(In the clubroom…)

Monika: “Wait a minute…where’s Natsuki?”

Yuri: “I honestly don’t know.”

Sayori: “I’ll give her a call, just in case.”

(Sayori takes out her phone and dials Natsuki’s number. After a few rings, Natsuki finally answers.)

Natsuki: “Hello?”

Sayori: “Natsuki! Where are you? We were getting worried.”

Natsuki: “Oh, sorry for not letting you guys know. I went to the bakery near my house to pick up some pastries for us.”

Sayori: “That’s where you disappeared to? Well, hurry back! We miss you.”

Natsuki: “I’m on my way. Don’t start the club activities without me!”

(Sayori hangs up the call and turns to the others.)

Sayori: “She’s just at the bakery. She’ll be here soon.”

Monika: “Good. It’s not the same without her.”

Yuri: “Indeed. Natsuki definitely adds a unique energy to our club.”

(As they wait for Natsuki to return, they discuss the upcoming literature festival and potential ideas for their club presentation.)

Monika: “So, how about we focus on exploring different forms of poetry? It would be an excellent opportunity to showcase our individual styles.”

Yuri: “I agree. We can highlight the diversity and versatility of poetry as an art form.”

Sayori: “That sounds great! We can also include some of our favorite poems to share with everyone.”

(The conversation continues, with each member contributing their ideas and suggestions. Just as they finish discussing, Natsuki bursts through the clubroom door, holding a box of pastries.)

Natsuki: “I’m back, and I brought snacks!”

Monika: “Welcome back, Natsuki! We were just discussing our ideas for the literature festival.”

Natsuki: “Well, I hope you saved the best for last because I brought some delicious pastries!”

(Natsuki places the box of pastries on the table, and the enticing aroma fills the room.)

Yuri: “Wow, they look amazing, Natsuki. Thank you for thinking of us.”

Sayori: “I can already tell these will be the highlight of our club activities today!”

Natsuki: “You better believe it! Now, let’s dig in and enjoy these tasty treats while we finalize our plans.”

(The club members eagerly grab a pastry of their choice and find their seats. As they savor the sweet delicacies, the lively club atmosphere returns.)

Monika: “Alright, now that we’re all here, let’s go through our ideas one more time.”

Yuri: “Agreed. It’s important to make sure our presentation captures the essence of our club and leaves a lasting impression.”

(Sayori and Natsuki nod in agreement as they munch on their pastries.)

Sayori: “I think we should also incorporate some interactive elements into our presentation. It’ll keep the audience engaged and interested.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, we could even challenge them to create their own short poems. It’ll be fun to see their creativity!”

Monika: “Great suggestion, Natsuki. That’ll definitely make our presentation memorable.”

(As they discuss and fine-tune their ideas, the club members enjoy their pastries and bond over their shared enthusiasm for literature. With each passing moment, their excitement for the literature festival grows stronger.)

(After the club meeting, Monika heads towards Natsuki’s house. She finds Natsuki inside a kids room - one that was completely empty, apart from some furniture like a basinet and a bed - a sad expression on her face, as if she wanted the room to be for any children she wanted to have.)

Monika: “Hey, Natsuki. Are you okay?”

(Natsuki looks up, her eyes filled with sadness.)

Natsuki: “Oh, Monika. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Monika: “I noticed you seemed a bit down earlier, so I wanted to check up on you. Is everything alright?”

Natsuki: “It’s just…this room. It was supposed to be for…well, for my future children. But…no matter how many pregnancy tests I take…”

Monika: “Oh, Natsuki, I’m so sorry. I had no idea you were going through this.”

Natsuki: “It’s alright, Monika. I just…I don’t understand why it’s not happening for me. It feels like everyone else can have kids so easily, and here I am, struggling.”

Monika: “I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult this must be for you. But please remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re all here for you, and we support you.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, Monika. It means a lot to me. It’s just hard sometimes, seeing all my hopes and dreams for a family slipping away.”

Monika: “I understand. But please don’t give up hope. Sometimes things don’t happen according to our plans, but that doesn’t mean they can’t happen at all. And even if having children may not be in your future, there are other ways to build a fulfilling and happy life.”

Natsuki: “You’re right, Monika. I shouldn’t let this define me. There’s more to life than just having children.”

Monika: “Exactly. You have so much to offer, Natsuki. Your passion for baking, your creativity, your kind heart - those are the qualities that make you special. And I truly believe that you can find happiness, no matter what the future holds.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, Monika. I really needed to hear that. It’s just hard to see beyond the disappointment and frustration sometimes.” (getting an idea) “Hang on…you know how to code, right, Monika?”

Monika: “Yes, I do. Why do you ask?”

Natsuki: “Well, maybe you could use that coding skill of yours to actually *make* me pregnant?”