The Art Of Sword

(No no don’t touch me there… I’m still a virgin... body so weak... I must resist... so relaxing.)

(Sweet… sugar… bringing me back)

*paper being tear sound*

Grace: MY BOOKS!

She immediately turned to the direction the sound came from and saw that Sunz was holding a ripped piece of paper in each of his hands.

Grace feels that she’s about to cry, automatically moves her hands to wipe the tears but immediately stops when she notices a fork and a small plate with cake in each of her hands.

Her mind is now in a state of confusion and crying.

Grace (It happened again…): What is going on?

*Everyone has returned to their seat and is all looking at Grace*

No Name: I don’t know what happened. When I reached you two, Su was holding you from falling. Then I go to help Su hold you up. After I touched your hand, you suddenly stood up, didn’t say any words, and held my hand tightly, then willingly followed me back to your seat.

“After sitting down, you stop holding my hand and sit in the chair neatly. Jihu checked your status to make sure you are ok, since he is the only doctor here. So made us more drinks, and Su brought out more cakes... We all don’t know what happened to you and how to bring you back... until he returns.”

Grace *places the fork and plate on the table*: Let me guess, the first thing he did was poke me with his finger.

No Name: On the contrary, he was too afraid to touch you.

Grace (How useless are you?)

No Name: Instead, he tried to feed you cake.

Grace (How can you do that but afraid to do- Wait…): What do you mean tried?

*buzz buzz*

Jihu: Check your phone.

Grace received a message from Jihu, it has no text, only a picture.

The picture portrays Sunz's failed attempt to feed Grace a piece of the cake slice. The piece touches Grace’s cheek instead of going into her mouth.

Grace takes a piece of napkin and wipes that part of her face.

Grace: ugghhh… I made a bad decision.

Everyone:…

Grace: Because of his failed attempt, my body somehow moved on its own and finished the job for him, right?

No Name: Yes…

Grace (can’t believe I guess that correctly.): So why the paper tearing?

No Name: You ate three slices without any improvement, so Sunz thought up another plan.

Sunz:… That is half true. I was getting a bit bored while you were taking your sweet time. So, if doing what you like doesn’t work, then what if I do what you hate. Resulted in me mimicking tearing your book.

Grace: This, this is why girls hate you. No Name was covering your ass, and you just have to shoot yourself in the foot. Sometimes less context is better than more.

Sunz: But more context makes it funnier.

Grace: You would rather be an ass than a decent human being?

Sunz: Woah, there is a huge difference between being an ass and a harmless joke.

Grace: You made me cry! That’s harmless to you?!

Sunz: They are just books, if you don’t like seeing them being destroyed, buy the e-book version.

Grace: We are digging the same hole here. I wonder who will crawl out first.

Sunz (waht does that mean???): I’m quite comfortable in this hole, you ca- (Why did I stop?)

Grace: I can what?

“As someone who read hundreds of books, I’ll leave you this quote.”

“Just dig in your heels and Never show weakness.”

“Come on, be brave and finish that sentence.”

Sunz (My body is getting hot or the room is getting colder. But one thing I know is I should not say anything):… I zip my mouth!

Grace: I want to rip that tongue out of your mouth right now.

*Slam*

So slammed his hand on the table and stood up, asserting his authority.

So: You two need to stop arguing, I don’t want to bring out another ‘Break Up Cake’.

Grace: Arguing? People don’t normally talk like that. And break up. I don’t want to break up with him. What made you think I’m about to?

So (K-drama doesn’t help you picking up clues.): Your tone and specific details in your sentence.

Grace: I need to double check. Sunz, did I sound like I wanted to break up? And do you want to break up?

Sunz: Ok, I just talk like how I normally talk. I don’t have any interest in breaking up, I was even scared to bring it up… And yes, you did sound like wanting to break up.

Grace (Does that mean I have to talk like a lovey-dovey character to Sunz… that feels fake as hell!)

“Ok, we are now clear that Sunz and I are still a normal couple. Let’s continue with other stuff.”

So (why did that give me a headache?): So Grace, what did my sister do to you?

Grace: I-I don’t know. This had happened before, I became like that when being touched in specific spots.

So: haizz… Su, did you molest her?

Su: Of course not! I am handsy, but I don’t go that far. My hands were only touching her shoulders and collarbone, then she suddenly went limp.

So: Your action has to be disgusting and unexpected to make someone go limp, right?

Grace: Actually, that is not 100% true. I have a friend who is handsy like Su, probably more. And she did try to touch the “specific spots” but they had the opposite effect.

No Name (Consider what she did to me. Is Grace also a handsy one???)

Sunz: Sounds like you have the ability to attract creeps.

Grace: Oh?! Does that also make you a creep?

Sunz: No, because I don’t touch you without consent.

Grace: Consent, you said. You know you have the power to fondle my boobs anytime you want!!!

Sunz (I want to kill myself.): Let’s move on with Part 3 of the story, and someone switches seats with me. I don’t feel saf-

Grace shoved a piece of cake inside Sunz’s mouth: Just because you can move doesn’t mean you can do anything you want.

“I agree, let's continue the story.”

So (This relationship doesn’t feel real. Is this what in those romance animes?)

Su (This feels abridged very abridged…): So after that event and a few days later. The social media blew up with a video named.

'Girl burn hundreds of confession Letters on Valentine Day!!!'

“With the viral video comes doxing.”

*Flash Back*

So (17): This is getting out of hand. Now all of Korea knows your face and location.

Su (15): No, this is actually a good thing. We can use this to make profit and keep the Cafe running.

So (17): Since you are a professional social media addict, work your magic.

Su (15): Great! Let’s get the promotion video going!

So (17): Video?

Su (15): Don’t question the internet brother. Just do as I say.

So (17): It’s for the Cafe.

After a day, Su posts the promotional video.

The video starts with Su standing in the middle of the frame, wearing her school uniform.

Su (15): Hello internet people, this is Su, the girl from the viral video.

‘Girl burn hundreds of confession Letters on Valentine Day!!!’

“Today, I bring good news for those looking for a relationship. On next week Saturday and Sunday, our store will be running an event for 48 hours straight.”

“For a price of $$$ you will get to have a 5-minute date with me with a free slice of cake of your choice. It’s open for both Male and Female. And I wish I could put an age limit, but who is stopping you. So just be 15 and above.”

"Also, you get to pick what outfit I will wear on the date. Here are your options.”

*A picture of Su in a maid outfit*

*A picture of Su in an office outfit*

“Tickets or number orders will be on sale a day before the event. Any ticket that is being resold will be invalid. We take pictures to make sure you are the purchaser.”

“For those that don’t care about the event at all and just want to have some cake. The price will be $ like always. This will be the person in charge of the event.”

*A picture of So appeared in the video*

"He is currently not in a relationship, if any ladies want to shoot your shot, wait until this event is over. He doesn’t like to be disturbed while working.”

“That is all! Remember *shop address* this is the doxed location.”

*Video ends*

So (17): I don’t know what I just watched.

Su (15): It’s best that you just ignore the video.

So (17): Mom and Dad had also agreed to let us control the shop for those 2 days.

Su (15): Can’t believe they allowed me to do this.

So (17): Tough time we’re in. Do you really need to include me in the video?

Su (15): We need a consistent flow of customers. The Male won’t be sticking for long. But the female, once they taste my cake. Sweet will never be the same.

“So I need you to be the hook for the Female fish. Your above-average looks and cold personality are what popular in my age range.”

So (17): Let’s revive the shop!

*Back to Present*

Su: That was our promotion video.

Sunz: How did you look more mature in those 2 pictures than your original sefl? Like at least 10 years different.

Su: Because they were based on real women. It’s really easier to act mature than acting like a psychopath.

So: She is actually pretty good at acting. Sometimes I forget that I’m running the shop with a Demon, not a well-behaved Sister.

Su: You are being mean. I’ve always been a well-behaved Sister. The Demon only comes out when it feels comfortable.

So... That... makes more sense... Continue the story.

Su: The event actually went very smoothly. There were a few bad apples, but nothing I couldn’t handle.

“Most of the boys were the same. They don’t know how to communicate with girls. So all they needed was some courage and me convincing them that I’m not the girl they’re looking for.”

“There were actually some girls. Instead of giving out relationship advice like for the boys. I accidently made them gay.”

…

“Mostly good things came out of the event, except for a bad scenario that we hope wouldn’t happen. A gang Leader shows up and wrecks the front of our shop. What made it worse was, he had an ability.”

“When we thought that this was the end for our shop, a Hero showed up, which was an ordinary police officer. I’ve never seen So lose so much hope in a few seconds.”

“But lucky for us, that ordinary police officer easily took down that gang Leader.”

Sunz, Grace, and Jihu all have the same thought (That must be him.)

Su: He did put a few holes in the gang Leader’s body. Then we thanked him with a box of cake. And then nothing else happened, the event ended on a peaceful note.

So: No, we still have an unexpected visitor.

*Flash Back*

Su (15): I can’t wait to die on my bed. All of my limbs are already in bed. Brain about to shut down.

So (17): Just finish closing the store, then I’ll carry you to bed.

Su (15): I think... I’m already in bed… My brother had never been this kind to me.

So (17): Simmer down, drama queen. You earn it. Working 48 hours straight, talking with hundreds of customers... this is the best I can offer for your hard work.

Su (15): If it wasn’t for your coffee, I couldn’t stay awake this long...

*sobbing noise*

So (17): It’s rar-

Su lightly tackled and hugged So from behind. Her hug was tight, and her tears started to soak into So’s clothes.

“I-I’m so happy that we got to work together. I’m happy that we saved the Cafe… I’m happy to see myself continue working in this Cafe.”

*muffle of louder crying sound*

So (17): Cry for me too...

…

“Um… did I come at a bad time?” A young lady appeared in front of So and spoke in a soft, tired voice.

“I am sorry, but are you still open?”

So (17): I’m sorry, but we are in the middle of closing. But since you come to us at this hour, I can have my Sister make you a slice, on the house.

Su (15) steps out from behind So: Is there... any flavor you want?

Tired Girl: Oh, thank you. But I am not here for that, I am here to ask. Do you need to hire a bodyguard for your store?

So (17): That came out of nowhere, we don’t even know you.

Tired Girl: That right… After your recent, event with the gang, it is best for you to hire a bodyguard to reduce the risk of them appearing again. I want to work for your shop for free.

So (17): Can I have your name, and why do you want to work for us for free?

Tired Girl: My name is Sogae, and I’m working at the ‘Water Slash’ hotel. I want to work for you because I have a lot of free time on hand.

So and Su (The most luxurious hotel in Korea!)

Tired Sogae: I don’t want to bother you anymore, this is my number. Call me when your shop is in trouble or anytime.

She gave So a paper with her phone number on it, then immediately disappeared in front of their eyes.

So (17): Let’s close down the shop quickly, then go to bed.

Su (15): Right behind you.

*Back to Present*

Su: And that is the story of how we revive C.C Cafe.

Sunz: I have been wanting to ask this all night. What does C.C mean?

Su: It means Cake and Coffee! From the start, my Father was the coffee maker, and Mom was the baker. Now it’s me and So.

So: They are still around, they work the day shift while we work the night shift. Or put it simply, parents’s customers are adults, and ours are students. Which makes this Cafe have 2 different names.

Grace: That means Cake and Coffee Cafe is your parent's brand name. What is you two?

Su: It’s Cake and Cosplay Cafe!

Sunz: That explains your outfit and Jihu’s butler cosplay.

Grace (???): Wait, that is what you ask?

Sunz: Yea..h, something wrong?

Grace: Aren’t you supposed to ask where they put the ‘Coffee’? When this Cafe is run by both of them.

Sunz: Well, she did revive the Cafe, and it’s currently famous for its cakes. You remember the list.

Grace: But but you are a-

Sunz: Moron? I know, but sometimes my brain can’t decide will it be Moron 1 or Moron 2... I don't know what I’m saying anymore.

Grace: Everything suddenly feels strange.

Sunz: Probably because you have too much sugar.

Grace:…

So: Before we suddenly spiral the conversation, might as well tell the reason behind the name. What Sunz said would be a reason, but it not why.

“We don’t put the word Coffee is because Coffee and Cosplay Cafe didn’t smoothly roll off the tongue and we have limited C…”

…

“I know that you all are trying to see the difference between Cake and Cosplay Cafe, and, Coffee and Cosplay Cafe. Plus, why not go with Cake Coffee and Cosplay Cafe… We didn’t think of that at the time and limited C.”

“… And Su, stop touching Grace!”

Su: What? I was helping her de-stress from being "abused" by him. Plus, she is not fainting like before.

So: If she doesn’t hate it, then do as you please.

Grace: I’m not, and I have a question. Does Su have the ability to change people's clothes in a blink of an eye?

So: She does...

Grace: Ok, Su can you stop and take a few steps back, then slowly turn 360 degrees for me?

Su: ok?

Su gives everyone a full view of her outfit, which is just a normal baking outfit with a timer drilled into her back.

Grace: Your outfit seems normal enough, except for that part. It makes you look like those wind-up toys.

Su reaches behind her back and turns the knob slightly, then after a few seconds. Her whole body started shaking, and the *ding-ding-ding-ding* sound came from the outfit. Then the whole thing stopped when she punched herself in the chest.

Su: Ta da!

Grace: That is something new.

Sunz: How do you wash it?

Su: Just thow it in the washing machine like normal.

Sunz: But it has machinery in it.

Su: Yeah, so? The person that built this said, wash it like normal clothes.

Grace: And who is this person?

Su: It was a female for sure, and she visited at midnight... Kinda weird that we meet the oddest people around that time. This group, that Female and Sogae.

So: You are sidetracking.

Su: Sorry. Like your group, same time, same atmosphere. So I got to talk to her quite a bit... But for some reason the clearest detail that I still remember was “Trading a cake that will satisfy a Mafia Boss” for this outfit...

Grace (I thought it was Ame, but I was wrong.)

Jihu: So weren’t you with her during that time?

So: I was taking a nap when all this was happening. At first, I didn’t believe her, until a week later that outfit arrived. With a note, “Pleasure doing Business.”

Su: The outfit came with an instruction manual and a repair number.

Grace: Su, if you don’t mind. Can I have a look at the number?

Su: No! *smiling*

So: Better not bother asking her that. She doesn’t even tell me the number either.

Grace: Oh, that (disappointing) ok. But did she ever tell you her name?

Su: I don’t remember any detail about her, but after that event, I occasionally hear “The name Ema” out of nowhere.

Sunz: This starting to feel creepy.

Grace: Calm down. There is something more scary next to you. (Ema... is Ame backward... I’m going to tell her about this trip anyway. Questions can be answered then.)

Jihu: It’s been fun, but time for us to go. Some of us have important business to attend.

Su: Wait, you all not going to try the Cafe Special?

Jihu:…

Grace: What’s the Cafe Special?

Su whispers words into Grace.

Grace: Oh, that sounds fun. Let’s do it, and I’ll pay for everyone.

Sunz: I don’t like the sound of that.

Jihu: Well, you can’t pull out now. The grownup made her decision.

Su: That decided! So, you take care of the boys. The girls are with me.

*Su pulls the girls away*

So: Let’s dress the rest of you up.

*So takes the boys to one of the dressing rooms*

*After 5 minutes, the boys return to their seats and wait*

Sunz: So... we all just dressed up in butler outfits. That’s it?

Jihu: You expecting more? You greedy son of a bitch.

Sunz: I guess.

So: Usually, when paid for the Cafe Special. You first put on the outfit, then we bring you the slices. You then proceed to talk with your friend, take pictures, then leave, and you get to keep the outfit.

Sunz: Keep? How much is the Cafe Special?

So: Around 100$ and higher.

Sunz: Holy fuck, and there are 4 of us.

So: That’s why it’s the Cafe Special. Besides the cost, there is no other downside. The outfit looks good and can be used for other cosplay events or day-to-day clothing.

Sunz: You… got a point... What is taking them so long? Your sister has the ability to strip and wear people in the blink of an eye, right?

So: She is having her fun, and, or the girl she is dressing just realized what she is wearing.

“Also, I don’t think you realize it yet, Sunz. The Cafe Special is usually for couples.”

Sunz: That doesn't mean much in this situation. Also, she just changing outfit. What is the worst thing she can do?

*ding-ding-ding-ding*

So: They are coming out.

*Su and No Name return*

No Name: Wow, are we looking to expand? You trying to get rid of both the gangsters and customers? At least the other one will help bring in more females.

Sunz: Need I guard the Cafe in the nearest alleyway for maximum profit?

No Name: Wow, so considerate of you!

Sunz: I wish I could think of a comeback, but I can’t. You are literally the hateful maid archetype.

No Name: And what’s that???

Sunz: The type of maid that throws hateful comments at other guests, with the most common phrase, “You disgust Me!”

No Name:… YOU DISGUST ME!

She said it at Sunz with the most hateful eyes the group has ever seen. The whole room went silent until one of them spoke up.

Su: That was amazing!

No Name: Really? Thank for the compliment. Also, I’m not looking for work. Don’t drag me in like you did with him.

Su: But but, I can’t do what you can.

No Name: Aren’t you good at acting?

Su: I can’t say it as good as you did.

Jihu: I got a bit scared after hearing that. And I think you might awaken something inside him.

Sunz seems to be in deep thought, and his look is a combination of annoyance and anger.

No Name: That is sad. We don’t need to see him having a harem.

Sunz: Ok, let’s not shoot me with those accusations. The way you said it, made me feel like I’ve met you before.

No Name: Really? Have you been listening to that line so many times that it messed up your memories?

Sunz (Ugh, my brain hurt!): Let’s move on. Where is Grace?

Su: She is having some trouble...

Sunz: Like what?

Su: Embarrassed, self-conscious... any other words for shy.

Sunz: That… is a load of bullshit.

Su: Wow, someone needs to learn how humans and females function.

Sunz: Funny *sarcastically*.

“When you said "shy", I already knew you were lying. That’s word, and Grace doesn’t go together.”

Su: fuck! Come out Grace, he is not falling for it.

…

Suddenly Sunz feels a cold, tight grip on his shoulder and hears a seductive, playful, mocking whisper, “My my, Master. You are so smart for seeing through my plan. I should reward you... I mean, I should reward myself for making you this smart!”

Knowing what is pinning him down but not knowing what is going to happen next, kind of makes him a bit excited and fear for his life. Which kicks him into fight or flight mode.

Sunz (This is really unexpected. Everyman dream and my nightmare.)

Grace *whisper*: Master, did that turn you on? You were frozen for a few seconds... Hehe, don’t mind if I overindulge myself.

Sunz (Fuck!)

Grace plunged her hand into the suit, through the neck hole, popping the button in between, and reached Sunz’s chest. Her arm wanting to reach further, was stopped by Sunz’s hand to make sure things didn’t escalate further.

Grace *whisper*: Master, has your reflex always been this good? You should relax and let others take the lead.

Sunz: My reflexes are normal. You are just predictable. Now, can you stop please? I am so scared.

Grace *whisper*: I won’t stop unless you cooperate, if you know what I mean.

Sunz *inhale* *exhale*: My dear Head Maid, tonight you can indulge as much as you like. For now, we have guests to greet.

(Can’t believe those words come out of my mouth.)

Grace *whisper*: You are such a tease.

She takes both of her hands off of Sunz, and her voice returns to normal.

“I must say Su, this roleplaying is kind of fun.”

Su: Haha, that… was roleplay? (More like foreplay)

Grace: What, was I that bad? I think I did a good job at roleplaying.

Sunz: If your objective was to creep me out, then I’ll give you a 10 out of 10.

Grace: Aww, how sweet!

Sunz: But, were you roleplaying as a Maid or a Yandere?

Grace (Yandere? He brought that up again.): I was showing you my loyalty. When I buy a Maid I expect 100% loyalty, and I can do anything to them.

Sunz: What?

Grace: I mean, there are limits to things I can do.

Sunz: Ok, let's change the topic to something less rich.

Grace: ok.

Sunz: How does the maid outfit feel? Since you have a personal tailor, what is the difference?

Grace *spins around*: It feels good. I expected worse quality.

Su: You look really comfortable in that outfit. Girls mostly comfortable in that outfit when they are hanging out with friends and not on a date.

Grace: Really? This outfit feels like a power move on their partner... *yawnnnnn* that was a long one.

So: That is the cue for all of us to rest.

Su: Wait! Can I take a picture with everyone in it?

Sunz: Sure, why not. Position us.

Jihu: Wow, not hating taking pictures anymore.

Sunz: It’s a special occasion.

Su: Yay! Ok, split into two groups. Butler and Maid... The camera is set. Get Ready!

*Shutter sound*

…

*Su, Grace, and No Name have a look at the pictures while Jihu paying the bill*

Su: They are all so good!

Grace: They do. Give me your contact information and send those to me.

No Name (We all look nice. So is him.)

Jihu: Here is the card.

So: Oh, you don’t need to pay. Grace already paid in full.

Jihu: Ok then.

*Sunz and Yama just talking on the side.*

Yama: You really wearing that over this suit? Don’t you feel hot?

Sunz: This is just how I like to look. Plus, I endured way worse heat.

*The two groups said goodbye to each other and parted ways*

On the way back, the group has the same formation as before, Jihu-No Name, Sunz-Grace, and Yama. None of them talk on the way back except a small conversation between Sunz and Grace.

Grace: So, haven’t asked you this... How do I look?

Sunz *glances*: You look good, like a maid.

Grace *thinking*:…

“You know, there were other maid outfits that allow my boobs to breathe, but to satisfy your preference. I chose the most demure outfit.”

Sunz: My vocab isn’t big like yours, but I think I know what you are saying.

“Just wear what makes you most comfortable, ignore my preferences... Also, those details were made to amplify your feminine traits.”

Grace: You said that, but I know you always prefer the other option.

Sunz: You are not wrong… What wrong? You keep staring at your chest.

Grace: To reinforce our relationship and clear my mind, I have to ask you this. Even though I’m not flat, do you still like me?

Sunz: We did not nearly die for you to ask that stupid question.

He then walked ahead and grabbed Jihu, then they both took the lead of the group. No Name took a few steps back to walk with Grace.

Yama (Relationship is complicated.)

*The group returned back to the hotel*

Sogae notices the outfit they are wearing (So they visited that place.)

*Back in Sunz’s room*

Sunz sat down in one of the seats and said, “I’m sleeping here.”. His body immediately stopped moving when he closed his eyes.

Grace: I think I should also sleep.

She threw herself onto the bed, and her body immediately went limp.

Jihu: Yama please return to your room. Party is over.

Yama: Ok.

*Four people left in the room*

No Name: These two are such a mess.

Jihu: They are our mess now.

No Name fixes Grace's position to make sure she sleeps correctly.

Jihu checked on Sunz to make sure he was ok.

After all that, Jihu sleeps on the seat next to Sunz, and No Name snuggles in bed with Grace.