At first, Sakiko had only intended to use this method as a bit of revenge for Tetsuya's earlier "teasing," and to get her fill of "Tetsuya-ness" on the side. She planned to let him go as soon as he begged for mercy.
However, what happened next gave her a completely new idea.
(He's actually drawing seriously...)
Although Tetsuya's face was getting redder and his breathing and heart rate were accelerating uncontrollably, his movements as he sketched the design showed no sign of pausing or hesitation.
Then, after about ten minutes had passed—
"...It's done."
"Eh!? No way!"
Sakiko released her embrace and turned to look at Tetsuya's workbench. And sure enough, the design that had been only a rough outline moments ago was now completely finished, ready to be made into a pattern at any time...
"I knew you weren't lying about what you said earlier, Tetsuya-kun, but this effect is a little too remarkable, don't you think?!"
Sakiko turned around, now sitting with her back to him, and reached out to pick up the newly completed design.
"This is a spring/autumn one-piece dress... I see. To balance the ornate hem, you've used ruffles on the shoulders while also using this coordinating lace choker to create a sense of contrast. And even if you take off the choker, it doesn't affect the lightness and purity of the dress itself at all! Most importantly, this style is perfectly in line with current fashion trends!"
With that, she turned her head and said to Tetsuya excitedly.
"This is amazing, Tetsuya-kun! I can already see it becoming an autumn bestseller!"
"Ah... mhm..."
Tetsuya didn't look overly pleased at the praise.
There was only one thing on his mind right now: how to persuade Sakiko to get off him...
"By the way, the inspiration for this hem design came from my maid outfit, right?"
However, Sakiko's attention was now completely captivated by the design. Not only did she not get off his lap, but her frequent turning and movements to hold the sketch were unintentionally increasing the friction.
"Head Maid Yamabuki explained the design concept for this hem to me before. This kind of gorgeous layering requires a lot of technique to achieve. Have you ever made this type of skirt before, Tetsuya-kun?"
"No..."
"In that case, I'll draw the pattern for this one. With your skills, you'll definitely learn it as soon as you see it!"
"Sakiko..."
"What is it?"
"Doesn't it bother you?"
Tetsuya couldn't help but ask.
"A designer who finds inspiration this way... no matter how you look at it, it's pretty bad, right?"
"...Pfft. If it weren't you, it would be very bad."
Seeing his guilty expression, Sakiko couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
"But with you, it's fine. After all, you're not forcing someone to do this. In fact, I'm the one forcing you..."
With that, she once again looked down at where she was sitting.
"By the way, Tetsuya-kun... no, Master."
She suddenly switched back to her maid persona, her eyes shining with immense anticipation.
"You're still quite excited right now, aren't you? I can feel it, you know?"
"That's only because you've been sitting here..."
Tetsuya said, looking like he wanted to cry but had no tears.
"Alright, Sakiko, you've already recognized your mistake, so the maid-for-a-day punishment can end here. Go and change back into your clothes—"
"I can't do that. It hasn't even been half a day! And this was a punishment proposed by you yourself, Master. It must be seen through from beginning to end!"
Sakiko righteously rejected his request for a truce.
"More importantly... if you stay in this state, Tetsuya-kun, could you continue to draw even more designs?"
"...Eh?"
Tetsuya froze for a moment at the question. He then closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment—
"Right now, I do have inspiration for a summer outfit..."
"Then what are you waiting for! Draw it out now, Master!"
Sakiko turned back to look at him and said with a happy smile.
"In a way, this counts as us working hard for [Starry Sky], right?"
"...Is that one way to look at it?"
Faced with her positivity, Tetsuya was a little dumbfounded.
"Wait a minute, Sakiko. You're a girl so you might not understand, but it's very uncomfortable for a guy to stay in this state for a long time—"
"It's the same for girls, you know."
Sakiko shook her head and said to him with a perfectly straight face.
"I'm actually having a super hard time holding back right now, too. But... this is for work, right?"
"B-but..."
"There are no 'buts'! For a designer, capturing inspiration is incredibly important, isn't it?"
As she spoke, she calmly shifted her body back a little more.
"So... do your best, Master. I know you can do it!"
"Uwah, wait—"
Faced with this imminent threat, Tetsuya couldn't help but let out a cry of alarm.
"I get it, Sakiko! I'll draw! Just please stop moving!"
"Mhm, okay."
Sakiko obediently stopped her movements.
"Well then, allow me to properly admire your heroic figure as you work, Master!"
"Before that, let me just ask..."
"What is it?"
"After I finish this drawing, you will get off, right, Sakiko?"
"Hmm~ What should I do?"
A mischievous smile appeared on Sakiko's face.
"If Master has no further inspiration, then I'll have no choice but to stop. But... if there is more, then as your maid, it is my duty to help you grasp it firmly!"
At this, she turned her head back and pressed her lips to his ear.
"Don't think you can fool me, Master. With your lying skills, I'll see right through you."
"How could you..."
On the verge of tears, Tetsuya picked up his pencil once again.
"Can we really still be called master and maid at this point..."
"Of course! After all, I am desperately restraining my desire to make a move on you, Master. Please be sure to properly acknowledge this spirit of devotion and servitude!"
"..."
It seemed that nothing he said would work now.
Looking at Sakiko's expression, like a child who had found a new toy, he sighed as if resigned to his fate.
And so, under Sakiko's up-close-and-personal service, Chihaya Tetsuya once again began to sketch a design...