“Rei! uh… did i miss anything?”

  Kira said confusingly.

  Her hair was dark, straight with sharp ends. Dyed blue on the inside. Her eyes were sharp, gaze filled with intensity and murderous intent but calm at the same time. A slender figure, no- maybe she is toned inside her baggy clothes? A tattoo peeking from the lower side of her neck. Mascara on her eyes and a spiked choker

  A goth, katana wielding… there are too many elements on her to describe! What is she? Another weeb who thinks she is the main character or something? The katana- it doesn’t look like cardboard to me. Limited edition for cosplayers perhaps?

  “What are you glaring at you @$#%ing pervert”

  Rei rose up from the floor.

  “Woah! Rei. Language! don’t be mean to Toshi”

  Kira stopped Rei. Why am I getting verbally abused for no reason?. I was confused to even react to her words. A fluttering sound from my back. Closing in faster “KAWWW” a raven zipped from the side of my neck, landing on the woman’s shoulder.

  A RAVEN AS A PET! it is not something people have as a pet. She looks really sketchy, but she is too comfortable here, maybe she is close to Kira.

  “Wait, he’s your new roommate?”

  Kira stepped in

  “Toshi, this is Rei. Rei this is Toshi”

  “And Toshi, Rei is our neighbour”

  “Oh great, yet another unstable one lives here. It’s nothing to be surprised, a crazy landlord attracts crazy tenants. No wonder people refused to live here.”

  “Hehe yeah, nice meeting you. Wait, how did you get inside! It was locked”

  “I am the security of this apartment, i’ve got all the room’s spare keys”

  What does she mean she is the security, no one would even think of robbing this place.

  “You’re going to secure the apartment with this bamboo sword?”

  Rei raised her eyebrows

  “Huh! bamboo sword?”

  Rei unsheathed her katana, a bell attached on the end of the handle jingles, covering the silenced room with its single sound. pitch black coloured blade coming out from the sheath as she pulled out holding the handle. The edge of it shines purplely black. IT’S THE REAL DEAL!!

  “What did you mean you’re the one?”

  “You’re the one banging the door when I was sharpening my katana”

  “It was 6 in the morning! Can’t you do that in the afternoon!”

  Rei puffed her chest

  “A great sword wielder requires great discipline. A pervert like you does not understand the way of the sword.”

  “Look, first of all, I am not a pervert. I was more focused on the katana of yours”

  I understand, why would my attention go to the katana when there is a beautiful woman standing in front of me? Because I love swords and samurai so much.

  Rei sharpened her gaze towards me

  “Tell me about it, your sword”

  I asked, Kira from the back ready to jump in between us

  “Toshi! Nooo! Don’t ask her that-”

  Rei with surprising strength, stopped Kira by grabbing her face

  “I see you’re a cultured person boy”

  “Boy? You look younger than me!”

  “Flattery doesn't get you anywhere boy. Now sit.”

  I was promoted from being a "pervert" to “boy” all of a sudden. Rei sat on the floor, legs folded - placing the katana in front of her.

  “Come boy! Let me tell you a how it’s made”

  Her pet raven sat on top of her head. Rei’s smile was wide, she was patting the floor for an invitation. The whole picture of her changed immediately, It was like seeing a different person. The murderous intent disappeared, she was all welcoming and cheerful. This woman is mad sketchy i tell you people, but who could say no to this beautiful smile of hers.

  “This beauty here, he is made-”

  “He?”

  “Call my precious sword “it” and i’ll kill you”

  “Understood, please continue. I am going to get killed no matter what! ”

  “He was born in Niigata, Yes Niigata. On late Edo period”

  This is where I shine. I’ve been into swordsmith things since I was little. And this beautiful blade is really a rare piece from the look of it.

  “No way! NIIGATA! It’s the place known for its best metalworking. And the late Edo period is just cherry on top! That’s the time when swordsmithing peaked!”

  “Right!! Are you a genius or something? And listen, listen… he is made out of Satetsu and folded twenty four times. That’s right TWENTY FOUR TIMES!”

  “I’ve watched documentaries of Niigata Smithing like three times!”

  Both of us started to squeal like girls talking about their crush in a sleepover. I can tell she loves her sword so much, and I already developed respect for her because she shares the same interest as me.

  “As expected! Niigata smithing is known for folding the steel into layers more times than average. Satetsu! AAHHHH STOPP IT’S OVERWHELMING!”

  “Okay… you two have fun, i’ll go take a bath then. Rei’s sword story is so excruciatingly long. Can’t believe Toshi actually syncing with her”

  Kira went inside the bathroom.

  (Switching to Kira’s POV)

  I took my time showering and I can't wait to see Toshi’s worn out face after hearing that long process.

  “Nerds just talking about pointy sticks, what’s so fun about that! Talk something else i could join in too, jeez”

  But why are there no voices I could hear? I wore my clothes and walked down the hallway. Complete silence, I peeked from the corner of the wall. NONE! No one was in the living room. The door was left open. Such an irresponsible guy leaving the door open when a cute and vulnerable woman like me is alone in the house.

  Laughing sounds comes from next door

  Did I hear Toshi and Rei’s voices? Rei does not laugh like that. Don’t tell me…

  I barged inside Rei’s room, and I saw Toshi on the ground - bowing in front of Rei, her pet crow pecking his head. did she break it down who she really is to him already?! No, no that’s not possible, she is not too trusting when it comes to newly met people.

  “WHAT IS GOING ON! REI, WHAT DID YOU DO TO TOSHI! WHY IS HE ON THE FLOOR!”

  “Too many questions, woman. Boy! Slay her.”

  As Rei ordered him, Toshi got up from the floor, and Rei gave him a bamboo sword. Toshi leaned forward, gripping the handle tightly, standing in a stance.. What is this aura of his, he is serious!

  The bamboo sword is approaching my face at an incredible speed before I could react.

  “AAAHHHHH WHAT THE HELL TOSHIII!!-”

  ***

  (Switching back to Toshiro’s POV)

  Kira went to take a bath, but me and Rei were really into the conversation.

  “The hamon of him, it’s beautiful”

  “It should be! Because he’s not your ordinary sword made by an ordinary person! He’s actually made by- ah, i was so close to slip out my words”

  Why did she stop? Who made it!!? I'm not a person who can take on cliffhangers. I did not want to be pushy, so I just casually asked.

  “Go on…”

  “I should be careful around this one, this sword talks are pulling my strings, only level 4 clearance are allowed to know it”

  “Huh? Where am I, in a lab or something? What level am I then?”

  “You’re only guest level”

  I was not even level 1.

  “So can I know how you get a sword this rare?”

  “Somethings… are obtained in the hard way”

  Rei replied, her eyes were filled with sorrow and regret. I thought asking further about it would be stepping into her personal affairs, She brushed her scar on her lower lip with her thumb. I wanted to change the pace so I asked her if she could teach me how to handle a sword.

  “What, you don’t even know how to hold one? HA! You’re all talk!”

  “The way you hold it looks…different”

  “This grip is something someone taught me before. It’s too advanced for a newbie like you. Let me show you how a

  Rei showed me how to hold a sword in the right way. She covered her hands over mine. Her palms were no regular girl’s softness, it was rough and had calluses. It shows how much she trained to handle it. I couldn't stop wondering what kind of past she had.

  “Your hands..”

  Rei said the same thing

  “Your hands… follow me boy.”

  Rei woke up and pulled my hand. She took me to her place. Am I finally getting hit by this beautiful goth damsel?

  As we entered the door, it was a different world. A total paradise.

  Punching bag hanging from the ceiling. Dumbbells and barbells everywhere on the floor. Metal band posters on the wall, drums and guitars.

  “W-What you’ve gotta whole band here

  but that was just the beginning. Rei dragged me to a room that was filled with collections of katanas. Different kinds of patterns of sheath placed on the wall mounted holder. But it’s more of a collectible type of sword and not the life ending one.

  “Woah, how did you manage to collect them all!”

  “When you have passion for something, strive hard for it boy. I’ve never shown this room to anyone before. Be proud.”

  I was stunned by the glorious view. Someone actually shares the same interests as me.

  “I am pleased by your benevolence”

  Rei’s gaze turns serious

  “I sense greatness in you boy, you are exceptional”

  I can see where this is going.

  “Become my discip-”

  “Yes, Rei sensei”

  Before she could end her sentence, I bowed down on the floor before her

  “I am honored to become your disciple”

  “My words as your teacher are absolute, obey and you reach the peak. Disobey and you will see your own bowels.”

  Door creaking sound from the next door Rei hears Kira’s footsteps. she had a smirk on her face.

  “Great timing, your test of faith. A threat will be approaching the entrance within 10 seconds, on your stance boy!”

  She hits my legs with her katana.

  Kira barged in the door…and you know what happened.

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  I swung the sword with all my might. Rei doesn't hurt Kira, they’re friends! Rei sensei is just testing my faith…right?! The sword is approaching her before she reacts. Suddenly, I was feeling too hot, the temperature around us skyrocketed in an instant. The things I am saying right now happened the exact moment Rei gave her command.

  “OKAY STOP!”

  “You pass boy! Hahaha, aren’t you a genius or something?”

  All the fire alarms started screaming

  “WHAT THE HELL REI!”

  Kira grabbed Rei’s collar and started shaking her

  “Hahaha! You still need practice Kira”

  Rei giggling at Kira. I had no idea what Kira was practicing for, and I guess I passed the test of faith. Now, the real threat im worried about is-

  “YOU IDIOTS!!”

  A cane comes flying at us

  “Save us Rei sens-”

  She was already hiding behind Kira’s huge frame.

  “Well aren’t you some Security!”

  “Sometimes retreat is the best strategy boy”

  I am already questioning my decision of becoming a disciple of hers, I hid behind Rei.

  “Hey what are you guys making a train for- UUAAAGHH!”

  The landlord's cane hits Kira’s face as she spins mid air because of the impact. Why does this place need security when a fearsome lady is the ruler of this place!!

  “WHAT ARE YOU WORMS DOING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!”

  “THAT’S IT! I'M KICKING THE THREE OF YOU OUT!”

  We dropped the unconscious Kira as a sacrifice and begged for mercy from the landlord. After the three of us got combo attacks from her cane, I dragged Kira back to our room.

  “Uuhhh, my face…it’s swollen Toshi…”

  Kira weeps while getting dragged, she laughed slowly and asked

  “Do you like it here?”

  It’s only day two and I’ve already been through lots of things a normal guy wouldn't, because of this woman with nine lives.

  “A little smile under my lips....Yes, I do”.

  Beep Beep Beep The alarm sounds flowing in my ears. Pleasant sunshine hits my skin gently, giving me a warm embrace, a good morning kiss from mother nature itself. A new day, a new job, and new me!. People, for today, I am not your same old Toshiro Kaname anymore! I am going to work till I drop dead, I am going to stand on my own feet, won't depend on anybody and finally get into my dream college!

  “Look who’s all fired up for his first day of work”

  Kira scavenging the fridge all dressed up in maid costume.

  “I am going to become the best employer before you know it Kira!”

  “Hoho! Bring it on!”

  I walked to the bathroom and took a shower, shaved my face, styled my beautiful hair. First impression is the best impression after all! We locked the door and went to the cafe together. Cold air mixed with morning’s warmth breezes, Kira’s silver hair bristles as she skips happily. I’ve always forget how beautiful she is. On the way, upon reaching “Nyan Nyan Yashiki”, in the opposite direction, the manager waving at us in high spirits. That lovely lady must not be failed and I will protect her smile.

  “G’mornin Manager!!!”

  Kira shouts as if she is on another island.

  “You’ve made it Toshiro-kun! Thank you so much for joining us!!”

  She grabbed both my hands.

  “I’ll take care of Toshiro-kun from here Kira-chan”

  Kira saluted at the manager and went on her way. Me and the manager walked through the black and white chess board tiles, the staff tidying the tables and chairs.

  They were waving at me saying “looking forward to working with you Toshiro-kun!”. They’re all so cheerful, no wonder the place is always thriving. I’ve never had this much female interaction before, maybe it was a good idea to move out and live on my own.

  “This way Toshiro-kun!”

  She’s waving her fingers up and down. Nobody called me like that except my mother! I wish I could give her a big hug. But that would make me end up in prison for harassment. I can’t help but want to protect her so much!.

  She unlocked a brown wood door with a board written “staffs only” with a little cat sticker on it, which I think was kinda cute. The door creaked slowly as she pushed. The inside was straight out of a horror movie. The wall paints are barely sticking, decayed, ripped off and there are CLAW MARKS?!. The lights flickering. It was a long hallway, water drips slowly, the echo of the drops covered the whole place, Drip…Drip…Drip….

  It looked like an asylum for contained creatures the government doesn't want the public to know.

  “Sorry this place is a little run down Toshi-kun, but I am fixing it little by little!”

  “Ask the staff to help you fix and repaint it manager”

  “No no, they’re too busy serving”

  “But providing help to the workplace is part of their job, and you still have extra crews”

  “They said they have too many things to do. I can fix myself Toshi-kun! Hahaha”

  Her laugh was obvious that there is something wrong.

  We reached a room, she unlocked the door and there were lots of maid uniforms, cat ears and tails in the boxes placed on a shelf and ordered with different sizes and types.

  “Hmm you’re a big boy, so this would be the one for you”

  The manager opened the box. Am i…..no...i-it can’t be… is that frills im seeing? No no no, she wouldn’t do that, my mind is just playing games. She pulled out the uniform, displaying it like a Mona Lisa painting. It was a maid costume with frills on the sleeve. A heart shaped cleavage on the chest, short frilled skirt.

  “Here you go Toshiro-Kun! You’re so willing and a lifesaver”

  She was looking at me with eyes filled with hopes and expectations.

  “I.. i cannot-”

  “Yes?”

  She is killing me with her puppy eyes. I did not have the heart to break her. Oh shit.

  “Can I wear pants below?”

  “Of course! You’re a lifesaver Toshiro-kun!!”

  She jumped and quickly hugged me tightly. I can’t help but melt to her warmth.

  “Anything for you Manager, calling you manager feels kinda weird for me even though you are one. Can i-”

  “Akane- my name is Akane”

  “Very well, Akane-san”

  “Wear this for now, and I'll make you a custom one! Everyone's waiting!”

  “Wait, Everyone?!!”

  She exited the storeroom first. How am I going to wear this, my dignity…my pride…oh god. Slaps my own face. I must be thankful for Kira and Akane-san for giving me this job, I must not complain. It’s just temporary, I'm getting a custom made uniform soon! So it will be fine!.

  I started wearing it. It’s so tight, and short! It barely covers my stomach. It looks like a crop top for me, good thing I could wear pants and not a skirt. The frilled sleeves are really short. These cat ears are fitting perfectly, and the tail has a pin it seems.

  I went to the toilet to look in the mirror, I already look fifty percent femboy and wearing the skirt would’ve proven it a hundred percent. Breathing deeply, I stand behind the door knowing if I opened that door, my image, my pride, everything's going to change.

  Door creaks

  “Welcome! Tosh- KYAAAAAA!!!”

  Everyone screams for some reason I don't know, AM I LOOKING THAT BAD?!

  Akane-san walks to me, tracing my shoulder. Her fingers were like feathers. She breaths heavily.

  “Oh my god! Toshiro-kun huff huff Y-You look so good in it!”

  “Wait, really?!”

  Kira comes to look what is the commotion’s about

  “Holy mother! You’re ripped Toshi! Look at those abs and arms! You’ve never told me you workout”

  “Why would I tell you about that!”

  Why is everyone staring at me, I'm feeling sexually harassed without actually being harassed. I sense hunger…all around me. Kira at the back of the crowd holding back her laugh when I actually need her to help me.

  “How old are you Toshiro?”

  “Do you have a girlfriend?”

  “Where do you live?”

  “Wanna grab a drink after work?”

  “Ask me anything you want!”

  What is this feeling? Why am I getting too much attention all of a sudden?! No girl would talk to me before, and now they’re interested all of a sudden? Ah…I'm getting blank.

  “Alright ladies! You’re making Toshi nervous”

  Kira jumped in and pushed me far away from the crowd.

  “Listen Toshi, they are swarming you because some of them have cosplay fetish, some of them have muscle fetish, some like not too muscular but ripped guys, some have a servant/butler fetish. You are all mixed and baked like a cake. Of course they would be invested”

  “So basically they like it because I'm a half nude femboy.”

  “Yep”

  She agreed without any hesitation.

  “It should be fine, enjoy it when you can! They’ll get bored of you quickly”

  She punched me on my stomach.

  “Haha you looked like a twerp at first, but look at you! Laying low like a superhero hiding his powers to blend in society”

  “HUUAGHHH coughing everyone… does workout”

  “I know! But it’s unexpected when it’s you! You had more of a laid back, good-for-nothing image”

  “Ok now you’re hurting me both inside and outside”

  Kira brought me back to the dining area and patted me heavily at the back as a sign of encouragement.

  “Ah! You’re back Toshi-kun, let me teach you how to handle the cash register”

  Akane-san guided me through everything about being a cashier.

  “And after they pay you should say thank you nya!~ while doing this pose”

  Oh no, no no no no no no no no, NOOOOOOO. She can’t be serious about it! How worse can it get!

  “Let’s practice! Let me see you do it for me Toshiro kun”

  “I’ll do it when I face a customer…hehehe. I'm more of a practical training person”

  “But Toshiro~...”

  Akane-san started pouting, why does seems so cute! She is definitely not a middle aged woman. It’s really hard to argue or fight her off. I'm going to reach my doom because of Akane-san at this point.

  “See closely…only once”

  I’ve checked the surroundings if any staffs are watching here, luckily no one does, they are minding their own business.

  (they are all watching him)

  “Thank you Nya~!”

  I did it while hitting the pose

  “PFFT”

  A huge compressed air sound surrounds the cafe. THEY ARE ALL CLEARLY HOLDING BACK THEIR LAUGH! Oh god, please take away my life this instant.

  “Yay! Just like that Toshiro-kun!”

  Akane-san reaches to pat my head, but since she is kinda short- i leaned a bit to receive it. I am only doing this for you Akane-san!. The cafe is now open. There are very few people coming since it's a weekday and the time is noon.

  Well, there are some unemployed guys and people who dine in here when it's break time. It’s going smoothly so far. But why are they looking at me like that?

  “T- Thank you nya~”

  The guy looked at me disgusted and judging. My customer service must be good, so I must maintain my smile no matter how much I want to punch him in the face. He has no place to judge me for someone who was giggling and crying to the cat maids just now!

  “Come again sir!”

  A high school girl looked through the window, I couldn't hear anything from outside. But ,by seeing her actions, it seemed she gasped and took a photo pointing her smartphone camera directly at me and ran away.

  I’ve never focused on the window from the outside, but the window is probably tinted right? She must've wanted to show the cafe to her friends. I shouldn’t worry too much.

  Kira comes and leans on the counter.

  “I see you’re working hard Toshi!”

  “Why are you slacking?”

  “Ho! An uptight employee! Wait- what was that? Thank you nya~!”

  Kira laughed on my face while rolling on the ground. She's really hitting on my nerves, I pounced on her and started choking her to death.

  “AAAHHH LET GO OFF ME! HUAAGHH I-I CAN’T BREATH! MANAGER!! HELP!”

  Akane-san came to the counter.

  “Ah, aren’t you two a lively pair! Now, now, stop playing~ we’ve got a customer coming”

  “Question! Akane-san, is the window tinted?”

  “Of course not Toshiro-kun! People need to see what’s inside, from the outside. It’s part of advertising!”

  Ok, the advertising is going to work about a little too much! That girl definitely took a picture of me. She’s just going to laugh off with her friends showing the picture, but I'm getting paid for standing here! Ha! Take that!.

  It’s evening right now, Akane-san said this is the “Hot Hour” of the cafe when people come here after work and school.

  The floor is rumbling… could it be? look at all those people! Wait, high-schoolers! The crowd is a perfect ratio of middle aged guys and high-school girls! We didn’t get any female customers before! That girl must’ve done it!

  The crowd entered the cafe, all guys went to “Kira Service” and other maids as well. The girls on the other hand, sat on the chairs, the maids went to take orders from them.

  “Um, excuse me, does that maid take orders?”

  The girl’s finger pointed at me. The maid in charge said “that maid is the cashier, my master. We are the one on duty to serve you” the girl stood in disappointment and wanted to exit the place.

  Akane-san jumped in

  “He will serve you right away! Please enjoy it here”

  Three of them turned to look at me at the same time, Akane-san walked to me

  “Toshiro-kun you’re promoted! You are now an Official maidservant! Please serve them”

  I just got promoted the first day I joined work.

  “What about the cash register?”

  “I’ll handle everything! now go”.

  “Uh…W-welcome to Nyan-Nyan Yashiki! What would you like to order my master?”

  The girls squealed slowly with each other. I can sense that they’re up to no good.

  “Your orders will be served quickly as possible master!”

  I brought an Iced latte and Hot Mocha as requested, placed them on their table. The girl grinned under her lips, she asked “what are your services?”. I showed them the menu and services listed in a card, even I don't know what’s written on it. “Oh there is a spell to make the food more delicious! Can you make mine taste good with your spell?”

  “Eh? A Spell?”

  Suddenly, Kira crosses me whispering something in my ear on her way…Whsiper whisper. The phrase, it was like a curse placed on me.

  “From my heart, to your stomach! Nya~(hitting the signature pose)”

  “KYAAAAA!!”

  The girls screamed. But it did not end there, everyone asked for it after seeing it. After some excruciating moment of dignity and pride being shredded into unrecognisable pieces, I was worn out. I don’t care about anything anymore, there is nothing left inside me which holds me back, I must learn and adapt.

  It was finally closing time.

  “Good job out there Toshiro-kun!” you did really great out there!”

  Praises from Akane-san made me feel so fluffy.

  “Since we are getting lots of female customers, let's make a weekly event! MUSCLE MONDAYS! Toshiro-kun will be doing extra services using the extra traits of yours!”

  “But-”

  “You’ll be paid plenty~”

  “At your service ma’am”