E-book Exclusive Bonus Short Story
“Are You My Master?”
One lazy weekend afternoon, I found myself back in Akihabara with Shinomiya-san. The last time we came here was to buy clothes for a shoot, so it couldn’t be helped, but why was I with Shinomiya-san again this time? Well, it’s because she reached out to me with:
“There’s a shop I’d like to visit—would you come with me?”
Even if she has some leverage over me, I can’t help but think it’s a bit bold for her to so casually invite a guy who sits next to her in class. If anyone found out I was hanging out with Shinomiya-san, who’s so popular she practically has her own fan club, on a weekend, my life would be over in an instant.
“Thanks for coming with me today, Anno-kun,” she said.
We met up at a café near the station and now walked side by side through the bustling crowd, close enough that our shoulders nearly touched. The sweet, fruity scent of her perfume wafted toward me, making my heart pound.
“I never would’ve guessed I’d end up back in Akihabara with you, Shinomiya-san.”
“Was it surprising?”
“To be honest, yeah. It’s pretty far from the image I had of you.”
I couldn’t picture what Shinomiya-san usually did on her days off, but I definitely didn’t peg her as someone who’d visit the otaku mecca.
“Then I guess it’s your influence, Anno-kun. You’ll have to take responsibility for tainting me, won’t you?”
“Don’t phrase it in a way that could be misunderstood! What if someone overheard?”
“You’re too cautious. In a crowd this big, the chances of running into someone who knows us are practically zero.”
“Well, maybe, but… Anyway, Shinomiya-san, are you going to tell me where we’re going already?”
When I’d asked earlier, she’d brushed me off with a simple “It’s a secret,” so I still had no clue what kind of shop she wanted to visit.
“Fufu, impatient, aren’t we? We’re almost there, so just hold on a little longer,” she said with a mischievous, childlike smile.
I grumbled inwardly about her teasing but let her lead the way in silence.
“Here we are! This is the place!”
With a beaming smile, Shinomiya-san pointed to a newly opened flagship store of a brand specializing in original women’s cosplay costumes.
The shop’s concept was to elevate cosplay into fashion, offering a variety of outfits, including maid dresses. Incidentally, a photo of Yuzuha-san wearing one of their maid outfits had gone viral, racking up tens of thousands of likes.
“I saw a picture of a maid on social media that was just so cute, and I wanted to see the real thing in person. But I didn’t quite have the courage to come alone…”
“I see, so that’s what this is about.”
Yuzuha-san had mentioned that since the brand only sold online until now, ordering always felt a bit thrilling, so she was excited when she heard they’d opened a physical store. I never would’ve guessed Shinomiya-san would be the one to visit it first, though.
“There are so many types of maid outfits, and they’re all adorable, aren’t they? I had no idea!”
“Well, that’s what this brand’s known for, so it’s no surprise they’re popular.”
“By the way, the maid photo I saw was of Yuzuha-san.”
“…I see.”
“And the one who took that photo of Yuzuha-san in a maid outfit, with that subtle, alluring vibe, was you, right, Anno-kun?”
Unless something extraordinary happens, I’m the one photographing Yuzuha-san. Being recognized as the exclusive photographer for a wildly popular cosplayer like her is an honor, but she gets sulky if I shoot anyone else, which is a headache. If Yuzuha-san found out about my connection with Shinomiya-san, it’d be a disaster.
“Sure, I took Yuzuha-san’s maid photos, but what’s your point?”
“Fufu, no ulterior motives here. I’m just curious—what kind of maid outfit do you like, Anno-kun?”
“…What’s that supposed to mean?”
Shinomiya-san flashed a suspicious smile. She’s not planning to try on outfits just to tease me with my reactions, is she?
“If you’re honest with me, I’ll wear the maid outfit you like. How about it?”
“W-What…?”
Her sweet whisper in my ear left me speechless. Instantly, my mind conjured an image of Shinomiya-san in a maid outfit. What kind would suit her?
At school, she’s called the “Princess,” so a long-skirted, classic-style maid dress is a must. It’s traditional but would look perfect on someone as refined as Shinomiya-san. I’d love to capture the airy flutter of her skirt as she twirls in a photo.
But a miniskirt wouldn’t be out of place either—in fact, it might be my personal preference. Not just because I want to see her legs (though that’s not entirely untrue), but because a playful, seductive “little devil” style would suit her teasing personality. Some of the maid outfits here even have designs that emphasize the décolletage with a mysterious gap at the chest or come with garter belts for that extra touch of allure.
And the ultimate appeal? The contrast of her usual refined demeanor transforming into something bewitchingly different when we’re alone. That kind of gap moe is the pinnacle of charm. A photo like that would guaranteed go viral.
“…Don’t give me that ‘how about it’ nonsense. You’re just trying to get more leverage over me, aren’t you? I’m not falling for it.”
“It’s too late to play coy now, Anno-kun. I’ll guess which maid outfit you think is the most… not exciting, but cute!”
“Changing your words doesn’t help—you said it all already! Can I just go home now?”
This is nothing short of a punishment game. Having the girl who sits next to me in class guess what maid outfit I’d find exciting is beyond mortifying.
“No way you’re leaving after coming this far! Or are you saying you don’t want to photograph me in a maid outfit? Are you already satisfied with Yuzuha-san?”
“N-No, that’s not it…”
Truthfully, I do want to photograph her. I’d love to shoot her in both long and short skirts, refined and seductive styles, maybe even enough for a whole photo book. But admitting that feels like losing, so I avert my gaze to dodge the question.
“Fufu. If you’re honest, I’ll let you do whatever you want with me… Master.”
But Shinomiya-san saw right through me. She linked her arm with mine, pressing herself close with a soft squish, and spoke in a sultry tone. Faced with that devastating four-letter word and the overwhelming sensation, I had no choice but to raise the white flag. Honestly, if there’s a guy who could resist this, I’d like to meet him.
“Let’s go, then. Pick out a maid outfit that suits me, okay?”
“Master,” she whispered sweetly in my ear again, and I nodded like a broken wind-up doll.
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