The silence at Tadashi Ken's grave weighed heavy, the letter still clenched in Michi's hand. But Michi finally broke it, voice low yet determined.
"…I'll think about this later. But right now… Henu…" He turned, eyes wet but bright with longing. "I want to see them."
Henu tilted his head knowingly. "You mean… Airi onee-chan and your kids?"
Michi nodded firmly. His voice cracked, but he did not look away. "Yes."
Henu folded his arms, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm. It won't be easy, Onii-chan. To them… you're just a stranger now. But…" His lips curved into a sly grin. "I might have an idea. Hehe… a very good idea."
Michi narrowed his eyes. "Your 'hehe' always means something sussy."
Henu laughed openly. "Of course it does, Onii-chan!"
Michi gave him a wary look. "…Spill it."
"There's a café," Henu said dramatically, wagging his finger. "A big, lively place where Airi onee-chan always takes your kids to have fun. If you want to see them, you can sneak in… as a worker."
Michi's brows shot up. "A… café?"
"Yes." Henu smirked. "The Sunshine Café. And not just any café, Onii-chan—it's a boy maid café. Perfect for you. Hehe."
Michi froze. "…A… a what!?" His face turned bright red.
"It's your last chance!" Henu declared, clapping him on the back. "I'll recommend you, and you'll get to see them without suspicion."
Michi buried his face in his hands. "Henu, this is humiliating…"
Henu grinned mischievously. "Humiliating, yes. But effective."
After a long sigh, Michi finally muttered: "…Fine. Let's go."
Not long after, Michi found himself standing stiffly in the back corridor of the Sunshine Café. The scent of pastries and coffee filled the air. From beyond the curtains, he could hear laughter, chatter, and clinking cups.
And then—he stepped out.
He was dressed in the café's uniform: a frilly black-and-white maid outfit tailored for men, the skirt falling to his knees, stockings tugged high, and a ribbon at his collar. His face was burning so hot he thought he might melt into the floor.
From the counter, the café owner—a tall, sharp-eyed orange cat named Xenon—looked him up and down with her tail swishing. Beside her stood Agnes, her familiar, a cheerful girl with tied-up blonde hair and a teasing smile.
"Meow," Xenon purred, tapping her paw-like nails against the counter. "You look good, newcomer boy. Meow."
Agnes added with a giggle, "Yes, you'll do just fine. Go clean the tables—and don't trip and strip, okay?"
Michi's face went even redder. He bowed quickly. "Y-yes ma'am!"
The café bustled with life. His new coworkers were already busy:
Bill and Winston clanged pans in the kitchen, the aroma of spiced bread and sizzling meat drifting out.
Almer , Polo and Nazz darted between tables, balancing trays while chatting playfully with customers.
Josh emerged from a private booth, tugging his shirt straight. His hair was disheveled, his voice exasperated. "Uff… that customer was rough on me."
Agnes patted his shoulder with sympathy. "Take some rest, Josh. You've got a long line today."
Josh sighed and flopped into a chair.
Michi tried to focus on his work, nervously carrying a cloth to wipe tables, but his ears perked when he heard Almer laughing nearby.
"Very soon," Almer said cheerfully, "Miss Airi will be here with her cute kids!"
Michi's hand froze mid-wipe. His heart pounded wildly. She's really coming…
From the counter, Xenon raised her tail and flicked it toward Michi. "Meow. Today, the newcomer boy Michi will greet all the customers at the door. Meow!"
Michi nearly choked. "W-what!? All of them?"
"Yes," Xenon said firmly, eyes gleaming.
Michi swallowed, nodding stiffly. "…O-okay."
The bell at the door suddenly rang.
Michi froze in place, every muscle tense. This was it. It has to be them—it has to be Airi and the kids—
He plastered on the best nervous smile he could manage and stepped toward the entrance. His heart raced with anticipation.
The curtain parted. The customers walked in.
And Michi's entire world collapsed.
Because standing there—staring back at him with wide eyes—were none other than Lior, Kael, Junia, and Tieu.
All four of them froze, jaws dropping.
Michi, clad head-to-toe in his frilly maid uniform, holding a feather duster, stood like a deer in torchlight. His face turned crimson instantly.
Junia blinked once. Twice. Then covered her mouth, trying to smother a laugh.
Kael's face contorted as he tried not to burst out laughing. "…Michi…?"
Tieu adjusted her glasses, voice deadpan but clearly trembling with suppressed laughter. "I… was not expecting this."
Lior smirked, folding his arms slowly. "Well. This is… a new side of you, Michi."
Michi wanted the earth to swallow him whole. "…I-I can explain!!"
But the bell chimed again, and more customers entered. Xenon's voice rang from behind.
"Meow~ Newcomer boy! Don't just stand there, greet them! Meow!"
Michi's heart sank into his stomach. This was going to be the longest day of his life.