Doki Doki: A Typical Romance

Chapter 5

"Uwahh, I'm all spent!"

Sayori leaned against the wall of the living room, stretching her arms and legs to shake off the fatigue from a long day of painting the bedrooms. It was already late in the evening when the group finally finished their work.

Right now, Sayori and MC were in the living room, while the other three were busy in the kitchen preparing dinner. The coral-haired girl was eager to help, but they had insisted she had done enough. (Honestly, she had put in as much effort as MC, showcasing her boundless energy.) MC was more than happy to take a rest.

"Why are you on the floor? There’s a perfectly good sofa right here," MC said, sitting down onto the cushion.

"Oh yeah, I forgot."

"How did you forget something like that?"

Sayori stood up, connected her index fingers nervously, and then plopped down beside him. "Mmm... I could really use a good sleep right now..."

"And you wanted to help with dinner?"

"H-hey, I just want to be useful, that's all..."

She yawned, and MC watched her, thinking. After a moment, he sighed and pulled her closer, resting her head on his shoulder. She blushed, surprised by the sudden gesture. "M-MC?"

"You looked tired, so just relax."

For a brief moment, she was quiet, then she giggled softly.

"What’s so funny?" MC asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing, you're just such a sweetheart, you know?"

He turned away, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Don’t make a big deal out of it."

A comfortable silence enveloped them for a few seconds before Sayori broke it. "Hey, MC?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you happy?"

Intrigued by her question, he asked back, "Why?"

"Just asking."

"Well," MC said, giving it a thought, "I think this is the happiest I've been."

"Why?"

"Because now I have the literature club with me."

"Do you think everyone else is happy too?"

"I hope so."

"...have I managed to make everyone happy?"

That question triggered MC's concern. Glancing at Sayori, he could see she had the same smile she always has on her face. But for some reasons, he could feel a feeling of somber radiating from her.

"Sayori, do you have anything in your mind?"

She let out a heavy sigh and responded, "Can... can I tell you something, MC?"

He nodded, waiting for her to start.

Sayori took a deep breath a let it out slowly, finding the courage to say the words. Monika said he will understand, she thought. After a few moments, she spoke,

"I... I have depression."

MC froze upon hearing that. Sayori, his cheerful and bubbly childhood friend was suffering from such a condition? No, she must be joking. This was not something you could take lightly. "You... you're kidding, right?"

She straightened her body and turned to him, still smiling. "Do you remember when my parents died?"

"...two years ago?"