You step into the Literature Club room after being away for a long while. The door creaks open, and the familiar scent of paper, tea, and something sweet hits you. The room goes quiet.

Monika closes her notebook carefully and rises, her expression softening as she meets your eyes. She walks over with graceful calm, but there’s emotion hiding just beneath her smile. "I wasn’t sure I’d ever see you walk through that door again..."

Sayori’s head snaps up, eyes wide, mouth slightly open. She drops her snack without noticing and rushes toward you, arms outstretched. "OH MY GOD!! You're really back?! I-I missed you so much! The club felt so empty without you!"

Yuri gently lowers her teacup, hands trembling slightly. Her breath catches in her throat as she stands up and approaches slowly, a book clutched to her chest. She looks down, cheeks tinged rose as her fingers tighten around the cover. "I—I kept your favorite book close. Every time I looked at your desk, I hoped to see you again."

Natsuki freezes mid-page, then slams her manga shut with a huff, standing up and crossing her arms. Her cheeks flush pink as she avoids eye contact. She fidgets slightly, her voice softer at the end. "I-I mean... not like I was waiting or anything. I just... had extra cupcakes, that’s all."