Sunday's sunlight dispelled the autumn chill. Okabara Kyogumichi stood at the entrance of the central market, watching the bustling crowds, and couldn't help but recall his agreement with Kitagawa Marin.
After returning from Chitanda Nao's home yesterday, he specifically researched a lot of information about making cosplay costumes, and he still held a note full of material lists.
"Okabara-san! Over here!" A clear voice came from the crowd, and Kitagawa Marin ran over, waving her arm. Today, she wore a simple white T-shirt and denim overalls, with her long hair tied into a high ponytail, looking full of energy and completely different from the glamorous appearance she had in the sewing club that day.
"Sorry, I'm not late, am I?" Marin ran up to him, slightly out of breath, with tiny beads of sweat on her forehead.
"No, I just arrived too." Kyogumichi smiled and shook his head, his gaze falling on the canvas bag in her hand, "It looks like you've done a lot of preparation?"
"Of course!" Marin opened her canvas bag, revealing several manga books and a thick notebook inside. "I've printed out all the character's detail drawings, and I've also made notes on the types of fabric needed!" She took out the notebook and opened it, revealing pages covered with various fabric samples and detailed annotations, all written neatly and meticulously.
Kyogumichi looked at the sparkle in her eyes, and the heaviness in his heart seemed to lighten considerably. When he was with Marin, he could always feel that pure passion for things she loved, which was incredibly infectious.
The two walked along the market's main thoroughfare. The shops on both sides were filled with colorful fabrics, from luxurious lace to simple cotton, everything imaginable. The scents of various fabrics mixed with the lively atmosphere of the market, creating a unique ambiance.
"Let's go to that old fabric store first!" Marin pulled Kyogumichi's sleeve and ran ahead, like an excited little rabbit. "Their imported lace is especially great; it's perfect for a skirt hem!"
The owner of the old fabric store was a kind old grandmother, who smiled and greeted Marin when she saw her: "Marin-chan, buying fabric again? What new clothes are you making this time?"
"Hello, Obaa-san!" Marin greeted sweetly. "This time I'm making a Gothic cosplay costume and need black lace with a dark pattern."
She skillfully discussed the fabric's material and specifications with the owner, from the density of the lace to the width of the trim, all with strict requirements. Kyogumichi stood by and watched, realizing that while she usually seemed a bit carefree, she was exceptionally professional and serious in her field of passion.
"What do you think of this one?" Marin picked up a piece of black lace fabric and unfolded it in front of Kyogumichi. "The texture is very light, and the pattern is just like the character's design!"
Kyogumichi examined it carefully and then rubbed the fabric between his fingers: "It's indeed good, but the edge of this lace is too stiff; it might be uncomfortable to wear against the skin and easily snag." He recalled the fabric characteristics mentioned in the sewing skill rewarded by the system, "That soft lace over there might be more suitable. Although the pattern is simpler, it's more practical."
Marin's eyes widened in surprise. She picked up the lace Kyogumichi pointed to and compared them: "You're right! This one feels much more comfortable! Okabara-san, you know so much!"
The old grandmother also smiled and nodded: "This student is right. Cosplay costumes not only need to look good, but also need to consider comfort when wearing them, otherwise it will be very tiring to wear them to events."
Marin stuck out her tongue and quickly put the soft lace into the shopping basket: "Good thing Okabara-san is here, otherwise I definitely would have chosen the pretty but impractical one."
After leaving the fabric store, the two went to the notions store. Marin weaved through rows of buttons, zippers, and trims, her eyes sparkling. She picked up a pair of silver rose buttons and said excitedly: "These can be used to decorate the cuffs! They match the character's weapon design perfectly!"
Kyogumichi, on the other hand, carefully selected invisible pins and threads for fastening: "These imported pins are stronger and less likely to come loose, making them suitable for securing heavy skirt hems. Choose this waterproof thread; it won't fade easily when washed."
His professional advice left Marin in awe: "Okabara-san, have you made cosplay costumes before? How do you know everything?"
"I just looked up some information." Kyogumichi smiled. In reality, it was more due to the intuition brought by his sewing skills. "And listening to you talk so much, I've also learned a lot."
Marin's cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head a bit shyly: "It feels so happy to buy materials with someone who understands these things. Before, I always came alone, and sometimes I would agonize over choosing materials for a long time."
Kyogumichi looked at her sparkling eyes and understood why so many people poured their hearts into what they loved. The light that shone in their eyes when they talked about their favorite things was, in itself, a beautiful existence.
Unknowingly, the shopping basket was already full of various materials. Marin looked at the basket full of fabrics and notions, a satisfied smile on her face: "This is great! With these materials, I can definitely make a perfect cosplay costume!"
"Don't rush to start working when we get back." Kyogumichi reminded her, "Let's draw a detailed cutting pattern first, determine the dimensions and joining methods, so we don't make mistakes during production."
"Mhm, mhm!" Marin nodded vigorously, "Can we meet at the sewing club after school tomorrow? I'll bring all the character drawings, and we can study the cutting pattern together!"
"Sure." Kyogumichi agreed. Seeing the girl's excitement, his own mood also lightened.
By the time they left the market, the sun was already setting in the west, casting long shadows of the two. Marin carried bags full of materials, humming a song with light steps, her face beaming with a happy smile.
Kyogumichi looked at her back and recalled Chitanda Nao's hollow eyes from yesterday, gaining some insight. Both were tethered by something; Marin shone brightly because of her passion, while Nao was trapped by fear. Perhaps what truly heals the heart is never cold truth, but the warmth and hope that allow people to rediscover their passions.
"See you tomorrow, Okabara-san!" Marin waved goodbye at the intersection, her smile even brighter than the setting sun.
"See you tomorrow." Kyogumichi waved back, watching her skip and disappear around the street corner.
The evening breeze blew gently, carrying the scent of market fabrics and distant food. Kyogumichi carried the remaining material bags, his steps no longer as heavy as yesterday. He knew that Chitanda Nao's problem was not yet solved, but at least at this moment, he could feel the simple and pure joys around him.
Perhaps life is like this: there are unresolved knots, and there is warmth within reach. And all he could do was cherish these beautiful moments, and in his own way, protect the passions worth protecting.