(In the clubroom…)

Monika: “Wait, where’s Sayori?”

Natsuki: “I have no clue…”

Yuri: “I hope she’s okay…let’s wait until she actually shows up.”

Monika: “Agreed. We shouldn’t jump to conclusions just yet.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, maybe she’s just running a bit late. It’s not like her to miss club meetings without letting us know.”

Yuri: “But she seemed a little off yesterday…I hope everything is alright.”

(As the minutes tick by, the tension in the room grows. The club members couldn’t help but worry about Sayori’s absence.)

Monika: “I’ll try giving her a call.”

(Monika takes out her phone and dials Sayori’s number. After a few rings, it goes to voicemail.)

Monika: “Her phone is off…that’s not a good sign.”

(Just then, there’s a knock on the clubroom door.)

Yuri: “Maybe that’s her!”

(Natsuki goes to open the door, revealing Sayori standing there with a sheepish smile.)

Sayori: “Sorry, guys! I overslept this morning.”

Monika: “Oh, thank goodness you’re okay. We were really worried about you.”

Sayori: “I’m sorry for making you worry. I just had a really restless night and couldn’t wake up on time. BUUUUUUUT I have some good news to share with all of you! You know how MC and I got married last month?”

Monika: “Well…yeah. MC told us yesterday.”

Sayori: “Well, guess what? MC and I are expecting a baby! We just found out this morning!”

Natsuki: “Wait, seriously? That’s amazing!”

Yuri: “Congratulations, Sayori! That’s such wonderful news.”

Monika: “I’m so happy for you, Sayori. This is such a big milestone.”

Sayori: “Thank you, guys! We’re over the moon right now. We wanted to share the news with all of you as soon as possible.”

Natsuki: “And here we were, worrying about you oversleeping.”

Yuri: “I’m glad everything’s alright, Sayori. Congratulations to you both.”

Monika: “Indeed, this is such exciting news. We’ll all be here to support you throughout this journey.”

Sayori: “Thank you, everyone. Your support means the world to me. I knew I could count on you all.”

(They spend the rest of the club meeting discussing Sayori’s pregnancy, sharing their excitement and offering advice. The worry from earlier fades away as they focus on the joyous news. They celebrate this new chapter in Sayori and MC’s lives, cherishing the bond they’ve formed as friends.)

(Seven months later, and the club members are getting ready for the upcoming literature festival.)

Monika: “I can’t believe the festival is just around the corner. It feels like yesterday when Sayori shared her pregnancy news with us.”

Yuri: “Yes, time has flown by so quickly. I’m glad we’ve been able to support her throughout this journey.”

Natsuki: “I’m excited to see how their family grows. Sayori and MC are going to be amazing parents.”

Monika: “Absolutely. They have so much love to give, and I’m sure their child will be surrounded by happiness and warmth.”

(As they set up their literature club booth for the festival, Sayori arrives with a noticeable baby bump.)

Sayori: “Hi, everyone! Sorry, I’m a little late. Pregnancy slows me down a bit.”

Natsuki: “Look at you! You’re glowing, Sayori. How are you feeling?”

Sayori: “I’m doing great. The baby has been kicking a lot lately. It’s such a surreal feeling.”

Yuri: “I can only imagine. It’s an incredible miracle to bring a new life into the world.”

Monika: “We’re so proud of you, Sayori. You’ve embraced this journey with so much joy and positivity.”

Sayori: “Thanks, guys. I couldn’t have done it without your support. And MC has been amazing too.”

(Throughout the festival, the club members take turns watching over the booth while Sayori rests and takes breaks. They receive many visitors and share their love for literature with the attendees.)

Yuri: “It’s great to see so many people interested in our club. We’ve really made an impact.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, despite all the ups and downs, we’ve come a long way. And Sayori’s baby is going to inherit this amazing legacy.”

Monika: “The literature club will continue to grow and evolve, just like our friendship. We’ll always support each other, no matter what.”

Sayori: (looking down at her baby bump, then clutching it) “Oh! Oh…oh…”

Monika: “Sayori, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

Sayori: “I…I think I’m having contractions.”

Yuri: “Contractions? Oh my goodness, is the baby coming?”

Natsuki: “H-H-Hang on! I-I-I’ll call MC!”

(Meanwhile, Natsuki quickly dials MC’s number, her hands trembling with nervousness.)

Natsuki: “Come on, come on, please pick up!”

MC: “Hello? Natsuki, is that you?”

Natsuki: “MC, it’s urgent! Sayori is having contractions, and I think the baby is coming!”

MC: “What!? I’ll be right there!”

(Sayori’s face is filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety as the club members try to calm her down and make her comfortable.)

Monika: “Just breathe, Sayori. Everything will be alright. MC is on his way.”

Yuri: “We’re here for you, Sayori. We’ll support you through this.”

Natsuki: “Stay strong, Sayori. MC will be here soon.”

(Soon enough, MC bursts through the door of the literature club, holding a bag with essentials for the hospital.)

MC: “Sayori, are you okay?”

Sayori: (gritting her teeth) “MC…the contractions are getting stronger…”

(Just then, Sayori’s water breaks, signaling that she’s fully dilated and ready to push.)

Sayori: “Oh gosh, it’s happening! The baby is coming!”

MC: (taking Sayori’s hand) “You can do this, Sayori. I’m here with you every step of the way.”

Monika: “Let’s help prepare Sayori for delivery. We need to keep her as comfortable as possible.”

(Yuri and Natsuki quickly gather blankets and pillows, creating a makeshift bed for Sayori to lie on.)

Sayori: “I can’t believe this is actually happening…”

MC: “You’re doing amazing, Sayori. Just keep breathing and pushing.”

(Natsuki and Yuri hold Sayori’s hands, providing encouragement and support as she continues to go through labor.)

Monika: “We’re all here for you, Sayori. Just remember that you’re strong and capable.”

(Sayori pushes with all her might, her determination fueling her through the pain and exhaustion.)

MC: “I can see the baby’s head. Just a few more pushes, Sayori.”

Yuri: “You’re almost there, Sayori. Just a little bit longer.”

(Sayori lets out one final push, and with a cry, the sound of a newborn baby fills the clubroom.)

Monika: “It’s a girl!”

Sayori: (teary-eyed) “MC…we have a daughter…our beautiful baby girl.”

MC: (overwhelmed with emotion) “She’s perfect, Sayori. We did it.”

Natsuki: “Awww, she’s so tiny and cute! Congratulations, you two. What are you going to name her?”

Sayori: “Sky. Our sweet little Sky.”

Yuri: “What a beautiful name, Sayori. Sky suits her perfectly.”

Monika: “She’s going to grow up surrounded by so much love and support.”

Natsuki: “I’m already looking forward to seeing her at future literature club meetings.”

Sayori: “Thank you, everyone. Your presence and support have meant the world to me throughout this journey. I couldn’t ask for better friends.”

MC: “We’re so grateful to have all of you in our lives. Thank you for being here for us.”

(As the club members come together to celebrate the birth of Sky, they cherish the bond they’ve formed and the future ahead. The literature club will continue to thrive, just like the growing family it has become.)

{SIXTEEN YEARS LATER}