesterday."

"It's OK. But may I ask you something? How long have you been involved for?"

"When the game starts?" I clarify. "It's the day you brought him to the Club. And if I'm not mistaken, it's also when Monika got the first glimpse of the real world."

Monika silently nods in agreement.

"But I knew him long before that!" Sayori says. "How is that possible for the two of you to share a name then?"

"Retroactive continuity," Monika answers. "When the player inputs the name, your memories are adjusted to know MC by this name."

"MC," Sayori sighs. "I guess I should start getting used to that."

"I'm sorry. Maybe I should have input another name this time, knowing where this is going," I say. "I just wanted to start this as authentic as possible, before starting to break the script."

Meanwhile, Sayori moves a chair and sits down right besides Monika. "Are you alright?" she asks quietly.

"Why do you ask?" Monika asks back.

"You are dressed in all black! And nobody has seen you at the school today. Did anything happen?"

"Everything."

Sayori puts her hand on Monika's shoulder. "Hey, what's really bothering you?"

"Sayori... It's really you? Real you – as real as me," Monika murmurs, averting her gaze. "I'm... I'm so sorry... What have I done?! I don't deserve your forgiveness, just know that I'm really sorry for everything. Sayori... poor dear Sayori..."

Sayori gently hugs Monika. "Come on! Haven't I already told you yesterday? Whatever happened in that other game – it wasn't you!"

"Except now it was me."