(I walked into the clubroom, ready to start a new day in the club. I can see Yuri and Monika - and they both had happy expressions on their faces. But Sayori seemed…angry for some reason.)

Monika: “Ah, Natsuki! You’re finally here!”

(I was pleased to see my friends again, but also confused as to why Sayori looked so mad.)

Natsuki: “Hey guys, what’s going on? Why does Sayori seem upset?”

Yuri: “She’s having mood swings, Natsuki. They’ve gotten increasingly common now that she’s 2 months pregnant.”

(I was shocked by Yuri’s words, not having realized that Sayori was pregnant. But I quickly composed myself and walked over to Sayori.)

Natsuki: “Sayori, are you okay? Is there anything I can do to help?”

(Sayori looked up at me, her expression softening.)

Sayori: “I’m sorry, Natsuki. I didn’t mean to snap at you. I’m just feeling a bit overwhelmed today.”

Natsuki: “It’s okay, Sayori. We’re all here to support you, no matter what.”

Monika: “That’s right. We’re all excited for you and your baby, Sayori.”

Yuri: “And if there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”

(Sayori smiled gratefully at us, and I felt a rush of warmth in my chest. Even though we were all dealing with our own issues, we could come together and support each other.)

Natsuki: “Alright, so what are we doing today? Any new ideas for the club?”

Monika: “Actually, I was thinking we could do a bake sale to raise funds for some new books. What do you guys think?”

Yuri: “That sounds like a great idea, Monika. I have some new recipes I’ve been wanting to try out-”

(Just then, Yuri’s phone started ringing.)

Yuri: “It’s from one of my friends from my old school.”

(She answered the call and stepped out of the room to talk more privately. Monika and Sayori started discussing details for the bake sale, while I thought about what I could contribute.)

Natsuki: “I could make some of my signature cupcakes. They’re always a hit.”

(Sayori grinned.)

Sayori: “That would be amazing, Natsuki! I’ll make some cookies to go with them.”

Monika: “And I’ll make sure we have plenty of flyers to advertise the bake sale. This is going to be great!”

(I felt a sense of excitement bubbling up inside me. Working together like this, we could achieve anything. And with Sayori’s baby on the way, we were even more determined to make the club the best it could be. Just then, Yuri burst into the room - looking worried.)

Yuri: “Guys, it’s about my friend Ayano from my old school.”

Sayori: “What happened?”

Yuri: “She had to go home early, but nobody knows why.”

Monika: “Do you want to call her and see if she’s okay?”

Yuri: “I already did, but she’s not picking up. I’m really worried, I don’t know what to do.”

Natsuki: “Well, maybe we can help. What if we all go to her house and check on her?”

Sayori: “That’s a great idea, Natsuki! Let’s do it.”

Monika: “Alright then, let’s all go together. That way, we can support both Yuri and Ayano.”

(And so, we all piled into Monika’s car and drove to Ayano’s house. When we got there, we found her lying in a pool - with her orange and blue-striped skirt on a chair. Her gold-colored shirt with a Rathalos picture on it was also on the chair, alongside her maroon underwear - revealing not only her maroon bra, but also her massive bump.)

Ayano: (in pain) “AAAAAAAH! I-Is that you, Yuri?”

Yuri: (rushing over to Ayano’s side) “Yes, it’s me. Are you alright? What happened?”

Ayano: “I think…I’m in labor…”

Sayori: “Oh no, we need to get you to the hospital!”

Ayano: “N-No, I’ll be fine. I-I-I actually planned this water birth ever since I started having contractions during literature class.”

(I looked at Ayano in shock. How could she have been planning this and not tell anyone? But I pushed aside my confusion and focused on helping her.)

Natsuki: “Okay, well we’re here now, so let’s help get you set up for the birth. Yuri, do you know what to do?”

Yuri: “Yes, I remember my aunt giving birth in a bathtub. We need to make sure the water is warm, and help Ayano slowly lower herself in.”

(Sayori and Monika started setting up towels and blankets around the tub, while I helped Yuri fill it up with warm water. Ayano was in pain, but she seemed to find some relief in the warm water.)

Ayano: “T-Thank you, everyone. I’m so glad you’re all here.”

Monika: “We’re here for you, Ayano. Just focus on your breathing and let us take care of the rest.”

(I felt a sense of camaraderie and closeness with my friends as we worked together to help Ayano bring her baby into the world. And when the time finally came, and I saw the tiny, crying baby in Ayano’s arms, I felt a sense of awe and wonder at the miracle of life.)

Natsuki: “Congratulations, Ayano. You did it.”

Ayano: “Thank you, everyone. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Yuri: “And we’ll continue to be here for you and your baby, Ayano. We’re all in this together.”

(I couldn’t help but smile at Yuri’s words. We truly were all in this together - through the ups and downs of life, supporting each other no matter what. And as we left Ayano’s house, I knew that this was just the beginning of our adventures together as a club and as friends. Weeks later, Yuri got a call on her phone - it was Ayano.)

Yuri: “Hello Ayano, how are you and the baby doing?”

Ayano: “We’re doing great, Yuri! I just wanted to say thank you again for helping me with the water birth. I couldn’t have done it without you and the rest of the club.”

Yuri: “Of course, Ayano. We’ll always be here for you and your little one.”

Ayano: “That means a lot to me, Yuri. And actually, I was wondering if I would join the literature club. You ARE my best friend, after all.”

Yuri: (smiling) “Of course, Ayano. We’d love to have you.”