(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Natsuki, are you alright? You look like you’re going to be sick…”

Natsuki: “Ugh, I don’t know. I just feel really nauseous all of a sudden. Maybe it was something I ate for lunch, but I don’t feel good at all.”

Sayori: “Oh no, Natsuki! Maybe you should go to the nurse’s office! It might help to lie down for a bit.”

Yuri: “I agree with Sayori. Rest may be beneficial. And if you need, I can go with you to the nurse or help you get there.”

Monika: “Let’s not panic, everyone. Natsuki, take a deep breath and try to relax for a moment. We’re all here to help. How about we get you a glass of water first?”

Natsuki: “Thanks, guys. Maybe some water would help. I just hope I’m not coming down with anything serious. Sorry for worrying everyone.”

Monika: “Don’t apologize, Natsuki. It’s okay to feel unwell, and it’s important to take care of yourself. We’ll make sure you’re feeling better soon. Just take it easy for n-”

(Natsuki suddenly covers her mouth to stop herself from vomiting.)

Natsuki: “…someone get a trash bin…”

Sayori: “Oh, goodness! Hang on, Natsuki!”

(Sayori rushes to find a trash can and hands it over to Natsuki - who immediately vomits right into it.)

Monika: (rushing to Natsuki’s side) “It’s alright, Natsuki, don’t worry. Just let it all out. Sayori, would you mind going to fetch the nurse? It might be best if she checks on Natsuki.”

Sayori: “Of course, Monika! I’ll be right back, Natsuki! Hang in there!”

(Sayori dashes out of the room to find the nurse.)

Yuri: (gently rubbing Natsuki’s back) “There, there. Sometimes the body must purge what’s making it ill. You’re going to be okay, Natsuki.”

Natsuki: (leaning back, pale and shaking) “Thanks, Yuri…I hate this feeling…” (continues vomiting)

Monika: (trying to keep the situation calm) “Just focus on your breathing, Natsuki. In and out, slowly. We’ll take care of everything.”

(Yuri fetches a wet cloth and gently wipes Natsuki’s forehead.)

Yuri: “This should help you feel a little better. We will make sure you’re looked after.”

Natsuki: (between heaves) “I don’t…ugh…I don’t know why this…happened…”

Monika: “Sometimes it’s just bad luck, Natsuki. Could be a stomach bug, or maybe food poisoning. We’ll let the nurse figure out what it is and get you the right help.”

(Natsuki nods weakly and continues to rely on the trash bin.)

Yuri: (concerned) “Remember, Natsuki, your health comes first. We’ll handle club responsibilities, so don’t worry about a thing.”

(Natsuki tries to nod again, still struggling with nausea.)

{THAT EVENING}

Natsuki: (standing next to her bed, talking to herself) “Gosh, that was the worst bout of nausea I’ve ever had. I can’t believe I had to leave school early. I have some of my Mom’s tests from when she was feeling sick a while back. Maybe I should use one, just in case. It couldn’t hurt to check, right?”

(Natsuki digs through her cabinet and finds a small box labeled ‘Pregnancy Test’.)

Natsuki: (murmuring to herself) “No way, it’s not possible. There’s no way I could be…But I have been tired and moody. Everyone in the club has been noticing, no matter how much I try to hide it.”

(She hesitates, looking at the test in her hands.)

Natsuki: (sighs) “Fine, I’ll just do it to rule it out. It would explain the nausea and the fatigue, I guess.”

(After reading the instructions, Natsuki takes the test, and waits the excruciating few minutes for the result.)

Natsuki: “This is silly. I’m probably just sick from something I ate…”

(The timer goes off, and Natsuki looks at the test.)

Natsuki: (in disbelief) “What? How…?”

(The test shows a positive result.)

Natsuki: (panic rising) “No, this can’t be right. It must be a false positive or something!”

(Natsuki sits on the edge of her bed, feeling overwhelmed and scared.)

Natsuki: “What am I going to do? I can’t…I’m not ready for this. What will my father say? And the club…Monika and everyone…”

(She puts her face in her hands, trying to process the sudden whirl of emotions running through her mind.)

Natsuki: (speaking to herself) “I have to confirm it, get a second opinion. Then I’ll figure it out. There’s no need to freak out before I’m completely sure. But first, I’ll send a text to everyone, but not tell them that I’m pregnant.”

(Natsuki takes a deep breath, mustering whatever composure she can find, and picks up her phone. With trembling fingers, she begins to type out a message to her friends in the literature club.)

Natsuki: (texting) “Hey everyone, thanks for your support today. I’m feeling a bit better but going to take it easy tonight. Might see the doctor tomorrow. Talk to you all soon.”

(She pauses, her thumb hovering over the ‘send’ button as she second-guesses what to reveal. With a soft sigh, she sends the text.)

Natsuki: (whispering to herself) “There, that’ll have to do for now. No need to worry them more than they already are.”

{THE FOLLOWING MORNING}

Natsuki: (at the reception desk) “