Taste Test

And just like that, everyone started preparing for the cultural festival. Today is Monday, which also means it's the first day of preparing for the cultural festival next week.

Anticipation lingered in the air as I approached the clubroom door. Carefully, I eased it open, revealing Natsuki engrossed in the meticulous art of cupcake creation. 

The sweet aroma of baking cupcakes wafted through the room, adding an air of excitement to the proceedings.

"Hm? Looks like it's just me and Natsuki first, huh..." I mused, my gaze fixed on her focused form.

Seemingly oblivious to my presence, Natsuki continued her baking ballet. Her small frame moved with purpose as she whisked batter in a bowl, a sight both endearing and dedicated.

. I decided to capitalize on the opportunity to inject a bit of lightheartedness into the serious business of festival preparation.

Taking silent steps, I tiptoed closer, the thrill of anticipation growing with each careful movement.

Just as I readied myself to execute my playful surprise, a floorboard betrayed my stealth. Natsuki's head turned with feline precision, catching me in the act. I froze, caught mid-step, a guilty yet amused grin on my face.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded, a mix of annoyance and curiosity in her eyes.

Unable to resist, I owned up to my mischievous intent.

"Thought I'd sneak in and give you a little scare. Cupcakes looking good, though."

Natsuki huffed, attempting to maintain a stern facade. "Well, don't distract me. We need these for the festival, you know."

Amused, I leaned against a nearby desk, observing as she resumed her cupcake craftsmanship.

"Say, can I also help?" I asked, my eyes beaming with eagerness.

"Huh? Well, you can help," Natsuki conceded, her attention divided between the cupcakes and me.

"Really?!"

There was real excitement at the thought of joining this baking fun. I was looking forward to contributing my culinary knowledge to the project.

"You can help by staying silent there as I focus."

"Booo~~"

Natsuki chuckled, softening her tone. "Alright, alright, here you go, become my taste-tester."

The atmosphere in the room transformed into a playful banter, a delightful respite from the festival preparations. Natsuki, in her own way, extended an invitation to share in the joy of creation, and I accepted with a grin. 

I savored the cupcake's sweetness, savoring every bite of Natsuki's baking marvel.

"Mmm! It's delicious!" I exclaimed, relishing the flavor.

"You can bet my cupcakes are going to steal the show at the festival!" Natsuki declared with confidence.

"Hey, can I take some home?" I asked eagerly.

"Seriously? No way! They're still in the experimental phase. These are for the cultural festival, you know!" Natsuki retorted.

"Oh, come on," I pouted playfully.

Natsuki stole a quick glance at me munching on the cupcake, her cheeks flushed slightly. "Well... If you really want, I'll bake more cupcakes just for you..."

"Really?!" I responded, pleasantly surprised.

"Y-Yeah," she mumbled, looking away bashfully.

"Wow! You're an angel!" I exclaimed, overwhelmed by her kindness.

"W-What? No way! Don't make me sound like Sayori! Can't you just leave so I can focus here?" Natsuki protested, flustered.

"But I'm your official taste tester, right?" I teased.

"Gah! You're no help at all!" Natsuki groaned.

With a mischievous smirk, I playfully shoved the rest of the cupcake into her mouth.

"Sweets are said to calm down short-tempered people," I teased, trying to lighten her mood.

"M-a-k-i!!" Natsuki sputtered, chewing the cupcake and shooting me an exasperated look.

I laughed, enjoying the playful banter. "Okay, okay, I'll leave you alone now!"

"Don't you dare show your face here again!" she exclaimed in mock anger, sticking her tongue out.

"Calm down short-tempered!~"

Before I left, I secretly captured this amusing moment, taking a screenshot and recording it in the game files.

I exited the clubroom and caught sight of other students preparing for the cultural festival. The sight triggered a haunting memory.

"Cultural Festival was never an event since Monika deleted the files..."

The recollection of Day 4's distressing events flashed through my mind, the nightmares and the eerie sequences that unfolded.

In that moment of the game...

Natsuki would usually engage in a brief conversation with the protagonist about her poem before slipping him a note. The contents pleaded for help for Yuri, expressing deep concern and the fear of making things worse by interfering.

As I reminisced, I felt a shiver run down my spine. Those glitches, the unsettling changes in Natsuki, her pale complexion, and the blank expression she wore like a mask. The repeated phrase, "Just Monika," echoed in my thoughts.

But from now on, the game's trajectory will change as I approach the cultural festival event.

As I strode down the hallway toward the cafeteria, a sudden shiver ran down my spine, sending a chill through my body. It was an eerie sensation, like an unseen gaze fixed upon me.

Abruptly, I turned on my heel, scanning the area in all directions, but there was no one there—just the usual hustle and bustle of students moving about, absorbed in their own activities.

I rubbed my arms, trying to shake off the strange feeling. "What was that?" I muttered under my breath, a sense of unease lingering within me.