(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?”

Monika: “That sounds like a fantastic idea, Natsuki! Let’s all gather around and make this a memorable moment for you and your baby.”

(Yuri sets down the tray of snacks and everyone gathers around Natsuki, eagerly awaiting the gender reveal.)

Natsuki: “Alright, everyone. It’s time to find out if we’ll be welcoming a little Kazuki or Sakura into the world. Are you ready?”

(Everyone nods excitedly.)

Natsuki: “Here we go…”

(Natsuki opens the envelope containing the gender reveal results, revealing a piece of paper with a pink heart.)

Monika: “It’s a girl!”

Sayori: “Oh, how adorable! A little baby girl! Sakura would have been a perfect name.”

Natsuki: “I can’t believe it! I’m going to have a little princess. Thank you all for being here and sharing this special moment with me.”

MC: “Congratulations, Natsuki! I’m so happy for you and our growing family.”

Himari: “Yay! A little cousin to play with! I can’t wait to meet her.”

(Sayori wraps her arms around Natsuki in a tight hug, filled with joy.)

Sayori: “I am so incredibly happy for you, Natsuki. You’re going to be an amazing mom to your little girl. And as aunties and uncles, we’ll be right here to support and shower her with love.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, Sayori. Your words mean a lot to me. I couldn’t have asked for a better support system in all of you. Let’s make sure she grows up surrounded by literature and love.”

(Everyone cheers and claps, celebrating the upcoming arrival of Natsuki’s baby girl - Sakura. The clubroom is filled with warmth, excitement, and the anticipation of the beautiful journey ahead.)

{TWO MONTHS LATER}

(In the clubroom, the Literature Club is gathered once again, this time for a baby shower. The room is decorated with pink and white balloons, and a table is adorned with gifts and treats.)

Monika: “Natsuki, everything looks so lovely! You did a great job with the decorations.”

Natsuki: “Thanks, Monika! I wanted it to be special for Sakura. I can’t believe she’ll be here soon!”

Sayori: “I’m so excited to meet her, Natsuki! And these cupcakes look delicious. Did you make them yourself?”

Natsuki: “Of course! Only the best for my little girl.”

(Yuri walks over, holding a beautifully wrapped gift.)

Yuri: “I hope you like it, Natsuki. It’s a collection of children’s books, ranging from classics to modern favorites. I thought Sakura would enjoy them when she’s older.”

Natsuki: “Yuri, that’s so thoughtful of you. Thank you!”

MC: “And from Himari and me, here’s a teddy bear for Sakura. She can cuddle with it when she sleeps.”

Himari: “I picked it out myself! I hope she loves it.”

Sayori: “And for my gift, I got Sakura a little outfit. It’s a tiny pink dress with matching booties. She’ll be the cutest baby in town!”

Natsuki: “Aww, thank you, Sayori! I can’t wait to dress her up.”

Himari: “I made her a drawing too! It’s a picture of me, MC, and Sakura having a picnic together. I can’t wait to make memories with her.”

Monika: “Natsuki, I have something special for you as well. It’s a framed poem I wrote, dedicated to Sakura. I hope it brings joy to your heart.”

Natsuki: “That’s so touching, Monika. I’ll keep it in Sakura’s nursery.”

(Everyone takes turns sharing their gifts and well wishes for Natsuki and Sakura. Laughter and excitement fill the room.)

Natsuki: “Thank you, everyone. I’m overwhelmed by your love and support. Sakura is already so lucky to have all of you in her life.” (looking down at her stomach) “…oh my gosh…oh my gosh…!”

Monika: “Natsuki? Is everything okay?”

Natsuki: “I think…I think my water just broke! It’s time for me to push!”

Monika: “Oh my goodness! It’s time! Don’t worry, Natsuki. We’re here for you. Get into position.”

(Everyone quickly helps Natsuki get settled, calling for an ambulance and gathering towels and blankets to make her as comfortable as possible.)

Yuri: “Breathe, Natsuki. Remember to breathe.”

Natsuki: (through deep breaths) “I-I’m trying…it hurts…”

Sayori: “You’re doing great, Natsuki! Just a little longer, and you’ll get to meet your baby girl.”

Monika: “The ambulance is on its way, Natsuki. Just hang in there. We’re right here with you.”

MC: “You’re doing amazing, Natsuki. I’m so proud of you.”

Himari: “Auntie Natsuki, you’re so strong! I can’t wait to meet my cousin!”

(The minutes feel like hours as Natsuki pushes through the pain, surrounded by the unwavering support of her friends. Suddenly, she lets out an agonizing scream and starts giving birth.)

Natsuki: (in intense pain) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! SHE’S COMING!!!”

Monika: “You’re doing great, Natsuki! Keep pushing!”

Natsuki: “I’m trying! I’M TRYING!!!”

(With one final push, Natsuki gives everything she has, and the room is filled with the cries of a newborn baby.)

Monika: (teary-eyed) “Natsuki, you did it! You have a beautiful baby girl!”

Natsuki: (exhausted but filled with overwhelming joy) “Oh my goodness…she’s here…I did it…”

Sayori: (hands trembling as she cuts the umbilical cord) “Congratulations, Natsuki. She’s absolutely perfect.”

MC: (holding back tears) “I’m so proud of you, Natsuki. You were incredible.”

Yuri: (teary-eyed, hands shaking) “Welcome to the world, little Sakura. You have a loving and strong mother. We’re all here for you.”

Himari: (wide-eyed and filled with wonder) “She’s so tiny and cute! I can’t wait to be the best cousin ever.”

(Natsuki embraces her baby girl, tears streaming down her face as she holds Sakura close.)

Natsuki: “Thank you, everyone…for being here with me…for supporting me…for giving me the strength to bring Sakura into this world. I can’t express how grateful I am…”

Monika: (placing a gentle hand on Natsuki’s shoulder) “You don’t have to, Natsuki. We’re all here because we love you and wanted to be a part of this beautiful moment. Welcome to motherhood, my friend.”

(The room is filled with a sense of awe and love as Natsuki cradles Sakura, the newest member of their Literature Club family. It is a moment they will all cherish forever, a testament to the power of friendship and the bonds they have formed.)

(Seven years later, in the same clubroom…)

Sakura: “Mom, can we have our book club meeting today? I’m really excited to discuss the new book we’ve been reading!”

Natsuki: “Of course, Sakura! I love how much you enjoy our book club. Let me just make some tea for everyone.”

(Sakura sits down at the table, waiting for the rest of the club members to arrive. Soon, the other club members enter the room - with MC periodically patting Sayori’s 4-month baby bump.)

Sayori: “Hey Sakura! How have you been?”

Sakura: “Hi Aunt Sayori! I’ve been good. School is going well, and I’ve been reading a lot of books. I can’t wait to discuss the new one with everyone.”

Monika: “It’s great to see you, Sakura. You’ve grown so much in the past few years. I’m glad you’re enjoying our book club.”

Yuri: “Indeed, Sakura. Your enthusiasm for literature is truly commendable. You have such a bright future ahead of you.”

Himari: “Hey, big cousin! I’ve missed you! How about we go to the park after the book club meeting? It’s a nice day out.”

Sakura: “That sounds like a fun idea, Himari! I can’t wait to spend time with you.”

MC: “I’m excited to see you all dive into the book discussion. It’s incredible how much Sakura has absorbed from our club over the years.”

Sayori: (turning to her husband) “MC, guess what?”