(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: "And... there! Everything's all set up for today’s meeting. Now we just need Yuri."

Sayori: "I hope she’s not too late! I can’t wait to hear what she has in store for us today!"

Natsuki: "Ugh, why does she always have to be the last one to show up? It’s so annoying.”

Monika: "Come on, Natsuki. Maybe she got caught up in something interesting. You know how deep she gets into her reading."

Sayori: "Yeah! Besides, it gives us a bit more time to prepare. I’m really excited about the topic she chose for today!"

Natsuki: "I guess so... but if she doesn’t hurry up, I might take charge! And maybe satisfy these stupid cravings while I’m at it. Ugh... the struggles of being pregnant, let me tell you..."

Monika: "Oh, Natsuki! You’re really going through it, huh? Just a few more weeks and you'll be back to normal. Plus, we can always have some snacks ready for you."

Sayori: "Ooh, snacks! That’ll definitely cheer you up! What are you craving right now?"

Natsuki: "I don’t know... it’s like one moment I’m craving cookies, and the next it’s something completely different! Jeez..." (rubbing her belly) "Sakura, can you PLEASE make up your mind?"

Monika: "I can only imagine how hard that must be! But hey, we’ll make sure to have a variety of snacks for you. Cookies, cupcakes, and maybe some fresh fruit too?"

Sayori: "And what about those rice balls you love, Natsuki? I can make a batch! They’re super easy!"

Natsuki: "Oh, yeah! Rice balls would be great. Just... don’t forget the filling, alright? I’m not in the mood for plain ones."

Monika: "Got it! We want to keep you happy and satisfied. It’s all about comfort food, right?"

Sayori: "Speaking of comfort, I hope Yuri has something really cozy planned for today’s discussion. I know she likes to bring a bit of her own world into it."

Natsuki: "Yeah, I bet it’ll be one of those deep, philosophical things. Hopefully, it won't take forever for her to explain." (rubbing her belly) "But seriously, Sakura, you need to calm down and decide what you want. I can't be stuck in this limbo of cravings forever!"

Monika: "I’m sure she’ll be here any minute. And knowing Yuri, she’ll likely bring something intriguing for us to talk about. Maybe even a new book! She’s always full of surprises."

Sayori: "That's true! I love when she gets excited about a new book. It’s like we get to see her sparkle with joy!”

Natsuki: “Yeah, yeah, as long as she doesn’t go on for ages about some obscure literary reference that nobody cares about.”

Monika: "Come on, Natsuki. You know there’s beauty even in those details. Yuri just appreciates the depth of her favorites."

Sayori: "Exactly! Every book has its own magic. And that’s what makes our club special, right? We all have different tastes!"

Natsuki: "Fine, I guess. But if she starts reciting poetry and I can’t eat at the same time, I might lose it."

(Just then, the door creaks open, and Yuri steps in, her arms full of books.)

Yuri: "Oh! I’m so sorry I’m late! I got a bit carried away in the library, and I couldn’t resist picking up a few extra titles for us to discuss."

Monika: "No worries, Yuri! We all just started talking about cravings and food, actually."

Sayori: "Yeah! Natsuki’s been really craving snacks today, so we were thinking of making some treats."

Natsuki: "And I really hope you’re not planning on making us sit through a two-hour lecture on some esoteric theme, Yuri."

Yuri: (blushing slightly) "Um, actually, I thought we could have a more interactive discussion today. I brought some books that tie into the theme of 'Home'—what it means to feel at home in a story, and how settings can reflect emotions."

Sayori: "That sounds amazing, Yuri! I love how stories can feel cozy, like a warm blanket."

Yuri: "Yes! I thought we could read a few excerpts together and share our thoughts. I also brought some poems that explore the theme in more depth."

Natsuki: (raising an eyebrow) "Poems? As long as they don’t put me to sleep while I’m trying to eat, I guess that’s fine."

Yuri: "I assure you that they are quite engaging. I can also summarize them if you prefer."

Sayori: "I’m so excited! I can already picture all the warm feelings and interesting conversations!"

Monika: "And we can always take breaks for snacks whenever you need, Natsuki. Let’s set up a comfy corner where we can relax while discussing."

Natsuki: "Fine, fine. Just promise me we’ll have some time for snacks—especially if you have cookies, rice balls, and absolutely no plain ones! The filling’s Sakura’s favorite, after all."

Yuri: "Of course, I’ll make sure to keep that in mind. It’s important that we all feel comfortable and happy during our discussions."

Sayori: "Yay! This is going to be such a fun meeting! I’m already feeling all the cozy vibes."

Monika: "Alright, let’s get everything settled. Natsuki, why don’t you help me set up our snack corner? We can arrange everything to make it feel extra inviting."

Natsuki: "Sure, I can do that. Just don’t expect me to be super enthusiastic about it." (rubbing her belly) "Ow! Sakura, I know you’re hungry, but that doesn’t mean you should kick Mommy like she’s a soccer ball!"

Sayori: (giggling) "Maybe Sakura just wants some snacks too!"

Yuri: (smiling softly) "Kids do have a way of letting their needs be known, don’t they? It sounds like she’s already developing a strong personality."

Monika: "You’ll be the best mommy, Natsuki. Just think of all the cozy snacks you can share with her one day."

Natsuki: "Yeah, yeah. As long as she doesn’t inherit my stubbornness. I can only deal with one diva at a time."

Sayori: "You’re going to be such a great role model! And I bet all those scrumptious treats will make her smile."

Yuri: "And once she starts reading, she’ll have a wonderful world of stories to explore, just like us. I think it’s beautiful to share that experience with her."

Natsuki: (rolling her eyes but smiling) "Okay, enough mushy stuff. Let’s get those snacks ready, or I’m going to start munching on the books instead."

Monika: "Alright! Let’s set up our cozy corner and get this meeting started. Snacks first, discussion second!"

Sayori: "Yeah! And then we can lose ourselves in our favorite stories!"

(As Natsuki and Monika head towards the snack corner, Yuri pulls out some of the books she had brought. The atmosphere begins to lighten up, filled with laughter and chatter about favorite snacks and cozy moments in literature.)

Yuri: "I can’t wait to hear about everyone’s favorite settings in books. I think those places are like characters in their own right."

Sayori: "Exactly! It’s so cool how a setting can feel like home."

Natsuki: "Just as long as it’s no boring castle or something. I want something real, you know?"

Yuri: "Oh, I have plenty of examples that I think you’ll find interesting. You might be surprised by the depth behind even the simplest settings."

Sayori: "And I’m sure we’ll all find warmth and comfort in each other’s stories, just like we do with food and friendship!"

(As snacks are unpacked and the books are scattered around, the room slowly fills with warmth, laughter, and the promise of a meaningful meeting ahead. However, just as the meeting is about to end, Natsuki suddenly grabs her belly again, looking slightly more serious than usual.)

Natsuki: "Oh no... oh no, no, no... not now, Sakura! Just wait another two months!"

Monika: (looking concerned) "Natsuki, are you okay? Do you need to sit down?"

Sayori: "Yeah! Do you want some water or something? I can get it for you!"

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth) "No, it's... AAH!!! I think we're going to have a problem here!"

(Yuri and Monika exchange worried glances as Natsuki's expression grows more panicked. Sayori rushes over, her eyes wide with concern.)

Yuri: "Natsuki, what's wrong? Is it… is it the cravings again?"

Natsuki: "No, it's not that! This is different! I think Sakura is… I think Sakura is trying to come out now!"

Sayori: "What? Like right now?! We need to get you to a doctor or something!"

Monika: "Natsuki, just breathe. Try to focus on your breathing. We need to stay calm."

Natsuki: (gasping slightly) "Calm? How can I be calm? This is NOT part of the plan, oh my gosh!" (she grips her belly tighter) "I thought I still had… time!"

Yuri: (stepping forward, trying to stay composed) "Natsuki, it’s okay. Just breathe. Remember what we talked about in our previous meetings? Staying calm helps with labor."

Sayori: (nodding vigorously) "That’s right! You can do this, Natsuki! We’re all here for you!"

Monika: "I’ll call for help right away. Don’t worry, you’re not alone." (reaches for her phone)

Natsuki: (breathing heavily) "Hurry! I don’t think I can hold on much longer!" (she winces and grips the edge of the table for support)

Yuri: (gently placing a hand on Natsuki's back) "Just focus on what’s happening. Contractions can feel overwhelming, but they’re a natural part of the process. Count with me, okay?"

Natsuki: (through gritted teeth) "Count? I can’t even think straight!"

Sayori: "Just take it step by step, one breath at a time! We’re all with you!"

Monika: (still dialling) "Yes, hello? We have an emergency. One of our friends is going into labor. We need an ambulance at the school as soon as possible!"

Yuri: "Natsuki, it helps to visualize something comforting. Think about the cozy spot in your home where you feel safest. Picture it while we count down from ten together, alright?"

Natsuki: (as another wave of pain rolls over her) "Count? Sure, let’s just go with it…" (breathing in) "One… two… I can’t even think after three!"

Yuri: "That’s alright, just keep trying, Natsuki. You’re doing great."

Sayori: "You’re the strongest! Remember how you always said you’d handle anything? This is no different!"

Natsuki: (gasping) "I should’ve just stuck to making snacks! Why did I think I could do this?!"

Monika: (still on the phone) "Yes, we’re in a classroom. Just hurry, please!" (hanging up) "They’re on their way, Natsuki. You’ll be just fine."

Yuri: "You’re already doing so well, Natsuki. Remember to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Just like we practiced together."

Natsuki: (taking shaky breaths) "I’m... I’m trying…" (clutching her belly tightly) "Oww! How could something so small make me feel so much pain?"

Sayori: "Sakura’s going to be so worth it! Just imagine all the delicious snacks you can make for her after this!"

Yuri: "And remember, you’ll be able to hold her soon. Focus on that. You have so much love waiting for you."

Natsuki: "I really hope she doesn’t take after me and start throwing tantrums already!" (forcing a small, shaky laugh)

Monika: (rushing to her side) "You’re doing amazing, Natsuki. Just keep breathing and keep your focus, you're so close!"

Natsuki: "I can’t believe this is happening right now!" (gasping between breaths) "I thought I had more time…"

Yuri: "It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but you’re stronger than you think. Just remember that, and keep focusing on your breathing."

Sayori: "Yeah! And we’re going to be right here with you the whole time! You’re never alone!"

Natsuki: (clenching her teeth as another contraction hits) "Okay, okay… just breathe… I’ve got to remember what I wanted to tell Sakura once this is all over…"

Monika: "That’s it! Focus on the future, on all those precious moments you’ll have with her. Just keep picturing your home, where you’ll create those memories together."

Yuri: "Exactly. And you can always write about these experiences, share them with her when she’s older. Think of all the stories you’ll tell her."

Natsuki: (breathing heavily) "What if she ends up hating those stories? What if she thinks I’m a terrible mom…?"

Sayori: "You won’t be! You’re so strong and caring! Just look at all the love you put into your baking, and how much you care about your friends!"

Natsuki: "Yeah, but baking is different… This is a whole other level!"

Yuri: "True, but remember—everything you put into your baked goods is a piece of your heart. You’ll put that same love into being a mom."

Monika: (finishing the phone call) "Help is on the way, Natsuki. Just keep holding onto that strength."

Natsuki: (another wave of pain surging through her) "AHHH! I just want to get this over with!" (she grips the table tight, her knuckles white)

Sayori: (leaning in closer) "You can do this! Just think about Sakura’s little face and how you’re going to feel when you hold her."

Yuri: "That overwhelming love, Natsuki! Focus on that. Each contraction brings you closer to her."

Natsuki: "Somebody better remind me how strong I am after this! I’m never going through this again!" (she pauses, breathless) "But… I really can’t wait to see Sakura, I just… I want her to be okay!"

Monika: "She will be, I promise. You’re doing an incredible job. Just keep your eyes on the prize."

Natsuki: "Okay, okay… Counting, right? Let’s... let’s try again." (she steels herself) "One… two… three- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!"