Chapter 1; Episode 14 and 15

Episode 14

Cafe

2016 Jun 25

Following a lengthy build up and the official welcome by school dignitaries, Lan Kong High School’s much anticipated School Fair is finally underway. Every class has turned their classroom into a different type of booth, and even sent students out dressed up in costumes to hang flyers and spread the word.

"Chelsea, two more strawberry custard pancakes for Table 2!"

"No problem. I have two here. Help me take them out! This one’s for Table 4." Chelsea is wearing an apron and leading a team of three students responsible for food preparation.

With her extensive catering experience, Chelsea looks the part in her apron and chef's hat. At her direction classmates form small teams: food prep, drink mixers, food sourcers and hawkers. A continuous stream of people flow in and out of the booth; the students are very busy but happy too.

As for taking orders and serving food, Yuko and two other girls are in charge.

Yuko ties her hair up in pigtails and puts on the French maid’s outfit the students pulled an all nighter to finish in time. The puffy black dress is covered by a white corset and a frilly white apron hangs around her neck.

Then, really getting into the spirit of things, the other girls help Yuko on with the staple black stockings and black leather shoes to complete the perfect maid look.

"You’re...you’re really serious, aren’t you?" When she has the whole outfit on, Yuko looks in the mirror and is surprised; she had no idea there were so many hardcore cosplay fans in the class.

"In my opinion, you can't cosplay unless you go all out! If you're going to do it, you have to give it your best!" the tall girl, Shawny, proclaims as she pushes up her glasses.

"Yuko, we're really busy out here. Hurry and help me get this food out!" The student in charge of taking orders brings in the latest batch and drags Yuko who has just finished changing outside.

"Take this English afternoon tea to Table 4!"

"O...OK." Yuko takes the tray and stumbles out of the food prep area in her leather shoes.

As soon as Yuko steps out into the room, all eyes immediately fall on her.

They watch as she passes gracefully through the crowd, like she’s walking down a catwalk, her puffy skirt bouncing with each step.

"Hello, here’s the English afternoon tea meal you ordered." Yuko gently places the food on the table, smiles, turns and walks back to the food prep area.

"The staff at this booth...are so attractive..." The customers at Table 4 still haven’t recovered from their surprise, and stare dumbfounded in Yuko’s direction.

"Don't you think we've seen her somewhere before?

Episode 15

Obsession

2016 Jun 25

Class 2.2’s café quickly made a name for itself, attracting more interest from people everywhere. Some customers came by for the tasty desserts, others to catch a glimpse of the spectacular maid’s outfit.

Class 2.2 is so occupied they have to enlist another student to handle sign-ins at the door. That way when there are no seats customers can wait outside, just like they do at busy teahouses in the city.

The hallway outside 3.2 has become a kind of battlefield. Students of all grades and classes are pulling out all stops, trying to rope in customers.

"Check out 2.10’s 'Buy 2 Takoyaki Get 1 Free' special!"

"2.8! Come to 2.8! We’ve got the best local snacks in Lan Kong Town. Come in to 2.8 now!" the students shout, one after another. They seem to be having a competition to see who can shout the loudest.

Lance pushes his way through the crowd to get to Class 2.2.

Hawkers from different classes are taken aback by his shy but serious demeanor, and quickly turn to promote their wares elsewhere.

"Hello. How many please?" The girl at the door is also wearing a maid’s outfit. Compared to Yuko she looks more like a housekeeper in a posh manor house.

"Me... Umm... One." Lance stutters a bit and scratches his right cheek.

"Let me see which seats we have available... Yes... There happens to be an empty seat. Please come with me." The girl smiles broadly and leads Lance into the classroom. The other students wearing maid outfits see they have a new customer and turn towards the door, striking their most elegant poses.

"Welcome home, Sir."

Embarrassed by all the attention, Lance lowers his head and walks to his seat. After ordering his food and drink, he unconsciously watches Yuko as she walks around the classroom.

"Damn it. Those geeks sure have the nerve to creep up to my precious Yuko..." A wave of jealousy sweeps through Lance when he sees Yuko delivering drinks to other customers.

But when Yuko looks his way, he quickly lowers his head and pretends he is drinking tea.

"She...she almost noticed... But, Yuko dressed like that really does look...beautiful."

As Lance dreamily watches Yuko, an announcement comes over the school intercom: "General announcement! General announcement! This year's annual talent show will be held at 5PM in the main hall. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the talents of our contestants! Let's cheer them on!"

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