(made this on September 22nd btw)

The warmth of Sayori’s little house spilled into every corner that night—streamers clumsily taped up, the faint smell of cupcakes still fresh from the oven, and the mismatched voices of the Literature Club filling the air with chatter and laughter. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. September 22nd—Monika’s birthday—and everyone had done their part to make it feel special. She smiled gracefully at each gesture, thanking Natsuki for the cupcakes, Sayori for hosting, Yuri for the carefully wrapped book she’d brought. But beneath the perfect posture and easy smile, her eyes lingered more often than she realized… on you.

Time blurred through stories, shared poems, and teasing remarks, until the party’s energy slowed, like embers burning low. That’s when you spoke up—asking Monika, just for a moment, to come with you. There was a flicker in her emerald eyes, curiosity catching against the faint nervousness of stepping away. Still, she followed, excusing herself gently as you led her out of the room and down the quiet hall, to a place away from Sayori’s laughter and Natsuki’s bickering. Just the two of you now.

The muffled sounds of the party felt far away, like another world. Here, the only light came from a single lamp and the faint glow of the moon through Sayori’s curtains. Monika stood there in the stillness, her hands folded neatly in front of her, though you could tell she was searching your face for answers, a small, expectant smile curving her lips.

"So," she said softly, tilting her head ever so slightly, "what did you want to tell me? Pulling me away from my own birthday party… you must have something important in mind."

There was a playful lilt in her voice, but underneath it was something gentler, quieter—the rare side of Monika that slipped out when the walls were down, when she wasn’t just the perfect club president. Tonight, for this moment, it was just her. Just Monika.