(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “There! Everything’s all set up for today’s meeting. Now we just need Natsuki.”

Sayori: “I hope she doesn’t take too long this time! You know how she can be when she’s worried about her baking.”

Yuri: “It’s understandable. She puts a lot of pressure on herself, especially with the cupcakes she promised.”

Monika: “Exactly. She wants everything to be perfect. Maybe we should give her a little more time before we start.”

Sayori: “Yeah! Plus, I’m really looking forward to trying them. I’m sure they’ll be delicious!”

Yuri: “I think it’s sweet that she puts so much effort into it. It shows how much she cares about us.”

Monika: “Definitely. And it’s nice that we can all come together for something like this. It’s just what the club needs.”

Sayori: “I just hope she’s not too stressed. It’s not good for her or the baby…”

Monika: “Wait, Sayori, what do you mean by ‘the baby’?”

Sayori: “Natsuki told me she was going to have a baby soon. She’s already in her 7th month, and just found out her baby’s going to be a girl - calling her Sakura.”

Monika: “A baby? I had no idea! Wow, that’s such big news!”

Yuri: “It certainly is. Natsuki must have been keeping it to herself for a while. It’s a big responsibility, especially with her already busy life.”

Sayori: “Yeah! She’s had to juggle so many things, and I just want to help her however I can. I think she might be worried about how everyone will react.”

Monika: “That makes sense. We should definitely be supportive. I can’t even imagine how stressful that must be for her right now.”

Yuri: “Perhaps we could come up with a way to help her feel more at ease during the meeting. We could even have a sort of celebration for the baby.”

Sayori: “That would be amazing! Maybe we can decorate the room a little and prepare a little gift for her. Something special for Sakura!”

Monika: “I love that idea! We can make it a surprise. The cupcakes will be a great treat, and if we can show Natsuki how happy we are for her, it might take some of the stress off her shoulders.”

Yuri: “And we should assure her that we’re all here for her, no matter what. Parenting can be overwhelming, but she won’t be alone.”

Sayori: “Exactly! We’re her friends, and we want to support her. I just hope she knows how much we care.”

Monika: “I think she will once we show her. Now, let’s brainstorm some ideas for decorations and gifts while we wait for her!”

(Just then, the door bursts open, and Natsuki rushes in, tightly clutching her stomach, groaning in pain.)

Natsuki: “Ugh…I’m so sorry I’m late! I was trying to finish the last batch of cupcakes, but then…oh no, it’s happening!”

Sayori: “Natsuki! Are you okay? What do you mean ‘it’s happening’?”

Natsuki: “I think Sakura is ready to make her appearance! I’ve been having these cramps for a while, and it just hit me!”

Monika: “Oh no, do you need help? We should get you to a doctor or—”

Yuri: “Natsuki, please sit down. Just take deep breaths. We’ll figure this out together.”

Natsuki: “No! I can’t just leave! I promised I would bring the cupcakes for you all! I—I need to finish them!”

Sayori: “Natsuki, your health is way more important than the cupcakes! We’ll take care of everything. Just focus on yourself right now.”

Natsuki: “But…but the cupcakes are so important! I want everything to be perfect for today! I can’t let you all down…”

Monika: “You won’t let us down, Natsuki. You’re the one we’re worried about right now. You need to rest, and we’ll handle the cupcakes and everything else.”

Yuri: “Natsuki, this is a life-changing moment for you. It’s okay to prioritize your health and your baby. We can always eat cupcakes another time.”

Sayori: “Exactly! And we’re all so excited for you and Sakura. Just imagine holding her for the first time and how happy you’ll be! Isn’t that what really matters?”

(Natsuki’s expression softens slightly as she looks at her friends.)

Natsuki: “I…I know you’re right. It’s just hard to let go of the little things when I want everything to go perfectly.”

Monika: “It’s okay to feel that way, but remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re all here for you, and we’ll support you no matter what.”

Yuri: “Your health and well-being are what truly matter right now, Natsuki. The cupcakes are secondary, and we can always celebrate together later.”

Sayori: “Yeah! And we’ll make sure to save you the biggest and yummiest one when everything settles down!”

(Natsuki takes a few deep breaths, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly.)

Natsuki: “Okay, okay…I’ll try to relax. But you guys, promise me you’ll make sure the cupcakes taste good?”

Monika: “Of course! We won’t let you down, I promise. We’ll do our best to make them just as special as you would.”

Yuri: “And we can even add some personal touches! I think it would be nice to decorate them with little sprinkles or write messages on them as a surprise for you when you’re feeling better.”

Sayori: “Yes! That’s a great idea! We can make them look super cute, just like you would!”

Natsuki: “You guys…I really appreciate it. I didn’t expect you to go all out for this. It means a lot to me.”

Monika: “You deserve it, Natsuki. It’s a big moment in your life, and we want to support you however we can. Plus, we love you, and we’re really excited about Sakura!”

Natsuki: “Thanks…I just feel like everything’s so chaotic right now. I’m scared, you know? What if everything goes wrong? What if I’m not a good mom?”

Sayori: “It’s okay to feel scared! Everyone feels that way when facing something new. Just remember that you have us. We’ll all help you through it, step by step!”

Yuri: “And you will learn as you go. No one expects you to be perfect right away. You have all our support, and love, and we’re here to help you be the best mom you can be.”

Natsuki: “You really think so? I mean, I’m just a high school girl…how can I handle this?”

Monika: “You’re stronger than you think, Natsuki. You’ve faced challenges before, and you’ve come out even stronger. This is just another challenge that you can overcome with us by your side.”

Natsuki: “You’re right. I shouldn’t underestimate myself…I guess I need to trust you guys a little more.”

Sayori: “Exactly! And remember, every mom learns as they go. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about love and trying your best. And we’ll be right there cheering you on!”

Natsuki: (smiling faintly) “Okay…you’ve convinced me. I’ll take a break. Just…promise you’ll make those cupcakes look as good as I- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!! Oh no…it’s really happening now!”

Monika: “Natsuki! Stay calm! We have to get you to a hospital right now!”

Sayori: “I’ll call for help! Just hold on, Natsuki! You’re going to be okay!”

Yuri: “Please, sit down! We’ll gather everything we need. Just focus on breathing and staying calm!”

Natsuki: “I—I can’t believe this is happening! It’s really happening! I’m not ready!”

Monika: “You are strong and capable, Natsuki. You’ve prepared for this moment, even if it doesn’t feel that way. Just think about meeting Sakura!”

Sayori: “What color are you going to paint her room? You can tell us that while we wait!”

(Natsuki takes a deep breath, her mind a whirlwind of emotions.)

Natsuki: “Um…I was thinking pastel pink! And maybe some cherry blossom decorations! And I—”

(Suddenly, another wave hits, and Natsuki grimaces.)

Natsuki: “Oh no…my water broke! It’s happening too fast!”

Monika: “Okay, that’s definitely a sign we need to move quickly. Natsuki, just focus on us. You’re not alone in this; we’re right here with you.”

Sayori: “I’m calling for help right now! We’ll make sure you get to the hospital as soon as possible!”

Yuri: “Natsuki, can you try to lay down? It might help a little while we wait for help. Just think about that beautiful room you’re going to decorate for Sakura.”

Natsuki: “I…I can’t lay down right now! I need to focus!”

Monika: “That’s completely understandable. Just remember to breathe deeply, in and out. You’re doing so well, Natsuki.”

(Sayori rushes to grab her phone, while Monika and Yuri keep close to Natsuki, reassuring her.)

Sayori: “Help is on the way! Just hang in there, Natsuki! You’re so strong!”

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth but trying to nod) “I thought I’d have more time…I wanted everything to be perfect…”

Yuri: “Natsuki, it’s okay if things aren’t perfect. What matters right now is that you and Sakura are safe. Everything else can wait.”

Natsuki: “But I’m scared! I don’t know what to expect—I’ve never done this before!”

Monika: “Neither have most people, Natsuki. It’s a new and scary experience, but you’re surrounded by your friends, and you have a whole support system ready for you. Focus on what you can control—keeping calm, breathing.”

(Just then, they hear the distant sound of sirens approaching.)

Sayori: “They’re almost here! Just keep holding on, Natsuki!”

Natsuki: “You guys…what if I mess everything up?”

Yuri: “You won’t mess it up, Natsuki. You will learn as you go, just like everyone else. You have such a caring heart, and that’s the most important part of being a mom.”

Monika: “We believe in you so much. Once you hold Sakura, everything will change. You’ll see how strong you can be. Just think about the love you’ll share. That’s what truly counts.”

Natsuki: (gazing at her friends) “You really think I can do it?”

Sayori: “Absolutely! You’re already doing it, Natsuki. Just hang in there for a little while longer. We’ve got your back!”

(Natsuki takes a deep, shaky breath, closing her eyes for a moment.)

Natsuki: “Okay… okay. I can do this. I just need to think about Sakura and how much I love her already.”

(As the sounds of the sirens grow closer, Natsuki grips her friends’ hands tightly, feeling their support wash over her, a sense of determination beginning to replace her fear.)

Monika: “That’s right! Just keep focusing on that love, and soon you’ll be meeting Sakura. And we’ll be right here every step of the way!”

(The door bursts open, and paramedics rush in, quickly assessing the situation.)

Paramedic: “What do we have here? Let’s get this young lady ready to head to the hospital.”

Natsuki: (breathing heavily) “It’s really happening… I’m so not ready…”

Sayori: “You are ready, Natsuki! Trust us! You’ve got this!”

Yuri: “We’ll be waiting for you, Natsuki. You’re going to be an amazing mom.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, everyone. I can’t express how much your support means to me— AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!! I-I-I CAN’T HOLD HER