(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Sayori, are you okay? With that baby bump, you’re basically ready to pop.”

Sayori: “Oh, Monika! You always know how to lighten the mood. Yeah, I’m okay, just feeling a bit uncomfortable lately. I can’t wait for my little bundle of joy to arrive.”

Natsuki: “Seriously, Sayori? You shouldn’t be joking about that. Pregnancy is a serious matter. Are you sure you’re getting enough rest and taking care of yourself?”

Sayori: “Don’t worry, Natsuki. I’ve been consulting with my doctor, and I’m following all their advice. Plus, I have all of you to support me through this.”

Yuri: “Indeed, Sayori. We’re here for you, no matter what. Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and we’re excited to be a part of it with you.”

Monika: “Exactly! And I’m sure we can help you with any preparations you might need assistance with. Is there anything we can do to help, Sayori?”

Sayori: “Thank you all so much. Your support really means the world to me. Actually, there is something I could use your help with. I’ve started looking into baby essentials, like cribs, strollers, and clothes, but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. Would any of you be interested in helping me research and make a list of items I’ll need?”

Natsuki: “Of course, Sayori! I’ll help you find the best deals and make sure you’re getting everything you need within your budget.”

Yuri: “I could help you with researching the best brands and products. I’m quite meticulous when it comes to details, so I’ll make sure everything is safe and reliable.”

Monika: “Count me in as well! I can look into local baby stores and check for any upcoming sales or promotions. We want to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money.”

Sayori: “Thank you, everyone. I really appreciate it. This will make the whole process a lot easier for me. And I’m sure my little one will be so grateful to have such caring aunties, right from the start.”

(They all share a warm smile and begin working on the preparations together, supporting Sayori every step of the way. Suddenly, the door creaks open and MC enters the room.)

MC: “Hey, everyone! What’s going on here? I heard you all talking about baby stuff.”

Monika: “MC! We’re actually helping Sayori with her preparations for her baby. Isn’t that exciting?”

MC: “Wow, that’s amazing! Congratulations, Sayori. I had no idea you were expecting.”

Sayori: “Surprise! Thank you, MC. I’m so glad you’re here too. You can join us in researching baby essentials if you want.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, MC, we could use an extra pair of hands. Plus, we know you’ll be great at picking out cute baby clothes.”

Yuri: “Absolutely, MC. This will be a collective effort, and it would be lovely to have you involved.”

MC: “I’d love to help, guys. Sayori, you can count on me for anything you need. We’ll make sure everything is perfect for the little one.”

Sayori: (clutching her belly in pain) “Oh, ow…! They’re starting…!”

Monika: “Sayori! Are you okay? Is it time?”

Sayori: (wincing) “I think…I think the contractions are starting. It’s happening, guys!”

Natsuki: “Oh gosh, we need to get you to the hospital! MC, call an ambulance!”

MC: (panicking) “Right, right! I’ll call for help immediately!”

Yuri: “Stay calm, Sayori. We’ll be right by your side through this. Just breathe and focus on your breathing techniques.”

Monika: “You’ve got this, Sayori. We’ll make sure you get to the hospital safely.”

(As they wait for the ambulance, the club members support and comfort Sayori as her contractions intensify.)

Sayori: “Thank you all for being here. I couldn’t ask for a better support system. I love you guys.”

MC: “We love you too, Sayori. You’re going to do amazing. Just hang in there.”

Natsuki: “Remember to breathe, Sayori. In and out. You can do this.”

Yuri: “Stay strong, Sayori. This is just a part of the journey. Soon, you’ll be holding your little one in your arms.”

Monika: “You’re so brave, Sayori. We’re all here for you, every step of the way.”

Sayori: (feeling her pain greatly intensify) “AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!! Guys…?!”

Monika: “The ambulance is on its way, Sayori! Just hold on a little longer. We’re right here with you.”

Sayori: “I-I-I-I don’t think they’ll arrive in time! M-M-My water just broke! This baby is coming out right now!”

(With a mix of panic and determination, the club members quickly gather their wits and start assisting Sayori.)

Monika: “Okay, okay! We need to help deliver the baby ourselves then. Natsuki, grab some clean towels and water. Yuri, sterilize anything we might need. MC, hold Sayori’s hand and try to keep her calm. I’ll guide you through the process.”

MC: (nervously) “Alright, I’ll do my best. Sayori, just focus on breathing, okay? We’re going to get through this together.”

Natsuki: (returning with towels) “Here, take these. We can use them to clean the baby once they arrive. Sayori, you’re doing great. Just a few more pushes.”

Yuri: (carefully sterilizing a pair of scissors) “I’ve sterilized these scissors, Monika. We may need them to cut the umbilical cord. Sayori, you’re so strong. Just keep pushing.”

Monika: “Alright, Sayori, as the next contraction comes, I need you to push with all your might. We’ll guide the baby out slowly. You’re almost there.”

(Sayori gathers all her strength and with one final push, the baby arrives, crying loudly.)

MC: (overwhelmed with emotions) “It’s a girl! Sayori, you did it! You’re a mom!”

Sayori: (teary-eyed) “Oh…oh my gosh. I did it? We did it! She’s here…my precious little girl.”

Natsuki: (smiling) “She’s adorable, Sayori. You did an amazing job. You’re going to be an incredible mom.”

Yuri: (examining the baby) “Congratulations, Sayori. She’s healthy and beautiful. A true blessing.”

Monika: (holding back tears) “Sayori, this is such a miraculous moment. You’ve brought a new life into this world. We’re all so proud of you.”

MC: (gently touching the baby’s cheek) “She’s perfect, just like her mom. Sayori, you’re going to be the best mom anyone could ever ask for.”

(Sayori, holding her baby girl in her arms, looks up at her friends with overwhelming love and gratitude.)

Sayori: “Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I couldn’t have done this without you. I’m so lucky to have you all in my life.” (looking back at her daughter) “And I’m so lucky to be your mom, my sweet little baby. I think your name will be…Sachiko.”

(The room is filled with joy and tears as the club members gather around Sayori and her newborn daughter, Sachiko. They take turns holding the baby, marveling at her tiny features and showering her with kisses.)

Monika: “Sachiko…what a beautiful name, Sayori. It suits her perfectly.”

Natsuki: “She’s so tiny and precious! I can already tell she’s going to bring so much happiness to your life, Sayori.”

Yuri: “I can’t help but imagine all the wonderful memories you’ll create together, Sayori. Sachiko is lucky to have such a loving mother.”

MC: “I’m just in awe…seeing this new life enter the world is truly remarkable. Sachiko, you’re going to have an incredible mom, surrounded by people who will support and love you unconditionally.”

Sayori: (overwhelmed with emotions) “I can’t believe she’s finally here…Sachiko, my sweet little Sachiko. You’ve made our lives complete.”

(Sayori gently cradles Sachiko in her arms, her heart brimming with love and a sense of fulfillment. The club members take turns offering words of encouragement and support. Together, they celebrate the miracle of life and the bond they share as friends.)

Monika: “Sayori, we’re so grateful to be a part of this journey with you. We’ll continue to be here for you and Sachiko every step of the way.”

Natsuki: “Absolutely! We’re like a second family to you now, Sayori. And we’ll do everything we can to make sure Sachiko has a safe and happy upbringing.”

Yuri: “Whenever you need advice or someone to lean on, Sayori, never hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you through the sleepless nights, the challenging moments, and the immeasurable joy that parenthood brings.”

MC: (smiling at Sayori and Sachiko) “I couldn’t agree more. Sayori, you’ve shown incredible strength and resilience. We’re all so proud of you. And Sachiko, we promise to be the best ‘aunties’ and ‘uncle’ to you.”

(Sayori’s eyes well up with tears of gratitude as she looks at her precious daughter. She knows that raising Sachiko won’t be easy, but with the support of her friends, she feels a sense of hope and confidence.)

Sayori: “Thank you, everyone. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I can’t express how much your support means to me. Sachiko and I are truly blessed to have you all in our lives. And…would you like to hold her, MC? You’re her father, after all.”

MC: (taken aback) “I…I don’t know what to say, Sayori. I never expected this, but I’m honored. Of course, I’d love to hold her.”

(MC carefully takes Sachiko into his arms, feeling a mix of nervousness and overwhelming joy. As he cradles his daughter, he can’t help but be filled with a profound sense of responsibility and love.)

MC: “Hello there, Sachiko. I’m your dad. I may not have been prepared for this, but I promise I’ll do everything in my power to be the best father I can be. You’re a part of me and Sayori, and we’ll cherish and protect you always.”

(Sachiko, in turn, gazes up at MC with innocent eyes, as if understanding the love that surrounds her. The club members, witnessing this tender moment, are moved to tears.)

Monika: “MC, you will make an incredible father. We’re here for you both, every step of the way. Sachiko is lucky to have you.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, MC. We may have stumbled into parenthood, but we’ll figure it out together. Just know that we’re all here to support you and Sayori.”

Yuri: “Parenthood is a journey that few can truly prepare for, MC, but I have no doubt that you have the capacity to care for Sachiko with all the love and dedication in your heart.”

(Sayori smiles at MC and Sachiko, grateful for the love and acceptance everyone has shown. Together, they embark on a new chapter of their lives, with the literature club by their side.)

Sayori: “Thank you, everyone, for embracing MC and Sachiko as part of our family. This may not have been what we expected, but I’m confident that with all of you, we’ll create a loving and nurturing environment for our daughter.”

MC: “And I promise, Sayori, that I’ll be there for you every step of the way. Sachiko and you are my world now, and I’ll do everything I can to be the father you both deserve.”

(The club members exchange heartfelt smiles, their bond stronger than ever before. As they continue to support Sayori, MC, and Sachiko through the joys and challenges of parenthood, they know that their friendship and love will always endure.)

{7 YEARS LATER}