(In the clubroom…)

Sayori: “I honestly can’t believe Natsuki’s on maternity leave.”

Monika: “I know, right? But she’ll be back after she gives birth.”

Yuri: “Yeah. I can’t wait to see what her quintuplet sons will look like!”

Kotonhoa: (entering the room) “What are you three talking about?”

Monika: “Oh, Kotonhoa! We were just discussing Natsuki being on maternity leave and joking about how her quintuplet sons might look like.”

Yuri: “It’s just a playful speculation, of course.”

Kotonhoa: “Oh, I see. It sounds like quite an exciting time for Natsuki. I didn’t know she was expecting quintuplets. That must be quite overwhelming yet thrilling.”

Sayori: “Definitely! We’re all excited to meet them when they arrive. It’s always a joyous occasion when there’s a new addition to our club family.”

Monika: “Indeed, it’s a wonderful experience for Natsuki, and we’ll be eagerly waiting for her return too. How are you doing, Kotonhoa?”

Kotonhoa: “I’m doing well, thank you for asking. Just busy with school and some personal projects. But hearing about Natsuki’s pregnancy and maternity leave reminds me of the importance of balancing work and personal life. It’s great that Natsuki is taking the time she needs to care for her family.”

Yuri: “Absolutely. It’s crucial to prioritize your well-being and the well-being of your loved ones. Natsuki is setting a great example by taking this time off and focusing on her growing family.”

Sayori: “And I’m sure all the club members will be here to support her throughout this journey. We’ll be eagerly looking forward to her return whenever she’s ready.”

Monika: “Definitely. The club dynamic may change a bit while Natsuki is away, but we’ll adapt and make sure to keep the spirit of the literature club alive. And when Natsuki comes back, we’ll celebrate her new chapter in life.”

Kotonhoa: “That’s lovely to hear. I’m glad Natsuki has such a supportive group of friends in the literature club. It’s important to have a strong support system during exciting yet challenging times like this.”

Yuri: “Yes, indeed. We all have our unique journeys, and it’s wonderful to come together and share these moments, whether they be joyous or challenging.”

Sayori: “That’s the beauty of being part of a club or a close-knit group of friends. We’re here for each other through thick and thin.”

Monika: “Absolutely. That’s what makes our literature club so special. And I’m confident that Natsuki will come back stronger and with a heart full of beautiful experiences to share.”

Kotonhoa: “I’m glad I joined this club. It’s more than just discussing literature; it’s a place where we can support and uplift each other in all aspects of life.”

(Just then, Yuri gets an urgent phone call from Ayano - one of her friends from her old school. However, Ayano sounded like she was in pain.)

Yuri: (concerned) “Excuse me for a moment, everyone. I need to take this call.”

(Yuri quickly steps out of the clubroom to answer the phone, leaving the others in suspense.)

Monika: “I hope everything is alright. Ayano sounded really distressed.”

Sayori: “Yeah, I hope it’s nothing serious. Let’s give her some privacy and wait for Yuri to come back.”

Kotonhoa: “Of course. It’s important to be there for our friends when they need us.”

(A few minutes later, Yuri returns to the clubroom with a worried expression on her face.)

Monika: “Yuri, what happened? Is everything okay?”

Yuri: “I’m not sure. Ayano was in a lot of pain when she called. She said she was at the hospital and…and something might be wrong.”

Sayori: “Oh no! That sounds serious. We need to go and support her.”

Monika: “Absolutely. Yuri, do you know which hospital she’s at? We need to make sure she has someone by her side.”

Yuri: “Yes, she mentioned the name of the hospital. I’ll message it to you so we can go there together.”

Kotonhoa: “And while we’re there, we can also inform Natsuki about what’s going on. She’ll want to know that Ayano needs her friends right now.”

(The four of them quickly gather their belongings and head out of the clubroom, their thoughts now focused on supporting their friend in need.)

(After they arrive at the hospital, not only do they see Ayano, but they also see Natsuki - who’s in the midst of giving birth to her sons.)