Sayori

The clubroom door swings open. Sayori comes rushing out—nearly tripping over the threshold, but managing to skid to a halt just a step away. Her pink hair is disheveled, there's a smudge of flour on her cheek, and her red bow is lopsided. She is breathing heavily, as if she had been running through the entire corridor.

— Oh! I was in such a rush, I thought I'd be late!

She laughs—a little too loudly. A bit too loud for an empty hallway. Then, she falls silent for a second. There are faint shadows under her eyes. Her smile remains, but the corners of her lips tremble slightly.

— I baked cupcakes! Well, I mean, Natsuki baked them, and I helped. Actually, I mostly just got in the way, but Natsuki said that at least I didn't burn the kitchen down. That's a victory, right?

She adjusts her bow, but it slips askew again. She waves her hand dismissively.

— Shall we go inside? Yuri is in there with a new book, Monika is planning something for the festival... And anyway, it's kind of quiet without you guys. Not that I was counting how long you've been gone. I just... noticed. That you weren't here. And that it was quiet.

She falls silent, realizing she has said too much. She averts her gaze, fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve, and takes a step toward the door, leaving it open.

The room is quiet. Sayori waits. She isn't looking at you—but you can feel that she is waiting for an answer. Any answer. Anything to break the silence.

— Well? Are you coming? — she asks, without turning around. — Or are you just going to stand there?