CHAPTER 14

“I’m gonna marry you!” said Yui.

I’m a little nervous right now getting squeezed by my best friend’s little sister. I’m in World A(kane), and to be honest I feel terrible. We decided to stop by to see Daisuke’s 10-year-old sister who’s in the hospital right now. Daisuke finally revealed his secret to his friends after Mary grilled it out of him. According to him, he “didn’t want us to worry about a little sickness” that was serious enough to hospitalize Yui. Last time I was here, I had just woken from the accident that started this whole thing, and it turns out she was right down the hall, but I never noticed.

“Ha ha…maybe someday.” I say.

“Sorry, but Kazuki already made a promise to me, right?” said Akane.

Akane grabbed my other hand and squeezed it tightly.

W-What promise?

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Daisuke’s little sister. She was always full of spirit and energy, something that’s the complete opposite of Daisuke today. From what I’ve known, Daisuke loves his sister more than anything in world. After all, for most of his childhood, it was just the two of them. Their father tragically passed away when they were young, and their mother followed just a few years ago. Although Daisuke never talked much about his personal life, every time he mentioned Yui it seemed as if he was a different person. His sister was the world to him, and I couldn’t imagine what could be going through his head right now, seeing his sister in the hospital.

“I want chocolate Big bro.”

“Your big sis makes the best chocolate.” said Daisuke.

Mary’s face turned red.

“W-Well…if it’s for Yui-chan it’s no problem.”

Mary patted Yui’s head.

“That’s a promise Big Sis!” said Yui.

Mary’s face turned increasingly red at the adorableness of being called a big sister for the first time. It seemed Akane wanted her to say that too.

“We’ll all make chocolate. Let’s see which one Yui likes the best!” said Akane.

So it was settled, next time we visit her we’ll bring her some chocolate. It was good to bring a smile to a little girl’s face. Unfortunately, we had to leave due to visitation hours being over. We still had an errand to run anyways. Being put in charge of the school festival event for our class, Akane and I in this world were supposed to pick up the maid uniforms. It was just a slight delay since we wanted to see Yui instead.

“We’re here.” said Akane.

We arrive at a big warehouse that seemed to be an old factory that had been turned into a store. There was no sign outside at all, but when we walked in there was a small poster that read “Costume Party: Costumes and Uniforms Galore.” Inside the dimly-lit warehouse were costumes and cosplay far as the eye could see. There were multiple sets and props for sale from various professions and TV shows too, like a Masked Avenger costume for sale.

“Hey! Close the door ya kids! The flies will come in.” said the old man sitting at the cash register.

“I’m sorry mister!” shouted Mary.

The old man looked suspicious. He was smoking a cigarette and reading the newspaper with his big glasses. It also didn’t help that he was bigger than Daisuke, with some dragon tattoos visible from the sleeve of his shirt, which read “SECURITY.” There was very little light in the room, but his shiny bald head managed to sparkle like a disco ball that lit up his immediate surroundings.

This guy looks like a gangster…what kind of place is this?

“Hey Sojiro-san! Is that how you greet a fair young girl?” said Akane.

Immediately the old man put down his newspaper to get a look at us. His stone cold face smiled.

“Look what we have here! It’s Akane-chan! Long time no see. How’s my old friend manager-san?” asked Sojiro-san.

“Oh my! He’s doing fine. He has someone else now to keep him out of trouble.” said Akane.

The two seemed like old friends that were catching up on old times.

How does she know someone like him?

“Sojiro-san, I’m here to pick up some maid costumes for our school event. Anything you think would look good?” asked Akane.

Sojiro-san put out his cigarette and walked over to us. With every step he took, the ground shook, due to his massive size and muscular legs. Despite being old, he seemed to still be a formidable man who could probably take on anyone in a fight.

“Over here in the maid section we have some new arrivals. Take a look around Akane-chan! I just put out some of the cute uniforms there myself this morning!”

He pointed us in the direction of the maid section that was on the other side of the building, past all the butler uniforms and the replica sword collection.

“Thank you Sojiro-san!” said Akane.

Akane grabs my hand and leads me all the way there. Walking there, there were so many different maid costumes of multitudinous design. There were some maid costumes that fully covered the mannequin on display, and other costumes that, to be generous, barely qualified as “maid” costumes, and instead were pretty much bikinis with frills and a tiny apron.

“L-Lewd!!!” Mary lightly shrieked as she tried to cover her eyes.

“This one looks pretty cute.” said Daisuke.

He was examining the maid costume and looked back at Mary with a perverse grin on his face.

Knucklehead’s probably imagining the girls in them isn’t he!

Mary had the same thought and hopped off her feet a little to bump him square on the head.

“That’s from the Victorian-Era!” said Akane.

We all turned to look at a display of a maid costume that Akane was marveling at, as she began her lecture.

“Stylized to match the look of an English Victorian-Era maid near the end of the 19th century, it’s the “standard” for what most people think of when it comes to maid uniforms. As a general rule, it’s required that their hair is tied back and in a cap. This might be a little too drab for what our class needs for the café though…”

The rest of us were listening intently as Akane unfurled her vast knowledge of maid uniforms.

She’s like a tour guide when it comes to this stuff.

I walk around the maid section a little more and notice a large display showcasing a uniform with a mini-skirt and frills all over the dress.

“That’s probably our modern-day version of a maid uniform, and the closest to what my old job had. It was made famous in Akiba and honestly it’s my favorite!” said Akane.

“It looks really cute.” I said.

Akane leans by my ear, cupping it softly with her hands.

“Maybe I’ll even wear it for you Kazuki…” whispered Akane behind me. The sensation of her breath along the side of my neck was intoxicating.

“Y-You will?!?” I choked.

Akane became flustered at her attempt at seduction and pushed me away. Her typically pale face became bright red like a tomato.

“I-I’m just joking you pervert! Don’t take it the wrong way!”

She gave me her trademark cute pout.

“Y-You suggested it!” I retorted.

Daisuke and Mary were looking around at the other maid uniforms until they found us looking at the display. I could tell that Mary was uncomfortable being around a place like this. To her, it seemed that we were shopping for lingerie (which in a sense, we kind of were). Daisuke was gripping her tiny hand, trying to make her feel better.

“I think this one will work! All the other ones are a little too risqué for us …” said Akane.

We all agreed that the main display was the best combination of cute, conservative, and authentic.

“But there’s only one way to find out…come on Mary-chan!” as she dragged Mary with her.

“Where are we going?!?” asked a terrified Mary. She knew all too well the answer to her own question.

It was too late. Akane dragged Mary off into the changing rooms in order to try on the maid uniforms. Suddenly a pair of gargantuan gorilla mitts land with the weight of the lord on our twink shoulders. I turn to see Sojiro-san had appeared behind Daisuke and me.

“You wouldn’t be gentlemen if you just stood there…if you catch my drift.” said Sojiro-san.

“Uh…what do you mean sir?” asked Daisuke.

He grabbed two butler uniforms and tossed them to us. I narrowly manage to catch the set in my hands.

“Go on and change you two, it’ll look adorable to see you couples dressed up together. Akane-chan would appreciate it.” said Sojiro-san.

He points us in the direction of the men’s changing room.

“B-But I’m good Sojiro-san-” I say.

Sojiro-san got right into my face. I can see every wrinkle and scar lining the surface of his face. They told a story, and that story was that this man did not ask; he told.

“Don’t make me tell Akane-chan you two were peeking…”

I gulped along with Daisuke at the threat of not only getting killed by Sojiro-san, but also incurring the wrath of Akane, who we knew all too well was capable of punishing our lack of enthusiasm.

“Guess we have no choice, huh Daisuke…?”

“Yep…let’s just get this over with Kaz.”

“Just where are those knuckleheads?” asked Mary.

I could hear her shrill voice outside of the changing rooms. Daisuke and I were still changing in our stalls. They were small rooms with mirrors on every side, except for the door, on which the basic instructions for properly tying a bow-tie were outlined on a small poster. The ensemble I’d been given was made up of an all-black suit, accented with a white dress shirt, along with some white cotton gloves, a pair of black leather shoes, and a blood red bowtie. I take a look at myself in the mirror with my full costume and I can hardly recognize myself. I’ve got to admit, this was the first time I’ve ever worn anything as elegant as this. The suit was a perfect fit for me, almost like it was made specifically for my measurements. I tap the ground with the tips of my feet to find that the shoes are an excellent fit as well.

Looking fly there Kazuki!

I point finger-guns at myself in the mirror before walking out of my stall.

“Hey Kazuki? Do you know how to tie a bowtie?” asked Daisuke from inside his own changing room.

“Yeah, just come in my stall.” I responded.

Daisuke opens the door and walks out wearing an identical outfit, except without a bow-tie on. If I thought I looked great in this, Daisuke looked even better. His muscles and broad shoulders were wrapped snugly by the suit, which made him look even more tall and slick. He walks into my stall, hands me his bow-tie, and pops his collar up.

“You couldn’t follow the instructions inside?” I ask with a smug grin.

“Geez…it was confusing looking at the instructions and the mirror at the same time.” he says.

I wrap the bow-tie around his neck, and try to recall the exact steps I did earlier, but now in reverse.

Up and over, make this knot, side-to-side, and….done!

I pat Daisuke on the shoulders and we both take a moment to look at each other.

“They’re waiting Kaz.” said Daisuke.

“Right behind you, partner in crime.”

We step outside of the changing room to see Akane dressed in her maid outfit, with Mary shocked by our abrupt appearance. She hides behind Akane, embarrassed at her current state.

“Eep!” muttered Mary.

“Wow…you two actually look decent for once.” said Akane.

“Ha ha, very funny Akane.” I respond.

Mary gathers her courage and steps forward to get a closer look at me and Daisuke. Needless to say, she was awestruck by the two handsome gentlemen standing in front of her. Mary’s breath was taken away.

Akane gives us a quick spin to show us her full maid uniform. Although it wasn’t as erotic as the costume I saw Yuki-san wearing in World B, somehow she seemed more elegant and refined in this outfit. Akane’s hair was wrapped with a headband, along with her red ribbon. The short skirt she was wearing exposed only a small area of her long legs, as the rest was covered by her white thigh-high socks. There was also a large oversized red bow adorning her neck, similar to our bow-ties.

I can only take so much cuteness! This is too good to be true!

Mary looked cute in the maid uniform as well, so much so that Daisuke was at a loss for words. It was the first time I’ve seen Mary Kaneko let her blonde hair flow instead of wearing it in her trademark ponytail, and I couldn’t believe that I was looking at the same loud mouthed tomboy I had tutored all year. Although the roadrunner of Kasumigaseki High was wearing the same uniform as Akane, she gave a different vibe, almost like that of a little sister. She didn’t have the same curves that Akane had, but she was small and cute enough to melt the hearts of every boy at school. It helped that she was embarrassed, trying to lower her skirt to cover more of her short legs that were partially exposed despite the thigh-high socks. Finally, she wore her trademark Masked Avenger pin on her chest, right next to her oversized ribbon.

“You two look amazing…” I say to them.

Akane tries to hide her laughter with her hand. Daisuke’s mouth was still agape, staring at his girlfriend

“C’mon, stop staring perv. You’re embarrassing me!” pointed Mary.

Mary slaps Daisuke out of his daze, as she hugs him in his uniform.

“Oh, one more thing…”

Akane stands in front of me, and takes out a comb. As she swipes away the strands of my messy hair, I can feel her exposing my forehead.

“There! Now you look professional.” Says Akane.

“Thanks.”

Mary, unable to bear another minute in her costume, starts to pout.

“Aww come on! Can we please change out of these things? I can’t take it anymore!”

If she hates these costumes this much, I wonder how she’ll be in her Juliet costume…

We make our way out of the warehouse. Akane and I sorted through the logistics of delivering the maid costumes to our school address as soon as possible. Thanks to Akane’s friendship with Sojiro-san, he gives us the goods for free!

“It’s on the house! Anything for my Akane-chan!” said Sojiro-san.

“Aww…don’t push your luck old man.” snapped Akane.

Sojiro-san steps back, but gives an odd smile after being insulted.

Guess he’s a masochist like manager-san.

“Come back whenever you want!” exclaimed Sojiro-san, as he waves us goodbye.

A few days have gone by, as the school continued preparing for the festival. I’m in my original world now, and in this world Yuki-san also got the same uniforms as Akane did, but without any of the rest of us being involved. According to the class president, she just “handed her a box of these cute maid uniforms!” To the dismay of the boys, she also brought the box of the same butler uniforms I wore with Daisuke. Although I didn’t want to admit it, I wanted to see myself in that suit again, for posterity’s sake!

It’s too bad no one will see the roadrunner wear one in this world.

The first day of the school festival had finally arrived. If anything went wrong today, it could potentially jeopardize the other two days. With the leadership of Class President and some background work by Yuki-san, they had trained everyone in class to be ready to serve, and to be the best maids and butlers Kasumigaseki High has ever seen. I was on the first shift with some other boys in our class, with Yuki-san being the head maid for her group.

“Yuki-san’s an amazing maid…I never would have expected that.” said one student in our class.

Our doors were going to open soon, and looking outside, there was already a line forming. Our marketing team was great, since they had very eye-catching pictures of some of our more popular students in costume, boys and girls. We were going to be busy, but our class was prepared to host one of the best events of the festival. Yuki-san and I make eye contact, exchanging determined looks before we open our doors.

Let’s do this Yuki-san!

Calm down Mugi...

Since I started working at Kasumigaseki High, it’s brought back memories of being in charge of the fortune telling booth. I remember when I was younger, all the boys in my class would line up down the hall for the fortune telling booth! Nothing has changed from when I was in school; all the boys still line up, and are told “You will be asked out by your crush!” It was strangely satisfying to see the genuine belief in young love plastered on their faces as they left my booth.

Lately, Father’s been encouraging me to join him at the hospital, since there’s plenty of eligible guys there… but today it’s time for the next generation to find their heart's desires, and hopefully seize the opportunities they can.

Opportunities…

I mustn’t think these sad thoughts! I’m still young! I’m quite a catch for someone my age! If only I could find my “prince” then I could live happily ever after, just like my childhood stories. It sucks that all the guys are intimidated when they see a female doctor working with high schoolers.

I let out a long sigh, until the familiar clank of my newly purchased coffee landing from its spot in the vending machine snaps me out of my sentimental daze. I reach under the chute, and crack it open to take a sip.

“What’s a woman like you doing out here?” asks a mysterious voice behind me.

“What’s it to you?” I reply.

I didn’t want to deal with any punk students, especially not after getting stood up again last night.

“That’s not very lady-like for someone like you…” continued the mysterious voice.

This punk! Alright time to give him some detent-

My breath stops and I drop my coffee can onto the ground. A handsome, tall, mature-looking man is standing in front of me, wearing a completely black suit with a red tie and a small red string tied into a ribbon on his chest pocket. The enigmatic man had longish black hair, which was combed and slicked back underneath his black fedora. Perhaps the most striking detail of his outfit was his black leather gloves. He didn’t look like any staff member or student I knew. He looked too old to be a student here, but then again, far too young to be a parent– he was around my age.

My chest starts to tighten up as my heart rate skyrockets. Whether out of fear or attraction, I cannot tell. All I know is that I have to find out who this man is.

“Um…who are you?” I ask, trying to compose myself.

The man goes towards the vending machine behind me, and I hear the machine buzzing and ringing, until I hear that same familiar clank, followed shortly by another. He reaches down into the chute and hands me a new coffee can, as he cracks open his own.

“Sorry about that darling, I didn’t mean to surprise you.” As he flashes me a smile with his shiny white teeth.

“D-Don’t worry about it!”

Why am I getting embarrassed like a schoolgirl?

Still, it was strange to see someone like him here at this school, but it was the school festival after all. It wasn’t unusual for the events to attract strange people from around the neighborhood. Even so, there was something about him I couldn’t quite put my finger on…

“I’m sorry, but if you don’t mind me asking, what is it that you’re here for?” I ask.

“Just passing by is all…” he says.

The stranger walks past me and throws his empty coffee can into one of the recycling bins behind him without looking.

“Thanks for the coffee!” I say to him, as he lazily waves his hand, not bothering to look to back.

“See you around, my darling!”

Yuki-san and I had been working non-stop for hours. The customers kept pouring in and out of our tiny classroom. Daisuke and Kaneko-san couldn’t come see us unfortunately, due to stage practice. On my last break when I stepped outside in my butler uniform, I saw a long line that stretched along the hallway. Fortunately, the line started to die down near the end of the day. We only had a couple customers in our room currently.

I let out a tired sigh as I sit on a chair next to our makeshift tables for four. Yuki-san and I were the only two left in the maid café as the rest of the class left to explore the other events. Although I wanted to see what everyone else was doing, I was glad to have a moment alone with Yuki-san. Since the school festival, we haven’t had much time alone, and awkwardness started to grow between us. Even during the occasional study sessions, Daisuke and Kaneko-san were present, so the atmosphere wasn’t right for me to make any progress with her. I hadn’t done much to further Operation Maiden’s Heart yet either, since I hadn’t noticed a change in Daisuke. Of course, knowing now what Yui was going through, it seemed even more impractical to give Daisuke more to think about.

A cup is placed next to me on the table, and I hear coffee being poured out of a pot. I look up to see Yuki-san in her maid uniform.

“Here Kaneshiro-san, you’ve worked hard today. I think you’ve earned this.” said Yuki-san politely.

“Thanks.” I say, as I take a sip of the coffee.

It tasted sweeter than the other batches. I wasn’t a really big fan of bitter coffee, so it was a pleasant surprise.

“I know you don’t like bitter coffee, so I hope you liked this one mast...“ Yuki-san stopped herself.

“Uh…what did you say?” I asked Yuki-san.

Yuki-san turns away from me and stands tall with the coffee pot in her hands, clutching it against her chest.

“N-Nothing Kaneshiro-san! Finish the coffee and let’s start cleaning up.”

I finish the coffee and begin to tidy up the room for tomorrow’s service. Just as I’m about to take down the sign outside of our classroom a man dressed in a black suit and red tie appears and enters our cafe.

“Oh! I barely made it. Thanks brother!” as he pats me on the back.

“Excuse me, s-sir? We’re closed, please come back tomorrow!”

I try to stop him from entering but it’s too late. The man dressed in black was already sitting down at one of the tables. Yuki-san comes up to him to get him to leave, still “in character” with her pleasant maid persona.

“Excuse me, but we’re closed for now sir. If you’d like, you can come back tomorrow.” explained Yuki-san.

The man in black ignored her. Instead, he stood up and grabbed the coffee pot from her and started to pour himself a cup of coffee.

“Ahh…a little too sweet for my taste, but still good. I can tell it was made with love.” he observes.

Yuki-san drops character and begins to look as if she’s prepared to throw him out of the nearest window of her classroom.

She’s living up to her “Ice-Witch” reputation right now…

“Get out. Now!” she yells at the man in black.

The man wasn’t intimidated by her order at all. He takes his coffee cup and sits right back down in his seat. This was something else. This was giving me flashbacks to the time at the “Purrfect Café,” and I had to do something.

“Hey, leave us alone!” I say to the man in black.

I stand in front of Yuki-san, who was trying to hold back her rage from this troublesome man.

“That’d be great, actually. If you could leave me alone with my darling little sister, I would be much obliged.” the man in black says.

Yuki-san steps in front of me and grabs the man in black by the collar of his black dress shirt.

“What did you say?” screams Yuki-san in the man’s face.

Just who is this man?