How to connect paths in Adobe Illustrator?

Question

Adobe Illustrator

Tell me, I want to connect this contour in such a way that I can paint over it separately with blocks. No matter what I tried, it doesn't work. The lines in the center are separate open paths not connected to anything. Is it possible to connect them in any way?

Answer 1

Paint with Live Paint, then expand the design
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxUuhv8kaPw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy8R5y3dE3A

Answer 2

and if you just make the stroke wide and naturally filled
. For example, like this: https://codepen.io/topicstarter/pen/aXwKWX