Mizumafu

"(Well, it's definitely hard to define our relationship with any of the usual youthful friendship tropes. But both of us are quite alike. In the sense that people around us refuse to recognize our true selves. The way we're forced to act out a twisted version of ourselves, and how we struggle with that... What she's dealing with just feels so personal to me.)"

- Mizuki in "A Moment of Jest" second side story

Mizumafu is the non-binary ship between Mizuki Akiyama and Mafuyu Asahina from the Project SEKAI fandom.

Canon
Mizuki is a first-year high school student and Mafuyu is a second-year high school student as well as members of the music circle Niigo (Nightcord at 25:00), where Mizuki is their animator under the name "Amia" and Mafuyu writes the lyrics for the group's songs under the name "Yuki." Mizuki is cheerful, always wants to "enjoy their life while they can" and enjoys teasing their friends and groupmates alike, while Mafuyu, when she's not pretending to be her "honor student" self, is apathetic, stoic and speaks in a low voice.

While the group's other two members' Kanade and Ena's struggles are related to their artistic talents, Mizuki and Mafuyu suffer due to their identities. Mafuyu, a beloved ace student who does her best to live up to her parents' expectations, started doing everything her parents pushed her onto (such as studying to become a doctor instead of a nurse) and in the process, ended up becoming broken, forgot what her dreams are and lost sight of her own identity. As such, she tries to find herself by making songs. Meanwhile Mizuki, although appearing as confident outside, is ostracized and treated like a weirdo due to their appearance, when all they want to do is dress up and present themselves in the cute clothes they love a lot. Due to a past incident, Mizuki is known to have a secret they refuse to tell anyone else (in order to avoid getting hurt like in the past).

Main Story
In Niigo's Main Story, Mizuki and Mafuyu are shown to have a one-on-one conversation in Chapter 4. They meet up at Nightcord earlier than usual and are both surprised. When Mafuyu mentions she had a short schoolday and as such wants to be able to do work she can't normally do on weekdays, Mizuki tells her she's really serious about the circle's work, and Mafuyu tells her she needs to do her best as well since the others work really hard. Mafuyu's mother enters the room and asks how Mafuyu's day went. When Mafuyu answers, her mother tells her that she should turn down her friends' request for help if it's too much of an incovenience, and how she should rather spend time with people who could challenge her so she could value her time more. Mizuki apologizes for eavesdropping their conversation and then asks if Mafuyu's mother really told her to not be friends with girls who aren't on her level. Mafuyu says she rather meant that she should study with the smarter girls at times too, and Mizuki questions it more, saying they wouldn't like it if others tried to force their values on them or say how their way of doing things is better than Mizuki's, but also clarifies that they aren't implying Mafuyu's mother did so. Mafuyu goes silent and then tells Mizuki how it doesn't bother her. Mizuki is convinced for the time being and apologizes for taking too much of her time before going back to work.

After the other members run into Mafuyu in the Empty SEKAI, who says she knows they've all wanted to disappear before as well and ends up causing a rift within the group, Mizuki starts talking about Mafuyu with Ena in Chapter 14. Mizuki mentions them overhearing Mafuyu and her mother's conversation and mentions the things they had deduced before and how Mafuyu claimed it didn't bother her. Mizuki then explains how they believe Mafuyu - as mentioned before - changed herself according to others' expectations of her in order to become the "good girl" she is, and the pressure is starting to be too much for her to handle, leading to her wanting to completely disappear. Mizuki mentions how they can understand Mafuyu's struggle and how sad her "transformation" to her current self sounds. When Mizuki says they want to talk to Mafuyu again, the latter uploads multiple depressing songs in a row, showcasing Mafuyu's current mental state and shocking both Mizuki and Ena.

When the whole group visits Mafuyu in Chapter 18, Mizuki says they understand how the former feels and she's free to disappear if she wants, since only Mafuyu can truly understand what goes on in her mind. Before Mafuyu can speak more, Mizuki continues and says they're quite alike, in regards to not knowing whether to forcing themselves to change for the people around them to the point where nothing matters anymore, and how it would be sad if Mafuyu actually went and disappeared.

Secret Distance
After the group arrives to the abandoned school in Chapter 5, Mizuki starts explaining the urban legend behind it, how the ghost of a dead student haunts the music room. Upon hearing that the student killed herself due to the tremendous pressure set upon her, Mafuyu comments that it might have been the best and easiest choice for her. She marches towards the school, and the group runs after her. Mizuki starts searching the other way before realizing she might have gone to the Empty SEKAI. Mizuki arrives there, spots MEIKO and then asks if she had seen Mafuyu around, but MEIKO tells Mizuki the Virtual Singers would have known if she had come in. Mizuki sighs in relief, saying that they thought Mafuyu might have come inside due to being bothered about the urban legend. Mizuki returns to the real world, and is relieved once again after Ena rushes to them, telling that Mafuyu was just wandering around the area. The rest of the group then spots a sakura tree and find Mafuyu watching it, who is also unable to take her eyes off it.

Mirage of Lights
In Chapter 3, Mafuyu enters Empty SEKAI with her childhood photo album in hands. Upon arriving, she finds Mizuki there with Rin, who is complaining that Mizuki came in only to attach a new corsage they had found on her skirt because it was "so cute." Mizuki asks if Mafuyu is feeling okay and if she'd rather be left alone. Mafuyu tells them "no" and they are happy, before Rin reveals that Mizuki has been coming to the Empty SEKAI more often lately. When Mafuyu asks for the reason, Mizuki hesitates a bit before explaining that they find it comfortable because it's quiet and empty, how nice it is to go there when they need to think or whenever they just need to go somewhere quiet. Mizuki changes the subject by asking about Mafuyu's album, the latter explaining she was looking through it with her family earlier and she wanted to know just why her chest hurt when she looked through it. Mizuki suggest they look at it together, quoting Kanade's words from earlier and how they might find some hints about Mafuyu's feelings.

Mizuki sees a picture of Mafuyu doing archery and is shocked upon finding out it was taken at the local tournament where she ranked second. Mafuyu claims she only participated because she was asked to, but Mizuki keeps praising her. Upon seeing a picture of the 5-year-old Mafuyu smiling, Mizuki deducts that she has changed completely, how genuine her smile is compared to the one she wears while in her honor student mode. When Mafuyu says she doesn't understand, Mizuki tries explaining there might be a big difference for why she was smiling. As Mafuyu thinks she might find the key to her feelings from the Carnation event, her cold comes back and she starts swaying only to claim she is okay. Mizuki tells her to take it easy and how they can search for clues when she's feelings better. Though Mafuyu initially declines, she ultimately leaves the SEKAI.

Mizuki worries after her, and when Rin asks how Mizuki was able to deduct the part about Mafuyu's smile, they explain that they have been perceptive since they were young, sometimes to a fault to the point where they were afraid of getting close with people, or overthinking how others might have perceived Mizuki in their heads. The chapter ends with Mizuki wishing that Mafuyu will be able to find her true self soon.

At the end of the after-event Virtual Live, after Mafuyu says she won't give up, Mizuki ponders in a quiet voice whether they'll be able to face their problems one day if they don't give up either.

What lies behind. What lies ahead.
Mafuyu's 2* card's second side story is focused on their interaction. Mafuyu logs in early only to find Mizuki online as well. Mafuyu asks if the others are on as well before saying she'll mute herself and focus on working right away. Mizuki interrupts her, saying they want to talk with her. Mafuyu asks if they should wait for the others as well but Mizuki admits it's something they only want to talk with Mafuyu about. Mizuki hesitates for a bit before asking if Mafuyu is afraid of change and moving forward. Mafuyu doesn't understand and Mizuki puts it in a simpler way, asking if Mafuyu is afraid of haivng to face difficult situations, such as the time when she freaked out at the Doll Exhibit. Mafuyu admits she wants to avoid the pain, but how things have improved for her ever since they all met first in the Empty SEKAI. She then mentions her promise with Kanade and "if it means making that song a reality, I won't shy away from moving forward". When Mizuki hesitantly says it's something Mafuyu must do, Mafuyu wonders why Mizuki asked her that question, before being interrupted by Kanade and Ena logging in. Mafuyu thinks to herself how it's not the right time to ask more questions and moves on.

Our Escape For Survival
Following Mafuyu's mother throwing her synthesizer away and "accidentally" breaking her laptop, she tells this to the whole group in an extremely gloomy mood while at school, and Mizuki thinks to themself how "Mafuyu's mother has finally made her move." Mizuki mentions they can still meet at the family restaurant. While Ena confronts Mafuyu, the latter blurts out she's always been afraid of her mother, leading to Mizuki feeling extremely sympathetic. Mafuyu then says she needs to get back to class, and Mizuki yells everyone will be waiting for her tomorrow as well. After the group meets up, Mizuki is shown walking home at sunset while feeling guilty they couldn't come up with any ideas and how even Mafuyu's mother might take her phone away as well. Mizuki runs into two of their classmates and they have a small conversation, before Mizuki leaves home and thinks how they can be truly themself there. They then realize Mafuyu can't do the same no matter where she goes and how painful it must be for her. Mizuki then thinks how they've always been a coward, always running away from serious or painful situations in order to avoid getting hurt, and that someone who just constantly runs away from their problems surely wouldn't be good help for Mafuyu.

After having a talk with Luka and Len in the Empty SEKAI, Mizuki decides to send Mafuyu a text message at 25:00, inviting her to hang out and how there's something Mizuki needs to tell her. Mafuyu promises to meet them next day after school and Mizuki happily replies as well, before having a determinant look on their face. When they meet, Mafuyu tells she's skipping prep school and Mizuki worriedly asks if her mother will get on her case again. Mafuyu reassures that the school won't contact her parents but she's a bit afraid of coincidentally running into her father at the station entrance. Mizuki then takes Mafuyu to Spojoy Park where they participate in various activities, and each time Mafuyu tries asking what Mizuki wanted to talk about, Mizuki interrupts her and tells her to accompany them for a bit longer. They then head to the shopping mall where they go around a bunch of clothes stores.

After the shopping trip, Mafuyu smiles when Mizuki rambles why it was so important to spend so much time choosing a certain type of clothing. Mizuki asks if Mafuyu feels relaxed and points out her expression is more calm now, Mafuyu says she doesn't fully understand the feeling but also admits she's not feeling as bad anymore. Mizuki then admits they were trying to tell Mafuyu that when she's facing hard or painful things, she should try finding ways to distract herself. Mizuki tells Mafuyu about their past and how "running away or distracting yourself from painful things" has essentially been a coping method to Mizuki for a long time, before outright telling the surprised Mafuyu that sometimes, it's alright to run away, especially when things are too unbearable. Mafuyu looks worried and Mizuki, reading her expression, says their words might not make much sense to her current self but she should keep the advice in mind.

Mafuyu's card's second side story shows moments from their Spojoy Park trip. After having finished rollerskating, Mizuki asks if there's something else Mafuyu wants to do, and Mafuyu states she won't mind anything. She thinks back to Mizuki's message and wonders what the "urgent thing" they wanted to tell her is. Mizuki starts listing off different activities in the park and Mafuyu once again says she won't mind anything, but if Mizuki wants to try out something, she'll join them. Mizuki thanks her with a smile. They go around and see people participating in bubble sumo. Mizuki remarks it looks fun and Mafuyu asks if they want to try, but Mizuki suggests they look around more as there was a line for it. They find themselves in the gaming corner and talk about Ena's story on how she couldn't get the plushie she wanted from the crane game. Mafuyu then thinks how Mizuki doesn't want to tell her whatever is on their mind, but decides she can wait a bit longer.

Quotes
"Happy birthday... I can't actually tell, but I'm guessing this means quite a lot to you, Mizuki... At least, that's what it seemed like when we celebrated in SEKAI... Anyway, I'll see you later on Nightcord..."

- Mafuyu's birthday message for Mizuki from Happy Birthday!! (Mizuki) second side story

"I don't know if me saying this will make you happy, but happy birthday, Mizuki..."

- Mafuyu's Line for Mizuki's Birthday (2021)

"Ahaha, Mafuyu looks really stylish, so I'm sure most clothes will look good on her~"

- Mizuki in "Solitus Utopia" second side story

Fanon
Mizumafu isn't that popular but it isn't a rarepair at the same time. It is mostly overshadowed by more popular ships like Mafuena, Kanamafu and Mizuena. Its unpopularity mostly stems from their limited interactions. In fanworks, the two are usually portrayed as their canon selves, with Mafuyu being poker faced or blunt, and Mizuki teasing her or being friendly and close, and sometimes being surprised by the things Mafuyu does or says. Some Mizumafu shippers, mainly Western, like to headcanon both of them being trans (as a t4t couple). This headcanon mostly stems from the fact that they covered the song "Villain" together, which is about gender dysphoria.

It is currently Mafuyu's 3rd, and Mizuki's 4th most written ship on AO3.

Fandom

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Trivia

 * Their ship is referred to with the "🎀❄️" emojis.
 * Their Kizuna Rank titles are "Keen Eyes", "Interwoven Threads" and "Unspoken Feelings".
 * One of their Cheerful Carnival Team names is "You Have My Sympathy".
 * They have a 1 cm height difference (Mizuki is 163 cm, and Mafuyu is 162 cm).
 * Out of all the Niigo member combinations, Mizumafu, now along with Kanamafu, currently have the most covers together (,, and ). As such, some fans have joked that "somebody in Colorful Palette ships Mizumafu".
 * Mafuyu attends school at normal times, while Mizuki constantly skips and has to even take makeup classes. They also go to different schools.
 * Mafuyu has a diluted sense of taste while Mizuki can't handle anything that is too spicy or hot. This is especially shown in an area conversation, where Mafuyu tries out the limited-time extra spicy french fry, only to comment it's only slightly spicy. When Mizuki tastes it afterwards, they freak out over its spiciness level, and Mafuyu asks if she should get them water.
 * In 's 3DMV, Mafuyu's movements are shown to be more sluggish compared to everyone else, and she appears more emotionless as well. This is because IDSMILE, which is Mizuki's first center song, is a song about one's identity.