Natsuki: (shrugging her off) "I know, I know. I'll help out with the baking, okay? Just give me some time to think." As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel like something was off. Sure, Monika's pregnant, but it shouldn't affect us too much during the festival planning. Or should it? I decided to talk to Monika about it, just to make sure everything's okay. I found her in the clubroom, typing away on her laptop. Natsuki: "Hey Monika, can I talk to you for a sec?" Monika: (looking up from her screen with a smile) "Hey Natsuki, of course! What's on your mind?" Natsuki: (nervously fiddling with her hair) "Well, I noticed... your belly's been getting bigger and all. Is everything alright with the baby?" Monika: (placing a hand over her belly) "Oh, yeah! Everything's fine. I'm due in a few weeks, actually." Natsuki: "Oh, okay. That's good to hear. But... what about the festival? Will you still be able to help out with the planning?" Monika: (laughing softly) "Natsuki, don't worry about it. I'll still be able to lend a hand, even if it's just giving you guys suggestions from home. The baby's not going to slow me down." I nodded, feeling relieved. "Okay, that's good to know. I just wanted to make sure everything's alright." Monika: "Thank you for checking on me, Natsuki. You're a good friend." As I left the clubroom, I couldn't help but feel a little silly for worrying so much. Monika was a strong, capable woman. She could handle the festival planning, even with a baby on the way. But deep down, I knew there was still a nagging feeling in my gut. Something wasn't right, but I couldn't put my finger on what. And as the days passed, that feeling only grew stronger.