(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Natsuki, is everything okay?”

(I look up to see Monika, Yuri, Sayori, and MC standing by my desk. The last thing I wanted was to be disturbed while reading my manga. And if it wasn’t for little Sakura, I wouldn’t be so gosh dang angry. God, I hate mood swings…especially now that this is my 7th month of pregnancy.)

Sayori: “Natsuki, tell us! Is something wrong?”

Yuri: “Natsuki, you don’t have to hide anything from us. Please, just tell us what’s wrong.”

(I was tempted to answer, but these cramps in my abdomen were starting to get to me.)

Natsuki: “It’s nothing, really… I just… I’m not feeling the best today.”

(I tried my best to offer a reassuring smile, but the discomfort was making it tough to even sit up straight. I clutched my stomach gently and took in a deep breath, trying to ease the tension within. Monika, sensing my hesitance and the physical signs of distress, approached closer with a look of genuine concern painted across her face.)

Monika: “Natsuki, you don’t look well. Those cramps seem pretty intense. Have you been to see a doctor about them lately?”

(MC took a tentative step forward, trying not to overstep but clearly wanting to be supportive.)

MC: “Yeah, Natsuki, maybe we should get you checked out. It’s important to be extra careful, especially with the pregnancy.”

(Sayori, ever the empathetic soul, reached out and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.)

Sayori: “If you’re in pain, you can lean on us, Natsuki. Whatever it is, we’re here for you, all of us. We could help you get home or to a doctor, if you think that’s best.”

(Yuri, typically the more reserved one, nodded in agreement, her usual composed demeanor giving way to visible worry for her friend.)

Yuri: “Indeed. Your wellbeing is paramount, Natsuki. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance. We are your friends, and we wish to support you through this. You are not alone.”

(Just before I could answer, I felt a strange warmth moving down my legs. Panic immediately set in as I realized that my water had just broken. The cramps weren’t just simple discomfort, they were contractions. This was the real deal, I was going into labor.)

Natsuki: “Oh no, guys, my water just broke. I—I think the baby is coming!”

(Monika’s eyes widened as she immediately sprung into action.)

Monika: “Okay, everyone, stay calm. Natsuki is going into labor. We need to call an ambulance right away! Sayori, grab Natsuki’s things, and someone find a teacher to inform them what’s happening!”

(Sayori, though panicked, nodded and hastily collected my belongings, grabbing anything that looked important.)

(MC whipped out his phone and dialed emergency services, relaying our location and the situation as clearly as possible.)

MC: “Yes, hello? We need an ambulance at our school. One of our students is pregnant and her water just broke. She’s about to go into labor. Please hurry!”

(Yuri, usually so reserved, took charge of trying to keep me calm, soothing me with her gentle voice.)

Yuri: “Natsuki, take deep breaths. In…and out… That’s it. Just focus on your breathing.”

(I clutched my stomach, trying as best as possible to focus on Yuri’s voice and not the mounting pressure and contractions building within me. The cramps were growing more frequent and intense by the second. And then…I could feel the urge to push. I was scared - I didn’t want to have the baby here! Not like this, not in the literature clubroom! The contractions were less than a minute apart now. This was it - I was going to have to give birth right here, right now.)

Monika: “It’s okay, Natsuki! Just hang in there, the ambulance is on the way.”

(Monika remained composed, her leadership qualities shining through despite the chaos. She quickly directed MC to help prepare a spot on the floor with jackets and clean materials they could find around to make me as comfortable as possible.)

Sayori: “Oh gosh, Natsuki, this is so scary, but you’re so strong! You can do this!”

(Sayori’s eyes were brimming with tears, her voice mixed with fear and excitement. Despite her emotions, she stayed by my side, squeezing my hand to offer whatever support she could.)

MC: “I’m right here, Natsuki. We’re all here for you. You’re not alone in this.”

(MC crouched beside me, offering words of encouragement and gently wiping my brow with a cloth someone had graciously dampened with water.)

Yuri: “Remember, Natsuki, to breathe through the contractions. That will help with the pain and help you preserve your energy for when you need to push.”

(Yuri, probably having read about childbirth in one of her many books, tried to use that knowledge to guide me).

(Everyone was now surrounding me, ready to help in whatever way they could. Despite the panic, I felt a sense of comfort knowing they were there. The pain was growing unbearable, and I knew that we might not have the luxury to wait for the paramedics to arrive. And then, my body started to