Because Akira and Nishikata were ahead, the three girls coincidentally signed "Guest."

Afterward, they ordered the same set meal as the two, except that the 魔法药水 (Magic Potion) in Shouko's set was swapped for Warm Dawn Moon Milk.

"Okay, please wait a moment."

After confirming everything was correct, the Miss Maid smiled and slowly left with the pink menu.

Akira looked at Shouko, who unceremoniously snatched the spoon from his hand and the cake he'd only taken two bites of, and reminded her,

"You might not be able to eat dinner when we get back."

The three opposite glanced over, then Takagi, sitting in the middle, pulled out her phone to share the day's shopping photos with Ayumi Azegaya and Nishikata.

Shouko rubbed her tummy. "Akira, for a girl, dinner is one stomach and dessert is another, so don't worry."

She took another small bite, eyes bright with delight.

Seeing that expression, Akira stopped trying to persuade her, sipped his cold drink, and watched her quietly enjoy the sweets. Follow current novels on novel·fire.net

"Give me a sip."

"Nope." Akira lifted his cup out of reach.

Finding no room to bargain, Shouko gave him a fierce—yet cute—glare and went back to nibbling carefully so she wouldn't choke without water at hand.

"I think I'm a bit full…"

"Be good, let's not look at them."

"Yeah, Nishikata, how many times have you seen this at school? Aren't you used to it yet?" Ayumi muttered.

Even if she was used to their daily flirting, it still felt a little too filling.

The Miss Maid soon returned with a tray and served their afternoon tea one by one.

Unlike the couple across the table, Shouko didn't take photos first. She lifted her cup of warm milk, tested the heat, took a big sip, then returned to the new cake.

Akira finally couldn't stand it; he picked up a tissue and gently wiped the pale mustache from her upper lip.

Shouko flashed him a sweet smile.

Time slipped by as they ate and chatted. Takagi checked her phone. "Time to go, everyone. It'll be around six by the time we're home."

"Let's go," Nishikata said, standing first.

"Okay." Shouko popped the final bite into Miyamura's mouth and stood too.

"…" Akira, helpless.

"I'm home!"

"If you hadn't come back soon, I was about to call you."

Shizuka Miyamura stepped out of the kitchen in an apron. Seeing the two safe and sound, she exhaled in relief.

Watching Akira change shoes, Shouko lifted a shopping bag stamped with the Cat Ear Maid Cafe logo and showed it to Shizuka.

"Auntie, I brought you dessert." Her look plainly asked for praise.

Shizuka took the bag and rubbed Shouko's head. "It has to be Shouko."

Then she shot Akira—empty-handed—a glare.

"Mom, I paid for it," Akira protested.

Ignoring him, Shizuka carried the bag back to the kitchen.

"Akira, I'm heading back. Grandma's probably waiting."

Satisfied she'd scored the reaction she wanted—and worried Akira would "get her back"—Shouko slipped away.

"…" Akira watched her wave from her doorstep, then shut the door.

Still holding grudges, she'd used his mom's hand to teach him a lesson. He wasn't worried. Tonight, when it was just the two of them, he'd properly "educate" Shouko. She couldn't avoid his room forever.

In the living room, Daiki Miyamura glanced over from a comedy show. "You're back? How's the submission?"

"No reply yet. No rush," Akira said, sitting and peeling an orange.

"Okay."

Silence settled again, the TV filling it with laughter.

Knock, knock, knock…

Akira stopped typing. "It's not locked—come in."

He figured it was Shouko—Shizuka would just barge in, and Daiki hardly ever came upstairs.

Click.

Shouko stepped in, pink-and-white rabbit pajamas swishing. "Akira, didn't you already submit it? Why are you still typing?"

"Drafting volume two ahead of time," he said, glancing over.

"Oh." She shut the door, pulled out her chair, and sat beside him.

"Akira."

She waited a while so she wouldn't break his flow; only when his typing paused did she speak.

He rolled a shoulder. "You're asking why I was at the Maid Cafe?"

"…"

Her blank look made him smile. "Thought so."

Smack. Shouko tapped his arm. "Be serious! I'm questioning you."

"Yes, ma'am." He schooled his face.

She moved behind him and massaged his tight shoulders.

"Shouko-sensei, ask anything. I'll be honest." He leaned back, resting his head lightly against her stomach.

She let him, fingers sliding to his neck. "Then explain the Maid Cafe."

"Okay."

For ten minutes he told her everything—from exiting the station to the sudden decision to rest there, to running into the girls.

"That's all."

"Alright… I'll reluctantly believe you." Shouko returned to her seat. "But!"

He looked over.

"Next time you go to that kind of shop, you call me. You can't go alone. Not even with Nishikata."

"Don't worry, just this once."

"Hmmm…?" Narrowed eyes.

"Yes, ma'am! Next time I'll report to Shouko-sama first~"

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