(As I walked to the clubroom, I couldn’t believe what happened yesterday. MC, my childhood friend, had died. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. And as I entered the clubroom, I could see Monika and Himari getting ready for something. Kotonhoa was also there, and was moving a strange pool - it was round and royal purple. Natsuki was there, too - she was filling the pool with warm water. I was confused as to what they were doing.)

Natsuki: “Okay…that should be everything for when Yuri arrives.”

Kotonhoa: “I can’t believe that she’s due today.”

Monika: “None of us can, Kotonhoa! But why would she choose to have a water birth?”

Himari: “Wait…Sayori? What’s wrong?”

(I looked up at Himari, tears brimming in my eyes.)

Sayori: “MC…he’s gone, Himari. He died yesterday.”

(Himari’s eyes widened in shock, and she rushed over to me, wrapping me in a tight embrace.)

Himari: “Oh, Sayori…I’m so sorry. I had no idea. We’ll postpone our plans for now, of course.”

Kotonhoa: “Yes, Sayori. We can do this another time.”

Natsuki: “We’re all here for you, Sayori. Anything you need, just ask.”

Monika: “I can’t imagine what you’re going through, Sayori. But we’re all here to support you.”

(Silently, we all stood together, in a moment of mourning for our friend. And even though MC was gone, we knew that our friendship would keep us strong. That’s when Yuri entered the room - and she immediately got into the royal purple pool, while putting a hand on her bump.)