Thank you for tutoring me today, Asahina. I was absent for this class due to work, so you really saved me.

You're welcome.

I was also thinking about reviewing the same material, so it was a win-win for the both of us.

Speaking of work, Hinomori, everyone in my class has been talking about your commercial. I was honestly staggered when I saw how beautiful you looked.

Oh, you saw it? Thank you.

But I can't rest on my laurels.

I need to make the most of my success by continuing to do my best.

Hehe. You're such a hard-working girl.

You have my support, so please feel free to ask me for help whenever you need it.

Asahina...

(She's such a kind person...)

(Even the other day, she agreed to do my share of the cleaning after I had to leave early...)

(She's been providing me with so much support.)

(If only there were a way for me to thank her...)

H-Hinomori, watch out!

Huh?

Eep...!

I'm sorry for yanking you so suddenly, but that pile of snow was about to fall on top of you.

No, I really appreciate it. You kept me from getting all wet.

Oh...

There's some snow on your shoulder, Asahina.

Huh? Oh, you're right...

Just give me a second to get it with my handkerchief.

Okay, that's all of it.

Thank you.

Oh, your handkerchief...

The embroidery on it is beautiful. Are these camellias?

Yes, I saw one blooming in my garden, so I decided to make an embroidery of it.

Wait, you did this yourself?

I remember saying how beautiful that other embroidery you showed me the other day was. It's incredible how you're able to create these intricate designs.

Thank you. But it's actually not as difficult as all that.

For example, these camellias use only stitches taught in home ec.

Really?

Yes, for instance... I made the stems using back stitches, and the anthers on the stamens using French knots.

Interesting. I thought there were much more complicated stitches involved...

I saw some girls doing embroidery for their home ec projects. I might just do the same now.

What project?

Oh, that's right.

You're not taking home ec this term, are you?

We were recently asked to make some accessories of our choice as part of a project. That includes pen cases, pouches and such...

We can apparently score bonus points by sewing on buttons and embroidering them.

I see. Which is why some girls are choosing to embroider theirs...

Getting to design your project however you like sounds like so much fun! What do you plan on doing for yours, Asahina?

I'm going make a tissue box cover.

I found some instructions in the supply catalog, so I'll be following that mostly.

But I still haven't decided how I'm going to decorate it.

I wish I knew how to embroider like you, Hinomori. I'd have more options if I did.

More options...

Would you like me to teach you?

Huh?

Oh, I'm sorry. I know this is sudden, and I don't actually know if I'll be able to help...

But you should be able to apply what I teach you to your project, which in turn should make it more fun.

Hinomori... Thank you.

I appreciate the offer.

But you don't have to do that. I know your work as an idol keeps you very busy...

Don't worry about me. I can teach you a few simple stitches during lunch.

Also...

You've done so much for me in the past, Asahina. It would make me happy to know I could help you too.

If you're willing to say that, then I might just have to take you up on your offer.

You will? Thank goodness...!

In that case, why don't we meet during lunch tomorrow?

Yes, that sounds good.

I'll be looking forward to our lesson.

Let's see... I have my needles and embroidery hoops, so that just leaves...

Oh, we're going to need some extra cloth and thread to use for practice. I should have some little pieces somewhere...

(Hehe. I'm so glad that I finally get to help Asahina.)

(I have to prepare a good lesson for her.)

<Shizuku.>

Huh?

Oh, Len...!

Good evening.

<Good evening. Sorry for dropping in on you so suddenly.>

<I wanted to ask you about something...

Did I come at a bad time?>

No, you're fine. I was just getting some things together for tomorrow.

<What's happening tomorrow?>

Hehe. I promised a friend that I'd teach her how to embroider during lunch.

<I see.

That explains why you have all these sewing supplies out. And this pile of books on embroidery...>

Oh, I'm reading through these again to find some good ideas for my lesson.

That includes deciding which stitches I'm going to teach my friend...

<I see.

Sound like you're putting a lot of effort into this.>

Yes... I want to repay her for what she's done for me.

<Repay her?>

I've actually been relying on this friend quite a lot...

Even today, she was kind enough to fill me in on the classes that I missed. It's like she's always there to help...

But this is my chance to help her.

That's why I want to give her a proper, good lesson.

<Yeah, it sounds like she means a lot to you.>

<Good luck, Shizuku!>

Yes, thank you!

Oh, I'm sorry...

I didn't mean to do all the talking.

You said you wanted to ask me about something, Len?

<Oh, right. For our Valentine's Day, we're thinking about striking poses involving hearts when we talk with the audience and stuff. But I still haven't decided what I'm gonna do...>

Poses involving hearts?

<We're having a contest to see who strikes the best pose that involves hearts.>

Oh, that sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate Valentine's Day! You're all going to look so adorable.

<Yeah, but I wanna try doing a pose that's both cute and stylish.>

<I've been researching expressions and gestures that make me look cool and relaxed... But I felt that I should ask you, Shizuku, since you probably know a lot about this stuff.>

I see. In that case, I'll be more than happy to help.

<Thanks! You're the best.

The pose I have in mind right now is...>