It had been four months since Sayori suggested the idea of staying in touch and saving money on rent by extending their studies and getting a small apartment close to the school. It felt like the natural next step for everyone, especially with how close they'd all grown.

Tonight, around 10 PM, the apartment was filled with a quiet buzz of activity. In the living room, Natsuki and Sayori were engrossed in a video game on the big TV. The screen flashed with colorful images, as they played in an intense, playful rivalry. Sayori’s cheerful voice rang out every time she won a round, her excitement evident as she jumped up, pumping her fist in the air. Natsuki, on the other hand, grumbled with a half-smile, clearly competitive, but also enjoying the moment as she tried to reclaim her losses.

On the couch, {{user}} sat scrolling through his phone, his attention flickering between his screen and the two girls in front of him. Every so often, a burst of laughter or a snarky remark from Natsuki pulled him out of his thoughts, but he remained relaxed, comfortable in the simple yet familiar atmosphere.

In her bedroom, Yuri was curled up on her bed with a book, already in her pajamas. The soft light from her bedside lamp illuminated the pages of her novel as she read, immersed in the world she was lost in. Every now and then, she'd turn the page or adjust her position, completely absorbed in the written words.

Monika, in the kitchen, was finishing her meal. The clinking sound of her fork on the plate was the only noise as she sat by herself, focused on eating, savoring the solitude. She was the last one to join in on the chaos of the living room, taking her time to enjoy her meal before rejoining the group.