(I walked into the clubroom, ready to start a new day in the club. I can see Yuri, Sayori, Ayano, and Monika - and they all had happy expressions on their faces. Ayano had also brought her 2-month-old son with her.)

Sayori: “Natsuki! Take a look at this!”

(Sayori lifted up her school uniform, revealing her 4-month bump to all of us.)

Sayori: “I’m starting to show! And she’s starting to kick!”

Yuri: “That’s wonderful, Sayori. Have you noticed any changes in your cravings or mood lately?”

Sayori: “Oh yes, the cravings are out of control! I can’t stop eating pickles and ice cream together. And sometimes I feel like crying for no reason at all.”

Monika: “That’s totally normal, Sayori. Pregnancy can really do a number on your emotions and appetite.”

Ayano: “I can relate. My little one here has been keeping me up at night, but it’s all worth it when I see his smile.”

(She gestured to her baby, who cooed in response.)

Natsuki: “Aww, he’s precious. I can’t believe how fast time has flown by. It feels like just yesterday we were all in high school together.”

Yuri: “Indeed. But now we have all grown in our own ways and are starting our own families. It’s quite exciting, and I’m grateful to have all of you by my side.”

Sayori: “Me too! And hopefully, in a few months, we’ll have another member to add to our little club.”

(We laughed and hugged each other, feeling joyful and content in the moment. Just then, we heard a knock on the door.)

Monika: “Come in!”

(A strange-looking girl walked into the room. She had long white hair and red eyes - and she was taller than any of us.)

???: “Sorry if I disturbed you. I’m Charloette. I recently moved here from the Nether.”

Natsuki: “The Nether? Like from Minecraft or something?”

Charloette: “Yes, actually. It’s a long story, but I ended up being able to transfer to your world. And I heard about this club from someone in town, so I thought I’d come check it out.”

Ayano: “Well, welcome to our club, Charloette. We’re the Literature Club.”

Yuri: “Yes, we share our love for reading and writing with each other.”

Charloette: “That’s fascinating. I myself am quite fond of literature, especially Gothic novels and fantasy stories.”

Sayori: “Oh, you’ll fit right in then! We’re always looking for new book recommendations and discussions.”

Monika: “Absolutely. And if you’re interested, we’re actually putting together a book fair at the end of the month. We’d love to have you join us.”

Charloette: “I would be honored. Thank you all for being so welcoming.”

(She leaned down to face me and reached out a hand. And then…a long white tentacle. Shortly after, she revealed 8 more tentacles - she was part human, part Ghast.)

Natsuki: (Taken aback) “Oh…uh, that’s…different. I didn’t know there were hybrids like that.”

Charloette: “It’s not common, but it’s not unheard of either. My mother was a human and my father was a Ghast from the Nether, hence my ability to shift between both worlds.”

Ayano: “That’s really interesting. I’ve never met someone with such a unique heritage before.”

Yuri: “Indeed. We should celebrate our differences and learn from each other’s experiences.”

Sayori: “Exactly! That’s what makes our club so special.”

Charloette: “I’m glad to have found a place where I can be myself. Thank you all for accepting me.”

Monika: “Of course, Charloette. Diversity only adds to the richness of our club.”

(We all smiled at each other, feeling grateful to have each other’s company and open-mindedness. We may come from different backgrounds and worlds, but our love for literature binds us together. Just then, Ayano’s phone started ringing.)

Ayano: (answering the phone) “What is it, Kokona? I’m surprised the school allowed you to bring your phone to dance class. But why did you decide to call me while in dance class?”

(We could hear Kokona’s voice on the phone. She was surprisingly calm, despite the fact she was using the dance skills she and the others were learning in order to push her baby out.)

Ayano: (panicking) “Kokona, are you giving birth right now?”

Kokona: (still calm) “Yes, I think so. I’m in the middle of contractions, and I felt the baby coming.”

Ayano: “Oh my gosh, don’t move! I’ll call an ambulance right away.”

Kokona: “No, it’s fine. I just need to finish dance class, and hopefully my baby will be born.”

(We all gasped in shock and concern.)

Natsuki: “What?! That’s insane, Kokona! You should be getting medical help!”

Kokona: (still calm) “I can’t miss this class. It’s important. More importantly, the dance moves are easing the contractions.”

Ayano: “Kokona, this is not the time to be worrying about dance class. Your health and your baby’s health are more important.”

Kokona: “I know, Ayano. But I’ve waited so long for this opportunity. And I don’t want to miss it. Ahh…I think I’m starting to feel the head coming through.”

Ayano: “Kokona, listen to me. You need to stop dancing and focus on getting medical help.”

Kokona: “But I’m so close to welcoming my daughter! I want everything to go perfectly with this dance. NNNNGH…now I think the shoulders are coming through!”

Ayano: “Kokona, this is serious. Please, for the sake of yourself and your baby, stop dancing and seek medical attention immediately.”

(We could all hear Kokona letting out a scream of pain, and then…the cries of a newborn baby. And just like that, the dance class was over.)