(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “There! Everything’s all set up for today’s meeting. Now we just need Yuri.”

Natsuki: “Ugh, typical Yuri. Always taking her sweet time. I swear, she gets lost in her own head more than anywhere else.”

Sayori: “Maybe she’s just really focused on her book again! You know how she gets when she’s reading something she loves.”

Monika: “That’s true, but we can’t start without her. I was really looking forward to discussing the new poetry prompts we prepared.”

Natsuki: “I know, right? I spent hours coming up with some fun ideas—ones that aren’t all gloomy and existential like Yuri’s usual stuff.”

Sayori: “I think it’s great that we all bring different styles to the table! Maybe we can help each other try new things.”

Monika: “Exactly! If only we could pull Yuri out of her literary bubble for just a moment.”

Natsuki: “You mean her ‘mysterious darkness’? Honestly, sometimes I think she’d prefer running away to some fantasy world where everything is dramatic.”

Sayori: (giggles) “But that’s what makes her so special! I mean, I love how passionate she gets about her writing.”

Monika: “We just have to remind her that we can have fun with poetry, too. It doesn’t always have to be serious.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, but her serious stuff can be really hard to get into sometimes. I mean, I appreciate depth as much as the next person, but I just want to have some fun with this club!”

Sayori: “What if we did a fun challenge? Like, we each write a poem in a completely different style and share them at the meeting! That way, we can encourage each other to step outside our comfort zones!”

Monika: “That sounds like a fantastic idea, Sayori! It might even make Yuri see that poetry can be lighthearted too.”

Natsuki: “I’m down for that! I could totally whip up something cute and playful. Just wait until you see what I come up with!”

Monika: “Great! And maybe we can even take turns guessing which style each poem is inspired by.”

Sayori: “Oh, I love guessing games! It’ll be like an adventure through poetry!”

Natsuki: “As long as none of my poems are accidentally labeled as ‘Yuri-style.’ I don’t want to hear anyone saying my work is gloomy!”

Monika: (laughs) “Don’t worry; we’ll keep track of who wrote what. Now, let’s see if we can get Yuri to join us. Maybe one of us could go check on her?”

Sayori: “I can go! I’ll bring her some snacks too! That way, she’ll be extra happy when she gets here!”

Natsuki: “Perfect! Just make sure she doesn’t get too wrapped up in her book and forget about us!”

Monika: “Alright, Sayori, it’s all up to you! We’ll be waiting here. And who knows? Maybe this will be the push Yuri needs to break out of her shell a little.”

Sayori: “Okay! I’ll be back soon!” (exits the room)

Natsuki: “I really hope she doesn’t take forever. We have so much to do!”

Monika: “Just give her some time. Once Yuri is here, I know she’ll get into the spirit of the meeting. We just have to make her feel included.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, yeah… Just as long as we’re not boring, I’ll be happy! But…” (rubbing her belly) “Sometimes even I don’t know how I’m going to balance school, the club, AND taking care of a baby. It feels like every time I turn around, there’s something else demanding my attention!”