(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Alright, it’s been a few minutes and Natsuki still isn’t here…”

Sayori: “Hmm, that’s unusual. Natsuki is usually here before everyone else. I hope she’s okay.”

Yuri: “Perhaps we should go check on her? Maybe she got caught up with something.”

Monika: “That might be a good idea. Sayori, could you go see if she’s in the hallway? Maybe she’s just running a bit late.”

Sayori: “Sure thing, Monika! I’ll be right back.”

(Sayori leaves the clubroom to look for Natsuki.)

Yuri: “I hope Natsuki is alright. It’s unlike her to be this late without any prior notice.”

Monika: “Yes, I’m a bit worried too. We should make sure she’s okay.”

(As the others wait anxiously, Sayori soon returns to the clubroom.)

Sayori: “She’s not in the hallway, and I checked all her usual spots. I couldn’t find her anywhere.”

Yuri: “That’s concerning. Did you ask anyone if they saw her?”

Sayori: “I asked a few students, but no one had seen her since yesterday.”

Monika: “Alright, this is officially worrying. We should inform a teacher or the principal about Natsuki’s absence.”

(The group quickly makes their way to the principal’s office.)

(Meanwhile, at Natsuki’s place…)

Natsuki: (speaking to her unborn daughter) “Good morning, Sakura. Excited for another day at the clubroom today?”

(Sakura, as if responding to her mother’s words, kicks gently in Natsuki’s belly.)

Natsuki: (smiling) “I can’t wait to introduce you to everyone. They’re all really nice and supportive. You’re going to love it there.”

(Natsuki gets into her club outfit before heading to school. She grabs her bag and heads out the door.)

Natsuki: “Bye, Dad! I’m off to school!”

Dad: “Have a great day, Natsuki!”

(Natsuki walks down the familiar path to school, thinking about how she can’t wait to see her friends and discuss the book they’re currently reading. As she arrives at the school gate, she notices her friends gathered at the entrance.)

Sayori: “Natsuki! There you are! We were so worried about you!”

Natsuki: “Huh? What? Why?”

Yuri: “You’ve been absent for the past two days.”

Natsuki: “That’s not possible! I’ve been here the whole time!”

Monika: “Natsuki, we were just at your house. We didn’t see you.”

Natsuki: (confused) “What? But I was there!”

Sayori: “Natsuki, are you feeling alright? Maybe you’re just a little confused.”

Natsuki: (frustrated) “No, I’m not confused! I’ve been at home, taking care of…Sakura.”

Yuri: (concerned) “Sakura? Who’s Sakura?”

(Natsuki slowly lifts up her shirt, revealing her baby bump.)

Monika: (shocked) “Natsuki…you’re…pregnant?”

Natsuki: (nervously) “Yes…Sakura is my unborn daughter.”

Sayori: (with tears in her eyes) “Natsuki, why didn’t you tell us? We could have supported you.”

Natsuki: “I…I didn’t know how to bring it up. I wasn’t ready to share this with everyone yet.”

Yuri: (softly) “We understand, Natsuki. But we’re here for you now. Let’s go somewhere quieter to talk.”

(The group finds a nearby bench and sits down together.)

Monika: “Natsuki, we’re sorry for not knowing about your situation earlier. We should have reached out to you.”

Sayori: “Yeah, we let our worry get the best of us, and we jumped to conclusions.”

Yuri: “But now, we’re here to support you in any way we can. We want you to know that.”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “Thank you, guys. I appreciate your understanding. It’s just…everything has been overwhelming. I didn’t want my pregnancy to change our literature club dynamic.”

Monika: “Natsuki, our friendship is more important than any club dynamic. We will adjust and support you no matter what.”

Sayori: “Absolutely! We’ll be the best aunties to little Sakura.”

Yuri: “I agree. And if you ever need someone to talk to or any help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.”

Natsuki: (smiling) “Thank you, everyone. I’m really lucky to have friends like you. Anyways, should we head back to the clubroom?”