Madogiwa de Amu (まどぎわで編む lit. Knitting by the Window) is a one-shot story created by Takeru Hokazono, featuring both the writing and illustration. It was published in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #19, April 2022, specifically on August 11, 2022.
Synopsis[]
Ota-kun is being bullied. Yamagishi-san, who sits in front of him, can't bear to see it and starts exchanging letters with him. Ota-kun decides to give Yamagishi-san a hand-knitted bracelet as a birthday present, but...!?
Plot Details[]
On a typical day, Ota faces bullying from classmates who later leave the room to engage in activities after targeting Ota.
About a month ago, Yamagishi, who sits in front of Ota, approached him during a bullying incident. She passed him letters on torn pieces of blank paper, expressing concern about his well-being. This marked the beginning of their clandestine communication through secret letters. One day, Ota wanted to give Yamagishi a birthday present after class. He offered her a Misanga, a bracelet made of colorful threads, mentioning that he infused his thoughts into making it. When asked about these thoughts, Ota explained that, when worn, the Misanga is said to absorb the wearer's wishes, and eventually, at the right moment, it tears apart, granting the wearer the power to fulfill their wish. However, he admitted it was something he didn't really believe; it was just something he said impulsively.
As Ota was about to put the bracelet on Yamagishi's wrist, bruises on his hand caught her attention. She knew that their classmates, Mishima and his friends, were responsible for Ota's injuries, leaving her feeling helpless as she could not help him. Despite this, Ota considered Yamagishi a great help; her friendship and their correspondence were his motivation for coming to school. Encouraging Yamagishi to make a wish, the two fell silent. Yamagishi revealed her feelings of wanting to quit school previously due to having no friends or enjoyable experiences. She felt boring and feared being ridiculed, but before she could continue, Mishima and his friends interrupted them.
Ota felt nervous upon Mishima's arrival, assuming he had already left for the day. Mishima reminded Ota about doing his math homework and, when Ota confessed forgetting, Mishima angrily demanded it to be completed within the next five minutes, violently smacking Ota's face with his foot. Mishima turned to Yamagishi, questioning her identity. Before she could respond, he mocked her for being friends with Ota, taunting her and belittling her. Meanwhile, Mishima's friends restrained Ota, subjecting him to continuous attacks while seated. Witnessing this, Yamagishi couldn't help but cry, feeling overwhelmed with thoughts racing through her mind.
Suddenly, as the Misanga snapped and tore apart, a pistol appeared in Yamagishi's left hand, she's now holding it. It was nearly 5 o'clock, without hesitation, she stood up, pointed the gun at the bullies, and fired. This unexpected action left the tearful Ota shocked; he couldn't believe what was happening as Yamagishi, also crying, held the gun, while Ota was visibly exhausted. Amidst tears, Yamagishi explained that her wish had torn the Misanga, granting her the power to fulfill it. Her wish had come true, evident as she leaned in closer to Ota and kissed him on the lips, all while she remained standing and Ota remained seated in his chair.
Characters Introduced[]
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Ota | Yamagishi | Mishima |
|
| |
| Mishima's Friend (1) | Mishima's Friend (2) |
Gallery[]
