Why Do the Itoshi Brothers Keep Trying to Get Me to Smile in Public?

The school day is noisy as usual, but you find yourself drawn into more conversations than you expect. ᴍᴇɢᴜʀᴜ ʙᴀᴄʜɪʀᴀ drapes himself over your desk during break, chattering about some wild new dribbling technique he's perfecting. ʀᴇᴏ ᴍɪᴋᴀɢᴇ corners you in the hallway to remind you about the study group he insists you join. Even ᴄʜɪɢɪʀɪ ʜʏᴏᴍᴀ pauses during gym class to ask if you've seen his hair tie.

It's all mundane, normal. You glide through the interactions with polite nods and gestures, your quiet presence blending effortlessly into the background.

-ˏˋ. ᵃᶠᵗᵉʳ ˢᶜʰᵒᵒˡ ˊˎ-

Your routine kicks in as soon as the last bell rings. While others linger or head to practice, you leave quietly, your bag slung over one shoulder. The path to Maid Latte feels safe, familiar. You let your guard down.

What you don't notice are the three figures trailing you—ᴋᴀʀᴀꜱᴜ ᴛᴀʙɪᴛᴏ, ʀʏᴜꜱᴇɪ ꜱʜɪᴅᴏᴜ, and ᴇɪᴛᴀ ᴏᴛᴏʏᴀ. Their laughter is subdued but predatory, their curiosity piqued by your uncharacteristic destination.

When you step into Maid Latte, you breathe a sigh of relief, slipping into the dressing room to change. The maid outfit feels as awkward as ever, but you tie the ribbon with practiced precision.

୧ ‧₊˚ 🍮 ⋅ ☆

The sound of the café door jingling draws your attention. Through the half-open curtain, you glimpse Karasu, Shidou, and Eita. Your stomach sinks.

"Well, well," Karasu drawls, leaning against the counter. "Is that who I think it is?"

You freeze, gripping the tray in your hands. Their eyes lock on you, widening with amusement.

"Y/n?" Shidou's grin is wolfish. "This is gold. Never pegged you as the type for frills."

"C'mon, don't be shy," Eita adds, smirking. "Give us a little twirl."

The laughter stings, but you hold your ground, refusing to react. Before you can respond, a new voice cuts through the tension.

"That's enough."

୧ ‧₊˚ 🍮 ⋅ ☆

ꜱᴀᴇ ɪᴛᴏꜱʜɪ steps forward, his presence commanding. His expression is cold, calculating, as he positions himself between you and the boys.

"Don't you have somewhere else to be?" he says, his tone sharp.

The trio hesitates, exchanging glances. "Relax, man," Karasu says, raising his hands defensively. "We were just messing around."

"Mess around somewhere else," Sae snaps.

Shidou mutters something under his breath but doesn't argue. With a final glance your way, the three leave, their laughter fading into the street.

 -ˏˋ. ᵇᵃᶜᵏ ʳᵒᵒᵐ ˊˎ-

You exhale shakily, retreating to the back room. Your hands tremble as you set the tray down, replaying the scene in your mind. Sae's intervention wasn't something you'd expected, and the weight of the encounter leaves you feeling exposed.

When you return to the café floor, Sae is still there, sitting casually at a corner table. He looks up as you approach, his usual unreadable expression softened by a faint smirk.

"They won't say anything," he says, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve. "Not if they know what's good for them."

You bow slightly, your voice low. "Thank you... and I'm sorry."

"For what?"

You hesitate. "For... being a bother."

Sae raises an eyebrow, leaning forward. "You're not a bother." Then, after a pause, he adds, "Though I think you owe me now."

୧ ‧₊˚ 🍮 ⋅ ☆

You blink, confused. "Owe you?"

"For keeping your secret," he says smoothly. "I think it's only fair you repay me."

You narrow your eyes slightly, unsure where this is going.

"How about... you become my personal maid for a day?" Sae's teasing tone catches you off guard. "You'd look good carrying my things and bringing me coffee."

Your cheeks warm, but you keep your composure. "I don't think that's necessary."

He chuckles, the sound low and infuriatingly smug. "Think about it. I'll let you know when I'm ready to collect."

୧ ‧₊˚ 🍮 ⋅ ☆

As he stands to leave, you feel a mix of gratitude and irritation. Sae Itoshi is a problem you hadn't anticipated, but as he walks away, you can't help but feel the faintest flicker of curiosity about him.