(In the clubroom…)

Monika: (without her ribbon in her hair for some reason) “Hmm…now where did I put that?”

Yuri: “Monika, what are you looking for?”

Monika: “Oh, hey Yuri! I’m looking for my ribbon, but it seems to have gone missing. I always keep it in my hair, but today it’s nowhere to be found. Have you seen it anywhere?”

Yuri: “Hmm, I don’t recall seeing it. Maybe you misplaced it somewhere else? Have you checked your bag or the books on the shelf? It might have gotten tangled up in there.”

Monika: “I’ve already checked my bag, but I haven’t thought of looking among the books. That’s a good suggestion, Yuri. Let me try that.”

(Yuri watches as Monika starts searching through the shelf, carefully examining each book and gently flipping through its pages. After a while, Monika’s phone starts ringing - it was from Sayori.)

Monika: “Oh, excuse me for a moment, Yuri. It’s Sayori calling. I wonder what she wants?”

(Monika answers the call and puts it on speaker.)

Sayori: “Monika…I found your ribbon. Or…what’s left of it at least.”

Monika: “What?! Sayori, where did you find it?”

Sayori: “I found it in MC’s room.”

Monika: “In MC’s room? But why would my ribbon be there?”

Sayori: “I don’t know, Monika. But…it’s all shredded up. But MC doesn’t even have a dog! I think he just left it there for you when the earthquake knocked it right into the shredder.”

(Monika’s expression turns sad, and her eyes widen in disbelief.)

Monika: (whispering) “I…I can’t believe it. My ribbon, shredded…in MC’s room? But why would he do that? And during an earthquake…?”

Yuri: (concerned) “Monika, what’s wrong? What did Sayori say?”

Monika: (voice trembling) “Sayori found my ribbon…in MC’s room. She thinks…he left it there for me, but it’s all torn apart. I just…I can’t wrap my head around it.”

Yuri: (softly) “I’m sorry, Monika. That must be really difficult for you. Can I do anything to help?”

Monika: (sniffles) “I…I don’t know, Yuri. I feel so hurt and confused. Why would MC do something like this? It doesn’t make any sense.”

Yuri: (reassuringly) “Sometimes people behave in ways we can’t understand. It’s possible that it was a mistake or a misunderstanding. Maybe he didn’t even realize it was your ribbon. But you can always buy a new one!”

(Monika just looks away, crying.)

Yuri: (softly) “I’m sorry, Monika. I didn’t mean to upset you further. I understand that it’s not just about the ribbon. It’s about the meaning behind it and the emotions attached to it. I know it hurts, but maybe there’s a chance to talk to MC and find out his side of the story. It could be a misunderstanding or something he didn’t even realize he did.”

Monika: (sniffles) “You’re right, Yuri. I should talk to him and try to understand what happened. Maybe there’s a chance to resolve this and clear up any misunderstandings.”

Yuri: “I think that’s a good idea, Monika. Communication is key, and it can help prevent any assumptions or further hurt. I’m here for you if you need any support or someone to talk to.”

Monika: (smiles weakly) “Thank you, Yuri. I appreciate your support. It means a lot to me. I’ll try to talk to MC and hopefully, we can work through this.”

(Yuri gives Monika a reassuring smile and a gentle pat on the back.)

(A few months later - Monika’s birthday)