(NOTE: This takes place in my Happily Ever After!AU, where Monika and Kenji reset the world, giving the others self-awareness, and allowing them to live as normal people. They remember everything Monika did, but forgive her)

TW: Mentions of depressive thoughts

The sky was gray, clouds swirling around the setting sun. Streetlights had just begun,  flickering on as Monika and Sayori started to walk home from Natsuki's house. "You think Nat and Yuri are gonna go on a date soon?" Sayori asked, pulling up the bright yellow hood of her raincoat. Monika smiled, doing the same with her pastel green one

 "I hope so. Those two are absolutely perfect together!" She said, smiling brightly and taking out her umbrella. "You better get your umbrella out. Even with your coat, you'll get soaked in the storm." She added, opening the bright red umbrella.

Sayori paused for a moment, "Uh..." She laughed nervously. "Don't tell me you forgot, Sayori." Monika sighed, stopping her walk to look back at her friend.

"Well, you see... I didn't not forget!" She said, shrugging a bit. Monika sighed again, holding her umbrella out slightly to make space for Sayori. She had to admit, Sayori's forgetfulness could be endearing sometimes. But, she couldn't help but be worried for her. It was frequent and concerning. Of course, Sayori seemed to be getting better than she had been, but it hurt to see her friend so broken still.

Sayori smiled gratefully, a pang of guilt going through her. She didn't want Monika to be so concerned for her. She didn't want anyone to be concerned for her.

She felt her mind become almost scrambled as she moved under the umbrella. The waves of guilt and internal torment grew louder and harsher in her heart and mind. It became so unbearable, she could hardly breathe, feeling dizzy and almost sick.

She stopped walking, making Monika pause as well in concern. Sayori felt hot tears rolling down her cheeks, the need to sob creating a lump in her throat.

"I-I'm sorry, I feel so stupid! I-I don't mean to make you feel bad!" She said apologetically, shutting her eyes tightly, not wanting to look at Monika. Seeing her would only make everything hurt more.
Sayori couldn't bear to see the concern in her expression, the fear in her wince, or the guilt in her bright green eyes.

After what felt like an eternity, but was only about ten seconds, Sayori felt something wrap around her hand. It was a gentle but firm grasp from another hand. The other hand carefully pulled Sayori to a place to sit down. She reluctantly opened her eyes, which were still pouring tears. Monika had brought her over to the stone steps of the former's house, which was fortunately nearby, letting her sit down to take a moment and calm down.

"You don't need to apologize to me, Sayori..." Monika said quietly, turning away and letting her hands hang between her knees. "I should apologize to you... I hurt you so much, and you deserve a lot better. You're an amazing person, and I'm so, so sorry about everything." She said.

Sayori stared at Monika in confusion. "M-Monika... I-I-" She cut herself off, tackle-hugging the latter. Monika's heart sank, trying to not break down in front of the other. Sayori, between her shaky breaths, whispered, "I-I love you, I really do..."

Monika could no longer hold it all in. Hearing that finally shattered the crack around the wall around her heart. She started sobbing, trying her best to stammer out the reciprocated feelings of affection.

After an hour, the two of them managed to calm down, smiling at each other in pure amazement. "I didn't just mean like a friend, Monika..." Sayori admitted, holding back the fear of rejection. "Neither did I," Monika responded, smiling softly.

The former's heart fluttered. "Really?" She whispered. "Of course, Sayori. You're absolutely amazing and kind, and you always want to help everyone. I just want to make you feel happy." She moved her hand closer. "Any way I can." She added. Sayori smiled, holding Monika's hand in her own.

Thunder and lightning cracked around them, but it didn't seem to bother them. They were in their own world, just being together, feeling happy now.

This is for @mandylaren23 thank you for the prompt! I might start shipping this too now-