(In the clubroom…)

Monika: “Alright, let’s see who’s here. Sayori?”

Sayori: “Yeah, I’m here.”

Monika: “Yuri?”

Yuri: “Y-Y-Yeah…”

Monika: “Ayano?”

Ayano: “Of course!”

Monika: “Kotonhoa?”

Kotonhoa: “M-hm!”

Monika: “Himari?”

Himari: “Yep!”

Monika: “Kiyomi?”

Kiyomi: “You bet!”

Monika: “Natsuki?”

(Silence.)

Monika: “…Natsuki, are you there?”

(Still silence.)

Monika: “Where’d Natsuki go?”

Sayori: “Maybe she stepped out for a moment? I don’t know, I’m out of ideas. Kotonhoa, could you give her a call?”

Kotonhoa: “Sure, let me give her a call.”

(Kotonhoa takes out her phone and dials Natsuki’s number.)

Kotonhoa: “Hey, Natsuki! We’re all here in the clubroom. Are you on your way?”

Natsuki: (over the phone, slightly in pain) “Actually, Kotonhoa…I’m at the hospital right now. I can’t believe little Sakura’s entering the world at only 7 months…this’ll hurt so much…”

Kotonhoa: “W-W-What?! Natsuki, what happened?! Why are you in the hospital?!”

Natsuki: “I-I started having contractions earlier today…I didn’t expect it to happen this early. They’re keeping me here for monitoring and to try and delay the labor if possible…”

Monika: “Oh no, Natsuki! That’s terrible! Is there anything we can do? Should we come to the hospital?”

Natsuki: “N-No, it’s fine…I mean, there’s not much you can do. Just…wish me luck, okay? I’m really scared…”

Yuri: “Natsuki, we’ll be here for you. Don’t worry, everything will be alright. Just focus on taking care of yourself and the baby.”

Sayori: “Yeah, Natsuki, we’re all rooting for you! You’re strong and brave, you can get through this. Just remember to keep breathing and stay positive.”

Kiyomi: “Sending you lots of positive vibes, Natsuki! I know it’s a scary situation, but try to stay strong for Sakura. The doctors will do everything they can to take care of both of you.”

Himari: “Natsuki, you’re not alone in this. We’re here for you every step of the way, even if we can’t physically be there with you. You and Sakura are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Kotonhoa: “Please take care of yourself, Natsuki. Let us know if you need anything and keep us updated on how you’re doing. We’re all here for you, okay?”

Natsuki: “Thank you, everyone…I really appreciate your support. I’ll keep you updated on the situation.”

(Back in the clubroom, after ending the call…)

Monika: “We need to make sure we support Natsuki as much as we can. Let’s all send her messages of encouragement and let her know we’re thinking of her and Sakura.”

Yuri: “That’s a great idea, Monika. We may not be able to be there physically, but our words can still offer comfort and reassurance.”

Himari: “I agree, let’s each write a heartfelt message and compile them together. It’ll show Natsuki just how much we care.”

Sayori: “And let’s make sure to include some cute and funny memes or pictures too, to bring a smile to her face. Laughter can be a great source of reassurance in tough times.”

Kotonhoa: “I’ll also contact the rest of the literature club members who couldn’t make it today, and let them know what’s happening. It’s important for them to be included and supportive, too.”

(Just then, Kotonhoa’s phone rings.)

Kotonhoa: “It’s Natsuki! She’s calling back!”

(Kotonhoa answers the call.)

Kotonhoa: “Natsuki, how are you holding up? Could they delay the labor?”

Natsuki: “No, they couldn’t delay it. Sakura’s coming, no matter what. They said they’ll do their best to ensure her safety, but I’m still really scared…”

Kotonhoa: “Don’t worry, Natsuki. We’ll be there soon, okay?”

Natsuki: “No, Kotonhoa, it’s fine. I don’t want you all to worry or inconvenience yourselves. Just knowing that you’re thinking of me and supporting me is enough.”

Monika: “Natsuki, we want to be there for you. We’re a team, and that means supporting each other through the good times and the tough times. We care about you and Sakura, and we want to help however we can.”

Yuri: “Natsuki, please let us come to the hospital. We want to be by your side, holding your hand and offering words of encouragement. It’s important to have a support system during times like these.”

Sayori: “Yeah, Natsuki, you’re not alone. We want to be there to offer you comfort and love. Plus, I’m really good at making people laugh, so I can help lighten the mood!”

Kiyomi: “Natsuki, we’re not asking for permission to be there. We’re just telling you that we’re coming. Your well-being and Sakura’s safety are our top priorities, and we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you both are okay.”

Himari: “Natsuki, we care about you so much. We want to be there to support you emotionally and mentally during this difficult time. Please let us be there for you.”

Natsuki: (sighs) “Okay, fine. But only if you promise not to make a big deal out of it. I don’t want everyone at the hospital knowing my business.”

Monika: “We promise, Natsuki. We’ll be there discreetly, respecting your privacy. We just want to offer our love and support, and be a source of comfort for you.”

Kotonhoa: “Thank you, Natsuki. We’ll all be heading to the hospital right away. Stay strong, we’ll see you soon.”

(With determination, the Literature Club members gather their belongings and head towards the hospital, ready to support Natsuki and welcome little Sakura into the world.)

(At the hospital…)