Just a Usual Day

As the girls left, leaving the house in temporary tranquility, a sense of idleness settled upon me.

I found myself sprawled on the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling.

"I have nothing to do, huh..."

Curiosity nudged me, and the thought of checking up on Monika crossed my mind. Lifting my arm lazily, I swiped through the air, revealing a set of holographic consoles. With a few taps on a hologram keyboard, I opened a chat with Monika.

"What are you up to?" I typed and sent it, wondering what her response would be.

Her reply came swiftly, marked as "seen." It seemed she was efficient.

Monika is typing...

"I'm currently planning for the cultural festival, Hehehe. What about you? Let me guess what you're doing."

"Bring it," I responded, intrigued by her attempt to guess.

Monika is typing...

"Lazing around the sofa as we talk."

I couldn't help but widen my eyes at the accuracy. A smile crept onto my face. "Did you spectate me with the system?"

"I wonder~ I also heard that Natsuki and Yuri went to your house and made some prototypes for the festival."

"Oh? I see that you've been watching me with the system. Should I remove that so I can have my privacy?" I teased.

"Ahh! No no no! Don't do that," she replied, punctuating her words with a pout sticker.

"Nah, I'm just messing with ya, but seriously don't do it."

"I won't~"

she assured me but I can tell she's spectating me right now.

Despite the banter, a chuckle escaped me. The dynamics between us, even in this digital exchange, added a layer of playfulness to the day.

Geez, just because I gave her fewer administrator permissions didn't mean she wouldn't find ways to keep an eye on me.

The digital conversation with Monika concluded, and I swiped the holographic console to the left, letting it disappear from my sight. A notion crossed my mind.

"I should go buy some groceries."

Despite the ability to summon anything with my admin powers, a decision to act like a genuine human being nudged me.

I stepped out, and to my surprise, Sayori emerged from the gates as well.

"Ah."

Our eyes met, and Sayori, ever the cheerful one, initiated a slow wave as she approached.

"Hello!" she greeted with her signature grin.

"Hey there," I responded, mirroring her smile.

A brief silence lingered between us.

"So, where are you off to?" we both blurted out simultaneously.

I chuckled, "Heading to grab some groceries. You?"

"Hmm... I was thinking of taking a stroll, but since you're here, mind if I join you?"

"Sure, but you won't be asking for anything, right?"

"Ehh! Meanie! Maki, do you always assume I'm going to ask you for things?"

"...Yeah."

Sayori dramatically slumped as if struck by an emotional arrow.

"A-Ahh! Just kidding! It's a joke!"

"Meanie..." Sayori pouted, looking up at me with mock indignation.

The playful banter set the tone as we continued our walk towards the grocery store.

As Sayori and I strolled towards the grocery store, the playful banter continued.

"You know, Maki, you're really terrible sometimes," Sayori teased, nudging me with her elbow.

"Hey, you're the one who said it first," I retorted, grinning.

We reached the store, and as we entered, the cool air and array of products surrounded us.

Sayori's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Alright, Sayori, don't get too carried away. We're just here for groceries, not a shopping spree."

"I know, I know," she replied, but her eyes told a different story.

I grabbed a basket, and we started navigating the aisles. Sayori, being Sayori, couldn't resist picking up snacks and sweets.

I knew it.

"Maki, can we get these?" she asked, holding up a bag of cookies with a pleading look.

"Sayori, those are not on the list," I said with a faux stern expression.

"But Maki, they're on sale! A great deal!"

"Alright, but just this once."

As we continued, our banter echoed through the store. Sayori's infectious laughter drew a few curious glances from other shoppers which is slightly embarrassing for me.

Once we completed our shopping, we headed to the checkout. Meanwhile, Sayori was still eyeing a display of colorful sweets on the shelf.

Is she a kid or something?

"Sayori, we've got enough sweets."

"Okay, okay, no more sweets," she agreed reluctantly.

The cashier scanned our items, and as we left the store, our bags filled with groceries, Sayori couldn't help but grin.

"Thanks for letting me tag along, Maki. It was fun!"

"Fun, you said? you were eyeing a lot of the sweets you know?"

"Hehehe"

I sighed, "Anytime, Sayori. Just don't bankrupt me with your snack cravings."

As Sayori and I enjoyed our laughter, the grocery shopping escapade became an unexpectedly delightful adventure. By the time we reached the side of the road, bags in hand, an unfamiliar figure approached us.

"Sayori, you're here?" he greeted, a warm smile on his face.

"Student Council President! Good afternoon!" Sayori responded cheerfully.

President? Who is this guy?

I turned to Sayori, silently questioning her with my eyes. She merely grinned in response.

"You must be Maki? Nice to meet you. Monika and Sayori speak highly of you," he said, extending his hand for a handshake.

His appearance, demeanor, and everything about him was throwing me off. He wasn't part of the original game characters.

A feeling of unease settled in.