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

It's Saturday, which means Maid Latte is abuzz with the weekly special day festivities. Today's theme is "Little Sister Day," where each maid embodies a unique type of little sister.

The others fit their roles perfectly. Maya, the bubbly and energetic one, twirls in her frilly uniform, greeting every customer with an enthusiastic, "Welcome home, big brother!" Nana, the shy and clumsy one, fidgets nervously as she hands out menus, her voice soft and hesitant.

Then there's you.

Your manager, Mari-san, stands to the side, observing you with a furrowed brow. "I just don't get it," she mutters to herself. "You don't act like a little sister at all."

You catch her muttering but don't respond. It's true—you're more composed and unbothered than the rest of the staff, and pretending to be otherwise feels unnatural. Still, a job is a job.

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The bell above the door jingles, and you instinctively turn to greet the newest customers.

"Welcome home, big brother," you say with your usual monotone, your hands clasped in front of you.

You don't register who it is until you hear a familiar voice: "Again?"

Sae Itoshi stands in the doorway, his ever-serious expression unchanged. Behind him are two unfamiliar faces.

The first is a tall, confident man with a smirk that radiates trouble. He's clearly older than most of your customers and oozes charisma. The second is a more casual-looking guy with a friendly smile, though he seems a little out of his depth.

"Why are we here?" the second guy—Shuto Sendo—asks, looking around curiously.

"I followed Sae," the first man says, flashing a grin. "I couldn't miss this." He meets your eyes and leans slightly forward. "I'm Oliver Aiku. Nice to meet you, little sister."

You blink.

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Aiku doesn't stop there. Throughout their visit, he takes every opportunity to flirt, his charming demeanor grating on your nerves.

"So," he says, resting his chin on his hand as you bring their drinks. "How does a girl like you end up in a place like this? Bet you're the type to break hearts without even trying."

You place the tray on the table, completely ignoring his comment.

"She's working," Sae snaps, his voice sharp. "Leave her alone."

Aiku raises his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, Itoshi. I'm just being friendly."

"Don't," Sae mutters.

The tension between them is palpable, but you keep your focus on your job.

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Sae, however, isn't here just to fend off Aiku. As the visit continues, he keeps trying to coax some kind of reaction out of you.

"Don't you ever smile?" he asks bluntly.

You glance at him, your expression as neutral as ever. "Not while I'm working."

Aiku chuckles. "Tough crowd."

Sae glares at him but says nothing.

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When the visit is over, Sae stands, clearly ready to leave.

But before he can take a step, you place yourself in his path.

"You can't go," you say, your voice calm but firm.

He looks at you, his brows furrowing slightly. "Why not?"

You want to tell him you can't leave because you haven't paid, but the rules of the café come rushing back to you. Breaking the illusion isn't allowed, which means you can't mention the bill.

Instead, you tilt your head slightly and say, "Because you haven't finished being my big brother yet."

For the first time that day, Sae seems caught off guard. His lips part slightly, but no words come out. Behind him, Aiku whistles.

"Well, if she said it, you'd better stay, Sae," Aiku teases.

Sae sighs, sitting back down without a word.

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By the end of the day, Mari-san pulls you aside, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"I've figured it out!" she exclaims.

You tilt your head slightly, confused.

"Your little sister type—it's kuudere!" she says triumphantly.

You blink, your expression unchanged. "Kuudere?"

"Yes! You're the cool, quiet type with an unapproachable vibe, but deep down, you have a caring side. It's perfect!"

You think back to your earlier line about Sae being your "big brother." It wasn't meant to be caring or sweet—it was purely practical, a way to keep him from leaving without paying.

Still, if Mari-san wants to interpret it as part of your persona, you're not going to argue.

"...If you say so," you reply.

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Later, as the café empties out, you catch a glimpse of Sae sitting back at his table, his arms crossed and his gaze fixed on you. He seems calmer now, though there's a faint furrow in his brow.

"You really are impossible," he mutters as you approach to clear the table.

You don't respond, but for the briefest moment, the corner of your lips twitches upward in what might be the faintest hint of amusement.

Sae catches it, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Was that a smile?" he asks.

You walk away without answering, leaving him to wonder.