Tokyo: Idol Girls have absolutely no bad intentions!

Upon hearing this, Ito replied with certainty, "Never underestimate the quality of food at a maid café."

As he said this, his gaze unconsciously drifted to Nagano Sae, who was walking slightly ahead.

He learned this lesson from the other person.

Stepping into the cute pink and anime-themed maid café, a row of smiling staff dressed in various maid outfits bowed in unison, their voices full of energy.

"Welcome home, ladies!"

Fujikawa Kaze and the other boys pretended to be calm on the surface, but the excitement and curiosity they couldn't suppress in their eyes still showed.

In Ito's opinion, these guys had absolutely no sense of restraint.

Fujikawa nudged Naoto Shinno next to him with his elbow and asked in a low voice, "Hey, how's it feeling here?"

Shinno pushed up his glasses, glanced around the pink and white walls, lace curtains, and cute decorations in the store with a blank expression, and commented in a flat tone: "It's alright, the store's decoration style... is quite unique."

Fujikawa looked at him like he was an alien. "...You only care about the renovation?"

Xinye seemed to understand his subtext and added, "I see this type of store quite often."

Fujikawa paused for a moment, then remembered Shinno's well-known status as a rich second-generation, and immediately gritted his teeth and muttered a sentence in a low voice.

"...I hate rich people!"

When the maid in charge of reception saw this large group of people, even the most seasoned maid couldn't help but show a hint of surprise.

She carefully counted the number of people, then checked it again on her fingers, her face filled with disbelief: "Do people really choose to have team building activities at a maid cafe?"

However, there's no reason to refuse business that's offered to you. She quickly composed herself, put on a professional and sweet smile, and led the large group of people to a relatively spacious private room.

Upon entering the private room, the maids knelt down beside each guest in turn, looking up at them with friendly smiles as they inquired about their needs.

"What would you like to eat today, Master/Miss? It's been a long time since I've been home. Would you like me to introduce today's special dishes?"

From the moment I stepped into this store, Ito had a strong sense of déjà vu.

The style, color scheme, and even some details of the interior decoration were very similar to the "Starry Night" maid café that he had visited with Nagano Sae last time.

Seeing the menu handed to him, with its familiar style—written in cute pink handwriting and decorated with adorable anime icons—almost completely confirmed his guess.

"Ito, do you have any recommendations? You suggested this place, you must come here often, right?" Yoshida asked curiously while flipping through the menu.

Ito silently ordered a cup of signature black tea and a signature pancake, offering no further comment.

What do you mean "regular customer"? This is only his second time!

The maids patiently introduced the dishes to each guest.

Fujikawa and his group of boys were trying their best to maintain the demeanor of old British gentlemen when ordering food, which made the scene look somewhat comical.

When it was Nagano Sae's turn, Ito subconsciously looked over.

She even pretended it was her first time here!

He listened attentively to the maid's introduction before cautiously ordering a few items.

The ordering process ended with the maids temporarily stepping aside to prepare the food.

"Wow, Ito, I didn't expect you to have this kind of taste!"

"You're really hiding your true abilities, senior!"

Ito could only smile helplessly and offer no further explanation, for people always viewed him with worldly eyes.

Not long after, the door to the private room was pushed open again, and several maids filed in carrying trays of food.

The maids who came had different styles; some had short, cute hair, while others wore classic Victorian dresses.

There's one more guy I absolutely don't want to run into.

Ruby-chan.

She was petite, with her jet-black twin ponytails tied with white ribbons, a choker with bells around her neck, and her delicate collarbone exposed.

She wore a creamy white, fluffy dress adorned with heart patterns, light brown and white striped over-the-knee socks with lace trim at the top, and round-toed leather shoes.

Ito instinctively looked at Nagano Sae, hoping to catch a glimpse of surprise or nervousness on her face.

After all, if they hadn't planned it beforehand, Ruby might have let slip that they had come here together before.

However, Nagano Sae remained calm, merely glancing at Ruby-chan before continuing to fiddle with the fork in her hand.

Whether it's to protect oneself or out of a sense of loyalty to one's employer.

Ito suddenly stood up and said to Ruby, who was setting out the food, "Um... I'd like to take a picture with her, is that okay?"

Ruby looked up, a sweet, professional smile immediately blooming on her face. "Of course, Master~"

Her responses were fluent and natural.

As soon as he finished speaking, Ito immediately felt several murderous gazes focused on him, especially from Mori and Asada.

He steeled himself and, under the ambiguous gazes of the crowd, led Ruby out of the private room.

Before leaving, he glanced at Nagano Sae one last time, his eyes filled with complex emotions, hoping she would understand that his actions were a "well-intentioned" test and reminder.

Not far from the private room, Ito stopped.

He wasn't really going to take pictures; taking pictures costs money!

He turned around and lowered his voice to remind Ruby, "Um... Ruby, do you still recognize me?"

Ruby blinked her big eyes, her smile still sweet, "Of course Ruby knows Master!"

Her professionalism was excellent, and her sincere tone warmed Ito's heart for no reason, but what she said next almost made him choke.

"So, Master wants to take a secret photo with Ruby-chan? Behind the young ladies' backs? No, wait a minute~ Asking for a photo in front of the young ladies, Master is really... bold~"

It seems Ito doesn't need to say much; Ruby-chan has a great memory and quick wit.

"This is the first time I've met these young ladies today~" Ruby suddenly added softly, which was tantamount to a tacit assurance to Ito that she would not reveal anything about Nagano Sae's previous visit.

Ito breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good."

When he returned to the private room, most of the dishes had already been served.

Almost everyone ordered the omelet rice with a "heart magic" performance.

It was really embarrassing to see those guys from Fujikawa looking like "pig heads" trying to hold back their laughter while the maids drew hearts with ketchup and chanted spells.

Mori and Asada began teasing Ito about his earlier "photo-taking" behavior, and Ito could only remain silent, burying his head in his "Rose Knight Curry" in front of him. It did taste good, but at the moment he couldn't taste it.

A moment later, the door to the private room was pushed open again, and this time the maids came in carrying plates of desserts that looked delicious.

Various flavors of soufflés, parfaits, mousse cakes... were placed one by one in the center of the table.

However, Ito was shocked to find that after all the desserts had been served, his area was completely empty!

"This is karma!" Summer Sunflower whispered gloatingly.

“It’s deserved!” Yoshida Nai nodded in agreement.

"Yujin, it seems there's no food for you here~" Mori said, waving the small spoon in his hand with a hint of teasing in his voice.

Asada looked at Ito's bewildered expression, her cheeks flushed slightly, feeling a little embarrassed. But she still silently moved the particularly soft and tempting soufflé in front of her closer to herself, muttering to herself.

"Don't...don't look at me..."

Ito looked at the desserts in front of her, then at the desserts in front of the others, and was momentarily stunned.

What is this? Is it collective punishment?

"Hey... this doesn't seem right, does it?"

Ito couldn't help but speak up, trying to fight for her share, "What about mine?"

"Oh dear, Ruby-chan probably forgot?" Yoshida Na blinked, feigning surprise, but a smile she couldn't hide played on her lips. "Well, someone's mind was just wandering around taking photos~"

“That’s right,” Summer Sunflower chimed in, “Desserts are for good kids who are focused on enjoying their food!”

Mori scooped a spoonful of strawberry mousse from in front of him, glanced at Ito, and said, "Yujin, it seems your popularity... needs some improvement."

Asada kept her head down, taking small bites of her soufflé, her cheeks slightly flushed. She didn't dare look at Ito, but she also showed no intention of sharing the dessert with him.

Ito sighed helplessly; those who uphold justice always have to pay a price.

He simply leaned back, crossed his arms, and his face was full of helplessness, as if to say, "Whatever makes you happy."

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door of the private room, and Ruby-chan walked in carrying a small plate with a soufflé drizzled with caramel sauce on it.

She walked straight up to Ito, gently placed the plate down, and wore her usual sweet smile.

"Master, this is an 'apology soufflé' specially prepared for you by Ruby. I'm so sorry I accidentally forgot to make one for you when I was preparing the desserts! Please enjoy~"

Turn around.

He loves maids!

Ito looked up at Ruby's big eyes.

"Th-thank you..." Ito said sincerely.

Ruby bowed slightly, then turned and left the private room.

As soon as she left, the atmosphere in the private room immediately became lively again.

"Tsk, they even have backup!" Fujikawa Kaze said sourly.

“Ito-senpai is really popular.” Eri said as well.

Ito ignored their teasing, picked up a small spoon, and took a bite of the soufflé. It melted in her mouth, sweet but not cloying; it was indeed delicious.

His gaze unconsciously drifted towards Nagano Sae, only to find her quietly eating her dessert.

Dessert time ended in a subtle yet slightly boisterous atmosphere.

Stepping out of the maid café, the afternoon sun was a bit too bright.

They stood on the street, discussing where to go next.

"What's next? Disband?" Fujikawa asked, stretching.

"It's such a waste to end this trip after all we've come out!" Yoshida Nai was clearly still having fun.

"How about... we go to karaoke?" Xia Rikui suggested. "It'll be a good opportunity to relax. I was a little reserved at the coffee shop earlier!"

The proposal was approved by the majority.