(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “…what on Earth happened in here?”

Yuri: “I’m not quite sure myself, Monika. It looks like a tornado swept through the room!”

Natsuki: “Ugh, Sayori must have been here. She’s always so messy.”

Sayori: (pokes her head in) “Hey guys! Oops… Did I create a mess again?”

Monika: “Sayori, we’ve talked about this. Please try to be more careful. It’s hard to find books when they’re scattered all over the place.”

Sayori: (sheepishly) “Sorry, Monika. I’ll clean it up, I promise!”

Yuri: “No worries, Sayori. I can help you organize the books if you’d like.”

Natsuki: (rolls her eyes) “I can’t believe we have to clean up after her again.”

Monika: “Natsuki, let’s try to be understanding. We’re all members of the literature club, and it’s important for us to support each other.”

Natsuki: (reluctantly) “Fine, I’ll help.” (to herself) “God, all this pregnancy weight will make this difficult…”

Monika: “Did you say something, Natsuki?”

Natsuki: “N-nothing! Let’s just get this over with.”

(The group begins to gather and sort the scattered books. Monika and Yuri help Sayori while Natsuki tries to find a place to put the books neatly.)

Monika: “Sayori, maybe we can come up with a system to organize the books so they don’t end up all over the place again. Any ideas?”

Sayori: “Well, maybe we can sort them by genre or author? That way, it’ll be easier to find the books we’re looking for.”

Yuri: “That’s a great idea, Sayori. We can also create a book log to keep track of our collection and who has borrowed which book.”

Natsuki: “I guess that could work. As long as everyone actually puts the books back where they belong.”

Monika: “Exactly. And we can also encourage each other to be more mindful of the clubroom’s cleanliness. It’s important to maintain a welcoming and organized space for everyone.”

(Slowly but surely, the group manages to clean up and organize the literature clubroom. They step back to admire their work.)

Monika: “Well done, everyone. The room looks so much better now.”

Sayori: “Yeah, it feels good to have everything in order. Thanks for helping me, guys.”

Yuri: “Of course, Sayori. We’re here to support each other.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, yeah. At least now we won’t have to play ‘hide and seek’ with the books anymore-” (clutching her belly) “…oh no…oh, no, no…not for another 2 months, Sakura…”

Monika: “Natsuki, are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Natsuki: (panicking) “I…I think my water just broke. I’m going into labor!”

Yuri: “Oh my goodness! We need to get you to the hospital right away!”

Sayori: “Don’t worry, Natsuki. We’ll take care of everything. Monika, call an ambulance!”

Monika: (dialing emergency services) “Yes, hello. We have a friend who is in labor and needs immediate medical attention. We’re at the school literature club. Please hurry!”

(While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, the rest of the club members rush to gather Natsuki’s belongings and provide any support they can.)

Yuri: “Natsuki, try to stay calm. Remember to breathe. We’re here for you.”

Sayori: “You’re going to be okay, Natsuki. Just hang in there.”

Monika: “The ambulance is on its way. They’ll take care of you, Natsuki. Just keep breathing and stay strong. We’ll be with you every step of the way.”

(Natsuki manages to stay as calm as possible despite the unexpected turn of events. However, minutes go by with no sign of the ambulance.)

Monika: “Why is it taking so long? They said they would be here quickly.”

Yuri: “I hope they didn’t get lost. We need to get Natsuki to the hospital as soon as possible.”

Sayori: “Maybe we should call them again just to make sure they didn’t forget about us.”

Monika: “Good idea, Sayori. I’ll give them a call again.”

(Monika dials emergency services once more, feeling the tension rise in the room.)

Monika: “Hello, this is Monika from the school literature club. We called for an ambulance for our friend who is in labor, and we’re still waiting for it to arrive. Is there any update?”

Dispatcher: “I apologize for the delay. We have been dealing with multiple emergencies in the area. I assure you the ambulance is on its way and should be there shortly. Just hold tight.”

Monika: “Thank you, please hurry.”

(Nervous glances are exchanged between the club members as they try to offer reassurance to Natsuki.)

Yuri: “Natsuki, try to keep breathing. The ambulance will be here soon.”

Sayori: “We’re here for you, Natsuki. You’re so brave, and everything will be alright.”

(Natsuki tries her best to remain calm, but the discomfort and waiting are starting to take their toll.)

Natsuki: “I can’t…I can’t do this much longer. It’s hurting so much…I think I need to push.”

Monika: “Hold on, Natsuki. Just a little longer. The ambulance will be here soon. You’re doing amazing.”

Yuri: “Remember to breathe and try to stay focused. We’re here to support you.”

Sayori: “You’re so strong, Natsuki. We believe in you. We’re all here for you.”

(Natsuki clenches her fists and takes deep breaths, trying to gather her strength.)

Natsuki: “Okay, I’ll try… I’ll try to hold on.”

(Minutes go by, the ambulance still nowhere to be seen. Natsuki’s pain intensifies, and the club members become increasingly worried.)

Monika: “I can’t believe this is happening. Where is that ambulance?”

Yuri: “Natsuki, you’re doing so well. We just have to hang in there a little longer.”

Sayori: “I’m sorry, Natsuki. I never should have made that joke earlier. This is all my fault.”

Natsuki: (through gritted teeth) “It’s not your fault, Sayori. Just…please…help m-”

(Suddenly, Natsuki feels an intense pressure and her body begins to push on its own, unable to hold back any longer.)

Natsuki: (panicking) “Oh no, I can’t…I can’t stop it! The baby is coming!"

Monika: “Oh my goodness! We need to assist her. Get some towels and blankets!”

Yuri: “Right away, Monika!”

(As the club members scramble to get everything ready, Natsuki’s contractions become more frequent and intense. The pain is unbearable, but she stays as strong as she can.)

Natsuki: “I can’t do this…it hurts so much!”

Sayori: “Natsuki, you’re doing amazing! Just a little longer, and the ambulance will be here!”

(Yuri returns with towels and blankets, and they quickly arrange them to create a makeshift delivery area beside Natsuki.)

Monika: “We’re here for you, Natsuki. You can do this. Just keep pushing.”

(Natsuki screams in agony as she continues to push, her body trembling with effort. The club members offer words of encouragement and support. Just then, MC enters the clubroom, having heard the commotion from outside.)

MC: “Sorry I’m late, guys! What’s going on?”

Monika: “MC, it’s an emergency! Natsuki went into labor, and we’re delivering the baby here!”

MC: (shocked) “Oh my goodness! Is there anything I can do to help?”

Sayori: “We need you to grab some hot water and towels. And be quick!”

(MC rushes out of the clubroom and returns with the requested items as fast as he can.)

MC: “I got them! Where do you need me?”

Monika: “Take those towels and keep them warm, and then pass them to Yuri. She’ll need them for when the baby arrives.”

(MC takes on his assigned role, heating up the towels and passing them gently to Yuri. The minutes tick on, and the atmosphere in the room becomes even more tense.)

Yuri: “I can see the head! Keep pushing, Natsuki!”

Natsuki: (straining) “I…I’m trying!”

Monika: “You’re doing great, Natsuki. Just a little more!”

(With one final push, Natsuki gives it her all, and a cry fills the room as the baby is born into Yuri’s waiting hands. The club members share a collective sigh of relief and joy, with Natsuki crying tears of happiness and exhaustion.)

Natsuki: “Sakura! Oh, my goodness, you’re finally here! I can’t believe it…I have a baby!”

MC: (holding back tears) “Congratulations, Natsuki! You did an incredible job. Sakura is beautiful.”

Yuri: (carefully cleaning the newborn) “Welcome to the world, little one. You have a brave and wonderful mother.”

Sayori: (teary-eyed) “I can’t believe we just delivered a baby in the literature clubroom. This is a story to tell for a lifetime.”

Monika: (smiling) “Natsuki, you’ve shown such strength and resilience. Sakura is lucky to have you as a mother.”

Natsuki: (snuggling her baby) “Thank you, everyone. I couldn’t have done it without all of your support. This is the best club ever.”

{7 YEARS LATER}

(At Natsuki’s place…)

Sakura: “Mom, when will my brother be here?”