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Yin Kitty I seriously think I might be a bad person

Kitty Why? ('• ω •')ﾉ I think you're a lovely person! ヾ(' ▽ ' )

Yin I saw this girl getting tormented by this someone just now. Like she was being treated REALLY bad. And instead of doing anything about it, I just hid away and watched. I was too scared to do anything. I was worried I'd be targeted too.

Kitty Uhh ('• ω •') Ok? I don't understand what the issue is? (˶╹̆ ▿╹̆˵)

Yin I should have done something.

Kitty No. Why would you do that? It's not your business. Yin, ur too niiiice (˶‾᷄ ⁻̫ ‾᷅˵) It's actually pretty cute.

Yin ??? It was the right thing to do though

Kitty So? ( ˘•ω•˘ )

Yin 🗿 I'm actually surprised we're disagreeing on this. You wouldn't step in to help someone in need if you could?

Kitty (⭒•͈ 𓎺 •͈ ) no? How would that benefit me in any way? And, as I said, it's not our business to intervene. ('・ω・｀) You have such a pure heart, Yin. You are too kind. (ㅠ﹏ㅠ) It would be best if you didn't get involved with other's peoples' affairs. You did the right thing (ﾉ_；)ヾ(' ∀ ' )

Yin Kitty... I can't believe I'm asking this but are you a psychopath

Kitty How could I be a psychopath? ('• ω •') I care about you and mom ♡ Please don't beat yourself up over it, Yin. I'd hate for you to ever put yourself in a bad position. ( ;' - ';)

Yin So if it was me in trouble would you help because I am "beneficial" to you?

Kitty ( 'Д｀) Yin what are you implying?? I'd always help you out because you deserve to be happy and safe! (' ; ω ；') You're the most important person in the universe to me. Are u mad at me (ó﹏ò) I'm sorry if my way of thinking made you uncomfy. ('Ａ｀。) I just wanted to make you feel better (◞‸◟)💧

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You turned off your phone. A part of you would have preferred it if he had just scolded you. Since when had Kitty become so cold and callous? Months of speaking to him and you had never once picked up on this sort of sentiment. You had always assumed that you and him were alike, both in character and morals. Maybe he was just messing around, but even then, it felt like a strange thing to joke about. Then again, Kitty was prone to keeping his personal life hidden away from everyone. You had heard fragments of it here and there but nothing substantial enough to piece together who he truly he was. After your text conversation, you couldn't help but wonder if there were any other surprises about Kitty waiting to be uncovered.

You were still stood in the same hiding spot as before, back pressed against the wall, waiting. Listening. Praying. Nyoka and her friends still lingered around the same spot where they had terrorised the other female student. At this point, you didn't even care about going to the bathroom any more. You had had your daily dose of drama. To think you excused yourself for some peace and quiet, only to be met with this dilemma. Unfortunately, you couldn't escape. Being too afraid to move and draw attention to yourself, you decided it would be better to wait for the group to get lost.

Not daring to peek from behind the wall again, you listened intently with the hope that their voices would gradually get quieter and quiet as they descended down the hall. They did not. No, they only grew louder with laughter and excitement. Vulgar remarks about the girl from earlier were passed around. Comments about her appearance and status. Jokes far more vile than the ones you had head before. When would this end? Was this some kind of divine punishment for not intervening? Usually you'd text Kitty to pass the time but you were still feeling bitter about what he had said.

Whatever, you thought. They wouldn't stick around forever. Soon they'd be-

"BOO!" You jumped so hard at the sudden exclamation, you were certain that your heart had nearly leapt from your mouth. Eyes wide with surprise, you turned to see the green-haired girl stood beside you, arms folded and face etched with disgust. You had been so occupied with your train of thought that you didn't even hear her approach. You laughed nervously, hoping it would be dismissed as a silly joke.

"I'm not laughing. Why were you watching us?" She said, eyes squinting as she surveyed you up and down, clearly judging your posture and appearance. "I know I'm hot stuff but stalking isn't cute. That's fucking gross."

[Remember the "critical choices" mentioned back in the tutorial chapter? If you don't know what I'm talking about, I would highly recommend going back and reading about it as we're about to have out first set of critical choices. Obviously the stakes aren't that high yet but see it as a practice run. At the end of each choice section, I will reveal the points awarded for each dialogue option you chose. Keep track of how many points you have for the end of the chapter! If there's any confusion, please let me know as I understand I'm not the best at explaining things. Reminder that critical choices are marked with "➸"! Please refer to chapter 0 for more info.]

[Author's Note: Also reminder that [Y/n] in this book is an incredibly shy and socially awkward person so don't expect them to be serving cunt with their replies. Sorry!]

✧──────✧ "𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯, 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩. 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨?" ➸ A) Timid Silence [Read Section 1A] ➸ B) Apologetic Stammer [Read Section 1B] ➸ C) Unintended Sarcasm [Read Section 1C] ➸ D) Desperate Plea [Read Section 1D] ➸ E) Shy but Brave Retort [Read Section 1E] ✧──────✧

Section 1A You envied people who had the nerve to stand up for themselves. They made it seem so easy, so satisfying. Unfortunately for you, situations like this would only render you mute. You ducked your head shamefully, avoiding eye contact as her figured shadowed over you.

"'Maybe if I don't move or say anything, she won't see me...' Is that what's going on in your head right now? Actual NPC moment. There's no way you're having a freeze response to someone asking you a question." [✰CR] Section 1B "I... I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to stare! I wasn't stalking you or anything! I promise. I was just texting my friend and...uh well we- I was just gonna message him, and then you guys were... well, I got distracted. And I um..." The words seemed to spill out of your mouth involuntarily in a torrent. Nyoka watched in pure revulsion, her icy stare washing over you as though you were truly vomiting your sentences on to the ground. Stammer after stammer, her expression grew more frustrated at your blunders.

"Stop stop stop. I'm actually losing brain cells listening to this. It's giving 'M-m-my name is O-o-o-o-o-oli-oliver.' Form a coherent sentence. You know, like how they taught us in elementary school? Nothing you said made sense, dummy." [✰CR]

Section 1C "Sorry, I didn't realise standing in the corridor would be enough to upset you this much," you answered somewhat listlessly. You spoke from a place of genuine apology but the words somehow came out of your mouth with the slight edge of unintended sarcasm. Unaware of how your tone was perceived, you looked at Nyoka and waited for her response, hoping that that would be the end of it. Nyoka was quiet for a moment, visibly tasting your words on the tip of her tongue, contemplating. Nyoka was naturally scary when she spoke, but somehow she was even scarier when she didn't speak. You couldn't tell what she was thinking, what her thought processes was. After a few seconds of awkward silence, she burst out laughing. "Damn bitch, okay. Got a little sass in there. That's fun." She said, grinning coldly. [✰CR]

Section 1D "Please just leave me alone..." You tried your best to sound reasonably cool and disinterested but there was an audible tremor in your voice, tickling your words. Nyoka tilted her head, still staring at you. You were just like the other girl to her. Pathetic and quick to grovel at her feet. Nyoka wasn't impressed. "Are you begging? What the hell is going on today?! I'm surrounded by masochists. You'd think I have a gun to your head or something." [✰CR]

Section 1E "I'm so sorry," you began, eyes averted away from her cold, piercing gaze. She snorted at your feeble apology and opened her mouth to insult you, but then you continued. "You must be really empty inside if hurting people is the only for you to feel something."

A hush fell over you both. All that could be heard was the quiet chirping of her friends stood not too far behind, exchange looks and whispers one another. Nyoka's face immediately darkened, setting off an uneasy shiver down your spine. You shuffled uncomfortably as her eyes bore into you. You had seen many expressions of cruelty etched on to her face the ten minutes, but this one was different. It was intense, quietly seething.

But then her eyes flickered with that same sadistic joy again. She finally broke the silence, laughing so hard that even her friends were a bit uncomfortable. She sighed and wiped the tears of laughter away from her eyes.

"What in the main character moment was that? I think I nearly vomited from how corny that was. Did you steal that line from Weddit? Ahahaha, oh my god I'm gonna be replaying that in my head all day. I wish I had recorded it." [✰CR]

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~ END OF SECTION 1 ~ Points: - Timid Silence (+0) - Apologetic Stammer (+2) - Unintended Sarcasm (+3) - Desperate Plea (+1) - Shy Retort (+4) ══════

Nyoka stepped around you, circling you like a shark tasting blood in the water. She wore a toothy grin as her eyes scanned you up and down with curious judgement. Her eyes widened with intrigue, locking on to the device held in your clammy hands. Nothing this sudden interest in your phone, you instinctively clung to it tighter to ensure that she didn't try to snatch it away from you spur of the moment.

"Ohh, wait wait. I know you." She said contemplatively, waving her finger around like she was conducting a small orchestra. She closed her eyes and began quietly humming to herself as she tried to remember. Her eyes snapped back open and her grin widened. "Yeah yeah, you're that loser that's always staring at their phone. I've seen you around before. What's the deal with that? You texting your little e-kitten or something? You give me major catfish vibes I won't lie."

"Um, I mean I'm not t-"

She cut you off. "Sorry, I'm really not interested in your depressing Viscord life. You know what I am interested in though? What breaks people... what each person's limit is. Call me a psycho-bitch all you want, I don't care. I think it's fascinating stuff. Everyone has a breaking point, no?" Against your liking, she swung her arm over your shoulders and pulled you closer to her as though you were both buddies. "Well, my lovely stalker, you saw that Harper girl I was talking to, right? How she went absolutely berserk on me? Crazy. Don't feel bad for her though. She had it coming. Trust me. You though, I really can't figure you out. And no, I don't mean this in a 'you're so mysterious and alluring' kinda way. You're just so pathetically quiet, always avoiding people and acting on edge like you're in danger. Tell me- what's your deal, huh? What's the thing that breaks you?"

You side-eyed her. This felt like a rehearsed villain dialogue. So much so that you almost wondered if this was some kind of test. However, the eager spark in her eye seemed to suggest otherwise. This crazy girl was dead serious. She wanted to understand your weakness.

✧──────✧ 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶...? 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘥? ➸ A) Avoidant Answer [Read Section 2A] ➸ B) Nervous Truth[Read Section 2B] ➸ C) Deflective Joke [Read Section 2C] ➸ D) Subtle Challenge [Read Section 2D] ✧──────✧

Section 2A "Uhh... I don't know what you're talking about." You replied bluntly. I mean who did this girl think she was? Your therapist? There was no way in hell you were casually just gonna dish out secrets about your personal struggles and vulnerabilities. Especially not to this depraved sociopath. You might have well written a suicide note while you're at it.

Nyoka's face fell at your painfully generic response. She sighed and glanced at her nails nonchalantly.

"You really are an NPC, aren't you? Lame. This is what I get for trying to make friends with you autists. I'd probably have more fun talking to a wall than this shit." [✰CR] Section 2B "I guess... everything breaks me?" You didn't mean to sound so edgy and mysterious. You just thought that maybe if you gave her the objective truth, she'd find it amusing and leave. Even just leaving your flat to go grocery shopping was an overwhelming task for you at times. Perhaps you truly were as miserable as Nyoka described.

Nyoka loudly gagged at your answer.

"Ewwww. 'Everything breaks me.' Oh my god, someone pass me a vomit bag." She said, flapping her hands like she had just touched something incredibly disgusting. Her friends agreed, sneering at you from the background. What the hell? You didn't mean for it to come out like that but this reaction seemed a little overdramatic. "Ahahaha, wow that was so cringe. You people make this shit wayyy too easy for me." [✰CR]

Section 2C "Honestly? Probably social situations like this." Nyoka burst out laughing again, slapping you repeatedly on the shoulder as she swayed forward with giddiness. Her smacks hurt. Also your "joke" wasn't even that funny which led you to believe that she was probably laughing at some other aspect of your answer that you weren't aware of. You mentally braced yourself for whatever low-blow response she had brewing in the back of her throat.

"Haha! At least you're self-aware. Hey, I like that. Seriously, I do. Although, I also get the vibe that you take photos of trash cans and caption it with 'look, it's me.'"

You blinked in confusion. What did that have to do with anything? [✰CR]

Section 2D "I'm not that easy to figure out." You stated, laughing a little to ease off the nerves. Sure, anyone could sense that you were the typical, socially-crippled introvert scared of human interaction but there was more to you than that. And you certainly had no intentions of sharing those details with Nyoka of all people. Even Kitty didn't get to know the full depth of your character like that. Those secrets belonged to you and you only. Nyoka scoffed.

"Puh-lease don't goad me into a challenge. I can figure you out like the back of my hand. You're not as quirky as you think you are. I see it all. Avoidant attachment style, socially anxious, probably has issues with mommy and daddy at home, got bullied crazy hard at school, feeds off the attention and validation of horny, degenerate strangers online, definitely a catfish. Easy. Give me an A+ for that. I know people more than they know themselves." [✰CR]

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~ END OF SECTION 2 ~ Points: - Avoidant Answer (+0) - Nervous Truth (+3) - Deflective Joke (+2) - Subtle Challenge (+4) ══════

God, when would this interrogation end? When would she get bored? Was she waiting for to burst out crying like that other girl? To throw a measly punch at her face? Whatever her end goal was, it didn't seem like she was done just yet. For the past five minutes you had been slowly - ever so slowly - trying to shuffle away from her but with every small step you took to the side, she followed. She took a step closer to you, prodding a finger sharply into your chest. You felt her long, dark nails ever so slightly prick your skin from beneath the fabric of your clothes.

"I don't think people like you realise how much fun you make this for me. Watching you, a gross peeping tom, squirm? Priceless entertainment. I could do this all day. But now I wonder, how far are you willing to go to avoid me? I can already see it in your eyes how desperate you wish to escape me."

✧──────✧ ➸ A) Attempt to Appease [Read Section 3A] ➸ B) Passive Response [Read Section 3B] ➸ C) Unintended Challenge [Read Section 3C] ➸ D) Defiant Answer [Read Section 3D] ✧──────✧

Section 3A "I-I'll stay out of your way. I promise. You won't ever see me here again." You bowed your head slightly, praying that your gutless apology would be enough to satiate the girl's hunger for dominance. Though, a part of you panicked at your own commitment. There was no determining whether or not you'd see her again. Even if you actively did everything you could to avoid her, all it took was a misfortunate turn in the wrong direct, a bump in the corridor. How could you possibly know where Nyoka would be at all times?

Nyoka grimaced at your submission. As much as she enjoyed watching those beneath her squirm and grovel at her feet, your sorry display was mildly entertaining at best. You were just like everyone else. A dog that could neither bark no bite. For a split second, her eyes almost seemed to pity you, but you knew this couldn't possibly be the case. No, there was no kindness or sympathy behind those cold, reddish brown orbs. She craved your humiliation.

"Aww, that's cute. But where's the fun in leaving you alone? Maybe I don't want you to avoid me." [✰CR] Section 3B "I guess... I'll just have to deal with it." You looked down at your feet, hands toying with the sleeves of your top. There was no point in denying it. You wouldn't do anything about Nyoka's ill-behaviour - just like when you saw her abusing that poor girl. No action on your end would ever occur. You were the perfect victim. Born to be prey. Born to have every ounce of your being ripped apart and picked on by vultures. It was easier to just accept your fate.

"Wow. I think you've just succeeded my expectations. You're even more pathetic than I originally thought. Like damn, fight back, tell me to off myself, cuss. Do something. At least that Harper chick had the guts to swing at me - even if she did fail miserably at it."

[✰CR]

Section 3C "I think I'll survive." You said, shrugging her off. You had meant it in a sort of 'I will just deal with it' kind of way. Truthfully, it wasn't the first time you had been targeted by petty bullies in your life and you were sure it wouldn't be your last. In other words, you were used to this treatment. Everywhere you went, bad luck seemed to follow you, attracting all the worst people possible. This was the curse you had learned to live with.

However, the glint in Nyoka's eyes unsettled you. Her face was marked by intrigue and excitement. She saw your response as a challenge. A challenge to break your resolve.

"Now that's the spirit!" Nyoka said, slapping your back. "You'll survive. Of course you will. Why wouldn't you?" [✰CR]

Section 3D "To be quite honest, you don't scare me as much as you think you do." This was a bold-faced lie. Nyoka may be petty and pathetic person, but you had every reason to fear her. She knew how to ruin a life. It was her specialty, and one of the reasons why people - even those far braver than you - chose not to fuck with her. However, you hoped that your answer would make her lose interest in you. After all, she was testing you, seeing if you would make the perfect prey for her and her friends. Showing weakness at a time like this could have terrible consequences.

"Oh wow. Love that. Did a pre-schooler give you that comeback?" She scoffed. "No seriously, I love a good challenge. You're so badass and braaave~"

Judging by her response, you'd think she didn't like that answer, but her face said otherwise. Curiosity was etched upon her face, eyes wide with surprise and intrigue. She must have been expecting you to grovel at the ground and beg for her not to harass you. [✰CR]

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~ END OF SECTION 3 ~ Points: - Attempt to Appease (+1) - Passive Response (+0) - Unintended Challenge (+3) - Defiant Answer (+4) ══════

────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────

END OF ALL CRITICAL CHOICE SECTIONS

┈➤ 0-5 points: Continue reading the chapter

┈➤ 6- 9+ points: Go to chapter 20.5

────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────

Yet another long and drawn-out silence stood between you two. Anticipation. Waiting. Waiting for something to happen, waiting for her to act, waiting for her to continue her torment. But nothing occurred. Nyoka pulled out her phone, visibly disinterested in you.

"This is so boring," she said, turning from you. Her friends followed her as she - at last - began walking away. "I'm fucking starving. Let's go eat out. I'd rather put Harper's foot in my mouth than eat the shit they sell here."

Somewhat dumbfounded, you watched quietly as the group of young adults descended down the corridor and out of the nearest exit. Was that really it? Just like that? It's not like you wanted them to torment you further, but you couldn't help but feel on edge about everything that had just happened. Surely, this wasn't the end of it?

A part of you sensed that you should celebrate your freedom from the interrogation, but instead, tears rolled down your face. A flushed hue spread across your cheeks. You had been holding the waterworks in as to not show weakness but now you had completely lost control. Not wanting anyone to possibly witness your little meltdown, you buried your face into your sleeves and roughly wiped at your eyes. It just wouldn't stop.

There was no way you could return to class now. Not like this. The last thing you wanted was people fussing over you and making you feel even more emotional. You checked your phone, realising that Kitty had been spamming you the whole time.

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Kitty I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry Kitty Yin, are you mad at me? |ω；｀) Did I say something wrong?? .·°՞(¯□¯)՞°·. I'm really sorry if I did!!（ｉДｉ） Please don't leave me! ('；д；)('；д；)('；д；)('；д；) I will kill myself. I'll do anything to make it up to you! (;'д｀)

Kitty Where are you? I got out of class early. We can talk properly now.

【Missed Call from Kitty】

Kitty Yin please please pick up!! ('；д；') Let's sort this out together. (　；∀；) Like we always have? You don't have to say anything! ('；д；) Please answer Let me apologise to you ('• ᴗ •̥'✿)

【Missed Call from Kitty】

Kitty Yin Are you talking to someone right now? (..◜ᴗ◝..) If you are, you should walk away ( °ヮ° ) They're not worth your time. ( ˊ͈ ꒳ ˋ͈) ദ്ദി(•̀ ᗜ <) I know! I'll call you again so you have an excuse to leave You should definitely pick up

【Missed Call from Kitty】

Kitty I don't understand!! ('；д；) (╥﹏╥) You really must hate me But I still love and care about you so so much. I can hurt myself for you, if you want? To prove how sorry I am. (҂ ꒦ິヮ꒦ິ) Just tell me what you want me to do. ( ' ˘ ') Kitty Are you okay? You're not in danger, are you?? ..( ˶óᯅò) !! Do you need help?! ( ꩜ ᯅ ꩜;)

【Missed Call from Kitty】 【Missed Call from Kitty】 【Missed Call from Kitty】 【Missed Call from Kitty】 【Missed Call from Kitty】 【Missed Call from Kitty】 【Missed Call from Kitty】

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Thank god you had your phone on silent. Nyoka would have had a field day if she had seen all these deranged notifications flash up on your phone screen. You grimaced a little at Kitty's desperate spam. You knew he liked to pretend to be super clingy and weird as a joke but this was taking it a bit too far, no? With a deep sigh, you opened up the chat messages and finally replied.

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Yin Kitty, I am fine and alive! Don't worry Also I wasn't ignoring you on purpose. Something came up so I got distracted

Kitty YIN (,,>ヮ<,,)! Yinyinyinyinyinyinyinyinyinyinyinyinyinyinyinyin I MISSED U SO MUCH!! ✧。٩(ˊᗜˋ )و✧*。 I'm so happy you're back!! I was worried!! ((o(;△;)o)) I nearly did something bad! Are you okay? ('；д；) Did anything happen??!

Yin Nope. Just same old boring college stuff! The usual lol

Kitty (·ω·) Hmm. Really ... Well if you say so!! (≧ヮ≦) 💕 I'm just glad you're here and talking to me ♡ You're so delightful, Yin ( ⸝⸝'꒳'⸝⸝) Never do that again.

Yin Well bitch damn I went offline for 5 minutes

Kitty (·ω·) 7 minutes. 37 seconds.

Yin ho what

Kitty It's okay, I forgive you |ω·') So we're back to normal now, yes? ٩̋(ˊ•͈ ꇴ •͈ˋ)و What will you do now? ( • ̀ω•́ )✧

Yin I think I'm going to go home

Kitty That's a good idea! ( ദ്ദി ˙ᗜ˙ ) ♡ You should rest up ♡ It's been quite a day, hasn't it? ('・ω・')

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