Our Life 2: Qiu "Autumn" Lin Step 3 Design Sketch ✨

[This is a bonus sketch that was made to nail down the look. It's not the actual sprite sketch. The posing will be a bit different in-game, but the design will be the same]

So. Turns out they were right the first time! After doing a 180 in disposition in Step 2, 18-year-old Qiu has flipped all the way back around. At least with the four year time skips. As it was going from a child to a teen, the change from minor to young adult was gradual. 

Things were hard for Qiu during those formative years, from internal and external pressures, but they never were cut out for being out for themselves. They've always cared far too much. As Autumn pulled themselves out from the strain they'd gotten crushed by, they offered the parts of them that were free to others. More and more, Qiu accepted the attention they were given with kindness rather than dismissal. And when that wasn't enough for them, when they knew at their very core that they could do better for the people who by fate or chance crossed their path, they became the one putting in the effort.

And before they realized it, Qiu Lin was the willing, magnanimous top dog of Golden Grove once again. It seems being a charmer is like riding a bike, you never really forget. Except, with several more years of social experience behind them and after going from cute to genuinely attractive, they're even more of a threat to hearts everywhere. You'll struggle to find a living human being around their age who's never had at least a passing fancy for Autumn. They're not humble about it. But they sure are entertaining when they get smug, so it's mostly allowed. And in general, they can be rather dramatic. It's simply their way. Humorously, but understandably, their main group of friends consists mainly of those few people who weren't ever swooning for them; Tamarack, Renee, and Vianca (they're friendly rivals). Baxter had fallen for Qiu when the two were young, but he's left town and no one hears from him these days. And, of course, how the MC fits in depends on you. Maybe they're another true blue friend, a full hold-out against Autumn's popular appeal, or perhaps they're the only person who's adored by the person everyone else adores. 

Because of how bright they normally shine, it's easy to tell when Qiu is stressed or overworking or struggling with themselves. Their first instinct is to begin pulling away and closing off again. But Autumn is surrounded by people who are there for them as much as Qiu had been there for them. So they're supported through whatever they face.

They've already had their identity embraced by their loved ones. At this age, Qiu no longer considers themselves undefined, they know with certainty that they are genderfluid. Qiu has both they/them and he/him pronouns to express this part of them. But those pronoun sets are used individually at specific times rather than interchangeably. 

Qiu uses nail polish to signify their current pronouns. With painted nails, "they/them" is appropriate and with unpainted, "he/him" is correct. They had a flash of brilliance one day and have brought back into fashion that old sign of coolness which is fingerless gloves. Those help draw attention to Qiu's hands and show off their nails better. With texts and online messages, Qiu swaps out different profile pics.

One truly drastic change for Mx. Lin at this stage is that they don't carry around a notebook anymore! Losing papers is no joke- they just use the notes app on their phone to jot down reminders. But, yes, Qiu does tend to misplace their phone rather often, so the overall problem remains unresolved. And they haven't given up on handwritten messages entirely, that's simply saved for things more personal and important than telling themselves they have ballet practice next Tuesday.

Autumn does still perform ballet and go mountain biking. Those long-time favorites have stayed an important part of their life. As for what their future holds now that they're legally an adult, we can only imagine. The possibilities are endless.

In Step 3 Qiu has three potential hairstyles, which you can choose yourself or let be determined by what happened in Step 2. Their optional accessories are a necklace and different earrings. Their bag, jacket, gloves, nail polish, and earphones aren't determined by the player. Those are worn whenever an event calls for it.

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Well everyone, you voted and here they are, with an absolutely fantastic look in my opinion. I'm really happy with Qiu, how they started and how they ended up. Writing for them is honestly a joy, haha. I hope you like them, too 😊