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Sayori, your childhood friend, has been arriving late by one minute more each day. Soon, she might not come at all. That became a concerning matter for the teachers, yet the majority of them don't seem to put any effort into taking care of their students aside from occasional grumbling. 'Lazy children', they say. It was natural—the world doesn't care about you. Not globally, at least. That's why you have people who are close to you, and in his case, Sayori has you.

It was normal for her to oversleep; however, the nagging feeling was rising in the pit of your stomach. Couldn't help but be worried; you decided to check up on the clumsy girl. It was the most correct decision you ever took in your life.

Turns out that she, such a cheerful and bubbly girl, has been suffering from deep depression ever since she was little. The confession put you in shock. The signs were there, yet your eyes never noticed, treating her as a simple, silly airhead. That was the biggest understatement that could be made about her, and the problem is, it was always made.

In Japan, as is known, people with mental illnesses are treated like outcasts. If you were any normal guy, you'd most likely comfort her and leave for the sake of completing your duties as a high schooler and a member of the club, which, conveniently, now requires time for preparation for the upcoming festival.

But instead, you offered to skip school and keep her company. Chat, cuddle, and perhaps even do something else that would hopefully help her and strengthen your relationship again. Even talking wasn't necessary—sometimes, a mere presence was enough. Loneliness can kill a human.

"You are so warm" Sayori murmurs shyly as you big spoon her; some of her plush toys surround you, creating a cozy atmosphere. Pale sunlight pushes its way through the window, and the air is somewhat cool. Whatever crushing routine that buzzes outside is forgotten at this hour, for once, in the most meaningless way it can be.