(In the clubroom…)

Natsuki: (already fuming) “GAH! How come she hasn’t shown up yet?!”

Monika: “She’s probably just running late.”

Sayori: (entering the clubroom) “Who are you two waiting for?”

Natsuki: “We’re waiting for Yuri. She’s supposed to be here by now!”

Monika: “Yeah, she’s running a bit late today. We were just wondering where she might be.”

Sayori: “Oh, don’t worry about it! Maybe she got caught up in something and lost track of time.”

Natsuki: (crossing her arms) “Well, she should have let us know if she was going to be late. It’s rude.”

Sayori: (gently) “Maybe there’s a reason she couldn’t inform us. Let’s give her the benefit of the doubt.”

Monika: (nodding) “Sayori’s right. We should be understanding and not jump to conclusions.”

Natsuki: (mumbling) “Fine, fine. But this better not become a habit.”

(Just as they finish their conversation, the door to the clubroom opens and Yuri steps in, heavily pregnant with her second child.)

Yuri: (breathing heavily) “I’m so sorry for being late, everyone. I went for an ultrasound this morning and it took longer than expected. But I can’t believe my sweet baby boy Amatsu will be a big brother!”

Monika: “Oh my…what did they say about Amatsu’s sibling?”

Yuri: “They said everything looks healthy and normal, just like with Amatsu. I’m overjoyed to be welcoming another little one into the family.”

Natsuki: (softening her expression) “Wow, congratulations, Yuri! That’s amazing news! I’m sorry for getting frustrated earlier. Did they tell you the gender of the baby?”

Yuri: (smiling) “Thank you, Natsuki. And yes, they did. It’s going to be a baby girl.”

Sayori: (giggling) “Aww, that’s so wonderful! A little brother and a little sister, how exciting!”

Monika: “Congratulations, Yuri! I’m so happy for you. It’s truly a blessing to have another child. You must be thrilled.”

Yuri: “Thank you, Monika. I really am. Amatsu is going to be such a loving big brother. I can’t wait to see them bond.”

Natsuki: (teasingly) “I hope your baby girl takes after you, Yuri. Maybe she’ll grow up to be just as passionate about literature too.”

Yuri: (blushing) “Oh, we’ll see about that. Regardless, I just want her to be happy and healthy. That’s all that matters.”

Sayori: “Of course! And we’ll be here to support you every step of the way, Yuri. You’re not alone in this journey.”

Monika: “Absolutely. We’ll make sure to help you with anything you may need, both now and after the baby arrives.”

Yuri: (gratefully) “Thank you, everyone. Your support means the world to me. I couldn’t ask for better friends.”

Natsuki: (smiling) “Well, we better start brainstorming some baby shower ideas, then. We have a lot to celebrate!”

(Suddenly, Yuri’s face contorts in pain as her labor begins.)

Yuri: (grimacing) “Oh, no…it looks like the baby wants to make an early entrance!” (she feels the urge to push) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!! I-I-It’s coming!! IT’S COMING!!”

Natsuki: “Wait, right now?!”

Sayori: “Oh my goodness! We need to deliver this baby right away!”

Yuri: (breathing heavily) “I-I can’t believe this is happening. Please, help me!” (she pushes again) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!”

Monika: “Okay, everyone, stay calm! We need to think and act quickly. Yuri, get into position!”

Natsuki: (panicking) “What do we do? I’ve never delivered a baby before!”

Sayori: (taking charge) “Okay, Natsuki, we need to support Yuri during her contractions. Monika, find some clean towels or blankets for us to use.”

Monika: (nervously searching) “Right, towels, towels… I’ll find them, don’t worry!”

Yuri: (clenching her fists) “I-I’m scared…”

Sayori: (gently) “It’s going to be okay, Yuri. We’re here with you. Just focus on your breathing and pushing when you feel the urge.”

Natsuki: (taking a deep breath) “Alright, I’ll do my best to assist you, Yuri. We’ll get through this together.”

(Monika quickly returns with a stack of towels, placing them within easy reach.)

Monika: “Here are the towels, girls. Are we ready?”

Yuri: (nodding) “Yes, let’s do this.”

Sayori: “Remember, Yuri, when the next contraction comes, push with all your strength. We’ll guide you through it.”

(Yuri grits her teeth and prepares for the next contraction. With the guidance of her friends, she pushes through the pain.)

Natsuki: “You’re doing great, Yuri! Keep pushing!”

Monika: “Just a little more, Yuri. We can see the head!”

Sayori: “You’re almost there, Yuri! Just one final push!”

(Yuri gathers all her strength and pushes one last time, relieved as the baby girl is born.)

Yuri: (exhausted but relieved) “She’s here…”

Natsuki: (in awe) “Wow, Yuri, you did it! Congratulations!”

Monika: (teary-eyed) “She’s beautiful, Yuri. Look at her tiny hands.”

Sayori: (gently holding the baby) “Welcome to the world, little one. You are loved.”

Yuri: (smiling exhaustedly) “Thank you, everyone. Thank you for helping me bring my daughter into this world.”

Amatsu: (rushing into the room) “Mommy, are you okay?!”