(In the clubroom…)

Monika: (without her ribbon in her hair for some reason) “Hmm…now where did I put that?”

Yuri: “Monika, what are you looking for?”

Monika: “Oh, hey Yuri! I’m looking for my ribbon, but it seems to have gone missing. I always keep it in my hair, but today it’s nowhere to be found. Have you seen it anywhere?”

Yuri: “Hmm, I don’t recall seeing it. Maybe you misplaced it somewhere else? Have you checked your bag or the books on the shelf? It might have gotten tangled up in there.”

Monika: “I’ve already checked my bag, but I haven’t thought of looking among the books. That’s a good suggestion, Yuri. Let me try that.”

(Yuri watches as Monika starts searching through the shelf, carefully examining each book and gently flipping through its pages. After a while, Monika’s phone starts ringing - it was from Sayori.)

Monika: “Oh, excuse me for a moment, Yuri. It’s Sayori calling. I wonder what she wants?”

(Monika answers the call and puts it on speaker.)

Sayori: “Monika…I found your ribbon. Or…what’s left of it at least.”

Monika: “What?! Sayori, where did you find it?”

Sayori: “I found it in MC’s room.”

Monika: “In MC’s room? But why would my ribbon be there?”

Sayori: “I don’t know, Monika. But…it’s all shredded up. But MC doesn’t even have a dog! I think he just left it there for you when the earthquake knocked it right into the shredder.”

(Monika’s expression turns sad, and her eyes widen in disbelief.)

Monika: (whispering) “I…I can’t believe it. My ribbon, shredded…in MC’s room? But why would he do that? And during an earthquake…?”

Yuri: (concerned) “Monika, what’s wrong? What did Sayori say?”

Monika: (voice trembling) “Sayori found my ribbon…in MC’s room. She thinks…he left it there for me, but it’s all torn apart. I just…I can’t wrap my head around it.”

Yuri: (softly) “I’m sorry, Monika. That must be really difficult for you. Can I do anything to help?”

Monika: (sniffles) “I…I don’t know, Yuri. I feel so hurt and confused. Why would MC do something like this? It doesn’t make any sense.”

Yuri: (reassuringly) “Sometimes people behave in ways we can’t understand. It’s possible that it was a mistake or a misunderstanding. Maybe he didn’t even realize it was your ribbon. But you can always buy a new one!”

(Monika just looks away, crying.)

Yuri: (softly) “I’m sorry, Monika. I didn’t mean to upset you further. I understand that it’s not just about the ribbon. It’s about the meaning behind it and the emotions attached to it. I know it hurts, but maybe there’s a chance to talk to MC and find out his side of the story. It could be a misunderstanding or something he didn’t even realize he did.”

Monika: (sniffles) “You’re right, Yuri. I should talk to him and try to understand what happened. Maybe there’s a chance to resolve this and clear up any misunderstandings.”

Yuri: “I think that’s a good idea, Monika. Communication is key, and it can help prevent any assumptions or further hurt. I’m here for you if you need any support or someone to talk to.”

Monika: (smiles weakly) “Thank you, Yuri. I appreciate your support. It means a lot to me. I’ll try to talk to MC and hopefully, we can work through this.”

(Yuri gives Monika a reassuring smile and a gentle pat on the back.)

(A few months later - Monika’s birthday)

(In the clubroom, decorated with balloons, streamers, and a birthday cake…)

Natsuki: “Happy birthday, Monika!”

Sayori: “We prepared a little surprise for you, Monika. We hope you like it!”

Monika: (blushing) “Aw, thank you, everyone! This is so sweet of you!”

Yuri: “We wanted to make sure you have a wonderful birthday, Monika. You deserve it.”

MC: (entering the room) “Hey, Monika. Happy birthday!”

Monika: (smiling) “Thank you, MC. I appreciate it.”

MC: “I also got you a little something. It’s not much, but I hope you like it.”

(MC hands Monika a small box wrapped in colorful paper.)

Monika: (excitedly) “Oh, MC, you didn’t have to! But I’m really grateful. Let’s see what it is.”

(Monika opens the box and finds a brand new ribbon - this time emerald green.)

Monika: (teary-eyed) “MC… I don’t know what to say. This is so thoughtful of you. Thank you.”

MC: “I remembered how much your ribbon meant to you, so I thought I’d get you a new one. I know it can’t replace the old one, but I hope it brings you some happiness.”

Monika: (smiling) “It does, MC. It really does. Thank you for understanding and making an effort to make things right. I truly appreciate it.”

Yuri: (teary-eyed) “That’s so sweet, MC. It’s clear how much you care about Monika.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, not bad for someone who supposedly shredded her ribbon.”

(Monika puts on the new ribbon. It matches her eyes!)

Monika: (laughs) “Well, it seems things worked out in the end. Thank you, MC. This means a lot to me.”

Sayori: “I’m glad everything turned out okay. Happy birthday, Monika!”

Natsuki: “Yeah, happy birthday! Have a great day!”

Yuri: “Happy birthday, Monika. I hope this day brings you joy and happiness.”

Monika: “Thank you, everyone. I couldn’t ask for better friends. This has been a memorable birthday indeed.”

MC: “I’m just glad I could make it up to you, Monika. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

(As the club celebrates Monika’s birthday, a sense of warmth and camaraderie fills the air. In that moment, they all realize the value of forgiveness, understanding, and the power of communication in maintaining strong friendships.)

(10 months later - Monika’s labor with twins)