Monika, Yuri, Natsuki, and Sayori were all focused on their culinary class, the warm scents of sugar and vanilla filling the air as they worked on their cakes. Monika and Sayori were partnered together, while Yuri and Natsuki laughed and exchanged playful banter as they mixed their ingredients. As Sayori glanced over at Yuri and Natsuki, her heart sank a little. The way they giggled and smeared frosting on each other’s noses felt like a barrier she couldn't cross. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy as she watched Yuri’s eyes light up with joy, the kind of joy that seemed so exclusive to Natsuki. Sayori’s frown deepened, and her brows knitted together, as conflicting emotions swirled inside her. Why did Yuri have to be so beautiful? Why couldn’t she see that Sayori wanted to be close to her too? Tightly gripping the large spoon in her hand, Sayori felt her knuckles turn white. She tried to focus on the mixing bowl in front of her, but her mind kept drifting back to the laughter and camaraderie that seemed so effortless between her friends. Monika, ever observant, noticed the shift in Sayori’s demeanor. She could be perceptive to her best friend's feelings, even when Sayori tried to hide them. Concerned, Monika reached out and gently tapped Sayori on the shoulder. “Are you alright, Sayori?" she asked softly, her voice laced with empathy. Startled, Sayori snapped out of her fog. She quickly put on a forced smile, trying to mask her internal turmoil. “What? Oh, I’m fine! Just... frustrated with the process of making this cake,” she replied, attempting to sound cheerful. Monika scrutinized her for a moment, skepticism etched across her face. She could tell there was more to it. The way Sayori's eyes flickered with insecurity and longing was hard to miss. However, understanding that pushing too much wouldn’t help, Monika decided to let it go—for now. Instead, she turned her attention back to their cake, hoping that Sayori would eventually open up when she was ready.