Once upon a time, there was a child who, though young, spent their days making dolls.

That child's name was Guest. Guest created Noel, a doll modeled after a young master of a grand manor.

Noel's clothes were made by the mother, a seamstress, and Noel's body was crafted by the father, a doll-maker.

"I'll make the face myself!"

With that request, Guest made Noel's face personally. Despite injuring their hands during the process, Guest completed Noel, whose face was made of cloth while the body was that of a ball-jointed doll.

Guest cherished the doll deeply; no matter where they went, Noel was always by their side.

However… as Guest grew into an adult and left home, the existence of Noel was long forgotten.

After Guest departed, Noel was placed in a chair in the workshop by Guest's mother.

That chair was where they had often played together, and the workshop was a place filled with memories for Noel.

Returning after a long absence, Guest finds Noel. His body had grown large, and his chest rose and fell slowly as if he were breathing.

When Guest timidly touched his cheek—

Click...

The ball joints creaked quietly, and the closed eyelids slowly opened.

___ Guest's eyes widened as old memories came rushing back. The red buttons had now transformed into beautiful red glass. The only thing that remained unchanged was the irregular stitching.

The boy in front of them smiled gently the moment he saw Guest.