Part 1
While the girls entered a clothing store in Tenryu Mall, looking for a fitting new outfit for Akari, Touma and Jake sat on a bench in the main hallway.
"I've never asked you this, Jake… but what's Akari like in class?"
Jake stretched lazily, like someone just waking from a nap.
"Well… she's usually asleep in class."
"I meant in physical training. I've even seen her sleeping in Professor Kirishima's class."
Jake laughed.
"Yeah, well… the teachers don't let her join combat training unless Kirishima's there. If he's not, Akari's benched."
"I see…" Touma lowered his gaze, thoughtful. "And what about her friends?"
Jake gave him a sidelong glance, slightly surprised.
"What do you mean? We're her friends, Touma. Everyone else is afraid of her."
Touma fell silent for a few seconds.
"That's ridiculous… She seems like a great girl to me."
Jake grinned wide.
"Right? She's a pint-sized powerhouse."
They both laughed.
At that moment, Shizuki stepped out of the store with graceful poise and stood in front of them as if presenting a fashion transformation.
"The operation has been a complete success," she announced in her usual calm, British-sounding tone.
She stepped aside. And behind her, Akari appeared.
She wore a delicate pink dress, soft and lightly flowing. Her hair had a new cut, her makeup was subtle, and her entire presence had changed.
For the first time… she looked fragile, like a porcelain doll. And that made her feel a little uneasy.
"What do you think? Don't I have great fashion sense?" Shizuki asked with quiet confidence.
"Wow… that's some elegance," Jake said sincerely.
"You look beautiful," Touma added, offering a soft smile.
A shiver ran down Akari's arms—not from the cold, but from a mix of embarrassment and joy.
She had never felt so… seen. Or accepted.
"Excuse me, homewrecker," Hina cut in, arms crossed proudly. "We helped too! Mirai picked the hairstyle and makeup, but I added the final touch! Hehe!"
"You mean the little teddy bear pin?" Akari asked, touching the shiny brooch on her dress.
It was gold, with tiny pink gems in its ears.
"Yup~! It's a limited edition. And it symbolizes your true self: tough inside, soft outside," Hina said, this time with a genuinely warm smile.
Akari looked down, cheeks slightly pink.
"Thanks… to all of you," she said with a shy smile.
"Leave the fun part to me!" Hina suddenly exclaimed, raising her hand like she was volunteering in class. "I'm an expert in fun! Right, Touma?" she added with a cheeky wink.
"Please… if it were up to you, we'd end up in an arcade," Shizuki cut in coldly. "A movie would be better. Quiet, air-conditioned, and no excessive movement."
"Excuse me, Miss Boring!" Hina shot back, sticking out her tongue in a pout. "That sounds like an outing for retirees!"
While the two resumed their usual clash of opinions, Mirai—unbothered as always—approached Akari with a gentle smile.
"Where would you like to go?"
Akari ran a hand along her dress, smoothing the fabric with care.
"I think it'd be a waste to go to an arcade and sweat all over this lovely dress…"
Touma stepped forward, hands in his pockets, and smiled.
"Then how about a themed café?"
"I think there was a maid café around here…" said Mirai, thoughtful.
"Yeah, there's one just around the corner," Jake added, checking his phone. "It's got great reviews."
With no objections, the group nodded in agreement.
When they arrived, the place turned out to be small but cozy. The storefront was decorated with ribbons and soft lights, and as they stepped inside, they were greeted by two maids in sparkly pink uniforms.
"Welcome to Miku's Dream, masters and mistresses!" they chimed in perfect unison, bowing with synchronized precision.
As always, Shizuki stepped forward gracefully and spoke with her usual calm, commanding tone.
"A table for five, please."
Hina immediately jumped in, pointing an accusing finger at her.
"There's six of us, White Cat! Can't you count?"
"Oh, sorry… I forgot you were here," Shizuki replied with an expression as innocent as it was sharp.
"Nn-nn-nn... I'm gonna—!" Hina fumed, while Akari and Mirai barely held back their laughter.
Despite the usual chaos, everyone walked in calmly and took a seat by the window. The café wasn't crowded—just a few boys sitting nervously as the maids showered them with over-the-top compliments and charming poses.
Akari looked around with curious eyes.
The walls were covered in cute illustrations, the music was soft, and the menu was full of treats that honestly looked like they came straight out of a sugar-coated dream.
Even dressed in her elegant outfit, for the first time since the incident… she smiled without tension in her shoulders.
"This place is so cute," she said, an authentic smile lighting up her face.
A young maid with orange hair approached the table, brimming with explosive energy.
"Hi hi! I'm Asia, your trusty maid for today! So happy to serve you!"
Behind her, another maid walked up—this one with chestnut hair and the air of a queen who'd been deeply insulted.
"Hmph… I'm Tomoe. Don't ask me for anything, you leeches."
Jake stared at her like he'd just found the cure to his boredom.
"Exactly what the doctor ordered…"
The table went quiet, except for Tomoe, who shot him a death glare. Jake just winked at Touma like they were in on some private joke.
Touma looked away, pretending he didn't know the guy.
"Thank you for your support buddy…" he muttered, as the maid sighed in resignation.
Meanwhile, Akari glanced around at her friends. She couldn't believe how much the atmosphere had changed in just a few hours.
Not long ago, she'd thought everyone would push her away. And yet, here she was—surrounded by noisy, unpredictable… and genuinely kind friends.
"And what would you like to order, miss?" Asia asked with a warm smile.
"I'll have the teddy bear curry… and, um… this bunny-shaped ice cream… and—" she began, but hesitated. Her eyes flicked toward Touma, as if unsure whether to go all-out in front of him.
Then Touma turned to her calmly.
"Don't hold back."
Akari looked at him, surprised.
She smiled.
Then she turned back to the maid, her eyes sparkling.
"Then I'll also have the animal-shaped mini cakes! They look super cute!"
And at that moment, for the first time all day…
She was truly herself again.
No fear.
No shame.
Because at the end of the day, her friends were there for her.
"Maybe... I don't need to hide who I am, if they don't."