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"What is that?"
"Shush! You'll wake my cat."
"That shouldn't be the most alarming thing right now." Yūta looked at the outfit as if it had deeply offended him.
As if that dress and apron were the symbol of all evil in this world.
"You need to be more open-minded."
"My mind is open enough, but there's no way I'm going to let you impose Maki and the others to wear that."
Oh ho, Yūta rarely used that tone with him. Being ten years older than his cousin, Satoru had always received respect and admiration from Yūta. Still, he supposed he could justify this outburst, since Satoru understood the origin of his cousin's reaction. Satoru thought his little cousin should be a little more like him, that is, generous and carefree. But the young man's anxious and overprotective nature was part of his charm—at least it could provide the man with some amusement.
"This is trendy at Maid Cafés. I can take you if you don't believe me."
"No," Yūta flatly rejected.
Ah, no «no, thank you»? Which meant Yūta was indeed aggravated. That only fueled Satoru's glee. Yūta rarely abandoned his strict politeness; «please» and «thank you» were practically attached to every request or refusal in his conversations.
"Besides, I'll remind you that we're not a Maid Café."
"It's good for a change, isn't it? It'll attract more customers."
His cousin looked at him with a mixture of bewilderment, exasperation, and—Heh, was that disgust? Wow.
Seeing that his face betrayed his true feelings, Yūta closed his eyes tightly and brought his hand to his face, covering his furrowed brow and part of his forehead. His expression was as if he had a headache and wanted to control it. The young man inhaled and exhaled a few times; then spoke slowly, as if Satoru were a small child. Hey, I have a PhD in physics, remember? Ah, young people these days, so inconsiderate.
"While it might attract some attention, it could be disconcerting and uncomfortable for our regular customers. We're more likely to lose those customers than gain new ones. You're aware of that, right? Besides, there are two establishments like that near here. We might not attain good sales."
"Just look at you, you're already able to speak your mind without worrying about contradicting me. Your analysis is quick and accurate. I wouldn't expect anything less from my future successor."
The tension in Yūta's shoulders lessened; His relief was evident, and Satoru didn't miss his cousin's small sigh of relief.
The man smiled.
"Don't worry," he patted him twice on the right shoulder, "one day without sales won't affect us."
"Huh?"
"It'll be fun!"
"Satoru!!"
This must be a joke, Megumi thought after Satoru finished his explanation. He looked wearily at the garment in front of him. His usual "disinterest" was replaced by his sometimes usual and very justifiable aversion.
So that was why Yūta had that annoyed look on his face—something completely unusual for him. Seeing his eyes devoid of any emotion other than disdain sent shivers down Megumi's spine. He glanced to his right, at the «reason» for his senpai's murderous aura. With a look of disgust, Megumi's «aunt» Maki, a longtime friend of Yūta's, avoided looking in his direction for too long.
Next to Megumi, Nobara raised her hand to ask.
"Yes, Nobara?" Satoru gave her the floor, glad not to receive murderous hatred from another person.
"Ah, yes, one question, Gojo, have you gone crazy?"
"No~, I'm as sane as ever," he smiled gallantly.
Megumi and more than one other person grimaced in disgust and embarrassment (it was clear they all thought the same thing about his sanity, which left it questionable).
"Yuji," his boss said, now giving the floor to the guy who had also raised his hand.
"Gojo, are you projecting some kind of fetish onto us?"
"Ew, no."
"Is it because you haven't been on any dates lately?"
"I'm not on dates because I don't want to, not because I don't have any offers. I like to play hard to get. You should try it sometime, Yuji."
"What's wrong with that?" the young man grumbled under his breath.
"Nothing in excess is good. Like Megumi and his persistent rejections of so many declarations and advances."
"Why am I being dragged into this? I haven't even spoken yet."
"No, but I was offended by what you thought."
"The fact that Satoru isn't dating because he's still not over his ex?" Panda said in a light tone, as if he hadn't just caused their boss great harm.
Itadori and Nobara burst out laughing; Maki whistled softly, and with an amused expression, Yūta looked at his cousin with some disapproval. Megumi didn't know how to react, but he thought that must hurt.
"Panda, you'll be in charge of closing today."
"It was worth it," he muttered between laughs, high-fiving Toge and Maki.
"Satoru, I told you this. Nobody approves of your idea, so it's better to abandon it. We could do a different theme, we could—"
"That would be best, but there's something you're not taking into account: the power of persuasion," Gojo lectured him in a condescending tone, his hand raised, index finger pointing upward.
Yūta frowned, watching with distrust and caution. He didn't sense anything good.
"You can't force them through abuse of power, threats, or coercion."
"I can't believe you think so badly of me. Do you see me as a tyrannical boss? A villain worse than the one in a trendy shonen manga?"
"Well…" Yuji spoke softly, but neither Yūta nor Satoru paid attention.
"Of course not, but I want to remind you."
"That's my lawyer's job. Just so you know, I consulted him before telling you, and guess what? He approved it."
Megumi doubted that Higuruma—Gojo's lawyer—would have «approved» whatever he was about to say, and most likely the lawyer couldn't find grounds for a lawsuit.
Gojo continued.
"There's something more persuasive than fear and threats. And that is… M-O-N-E-Y~" At Satoru's sing-song and boastful tone, Yūta immediately paled. The man looked at the rest of his staff and, almost puffing himself up, announced, "No one will be forced to cosplay; it will be voluntary. But those who do decide to participate will receive a substantial bonus. No pressure or anything like that, okay?"
More than one person's eyes lit up at his words. Megumi included; he no longer viewed those clothes with such abhorrence.
"So, isn't it a great idea?" His nose was more elongated as his boasting was impossible to contain.
"Ah, it's wonderful!"
"Count me in!"
Nobara and Yuji were the first to jump up and surround their boss, their eyes gleaming with money signs. They babbled excitedly, which only inflated Satoru's already enormous ego.
"Silence," Maki's commanding voice halted the commotion.
Frozen in place, Yuji and Nobara (holding hands from their little dance) stared at her. Everyone's attention was focused on Maki, Panda, and Toge. The two young men flanked the girl, and as was usual among the three of them, Maki acted as spokesperson, communicating their decision. Having more experience and time working there, their words carried considerable weight. Yūta was part of this small group that always acted in a balanced way, complementing each other perfectly. There was a great deal of harmony among them. Megumi knew it was due to the deep trust and friendship the four shared.
"You're crazy if you think we'll wear that," Maki said, pointing at the maid's dress.
The garment was quite basic: the puffy skirt, with its fluffy lace, was short and had a plunging neckline, plus the ribbons and lace… in short, it was tacky. The men's outfit wasn't interesting; it was boring.
"Yes!" Panda echoed Maki's words, and Toge nodded enthusiastically. The atmosphere shifted. Yuji and Nobara shrank like wilted plants, unable to contradict Maki or even reply. Their sad expressions reflected the pain of losing that bonus they had already felt in their bank accounts. Even Satoru remained silent.
The one who seemed to have been illuminated by hope was Yūta, who gazed at Maki with profound admiration. Megumi ignored the obvious hearts in his senpai's eyes. It was no secret that Yūta was in love with Maki. Rather, everyone wondered why they weren't dating yet, considering Maki wasn't indifferent to him. But Megumi wanted nothing to do with the private romantic situation between his aunt (though he saw her more as a cousin) and the senpai he respected.
However, the light that had saved Yūta vanished in an instant.
"You'll have to get another design because I'm not wearing that tacky dress."
"We want a different kind of outfit!"
The silence, amid the astonishment caused by Maki, Panda, and Toge, was fleeting. Between Yuji and Nobara's boisterous celebration and Satoru's mocking laughter, Yūta collapsed to the ground, devastated. The scene was chaotic.
Nobara had mixed feelings about her boss, and most of the time, she didn't hold back, making her opinions clear. At that moment, she respected him enough for the two brilliant ideas he'd had (the extra money and assigning her the wardrobe selection), plus the small bonus of taking down Yūta. She didn't hate him, but she found the drama he'd created amusing.
This is good~, she hummed cheerfully as she finished getting dressed. The girl pursed her lips slightly at her reflection in the mirror. Although she'd improved the design, dressing as a maid wasn't exactly her favorite thing. Anyway, this was for that sweet cash. It was just what she needed to buy that luxury handbag she'd seen the other day. Nobara hoped they'd have a good sale that day, so Satoru could make this a regular thing—and only if he gave them another incentive.
"Nobara, I'm done."
Nobara emerged from the changing room, excited to see Maki, but as soon as she stood before her friend, she was speechless for a moment.
"Whoa... I don't think Okkotsu-senpai will be happy."
Nobara voiced her thoughts aloud, eliciting an irritated huff from Maki.
Ah, I knew something like this would happen.
Megumi should have been more alarmed by the scene unfolding before him, but, oddly enough, he only felt apathetic as if he were watching a soap opera, when in reality they all were in the middle of a workplace scandal.
Crash!
It happened in a second. If Megumi had blinked, the glass that flew toward him would surely have hit his face. He heard another glass shattering, and more commotion erupted. At that moment, his apathy flew out the window.
It's all Gojo's fault, he thought. Who, moreover, wasn't even there.
"Maki, that's enough," Panda tried to calm her down. Which, obviously, had little success.
"Don't tell me what to do!" she snapped, furious. But that wasn't directed at Panda.
"I'm not telling you what to do, but it's more than clear that you don't know when to draw the line, Maki-san."
"Hey, guys..."
"Damn it! That's why I'm telling you to stop meddling in my business!"
Yūta looked uncomfortable. But, above all, aggravated.
"I was just intervening with a disrespectful customer. I'm the assistant manager, remember? It's part of my job to step in when you don't."
Ah, he shouldn't have said it like that. Everyone there held their breath, looking at Maki with worry as they waited for her reaction. Would she throw another glass? Would she knock Yūta over? What was certain was that no one wanted to draw attention to themselves or have that fury directed at any of them.
If I don't move, they won't see me, Yuji thought.
Panda, standing between them, despite his great height, feared for his own safety.
Yūta never used his position to put himself above others. Much less Maki. Never Maki.
The young man also seemed to realize what he'd said, but he didn't back down.
"I'm sorry if you don't take that kind of thing seriously, but I can't let it go. And to be clear, I would have done the same if it had been Kugisaki, Fushiguro, or anyone else."
What had happened were suggestive words, indecent looks, and persistent advances that bordered on harassment from more than one customer toward Maki.
The start of that workday was remarkable, as all the staff on duty were dressed as maids and butlers. The confusion among the regular customers was obvious, and at first, it was even awkward for the staff to perform their duties as usual. Nothing out of the ordinary had happened, aside from a few puzzled glances from the customers. Then a small group of men arrived who, from the start, seemed destined to cause trouble. And so, it was.
Everyone, at some point during their shifts, experienced some form of harassment, though none was so blatant, especially the women.
And Maki, in particular, was the most harassed by both men and women. She was incredibly beautiful; she had a gorgeous figure, and her cool, distant demeanor captivated anyone she attended. Every so often, they dealt with some persistent people trying to approach her, but those gave up after a gentle reprimand.
However, this time was different.
And all because of her outfit. Which was stupid, because what she was wearing wasn't even revealing. The dress's skirt was long, wide, and voluminous. With long sleeves slightly puffed at the shoulders and below the sweetheart neckline, she wore a button-down blouse underneath that covered her completely. The blouse had a high neck and a thin ribbon around it. In addition to the apron and hair accessory, she wore knee-high socks and lace-up ankle boots.
Compared to Nobara's, what Maki was wearing was completely modest. But even that didn't stop those guys from pestering her. Until Yūta intervened. Of course, it was his responsibility to protect the employees, but the cold anger and dangerous aura he projected while doing so were barely suppressed.
More than one person expected him to attack those guys who wouldn't leave Maki alone, and you could bet (like Hakari's bad habit) that he almost did it if it weren't for Maki.
It wasn't until the flow of customers slowed that the employees were able to retreat to the break room, where the confrontation was taking place.
"Hah, how stupid."
"The stupid thing is to downplay these situations."
...Ah, it wasn't possible. Something was seriously wrong with Yūta that day. Without waiting for her response, Yūta left, leaving everyone stunned.
Everything turned out worse than he thought.
Yūta had never felt so frustrated and infuriated. Nor had he ever been so close to letting out such impetuous and unpleasant feelings -so intense that he couldn't suppress them or stop acting on them.
Yūta had said some nasty things to Maki. He had been curt with her.
He regretted it the moment those words left his mouth, but couldn't apologize immediately. His head was a tangled mess of emotions, thoughts, and unstable desires, and Yūta was afraid he wouldn't be able to control himself. That's why he needed a moment to calm down. Once his mind cooled down a bit, the young man didn't know how to fix what he had done. Maki must hate him. And he deserved it, but it also drove him crazy.
He felt Panda's heavy palm on his shoulder. Yūta looked at his friend, waiting for his well-deserved lecture.
"You went too far."
"...because of the way I expressed myself, yes. But I don't regret intervening."
"It would be easier if you explained to her the reason for your reaction."
Yūta sighed, slumping into his shoulders.
"I doubt that would do any good. On the contrary, I think she'd go from being upset with me to feeling disgusted."
Panda and Inumaki exchanged glances.
"I'm sure you'd leave her speechless for a few moments."
And make her blush comically, they both thought. Yūta and Maki weren't dating. It seemed like they were, judging by their interactions, the way they cared for and spoke to each other, the obvious difference in how they treated each other compared to how they treated everyone else. That tension only seemed to grow, and like a balloon, everyone was waiting for the moment it would burst so they could finally make fun of them.
Suddenly, Yūta buried his face in his hands, and a sob (huh?) escaped his lips.
"What am I going to do? I was an idiot to Maki-san. It's only fair that she hates me and never wants anything to do with me again. I deserve it. I'm the worst!"
Where had that potential villain gone? Because, suddenly, it was as if his friend had turned into a wet, pitiful puppy.
Toge approached Panda and, in a whisper, shared a brilliant idea. With each word, Panda's eyes widened, and a smile spread across his face.
"Don't worry, Yūta. We'll help you with your problem."
"Huh? Really?" He looked at them with teary eyes, afraid of getting his hopes up. But his friends just gave him a thumbs-up, showing they were most confident. The relief and gratitude Yūta expressed were immense.
So consumed in his hope, Yūta didn't notice the mischievous glint in the pair's eyes.
What kind of sick joke is this?!
"Panda, Toge, you bastards! You're dead."
"Only until you come out," Panda crooned from the other side of the door.
The door was locked. She kicked it hard, but even though it echoed, the kick didn't have much effect on it, since it was metal. Maki's blood boiled.
"I swear, if you don't let me out, I'll skin you alive."
"Hey, calm down, Maki. We'll let you out. But only until you make up!"
Another kick.
If it were a regular door, she was sure she could break it down.
"We'll leave you two alone to talk. Don't do anything indecent!"
No sooner had Panda finished speaking than Maki kicked the door again, letting out a frustrated growl. After a moment, there was no sound from the other side.
They really had left. They dared to abandon her there—traitors, every single one of them.
Controlling her rage, Maki realized they weren't playing games. She counted to ten slowly, and between each number, she recited a curse word worse than the last, tailored specifically for each of her friends—rats, she corrected herself, because friends don't do that.
When her anger subsided, she glanced briefly at the other person locked in with her. Standing, visibly uncomfortable and staring at the floor, Yūta didn't say a word.
If this was the plan for them to make peace, she had to admit there were more idiots than she'd thought. Locking Yūta up with her after their argument would only make things worse. Weren't they worried about his safety? Did they really think Maki couldn't hit him? Yes, she was usually a little softer and more permissive with him, but Yūta had infuriated her to such an extent that, at that moment, he was the last person she wanted to see.
Maki wanted to punch him.
She longed to, but didn't have the energy. Otherwise, why else had maki looked away when she realized she was staring at Yūta too much? It was out of pure disgust, of course.
Maki rested her forehead against the cold surface of the door, closing her eyes and sighing in frustration.
Stupid Yūta.
She didn't know how much time had passed since they'd been there. Maybe it wasn't that long, but in that cramped space and that awkward silence, it felt like hours.
How much longer did he plan to stay like this? That guy was like a ghost, lurking in the corner of the room, not uttering a word, barely existing. She hated how stubborn Yūta was about certain things. Did he expect her to speak first? No way.
That's what she said, but then, after a while, Maki broke the silence.
"They're taking this too far."
"..."
"I haven't had my lunch, but they don't even care."
"Don't they even care that I haven't eaten?"
"..."
"Hey, aren't you going to say anything?"
"..."
Unbelievable. Yūta was ignoring her.
Not only did Maki give in first (something she didn't do for others, only that fool), but Yūta dared to ignore her? It should be the other way around. The flame of fury had reignited in her chest, and before it could explode, Yūta finally spoke.
"It's my fault. I'm sorry."
Although her anger didn't disappear, it at least lessened. She turned to look at him. Yūta still had his gaze on the floor—a dejected look and a face full of guilt. The pathetic sight of him managed to dissipate her rage.
"What for?"
"...I didn't know how to approach you to apologize. They told me they would help me."
"Did they tell you they planned to lock us up?"
"No."
Maki believed him. When she entered the room with Panda, as soon as Yūta saw her, his gaze seemed to light up slightly, until the young woman shot him a murderous glare, turning on her heel to leave, but she was stopped.
«Oh, baby-Yuji won't stop crying because Daddy-Yūta and Mommy-Maki are angry, so you should make up and go back to being the loving couple you are~» With that, Panda pushed Maki and hurriedly closed the door.
Remembering those stupid words made her angry again.
"Do you have your phone?"
"It's in the locker." So is hers.
"How the hell are we supposed to tell them to open the door? They don't plan on leaving us here even after closing time, they wouldn't be capable of…"
…they wouldn't, right?
"This sucks," she slid against the wall, tired of standing. She leaned her head back against the wall and stared at the ceiling out of boredom.
"I'm sorry."
"You already said that."
"For what I said to you while we were arguing. I shouldn't have expressed myself that way."
"But you don't regret how you acted in front of the customers, do you?" His silence was answer enough. "You don't even think you were wrong. That apology isn't sincere."
Again, Yūta didn't respond.
"Hey, say something."
Nothing.
Maki waited, but she didn't get what she wanted. In fact, she'd already considered it, but there was no doubt left: Yūta hadn't looked at her since she'd entered. Realizing this, Maki was struck strangely.
"Yūta, you... Why are you avoiding looking at me?"
She noticed his body tense immediately at her accusation, but even that didn't change anything.
"Hah, that can't be. You really don't want to see me?"
"It's not what you think," Yūta quickly said, and yes, his posture changed briefly. Though his face might have been turned toward her, their eyes didn't meet; he was looking anywhere but at her.
Driven by emotions she didn't even bother to control, Maki jumped up and strode toward Yūta, whose eyes widened in panic, and worry spread across his face. He backed up until he hit the wall.
The thud of Maki's hand against the wall echoed through the confined space.
Yūta was finally looking at her, and that's why Maki noticed the color draining from his face. Maki's hand was burning (her palm, more specifically) after the powerful impact that had pinned Yūta against the wall.
Realizing his predicament, Yūta looked like he was about to faint.
"M-Maki-san, could you...?" He tried to move his hands, but they only trembled and remained frozen in place—his palms facing Maki, trapped between them. He just stood there, barely breathing, trying to prevent the already limited space between them from shrinking. Maki didn't care; her anger was uncontrollable.
"No. Tell me what your damn problem is."
The young man's expression was one of torment; he was pale and anxious, but he still wouldn't meet her gaze.
"Why are you doing this, Maki-san?"
What was with his pleading and exasperation? It was as if Maki were the one at fault, not the one who had been wronged.
"You know what? I think I hate you."
The words hung in the air. For Maki, it was a relief. Yūta finally looked at her, horrified.
"Maki-"
"I hate that you make me feel like this. Like, I'm begging you even to look me in the face. How much more do you want me to humiliate myself, Yūta? I'm the one who should be upset about everything. Don't you think I have the right to feel that way? You're just acting like an idiot, but you don't even explain why. Instead, you make excuses with that stupid line about how you would have done it if it had been anyone else. At least be honest and say you were jealous! You've been moody and distant all day. If you didn't want me to wear this, you should have said so. You're just confusing me and not taking responsibility for the consequences. How do you think that makes me feel?"
Maki took a deep breath after expressing her feelings.
"We don't have that kind of relationship. How could I admit that?" Yūta said it in a dry, tired tone.
"And even knowing that, you still act like this. It's unfair. You're awful."
"That's precisely why, Maki-san, I can't do what you want."
Ah, that «you deserve someone better» nonsense.
"I'm not going to wait forever, Yūta." With that, Maki let her arm fall to her side; now it was she who wasn't looking at him. She managed to take half a step back when Yūta stopped her.
"But Maki-san, if I do as we both want, I won't be able to suppress myself anymore. Once I get close, I won't be able to step aside or give you space if you want it. It doesn't matter if you fall in love with someone else later or if you want to break up. I won't let you, no matter what. Even if that's what you want and you end up truly hating me."
The indecision about taking the final step and changing their relationship didn't stem from uncertainty about whether feelings existed between them or were mutual. On the contrary, Yūta knew the magnitude of what he felt, and that was precisely why he hesitated.
These feelings could consume them. There was no middle ground, no turning back.
Yūta's hands, which had been motionless, reached out to her without hesitation. Unlike the contact they had shared throughout their friendship or «situationship,» the intention this time wasn't entirely innocent.
People mistakenly saw Yūta as someone honest and kind—and while it wasn't a facade, it was a superficial version of himself. He was possessive, obstinate, and jealous, and when it came to Maki, he couldn't completely suppress those dark feelings.
One of his hands tucked a strand of Maki's hair behind her ear. His touch was like a bow, even though he had just admitted something twisted. Yūta continued brushing her hair, her bangs aside, which had become disheveled, hoping to see her face clearly, to make her look into his eyes and understand how heavy this love was.
But there was no struggle or anxiety in Maki. Yūta's dark eyes seemed to glow at the girl's defiance.
Anyone else might back down from his words and actions, but not Maki. She wasn't easily intimidated. Even in this situation, she didn't hesitate.
"Maki-san, I just said something disturbing. We're locked in here, too. Shouldn't you at least have a little more awareness of the danger?" His words were meant to alert her, but his actions were inconsistent. The hand that had been touching her hair moved down to the base of her neck; his index finger caught on the thin ribbon adorning the high collar of that maid dress, gently stretching it until it was distorted.
Untying the delicate ribbon's gentle knot stirred an urgent sense of intimacy within him. He'd never done anything like undoing her clothes, and that tiny action ignited something inside him.
"I could take you down in seconds if you tried anything I didn't like. It bothers me that you think otherwise."
Uh... She didn't say anything like «I trust you» or «you wouldn't be capable." If maki had said something like that, Yūta would definitely have been driven by a wicked desire to prove her wrong. Instead, the young woman was lenient, relaxed, and self-assured; completely sure she could beat him. Maki was that kind of person.
"You're ruining the romantic mood," he chided her gently.
"You have a strange concept of 'romantic.'"
Yūta found it amusing that Maki remained unfazed despite the intimate act of untying the ribbon. The heaviness that had gripped him was gradually subsiding. But he still hadn't let go of her, and she wasn't moving either.
"Well?" Maki crossed her arms, waiting. The movement briefly drew Yūta's attention in that direction, but Yūta quickly looked away. He cleared his throat.
"I'm sorry for acting like that. I don't like it when anybody sees you like that, and I let jealousy get the better of me." After a moment, Yūta said this with genuine sincerity, his gaze meeting hers. "I never doubted you could handle guys like that... I wish you didn't have to deal with it."
"I accept your apology. But don't do it again."
"Hum..." Seeing his hesitation, Maki kicked the wall, right next to his right knee. The thud echoed, and Yūta jumped like a startled cat, erasing all traces of his previous arrogance. "I understand, I'll try not to."
Unimpressed, Maki snorted. He was stubborn, she'd already said that.
.
.
.
.
"Maki-san... you... you-"
"What?" she blurted out, confused by the sudden blush that had turned Yūta's face red and by the nervousness that made his tongue slur his words. She looked down in the same direction Yūta was looking. Seeing her foot still planted against the wall where she'd hit it, her leg was raised, causing the hem of her skirt to ride up dangerously past her knee, exposing part of her thigh.
Oh, that.
"You're wearing a garter belt?!"
"It is part of the costume."
"What the hell is that thing?!"
"Wow, Gojo made Yūta swear."
"Satoru? No way..."
Maki wore a long, high-necked dress with ornamental buttons across the chest. Made of fine material and elegantly designed, it was fitted, highlighting her already excellent figure. The side slits in the skirt rose above her knees, so with every step, her legs and thighs were visible.
"It's called Qipao, you ignorant little cousin."
Nobara burst out laughing, while the others tried to stifle their own laughter. Even Maki looked amused. Yūta ignored the teasing; he was more concerned with not fainting, but his will was stronger.
The will to cover Maki, of course.
"You should broaden your cultural knowledge and embrace other traditions. That's why I was thinking—"
"No, Satoru. Just no." Then Yūta turned to Maki, his tone urgent, his eyes pleading. "You don't have to wear that."
"Satoru promised to pay me extra if I did this."
"Uh, Maki. Could you rephrase that better? I don't want to get sued."
But she ignored him. Without wasting any more time, Yūta took Maki's hand and led her out of the breakroom with hurried steps, while she told him he was exaggerating.
"Okkotsu-senpai scared me."
"Tch, that kind of behavior is alarming."
"Yūta is surprisingly possessive."
Maki let herself be led away, partly unimpressed, partly amused. Maybe she should have clarified that the deal with their boss was only to model the outfit for them to see, not to wear it to work.
Oh well, whatever.