«Aoshi, at this point you owe us an explanation. Who exactly is this Eliss, and what's your relationship with her?» Ayane asks in a stern tone. The three of them — Ayane, Takuma, and Aoshi — have just left the university and are heading to a café in downtown Ueda.
«I-I've already told you a hundred times!» Aoshi stammers, sounding like someone who's completely run out of excuses. «The cleaning company Eliss works for also offers rental-girlfriend services! There was this huge discount if you booked both the cleaning plan and the girlfriend option, so I took advantage of it. You know better than anyone how messed up I was after Miori cheated on me — I couldn't let that depression drag down my grades. So… yeah, I figured it'd be a good idea to find a temporary stand-in until I got over her, that's all…»
«From what I know, rental girlfriends don't call you outside work hours — and they definitely don't pack your lunch with "Aoshi + Eliss = forever" written in ketchup!» Ayane shoots back. Every clumsy attempt Aoshi makes to deny the obvious only seems to irritate her further, though she still tries to keep her composure.
«Well, yeah… she's a real professional — she makes her clients feel like she's truly their girlfriend, even off the clock! And of course she called me — she just wanted to confirm where we'd meet for the double date today. I told you, she's really professional!»
…Though I've got to admit, even I was caught off guard by that ketchup message on the bento. My instincts told me to check it before casually opening it in front of my classmates...
«She must be pretty forgetful… considering she called you eleven times,» Ayane retorts — way too suspicious.
«Y-Yeah, well… I guess she just wanted to be really sure. I told you, she's very professional…»
Ayane sighs, shaking her head in resignation. She doesn't say a word — but Aoshi doesn't need her to. He already knows exactly what she's thinking.
Ayane… this whole ridiculous situation is clearly worrying her — and honestly, who could blame her? I would be too if I were in her shoes. She's probably afraid Eliss is plotting something, that she's just using me the same way Miori did. And in a way, she's right — but at least this time, I'm not blind to it.
If Miori had told me from the start that she only wanted my help to make her ex jealous, I would've played along. I wouldn't have fallen for her the way I did. Maybe that's why, no matter how sweet or caring Eliss acts, I still can't get Miori out of my head.
I gave that girl everything — maybe too much. Every look, every smile, every gentle word she gave me felt so real, so sincere, it clouded my judgment. I never imagined it was all an act. And even now that I know the truth, the damage's already done. The heart isn't a computer you can just reset by pressing a few keys…
«Aoshi! My sweet Aoshi! I'm here!»
Eliss waves her arms and jumps up and down like someone drowning and trying to get attention.
«Yeah, you're right — she's very professional…» Ayane mutters, her voice dripping with sarcasm and irritation.
But the place they agreed to meet isn't just any café — it's a maid café. Takuma's favorite, of course. Every time they go out, they take turns choosing the spot, and everyone already knows where Takuma will pick.
Here, the maids' outfits are far more revealing than usual — short skirts and dangerously low necklines that leave the competition in the dust. The three of them have spent so much time there thanks to Takuma that it's practically their second home, and the staff have become good friends.
«Welcome home, Masters—»
The young, stunning maid who greets them freezes mid-sentence — her eyes locked on Eliss. And she doesn't even try to hide it.
«Y-Y-YOU'RE DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS!» the maid blurts out, her eyes turning into hearts. «Your face is flawless, and your eyes— it's like you've got two emeralds instead of pupils!»
Without warning, she throws herself at Eliss with a level of enthusiasm far too familiar for a first meeting. «And your body… it's absolutely insane! And these breasts—» she cups Eliss's chest with both hands, shamelessly lifting it. «—they're totally natural! I can tell right away! Oh, I'm so jealous!»
Eliss doesn't show the slightest hint of discomfort. On the contrary, every unexpected compliment only feeds her pride further. She nods pompously at each word of praise, basking in it like a queen receiving tribute.
Meanwhile, Ayane — though she'd never admit it — feels a twinge of envy at the sight. In three years of coming here almost every week, no one has ever fawned over her like that. Not that she's ever cared for that kind of attention — no girl comes to a maid café expecting to be flattered — but now, seeing how everyone is drooling over Eliss… well, a spark of jealousy has definitely bloomed.
«I have a proposal for you!» the maid continues, practically melting with excitement. «Would you like to work here with us? I'm sure this job would be perfect for someone as stunning and kawaii as you! You'd make a fortune, I promise!»
Another blow to Ayane's self-esteem.
«Oh, I'm truly sorry, miss — you're very kind, but I already have a job,» Eliss replies sweetly, then wraps her arm around Aoshi's. «I work at the Moonlight Club together with my beloved sweetheart!»
Aoshi freezes on the spot — not sweating bullets, but entire chunks of ice.
I told Ayane and Takuma that Eliss works for that agency as a cleaner and a rental girlfriend… what the hell am I supposed to say now? That she moonlights with me to make extra cash? Maybe that blockhead Takuma would buy it — his brain shuts off completely whenever Eliss is around, not that it works much even on normal days… but Ayane? She's on a whole different level. I can already feel her suspicion creeping in — and this just made things ten times worse.
And sure enough, an instant later, he notices her glaring at him from the corner of her eye.
«I could really go for a cup of hot tea. Could you take us to our table?» Aoshi cuts in quickly.
«O-Of course, my apologies…» the maid mumbles, still dazed by Eliss's beauty. «Right this way, Masters.»
«You two go ahead. I need to make a quick stop at the restroom — I'll join you in a minute,» Ayane says calmly. Then she turns to Eliss with a gentle, polite smile. «Would you mind coming with me?»
Under Aoshi's panicked gaze, Eliss agrees with an equally radiant smile.