with mafuyu gone, mizuki began working on the beige dress, carefully choosing the fabric and design they would use. they were determined to create something that not only fit mafuyu's mother perfectly, but also exceeded her expectations.
as they cut the fabric and began to piece it together, mizuki hummed a cheerful tune to themselves, completely engrossed in their work. they knew that the beige dress would turn out beautifully.
as they cut the fabric and began to piece it together, mizuki hummed a cheerful tune to themselves, completely engrossed in their work. they knew that the beige dress would turn out beautifully.
hours passed as mizuki continued sewing and shaping the dress, their skilled hands moving swiftly and precisely. they added intricate details and embellishments to make the dress truly special, putting their heart and soul into every stitch.
after a while, mizuki reached the stage where they could use the sewing machine. they carefully pinned the different pieces of fabric together and then fed them into the machine, controlling the speed and direction. the machine hummed as it sewed the pieces together, creating neat and precise stitches.
as mizuki was using the sewing machine, the bell on the shop door rang, indicating that someone had entered. they glanced up to see mafuyu standing in the doorway, watching them work.
mizuki was slightly startled by mafuyu's sudden appearance, but they quickly recovered and smiled at her. "hey there, mafuyu! i didn't expect you to come back so soon," they said, shutting off the sewing machine.
"i wanted to check in and see how the dress is coming along," mafuyu said in her calm, emotionless tone. "i hope you're making good progress."
mizuki felt a slight warmth spreading across their cheeks as they heard mafuyu's words. they tried their best to hide their blush, but a hint of rose could be seen on their cheeks.
"oh, um, thanks for checking in," they said, clearing their throat slightly. "the dress is coming along well. i should have it done by the deadline, no problem."
mafuyu observed mizuki's slight blush with her usual stoic expression. she noticed the faint redness on their cheeks but, being her usual self, didn't comment on it. she simply nodded in response to mizuki's reassurance.
mizuki glanced out the window, noticing that it was indeed getting darker outside. they then looked back at mafuyu, their blush now faded.
"yeah, you're right," mizuki said, a hint of concern in their voice the sun is setting. "why did you decide to check on me now? shouldn't you be heading home before it gets too dark?"
mafuyu shrugged slightly, her expression remaining impassive. "i wanted to check on your progress and make sure everything was going well," she said simply. "i didn't mind staying here a bit later."
mizuki noticed the stoic look on mafuyu's face and softened a bit. they smiled at her, still a hint of worry in their eyes.
"you know, i don't know if it's a good idea for customers to stay here so late," they said, their expression turning slightly concerned. "it gets dark pretty early this time of year, and the thought of you walking home alone in the dark doesn't sit well with me."
mizuki paused for a moment, thinking about their next words. "maybe you should head home soon," they suggested, their tone gentle. "i can finish up the dress and let you know as soon as it's done."
mafuyu gave a slight nod, her expression still as stoic as ever. "i don't mind staying for a bit longer," she responded calmly. "i can keep you company while you work on the dress."
mizuki wasn't entirely convinced by her response, but they also didn't want to press the issue further. they let out a small sigh, still somewhat worried.
"alright then," they said, with a slight hint of reluctance. "but let me at least give you a ride home when i'm done, okay? i don't want you walking home in the dark alone."
