Tokyo: My Superpower Refreshes Every Week

Ikebukuro, Maid Cafe.

It was just past one o'clock in the afternoon. At this time, there were few customers in the shop. The next peak would be during afternoon tea time.

Now, the maids could gather together, entering a rare leisurely moment, gossiping about how bizarre certain visiting customers were.

In front of customers, they would always have smiles on their faces, whispering and serving their "masters."

Privately, they had nothing good to say about those so-called masters.

"I can't stand it! That guy must weigh over two hundred pounds, right? The way he was looking at me was so disgusting. Why is it always such gross otaku who come to the Maid Cafe?"

"Can't be helped. The target audience of Maid Cafes is exactly those otaku types who look like they've never spoken to someone of the opposite sex."

"Earning this money means having to put up with those disgusting looks. Ugh, look, that guy is peeking at us again, so gross."

"Hey, I'm really envious of Nashi. She's got a regular handsome guy coming in, and he's even a classmate. So jealous."

Hearing the topic turn to herself, Arakawa Reina could no longer remain silent.

She didn't like talking behind people's backs, but she also didn't like being gossiped about.

When necessary, she still had to maintain certain social interactions to avoid workplace bullying. "That's not the case at all. I'm not really familiar with him, and he probably won't come again."

The moment she finished speaking, the crisp ring of the doorbell drew the maids' attention.

Their expressions turned to surprise when they saw the "master" who entered. It was rare for a female to visit a Maid Cafe, let alone a young woman radiating hot girl vibes from head to toe.

Arakawa Reina, seeing the two new "masters," wore a shocked expression, her mouth agape as if she could fit an egg in it.

What is this situation?

Arakawa Reina wasn't surprised by the fact that Aozawa and Ayatsuki Ayaka were dating. Their relationship in class had always been good, so it wasn't strange for them to go out on weekends.

The question was, why choose a Maid Cafe?

Could it be retaliation for the message I sent last time? Oh no!

Arakawa Reina's heart grew tense. She was terrified Ayatsuki Ayaka would recognize her.

There was no denying that Ayatsuki Ayaka was a very nice girl, helpful to her classmates and willing to stand up for others. But from Reina's discreet observations, Ayatsuki Ayaka couldn't keep a secret to save her life.

If Ayatsuki Ayaka found out she worked at the Maid Cafe, the entire class would know.

One shouldn't underestimate Ayatsuki Ayaka's social network. When it came to socializing and popularity in class, Ayatsuki Ayaka completely outshone Phoenix Academy Maggie. She could get along with just about everyone and was willing to help other girls with various fashion and makeup questions.

Warm and cheerful, she shone like the sun in Class 2C.

Arakawa Reina didn't dislike Ayatsuki Ayaka, but at that moment, she prayed to God from the bottom of her heart not to let Iroha recognize her!

"I'll take number three."

Aozawa pointed at her, a teasing smile on his well-defined features, like a cat eying a mouse.

This guy is definitely doing it on purpose!

Arakawa Reina screamed internally. I really shouldn't have been so arrogant. I should have phrased things more tactfully last time!

She sighed inwardly, unable to just stand there. She quickly stepped forward, saying, "Masters, please follow me this way."

Ayatsuki Ayaka glanced around the Maid Cafe. She was surprised Aozawa had brought her here; she'd expected a more typical coffee shop. However, if Aozawa liked it here, she wouldn't object.

But the maid serving them… Ayatsuki Ayaka felt a sense of familiarity, wondering, "Um, have we met somewhere before?"

As she spoke, a thoughtful expression crossed her face as she tried to recall where she had seen the maid.

Arakawa Reina's heart leaped into her throat.

Aozawa interjected smoothly, "Don't say that to the staff; it might make her uncomfortable."

"Haha, you're right." Ayatsuki Ayaka laughed, not quite understanding how that comment could have made the maid uncomfortable. Maybe it's just one of those Maid Cafe rules.

She quickly shifted her attention to the Maid Cafe's decor.

Apart from herself, there wasn't another female customer. The few seated guests were either bespectacled, overweight men, or tall, thin men wearing T-shirts with anime characters, their eyes lacking confidence. They would quickly avert their gaze upon making eye contact but would sneak peeks at the maids when they thought no one was looking.

It seemed they hadn't come for the coffee, but rather to enjoy being called "Master" by the opposite sex.

Strange, does Aozawa have this interest too? Ayatsuki Ayaka mused. Maybe I could try on a maid outfit next time… but wearing one outside just seems inappropriate. These thoughts fluttered through her mind.

Arakawa Reina led the two to a seat by the window.

Due to the nature of Maid Cafes, window seats were usually left vacant, as most customers felt it was too conspicuous to sit there.

Aozawa didn't mind. He didn't think visiting a Maid Cafe was embarrassing. It wasn't like he was going to some shady establishment. He was just visiting a coffee shop with maid service to enjoy a cup of coffee and some downtime. What was wrong with that?

The two settled down.

Arakawa Reina suppressed her nervousness, put on a professional smile, and said, "Masters, what would you like to order?"

Ayatsuki Ayaka furrowed her brows, glanced at her, and said, "Your voice sounds familiar too."

Arakawa Reina's smile almost faltered. Why is this girl, who's a bit slow with her studies, so perceptive about these things? she wondered.

Aozawa was also surprised. Even after Reina had transformed so much, Ayatsuki Ayaka still seemed to find her familiar. If it weren't for his X-ray Ability, which had allowed him to see the three moles on her chest, he wouldn't have been able to connect the girl before him with the quiet, introverted class president.

"Iroha, are you trying out some cheesy pick-up line?" Aozawa continued to smooth things over, directing Ayatsuki Ayaka's gaze to the menu. "What would you like to eat? Order anything you like, don't be shy."

Ayatsuki Ayaka glanced at the menu; the coffee and desserts all seemed so expensive. After a moment's thought, she covered half her face with the menu and whispered, "Just a coffee, please."

"I said don't be shy." Seeing her reluctance, Aozawa took the menu and said, "Two lattes, two egg tarts, two doughnuts…" He ordered six desserts in one go.

Ayatsuki Ayaka quickly interjected, "That's enough, that's enough! We won't be able to finish all that."

When spending money on Aozawa, Ayatsuki Ayaka felt any amount was worth it. But when Aozawa was spending money on her, Ayatsuki Ayaka felt every penny was an extravagant waste. She didn't understand why she felt this way. She just wanted to minimize Aozawa's expenses as much as possible.

Pinching pennies to save up spending money wasn't a pleasant experience. Every time Ayatsuki Ayaka recalled the times she had resisted the urge to buy something she craved, she didn't want Aozawa to overspend and risk running out of pocket money.

Aozawa closed the menu. "That'll be all."

"Please wait a moment, Masters." Arakawa Reina smiled, then turned. Her smile vanished instantly as she hurried towards the kitchen.

Ayatsuki Ayaka was still fussing about the six desserts, muttering, "Aozawa, what if we can't finish them?"

"Don't worry, I have a big appetite," Aozawa explained, then added, "You don't mind me bringing you to a Maid Cafe, do you?"

"Of course not! I'm happy that Aozawa is willing to share things he likes with me." Ayatsuki Ayaka shook her head, her face lighting up with a smile as radiant as the sunlight outside.

Seeing her smile, Aozawa couldn't help but smile back. "Iroha, you're so understanding!"

"Hehe, it's nothing like that." Under the table, Ayatsuki Ayaka nervously gripped the hem of her frilly skirt, trying hard to control her expression and avoid an overly smug grin. She needed to maintain her composure.

Aozawa's phone vibrated. He discreetly took it out and glanced at the screen.

"Dammit! Didn't I tell you to keep it a secret? Why did you bring Iroha here?"

"You absolutely cannot let it slip!"

Two messages in quick succession conveyed Arakawa Reina's frantic state.

Judging by the bossy tone of the texts, she was clearly hiding in a bathroom stall again.

Aozawa mentally rolled his eyes at her personality whiplash. He looked up to chat with Ayatsuki Ayaka while his right thumb stealthily typed a reply under the table.

"Don't worry. Iroha and I were just passing by and decided to pop in for afternoon tea. I won't reveal your identity."

「...」

DING DING.

In the narrow bathroom stall, Arakawa Reina stared at Aozawa's message, her brow furrowed.

There were so many cafes in Ikebukuro, yet they just *happened* to pass by the Maid Cafe where she worked and then claimed it was a coincidence. Such an excuse—did he really expect her to believe it?

He was clearly here on purpose, probably to retaliate for her arrogant remarks last time.

Arakawa Reina desperately wanted to scold Aozawa in a righteous tone, to show him she wasn't afraid of any threats. But the reality outside the stall was a pressure that even the flimsy door couldn't block.

If she angered Aozawa and he revealed she worked here, then on Monday, when she returned to class, everyone would probably know.

For a high school girl, working at a Maid Cafe wasn't something one could easily tell others about. It was too easy for rumors to spread.

Even though all she did was call customers "Master" inside the cafe, in someone else's retelling, it could twist into "Arakawa Reina is involved in compensated dating, calling older men 'Master'."

No way! If that happens, my life will be completely ruined!

Thinking of such dire consequences, Arakawa Reina swallowed hard and meekly typed her reply: "Please, please don't tell Iroha the truth."

I'm so useless.

As her finger tapped send, Arakawa Reina felt as if she had lost even the right to be sassy online.

This isn't good. If things continue like this, they'll develop into *that* kind of situation, or *this* kind...

Arakawa Reina's anxiety mounted. Then, a new thought struck her: instead of being so passive, why not take the initiative?

Aozawa's level is too high. I can't outplay him. I might as well give in.

Without waiting for Aozawa's reply, Arakawa Reina proactively typed, "Please come to the restroom. I have something to tell you."