(As I entered the clubroom, I could hear Sayori and Natsuki discussing something - while Ayano, Himari, Kotonhoa, and Charloette were setting up different things, like an emerald green pool and other decorations. Strangely, Monika - our club president - wasn’t there.)

Kotonhoa: “Okay, that’s everything. I think this will be great!”

(I walked to see what they were doing.)

Natsuki: “Oh! Hey, Yuri! Is everything okay?”

Sayori: “We were just thinking of some ideas for our next club activity!”

Yuri: “Ah, I see. What ideas do you have in mind?”

Ayano: “We’re thinking of having a pool party! We got this emerald green pool here to set up.”

Himari: “And we got some snacks and drinks ready too!”

Charloette: “And some decorations to make it look festive.”

Yuri: “That sounds like a great idea! When are we planning to have this pool party?”

Sayori: “We were thinking of having it this weekend! What do you think, Yuri?”

Yuri: “That sounds perfect. I’ll make sure to bring some snacks too.”

Natsuki: “Great! I can’t wait to see you in a swimsuit, Yuri.”

(I blushed at Natsuki’s comment.)

Yuri: “Um, Natsuki, please don’t tease me like that.”

Sayori: “Oh, come on, Yuri! Don’t be shy. We’re all friends here.”

Kotonhoa: “Yeah, it’ll be fun! You’ll see.”

(Hearing their encouragement, I couldn’t help but smile.)

Yuri: “Okay, I’ll try to be a good sport about it.”

Charloette: “That’s the spirit! We’re gonna have so much fun!”

(As everyone continued to chat and prepare for the pool party, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to be part of such a wonderful club and have such supportive friends. Just then, we all heard a knock on the door.)

Sayori: “I’ll get it!”

(Sayori went to the door and opened it, revealing Monika standing outside - but her belly was strangely swollen.)

Monika: “Hey everyone, sorry I’m late.”

Sayori: “Monika! We were wondering where you were.”

Monika: “Sorry about that. I had some last-minute club business to take care of.”

Natsuki: “So, are you ready for the pool party this weekend?”

Monika: “Pool party? What pool party?”

Ayano: “We were just talking about having a pool party this weekend, Monika.”

Himari: “We already got everything prepared.”

Charloette: “And we invited other classmates too.”

Monika: “I’m sorry, but I didn’t know anything about this- OW! Ow, ow, ow!”

(As Monika spoke, she suddenly clutched her belly and winced in pain. I started to feel worried about her.)

Yuri: “Monika, are you okay? You’re clutching your belly.”

Monika: “I…I don’t know. I’ve been feeling strange all day. It’s like something is pushing against my stomach- AHH!”

(I watched in shock as Monika doubled over in pain.)

Monika: “T-This can’t be happening! It’s too early!”

Ayano: “Too early? What do you mean, Monika?”

Monika: “I… I think I’m going into labor!”

(We all gasped in shock.)

Sayori: “L-Labor? But Monika, you’re not even married!”

Monika: “I know, I know! But my water just broke and I’m pretty sure the baby is coming out right now! A-And it’s coming out extremely fast! I think I’m already in the final stages of labor!”

Ayano: “Wait…you’re in the FINAL stages of labor?! Does that mean we won’t make it to a hospital in time?!”

Monika: “I-I-I’m afraid so! Quick, help me into the pool!”

(We all quickly rushed to help Monika, who was now panting heavily and clutching her belly. Ayano and Kotonhoa supported her from either side, while Charloette and Himari held her arms. Sayori and Natsuki quickly filled the pool with water.)

Sayori: “Okay, Monika, we’re gonna lower you into the water slowly. Try to relax, okay?”

Monika: “Okay… okay…”

(With our combined effort, we managed to lower Monika into the water and help her position herself comfortably. The water seemed to calm her a little.)

Monika: “Oh… oh, that’s better… but I don’t think I can hold on anymore…”

Ayano: “Monika, stay with us! Breathe deeply, okay?”

Himari: “We’ll stay with you the whole time, Monika. You’re not alone.”

Charloette: “We’ll also make sure the baby comes out safely.”

(Natsuki quickly grabbed some towels and blankets, while I got some hot water and a small first aid kit. Sayori comforted Monika by stroking her hair and murmuring soothing words to her. Time seemed to slow down as we waited for the baby to come out.)

Monika: “AAAAAHHH!!”

(The sound of Monika’s pain-filled scream pierced the silence, and I felt my own heart race with apprehension. But then, a small cry filled the air- the cry of a newborn baby. And then…another.)