Alright, let's get “Operation: Embroidery Gifts” underway!

Yeah!

Today, we'll be choosing our embroidery designs.

Let's begin by jotting down ideas in our notebooks.

Roger!

What should we keep in mind as we come up with our designs?

Good question...

If you make your design too complicated, then actually embroidering it won't be easy. So, I recommend keeping things simple.

Also, you'll need to transfer the design in your notebook over to your fabric, so you'll need to get the size right.

For example, for your makeup pouches, Haruka, I recommend going with slightly larger designs since you have quite a lot of space available.

As for you, Asahina, I recommend smaller designs for the corners of your handkerchiefs.

I see...

In other words, you need to think about what the finished product is going to look like.

Yes. I even brought along books about embroidering accessories, so you can see how big their designs are.

Anyway, let's do our best to come up with designs that everybody is going to love.

Yeah!

...

(Designs that everybody is going to love...)

Oh, are you making a flower? It's so cute!

Thanks. This is for Minori's pouch...

I'm thinking about making a whole flower field.

Hehe. That's just perfect for Minori's personality.

As for me, I'm thinking about making her an embroidered keychain of Samo.

Oh, she'll definitely love that.

...

Do you know what you'd like to do, Asahina?

No, not yet...

I've never designed anything like this before, so I'm finding it a little challenging.

That's perfectly understandable. I'm no expert either, so I also become stuck for ideas sometimes.

But I do find it helpful to think about what your recipient likes or enjoys.

What they like or enjoy...?

Hmm... For example, in Kanade's case, would that be music? Although, her relationship with it is a bit complicated.

Yes, she does take her music very seriously.

In that case, what if you included some musical notes and symbols in your design?

But just musical notes might look a bit sterile.

What else does Kanade like? Instant noodles, I guess...?

Yes, but...

Actually embroidering that may prove difficult.

Yeah, I'm not sure instant noodles are the best choice...

Haha. You're probably right...

Coming up with a good embroidery design for Kanade that's gonna look good is really hard.

Oh... What if you thought about Kanade's personality instead?

Her personality?

Yes. I decided to embroider a flower field based on who Minori is as a person.

Flowers are even a part of her last name. And just like real flowers, Minori Hanasato has a talent for making others smile.

I see. Which is how you arrived on your design...

Who Kanade is as a person...

What is your perception of her, Asahina?

Does having her around make you happy or feel at ease? That may be a good place to start.

Right...

I don't know if this is the right answer...

But I feel this warmth whenever I'm with her or listen to one of her songs.

Yeah, I totally know what you mean!

She's also been a huge source of support for me.

I see. She sounds like a wonderful person.

She is! Kanade's songs are like these rays of light poking through the darkness... They always hit me really hard when I listen to them.

They have a way of getting you to look up and move forward...

Oh...

(Rays of light poking through the darkness...)

You're right.

Kanade...

She's always there to help whenever I get stuck...

She's the person that's always there to tell me that everything is going to be okay. That we can move forward together.

I think that's who Kanade is to me.

I'm sorry. I know that sounds very abstract.

Not at all.

I think I have a much better understand of what Yoisaki represents in your mind.

(A light that guides the way when you find yourself stumbling around in the dark...)

(A design which embodies that warmth would be...)

Oh...

How about a candle...?

A candle...?

Yes, because candles can aid you by illuminating darkened paths, right?

Also, having even just a small light can be a source of encouragement when you find yourself stuck in the dark. Is that close in feeling, maybe?

Oh, I'm sorry if I'm wrong...

That was what immediately came to mind for me, that's all...

No, you aren't wrong...

Somehow, it fits perfectly.

Yeah, that's also sorta how I see Kanade!

Really? Thank goodness...!

Then, I'll work on my design using what you and the others just said.

Thank you for your help.

You're welcome. And please feel free to ask again if you need my help.

Okay.

Phew... I think we're all set with our designs now.

Yes. Also, thanks to Shizuku, we know which stitches and techniques we'll each be using. Now we just need to start gathering materials.

Okay, let's do our best to make sure that our gifts turn out really amazing!

Yes!

Yeah!