After teaching how to make crepes, I somehow ended up working as a temporary staff member at Kobayashi Café. The official reason was that I missed the right timing to leave since Kobayashi-san never said “That’s enough.” The real reason, however, was that everyone except Kobayashi-san was so inexperienced with customer service that I couldn’t stand watching.

“Senpai, five crepes to go! One special, two chocolate banana, and one blueberry!”

“Got it. Sonozaki-san, could you prepare ten more crepe sheets? Ayano-san, could you cut some bananas? We’re running low.”

“Y-yes!”

“Got it!”

Before I knew it, I had naturally assumed the role of the kitchen leader. Since Kobayashi-san was managing the hall, the atmosphere felt just like Cyberia. The pace was just as intense, and Kobayashi Café, located near the main entrance, was seeing quite the crowd.

At first, I was nervous that someone would complain about a suspicious guy working here, but apparently, my presence was accepted without question. Even a teacher from Suzakura High School, who had come to check the area, didn’t say anything when we made eye contact. Maybe an Aotaka student had filled in before, though they probably hadn’t been wearing a maid outfit like I was.

“Phew, I’m exhausted.”

About an hour after opening, the flow of customers finally slowed down. As a rare moment of calm settled in, Kobayashi-san walked into the kitchen and popped a strawberry slice into her mouth.

“Ah! Ririmu, that’s not fair! I’m eating too!”

Ayano-san grabbed a banana, drizzled it with chocolate sauce, and took a bite. Sonozaki-san watched them both with a worried expression.

“You should have some too, Sonozaki-san. You must be tired.”

When I offered her a toothpick with a strawberry on it, she hesitantly took it and nibbled at the fruit. A small smile appeared on her face. Noticing the relaxed mood, the others gathered around, and soon I was surrounded.

“It was busier than I expected. Without you, Senpai, we might’ve been in trouble.”

Kobayashi-san said this while reaching for another banana. How many was she planning to eat?

“Seriously, thank you. Kobayashi Café was on the brink of an emergency closure.”

“I think I’ve seen you working at Cyberia before. You looked familiar.”

“Wait… does that mean you’re with Iori-sama…?”

The classroom’s atmosphere suddenly became tense.

—Right. This was Suzakura High School, after all. This place was none other than the home base of the Suzakura students who disliked me.

Why was I standing in the middle of enemy territory wearing a maid outfit? The realization suddenly hit me.

“Hey, hey, let’s not go there right now! Thanks to Senpai, we pulled through today.”

Sensing my discomfort, Kobayashi-san quickly diffused the tension with a commanding voice. As the café’s “master,” her words held power, and the tension faded as quickly as it had come. Kobayashi-san must be a central figure in her class.

“You’re right. Sorry about that, Senpai… um…”

“Yamabuki Natsuki, right?”

“Yeah. Sorry if I made things awkward.”

“Why are you apologizing?! You should hold your head high, Senpai!”

Mumbling through her third banana, Kobayashi-san retorted. When I teased her for eating too much, she replied, “I moved a lot today, so I need to replenish my energy,” with a surprisingly reasonable-sounding excuse. As expected of a Cyberia employee — she still seemed energetic, though the others looked visibly tired. Even if some were in clubs, working as café staff had a different kind of tension and fatigue.

“Well, I guess I’ll head out now.”

“Oh, right. Sorry for keeping you so long, Senpai. You really saved us today.”

“Don’t worry about it. Just make sure you write down how to make the crepes so the next person can take over smoothly.”

After giving that advice, I moved to an empty classroom to change, but for some reason, Kobayashi-san followed me. I was about to change, so her presence was a bit awkward, but she didn’t seem to mind. With no other choice, I began taking off the maid outfit, and Kobayashi-san hastily turned her gaze away.

“By the way, why is it called ‘Kobayashi Café’?”

I asked something that had been on my mind for a while, and from behind me came a voice filled with dissatisfaction.

“I actually objected to it at first…”

“Since I’m known for working at Cyberia, once the café idea was decided, I automatically ended up as the leader.”

“You definitely had that leader vibe going.”

“Well, that’s fine. If I’m doing something, I like to do it properly. But honestly, I would’ve preferred a normal name.”

“Still, thanks to the memorable name, I was able to find and help you. I think ‘Kobayashi Café’ works well.”

“…Senpai, are you serious?”

When I finished changing and turned around, Kobayashi-san was staring at me with a sharp look. A tiny underclassman in a maid outfit glaring at me wasn’t intimidating at all — if anything, it was kind of cute. She was like the beloved mascot of our Cyberia Shiou Central branch.

I handed the maid outfit back to Kobayashi-san and left the classroom. Responding to her loud “Thank you!” with a wave, I opened a pamphlet. The name “Tachibana Iori” stood out boldly on the page.

…That brief moment of tension in the classroom earlier — if Suzakura students found out that I was dating Iori, what would happen then?