(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Yuri’s been gone for quite a long time…”

Sayori: “Maybe she’s just caught up with a really good book? You know how she can get lost in literature.”

MC: “Should someone go check on her? It’s not like Yuri to miss so much of the club meeting.”

Natsuki: “Ugh, fine. I’ll go see what’s taking her so long. She probably doesn’t even realize how much time has passed. But don’t expect me to return quickly - this pregnancy weight is getting to me!”

(MC turns to Monika.)

MC: “Do you think everything’s alright? It’s not like Yuri to just disappear without saying anything.”

Monika: “I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. Natsuki will find her. But I do have to admit, it’s a bit unlike Yuri. She’s usually very considerate about letting us know if she’ll be late or has to leave early.”

(Monika leans back in her chair, looking thoughtful.)

Monika: “Well, Yuri does have her moments of being, how should I put it, extremely focused. Perhaps she found an old, dust-covered book in the library and she’s poring over it by now. Or maybe she’s stumbled onto some new poem or story that’s consuming all her attention.”

Sayori: (smiling brightly) “That sounds just like Yuri! Remember that one time she brought in that horror book and was so excited to talk about it she didn’t even hear us calling her name?”

MC: (nodding) “Yeah, that sounds about right. But still, it wouldn’t hurt to make sure she’s okay.”

Monika: (with a reassuring smile) “Definitely, it’s good that Natsuki went to check on her. But let’s try not to worry too much until we know there’s something to worry about, okay?”

(MC nods, trying to ease his friend’s concern. After a moment of silence, the clubroom door creaks open, and Natsuki walks in, breathing a little heavily due to her pregnant state, with Yuri following behind her. However, Natsuki looks like she’s in a lot of trouble as she clutches her stomach, her expression one of discomfort.)

Natsuki: “Guys…it’s not just the ‘pregnancy weight’…I think…NNNNNGH!!!…I think it’s time.”

Sayori: (gasping) “Time?! You mean, like—the baby is coming?”

MC: (jumping up from his seat) “Oh gosh, Natsuki, how can we help? Do we need to call an ambulance?”

Yuri: (stepping forward, her previous absence now forgotten) “I apologize for being so caught up in my reading. I didn’t realize what was happening. Natsuki, please sit down and try to take deep breaths. I’ll fetch some water.”

Monika: (taking control of the situation) “Right, everyone, let’s stay calm. MC, call an ambulance. Sayori, can you find the school nurse, just in case she can help before the ambulance arrives? I’ll help Natsuki get comfortable.”

(MC quickly takes out his phone and dials for an ambulance, relaying the situation to the operator. Sayori dashes out of the room to find the nurse, and Yuri returns with a glass of water, handing it carefully to Natsuki.)

Monika: (kneeling beside Natsuki) “Natsuki, talk to me. How are you feeling now?”

Natsuki: (panting) “It’s intense…I wasn’t expecting this…so soon. The contractions…AAAAAAAH!!!…are pretty close together.”

Monika: (nods) “Okay, just breathe. The ambulance is on the way. You’re doing great.”

(Sayori returns soon after with the school nurse, who quickly assesses the situation. The nurse instructs Natsuki on how to manage her breathing until professional medical help arrives.)

Yuri: (looking a bit pale but determined to be helpful) “Is there anything else I can do to assist?”

Sayori: (wrapping an arm around Yuri) “You’ve done enough by getting the water, Yuri. Now we just have to wait and let the professionals do their job-”

Natsuki: (clutching her belly in agony) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

(The clubroom is filled with tension and concern as Natsuki’s cries of pain echo through the space.)

Monika: (rushing towards Natsuki’s side) “Natsuki, what’s wrong?!”