(It was finally time. I was in the clubroom, eagerly awaiting the arrival of my quintuplets. It hurt like hell, but my friends were there for me - Sayori had brought me some warm water to ease my labor pains, Yuri was bringing me some towels to wrap the babies around, and Monika helped me into the pool.)

Sayori: “You can do this, Natsuki! Just keep pushing!”

Monika: “The first baby’s coming through, Natsuki! Just a few more pushes!”

Yuri: “I didn’t expect for you to give birth now, Natsuki. I’ve still got a month to go to meet my little girl.”

(After several hours of labor, I finally gave birth to all five of my babies. I was exhausted, but overjoyed to meet my little ones.)

Natsuki: (breathing heavily) “They’re… they’re finally here…”

Sayori: “Oh my gosh, Natsuki, they’re so adorable!”

Monika: “Congratulations, Natsuki! You did amazing!”

Yuri: “They’re beautiful, Natsuki. You must be so proud.”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “Thank you, everyone. I… I can’t believe they’re finally here. My little miracles.”

(As the exhaustion took over, I leaned back in the pool, feeling a mix of relief and overwhelming happiness. The clubroom filled with a sense of awe and pure joy.)

Sayori: “What will you name them, Natsuki?”

Natsuki: (smiling) “I’ve been thinking about it. How about Rena, Kaito, Haruka, Sakura, and Emi?”

Monika: “I love those names! They’re perfect.”

Yuri: “They’re beautiful choices, Natsuki.”

(Each of us took turns holding my babies, smiling and cooing at their tiny new clubmates. The air was filled with love, friendship, and the promise of what the future held for my new babies.)

Natsuki: (softly) “Thank you all for being here with me. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Sayori: “Of course, Natsuki. We’re always here for you.”

Monika: “Absolutely. We’re like a family, after all.”

Yuri: “You have so much love and support surrounding you, Natsuki. We’re here for you and your babies.”

(The room was filled with a warm and tender atmosphere as me, surrounded by my friends, embraced my new role as a mother. It was a moment I would cherish forever, and the beginning of a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and the bonds of friendship. But 6 months later, while I was taking care of my babies, I suddenly got a phone call from Yuri.)

Yuri: (surprisingly not in labor, despite being 14 months pregnant) “Hey, Natsuki. Don’t you think it’s surprising that I’m already 14 months pregnant but not in labor?”

Natsuki: (confused) “Wait, what?! 14 months pregnant? That doesn’t make any sense, Yuri. Is everything okay?”

Yuri: “I know it sounds strange, but it’s true. I haven’t experienced any signs of labor, and the doctors are baffled. They can’t explain it either.”

Natsuki: (concerned) “That’s really concerning, Yuri. You should go see a specialist or something. This isn’t normal.”

Yuri: “I’ve been to multiple specialists, Natsuki, and they’re just as puzzled as everyone else. They’ve never seen anything like it. But don’t worry, I’m taking all the necessary precautions and getting regular check-ups. My baby seems healthy.”

Natsuki: (worried) “I’m glad to hear that, Yuri. But it still doesn’t make sense. Is this some sort of medical anomaly?”

Yuri: “It seems that way. The doctors suspect there might be some sort of time dilation or abnormal growth rate happening with my baby. It’s incredibly rare, but apparently not unheard of.”

Natsuki: (thoughtful) “Well, I hope they figure it out soon, Yuri. It must be quite a burden on you. If you need anything, you know I’m here for you.”

Yuri: (grateful) “Thank you, Natsuki. I appreciate your support. And congratulations again on your quintuplets. They must be growing so fast.”

Natsuki: (smiling) “They really are. Time flies when you’re a parent. But let’s not forget about you and your mysterious pregnancy. We’ll figure this out, Yuri. I won’t let you go through this alone.”

Yuri: (softly) “Thank you, Natsuki. Your friendship means the world to me.”

(With their unusual circumstances, me and Yuri continued to support each other throughout their unique journeys. Although we faced unexpected challenges, our bond remained unbreakable as we navigated the joys and uncertainties of motherhood together - and I eagerly awaited the day Yuri went into labor. But 2 months later, when Yuri was 16 months pregnant, her labor still had yet to start.)