(In the clubroom…)

Monika: “Wait a minute…where’s Yuri?”

Natsuki: “Maybe she’s getting snacks? I don’t know, I’m out of ideas.” (rubbing her 7-month baby bump) “At least my little one is kicking! They’re getting so big…and I don’t even know the gender yet.”

Sayori: “Oh, how exciting! I can’t wait to find out the gender too, Natsuki! Have you thought about any names yet?”

Natsuki: “Hmm, maybe ‘Kazuki’ for a boy or ‘Sakura’ for a girl.”

Monika: “Those are both lovely names, Natsuki! Kazuki and Sakura have a nice ring to them. Do you have a preference or are you happy either way?”

Natsuki: “I’m honestly just excited to meet my little one, so I don’t have a strong preference. As long as they’re healthy, that’s all that matters to me.”

Sayori: “That’s such a sweet sentiment, Natsuki. I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful mom no matter what. And I can’t wait to be the best auntie ever!”

Monika: “Oh, speaking of becoming an auntie, Sayori, have you heard back from your brother about coming to visit?”

Sayori: “Not yet, but I really hope he can make it. It’s been so long since I’ve seen him, and I miss him a lot. Plus, I think he’d be really excited to meet all of you in the Literature Club.”

Natsuki: “I’m sure he’ll love it here, Sayori. We’re like a little family. And once your baby arrives, they can join in on all the club activities too!”

Monika: “Absolutely! We’ll have to start thinking of ways to include them in our discussions and reading sessions. Maybe we can even have a special children’s literature day or something.”

Sayori: “That sounds adorable! Our little club is growing in more ways than one. I’m so grateful to have all of you by my side.”

Natsuki: “We’re lucky to have you too, Sayori. And once your baby arrives, they’ll have so many loving aunties and uncles to spoil them.”

Monika: “It’s going to be a wonderful adventure for all of us. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our Literature Club family.”

(Suddenly, the door opens and Yuri walks in with a tray of snacks.)

Yuri: “I apologize for my tardiness, everyone. I got caught up in a book and lost track of time.”

Monika: “That’s alright, Yuri. We were just discussing names and the excitement of our growing family.”

Yuri: “Oh, how wonderful! I’m thrilled to hear that, and I’m sorry for missing out on the conversation. I’m sure whatever names you’ve chosen are perfect, Natsuki.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, Yuri. We’ve been having a lovely discussion, but now it’s time to dig into these snacks you’ve brought. Let’s enjoy our time together as a family. Wait…after this, we should host a gender reveal party for my baby!”

(Just after Natsuki finishes her sentence, the club’s newest member - Himari - bursts into the room joined by her older brother - MC, Sayori’s husband.)

Himari: “Sorry for interrupting, everyone! Look who I found outside, Sayori! It’s MC!”

MC: “Hey, everyone! Sorry for surprising you like this. I couldn’t wait any longer to see my beautiful wife and the rest of the Literature Club family.”

Sayori: “MC! I’m so happy you’re here! And you brought little Himari too! This is such a wonderful surprise. Welcome to our little family.”

Himari: “Thank you, Sayori! We’ve missed you so much. And look, I made something for Auntie Natsuki’s baby!”

(Himari holds up a handmade onesie that reads “Future Bookworm”.)

Natsuki: “Aww, that’s adorable, Himari! Thank you so much. It’s going to look perfect on my little one. You’re already such a thoughtful and creative niece. But now that everyone’s here, how about we have the gender reveal party now?”