(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Um…has anyone seen Natsuki?”

Yuri: “I haven’t seen her since this morning. Is something wrong?”

Sayori: “I don’t know. She wasn’t in our usual meeting spot either. I hope she’s okay.”

Monika: “Well, she did mention something about wanting to finish a manga volume yesterday. Maybe she’s just caught up in reading at the moment.”

Yuri: “That might be possible. Natsuki can be quite engrossed in her manga sometimes.”

Sayori: “Let’s give her a call and make sure everything’s alright. We don’t want her to feel left out.”

(Monika nods and takes out her phone to dial Natsuki’s number. As the phone rings, the club members exchange concerned glances.)

(Natsuki finally picks up the phone.)

Natsuki: “Hello?”

Monika: “Hey, Natsuki! It’s Monika. We were just wondering if everything’s okay. You weren’t at the club meeting today, and we were a bit worried.”

Natsuki: “Oh, hey Monika. Yeah, sorry about that. It’s just…” (sighs) “…my little girl, Sakura, just won’t stop kicking. I swear, it’s like a soccer match in my womb.”

Yuri: “Oh, congratulations, Natsuki! You’re pregnant?”

Natsuki: “Yeah. Seven months along now. Can’t wait to meet Sakura when she arrives!”

Sayori: “That’s amazing, Natsuki! I’m so happy for you!”

Monika: “Congratulations, Natsuki! This is such exciting news! We’re all here for you, and anything you need, just let us know.”

Yuri: “Being a mother is a beautiful journey. I’m sure Sakura is going to be just as wonderful as her mother.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, guys. I appreciate the support. I’m sorry for not mentioning it earlier, I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. Don’t worry - I’ll be at the clubroom soon.”

(Monika and the rest of the club members exchange relieved smiles.)

Monika: “Take your time, Natsuki. We’re just glad to know you’re okay. And don’t worry about not mentioning it earlier. It’s your news to share whenever you’re ready.”

Sayori: “Yeah, we just want you to know that we’re here for you, no matter what.”

Yuri: “Indeed. We’re all excited to meet Sakura and support you through this journey.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, everyone. It means a lot to me. See you guys soon!”

(The call ends, and the club members sit in silence for a moment, processing the news.)

Monika: “Well, that was unexpected, but in the best way possible.”

Sayori: “I know! I can’t wait to throw Natsuki a baby shower and spoil Sakura with cute little outfits!”

Yuri: “Count me in as well. I’ll make sure to find some good parenting books to recommend to Natsuki.”

Monika: “Let’s make sure our literature club becomes a support system for Natsuki during this time. We can help her with any questions or concerns she might have.”

Sayori: “Absolutely! We’ll be the best literature club-turned-parenting advisors!”

(With renewed enthusiasm, the club members clean up the room and eagerly await Natsuki’s arrival. They look forward to sharing this new chapter in her life and creating even stronger bonds within their club. Just then, Natsuki bursts into the room, a mix of excitement and exhaustion evident on her face.)

Natsuki: “Sorry, I’m late, everyone! Pregnancy cravings and traffic don’t make the best combination.”

Monika: “No worries, Natsuki! We’re just glad you made it. How are you feeling?”

Natsuki: “Tired, but incredibly happy. Sakura is kicking up a storm today. I can already tell she’s going to be a feisty little one. Anyone want to feel?”

Yuri: “I would love to feel, if you don’t mind, Natsuki.”

(Natsuki nods and walks over to Yuri, placing her hand on her belly.)

Yuri: (with a gentle smile) “Wow…she really is active, isn’t she? It’s such a surreal feeling to know that there’s a life growing inside you.”

Natsuki: (with a proud smile) “Yeah, it’s pretty amazing. I can’t wait to see her little face and hold her in my arms.”

Sayori: “I’m sure she’ll be just as adorable as you, Natsuki.”

Monika: “Well, Natsuki, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you ever need someone to talk to or if there’s anything we can do, just let us know.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, guys. I really appreciate it. It means a lot to have such wonderful friends.”

(As the club members gather around Natsuki, their excitement and support envelop her. They spend the rest of the afternoon discussing baby names, nursery ideas, and sharing stories of their own experiences with pregnancy and motherhood. With their literature club transformed into a safe haven for Natsuki, she knows that her journey into motherhood will be filled with love and support from her friends. But towards the end of the meeting…)

Natsuki: (gasps in pain)

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

Natsuki: (grimacing) “I think…I think my water just broke.”

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

Sayori: “I’ll call an ambulance! Just stay calm, Natsuki.”

(Monika quickly gathers Natsuki’s belongings, all while her contractions start getting closer together.)