Alright, Hinomori, I'm ready to learn.

Okay, I'm ready as well.

Today, I'll be teaching you some simple sewing techniques. We'll try a few designs once you've gotten the hang of them.

Sewing techniques? As in the stitches you mentioned?

Yes, in home ec, you likely learned them as “nami-nui” and “hongaeshi-nui”, which translate into “running stitches” and “back stitches” in English.

I see. You're so knowledgeable...
Like a real teacher.

Oh, you think so...?

Let's see... Then, why don't we begin by trying some outline stitches.

You use them quite a lot to draw lines and fill in gaps. First, let me show you.

Okay, thank you.

Once you have your thread knot and poke the needle back out, you'll stick it back in a short distance away...

Next, you go back about half a step and stick the needle in at the midpoint of your previous stitch. By doing this a few times...

Oh, it's turning into a line.

Yes, this is how you do an outline stitch.
Compared to a back stitch, the line you create ends up being a little thicker.

Next, let's try doing it together,

Okay. So, start by making a thread knot and...

How does this look?

Yes, that's excellent!
Your line is very straight.

You could try spacing your stitches more evenly to make it look cleaner, but that's just me splitting hairs.

Ah, thank you. I'll give that a try.

Hey, have you decided what you're gonna do for Valentine's Day yet?

I have, but I'm keeping my present a secret until the day of.

Aww... I wanted to use your idea as a springboard.

Oh...

The girls in the corridor seem to be having a fun conversation.

They're already getting ready for Valentine's Day.

I'll need to start thinking about that soon.

Do you plan on giving a gift to someone?

Yes, my groupmates are going to throw a Valentine's Day party, and they told me to bring something.

Oh, with Ena and the others? That sounds like fun.

I also plan on giving gifts on Valentine's Day to those around me.

It's a wonderful opportunity for me to show my appreciation for them.

They mean so much to me, so I want my gifts to them to reflect that fact.

Gifts that mean something. I like the sound of that.

But what would count as that?

Well... Oh, I know!
You could give them accessories that you embroidered yourself.

Embroidery, huh... Yes, a gift does tend to feel more special when you know it's handmade.

Right? This is just how I feel, but I believe quite a lot of emotion goes into every stitch.

A lot of emotion...?

Yes. The process of choosing the right design for the person you have in mind, and carefully stitching it in, really allows you to channel in your emotions.

Which is why, for those truly special occasions, I almost always give people things that I embroidered myself.

I see.
It's a wonderful reflection of who you are, Hinomori.

So, let's do our best to make gifts that our respective recipients will really enjoy.

Yes, let's!

Oh, Shizuku, there you are.

Haruka?

Oh, Asahina, hello.
I didn't realize you were with her.

Hello. Are you here for Hinomori?

Yes, I need to steal her for a minute.

Did you see the message in our group chat, Shizuku?

What message? Give me just a second...

Oh no...!
I'm so sorry! My phone's battery ran out...!

Hehe. I had a feeling.
Anyway, please take a look at it when you get a chance. It details our activities for the near term.

Okay. Thank you for taking the time to come to tell me, Haruka!

You're welcome.
Also, what were you two doing just now?

Embroidery practice.

Hinomori agreed to teach me how to embroider after I told her that we were assigned a project for home ec.

We were just working on some basic stitches, but we'll be putting them into practice in a little bit.

For example, by making these flowers.

Wow, they're beautiful...
You can embroider these yourself?

Yes, these sorts of designs are perfect for accenting handkerchiefs and socks. I actually embroider these quite a lot.

Really? Putting in your own designs like that does sound like fun.

This might be worth streaming...

Wait, like an embroidery stream?

Yeah. Remember how Airi streamed a cooking lesson the other day?

That got a lot of positive feedback, because it's such a useful life skill. I have a feeling that a lot of people would be interested in you teaching them how to embroider too.

Yes, I see your point!
The segments that allow our viewers to follow along and participate have been very popular...

Oh, I'm sorry...
I didn't mean to turn this into work talk.

No, that's okay.
I can tell that you both care very deeply about your fans.

I also think that's a good idea for a stream.
I mean, Hinomori, you're such an incredible teacher.

You think so? It's very encouraging to hear you say that, Asahina.

Then, let's ask Airi about this.

Oh, also... Would it be possible for you to teach me how to embroider sometime too? That should help us put the plan for our stream together.

Of course.
I'll make sure to set aside some time for that.

Okay, thanks.

In that case, Kiritani, why don't you join us now?

Huh? But...

Don't worry, we've only just begun. Oh, unless you have a prior engagement...

What a good idea!
What do you say, Haruka?

Then, if you don't mind me jumping in...

Yes, let's practice together.

Then, Haruka, I'll also start teaching you some basic stitches.

Thank you, Ms. Shizuku.

Of course♪

Shizuku, can you take a look at my lazy daisy stitch? Did I get it right?

Yes! Your spacing is perfect, and you also made sure not to pull too hard as you sewed. Next, let's...

Oh, lunch is about to end...

You're right. We were so focused that the time just flew by.

Thank you for teaching us all this, Shizuku.

I know we only got to practice doing a couple stitches today, but seeing my work slowly come together was really fun.

Yes, I know what you mean.
It's always nice to see the effort you put in bear fruit like this.

Hehe. I'm glad you both had so much fun.

To be honest, I was hoping to get you two to embroider some flowers...

Yeah, that would be fun to do during our stream.

Then, since we couldn't quite finish today, why don't we meet again sometime?

Yes, let's do that!

Oh, I know...!
Why don't you try embroidering some penguins, Haruka?

Wait, you can embroider penguins?

Yes. I have a book of animal patterns at home, so I'll bring it with me next time.

Thanks...!

Hehe. I'll be looking forward to our next embroidery lesson. When should we meet next?

Well...
We could meet again in one of the classrooms during lunch...

Or this other place I really recommend.
Would you both be okay with that?