(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “There! Everything’s all organized for the festival tomorrow! MC, Sayori, you two excited?”

MC: “Definitely, Monika! I can’t wait to see how everything turns out.”

Sayori: “Oh, yes! I’m super excited! It’s going to be so much fun sharing our love for literature with everyone.”

Monika: “I’m glad to hear that! I have a feeling this festival is going to be a big success. We’ve put so much time and effort into organizing it.”

MC: “Yeah, we have. It’s impressive how well everything has come together. I’m really proud of all the hard work we’ve put into the club.”

Sayori: “We couldn’t have done it without you, Monika. You’ve been such an amazing president, guiding us every step of the way.”

(Just then, the clubroom door opens and Natsuki walks in, very heavily pregnant and carrying a tray of cupcakes.)

Natsuki: “Hey guys, sorry I’m late. Pregnancy brain kicked in and I totally lost track of time.”

Monika: “Natsuki, you really shouldn’t be carrying all those cupcakes in your condition. Let me help you.”

(Monika quickly takes the tray from Natsuki and places it on the table.)

Natsuki: “Thanks, Monika. I appreciate it. Pregnancy sure isn’t easy, but I still wanted to contribute to the festival in my own way.”

Sayori: “Natsuki, you’re amazing. I can’t believe you made all those cupcakes. They look delicious!”

(Natsuki blushes and rubs her belly lovingly.)

Natsuki: “Well, I couldn’t resist making cupcakes for everyone. Plus, I wanted to share the joy of literature with little Sakura too.”

MC: “Sakura? Is that what you’re naming the baby?”

Natsuki: “Yeah! We decided on Sakura. It’s a pretty name, don’t you think?”

Monika: “It’s a beautiful name, Natsuki. And I’m sure Sakura is going to grow up surrounded by literature and love, thanks to all of us.”

Sayori: “I can’t wait to meet Sakura. She’s going to be the luckiest baby, having such an amazing mom and being a part of our literature club family.”

Natsuki: “Aww, you guys are making me emotional. Thank you for all the support. It means the world to me. And even though her father won’t be in the picture, I still know Sakura will have a loving and supportive family here in the literature club.”

Monika: “Of course, Natsuki. We’re always here for you, no matter what. We’re like a family in this club, and we’ll continue to support you and Sakura every step of the way.”

MC: “Absolutely. You’re part of our family now, and we’ll make sure Sakura grows up knowing she’s loved and cherished by all of us.”

Sayori: “And don’t worry, Natsuki. We’ll take care of you too, especially during your pregnancy. We’ll make sure you’re as comfortable as possible and help with anything you need.”

Natsuki: “Thank you guys, really. I’m lucky to have such great friends in this club. I don’t know what I would’ve done without all of you.”

Monika: “We feel the same way, Natsuki. We’re all here for each other, through the highs and the lows. And I know that together, we can make this festival and every day in the club special for you and Sakura.”

MC: “Exactly. We’re all in this together, Natsuki. We’ll celebrate literature, but we’ll also celebrate the joy of being a part of this club and supporting each other.”

Natsuki: (looking down at her baby bump after feeling a kick) “Oh! Hello there, Sakura!”

(Sayori, Monika, and MC gather around Natsuki as she smiles lovingly at her baby bump.)

Sayori: “Aww, Sakura is already making her presence known! She’s going to be just as spirited and strong as her mom.”

Monika: “It’s such a special moment, feeling her little kicks. Sakura already knows how loved she is and can’t wait to join our club.”

MC: “I can already picture all the fun moments we’ll have with Sakura around. She’s going to bring so much joy and laughter to our meetings.”

Natsuki: “You’re right. I can’t wait for her to experience the incredible bond we all share here. She’ll grow up surrounded by literature and the warmth of our friendship.”

(Moments later, Yuri enters the clubroom, holding a bouquet of flowers.)

Yuri: “Hello, everyone! I apologize for being late. I couldn’t resist picking these beautiful flowers on my way.”

Monika: “Yuri, those flowers are stunning. They’ll make the clubroom even more inviting for the festival.”

Sayori: “I love how each of us has contributed to the festival in our own unique way. It truly feels like a team effort.”

Yuri: “Indeed, it’s remarkable how literature has brought us all together, creating such a supportive and caring atmosphere.”

Sayori: “And now with Sakura on the way, our bond will be even stronger. We’ll continue to grow together as a family.”

Monika: (smiling) “That’s what makes our literature club so special. We’re more than just a club; we’re a family that supports and cares for each other.”

MC: “Absolutely. The festival tomorrow will be a perfect celebration of literature and the love we have for each other.”

Natsuki: “And Sakura will be right there with us, experiencing the magic of our club from the very beginning. And speaking of Sakura, does anyone want to feel her kick? I think she’s getting active again.”

(Everyone eagerly gathers around Natsuki, placing their hands on her belly, feeling Sakura’s kicks.)

Sayori: “Wow, she’s really active! Sakura, you already have so much energy, just like your mom.”

Monika: “It’s incredible to feel her movement. Sakura is already a part of our club, even before she’s born.”

Yuri: “The sensation is quite fascinating. It’s as if she’s communicating with us already.”

MC: “Sakura, you’re surrounded by so much love and friendship. You’re going to grow up in such a special and nurturing environment.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, everyone, for being here with me through this journey. It means more to me than words can express.”

(Meanwhile, the club members continue to feel Sakura’s kicks, their smiles growing wider with each movement. The festival may be a celebration of literature, but it’s also a celebration of the strong bond they share, and the joy that Sakura will bring to their lives. However, the next day, Natsuki’s water broke unexpectedly halfway through the festival in front of the festival-goers. Immediately, everyone springs into action.)

Monika: “Oh no! Natsuki, are you okay? We need to get you to the hospital right away!”

Sayori: “Don’t worry, Natsuki. We’ll take care of everything. MC, can you call an ambulance?”

MC: “On it, Sayori. I’ll make the call right away.”

Yuri: “Natsuki, stay calm. We’ll make sure you and Sakura are safe. Let me find someone to help escort you to the ambulance.”

(Natsuki, visibly worried but also determined, takes deep breaths.)

Natsuki: “I’m… I’m okay. Just… gotta focus. Sakura needs me.”

Monika: “And we’re here for both of you, Natsuki. Don’t worry. We won’t let anything happen to you or Sakura.”

(After MC has made the call, he rushes over to comfort Natsuki, offering his support and reassurance.)

MC: “Natsuki, everything is going to be okay. We’ll get you to the hospital as quickly as possible, and the doctors will take care of you and Sakura.”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “I… I know. Thank you, MC. I’m scared, but I know you guys will be with me every step of the way.”

Sayori: “Of course, Natsuki. We’ll be right by your side, supporting you through this. We won’t let you go through it alone.”

Yuri: “You’re not alone, Natsuki. We’re a team, and we’ll get through this together. Sakura is going to be just fine.”

Monika: “Remember, Natsuki, you’re strong, and Sakura is too. You’ll both come out of this safe and healthy. We believe in you.”

(As they wait for the ambulance to arrive, the festival-goers, now aware of the situation, gather around the club members, offering their support and well-wishes.)

Festival-goer #1: “Don’t worry, Natsuki. We’re all praying for you and Sakura. Everything will be alright.”

Festival-goer #2: “You have such amazing friends here. They’ll take good care of you. Stay strong, Natsuki!”

Natsuki: (overwhelmed) “Thank you, everyone. Your support means the world to me. I’ll do my best for-”

(Natsuki is cut short as the intense contractions make her wince in pain. Monika, Sayori, and Yuri quickly gather around her, offering their assistance.)

Monika: “Hang on, Natsuki. The ambulance will be here soon. Just breathe through the contractions and stay as calm as you can.”

Sayori: “We’re right here with you, Natsuki. Don’t worry, Sakura’s going to be just fine. You’re doing amazing.”

Yuri: “Would you like me to time your contractions, Natsuki? It might help us gauge how quickly we need to act.”

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth) “Y-yeah, that would be helpful, Yuri. Thank you.”

(Yuri takes out her phone and begins timing the contractions, her hands slightly shaking with the urgency of the situation.)

Monika: (placing a comforting hand on Natsuki’s shoulder) “Once the ambulance arrives, they’ll take over, and we’ll follow closely behind. Everything will be okay, Natsuki.”

Sayori: “And don’t worry about the festival. We can handle things here. Right, MC?”

MC: “Absolutely, Sayori. Our priority right now is making sure Natsuki and Sakura are safe. We’ll take care of everything.”

(As they continue to comfort Natsuki, the sound of an approaching siren can be heard in the distance.)

Monika: “That must be the ambulance. Hang in there, Natsuki. Help is on its way.”

(Yuri looks up from her phone, her voice filled with urgency.)

Yuri: “The contractions are coming closer together, Natsuki. We need to get you to the ambulance as soon as possible.”

Natsuki: (taking deep breaths) “Okay, I’m ready. Let’s g-” (clutching her belly tightly) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!! OH GOD, I THINK ACTIVE LABOR IS HERE!!!”

(Monika, Sayori, and Yuri exchange worried glances, their hearts pounding with anticipation.)

Monika: “It’s okay, Natsuki. Just keep breathing. We’ll help you to the ambulance.”

Natsuki: “I-I-I-I don’t think I can