>>5685971If Chigusa’s cooking and cosplay streams are going to be a regular thing, then you can’t afford to offend him.
You gratefully accept the bag with both hands, and bow, <span class="mu-g">“Thank you, Sakimoto-san,”</span> you say.
Truth be told, you’re curious about what kind of gift a man like him would bestow on you but opening it in front of him would be terribly rude.
<span class="mu-g">“Last week’s photoshoot was very entertaining,”</span> says Sakimoto, offering a shallow bow, <span class="mu-g">“I hope to work with you again.”</span>
You bow again, <span class="mu-g">“Likewise, Sakimoto-san,”</span> you say, then eye the exit, <span class="mu-g">“I apologize, but we should be on our way.”</span>
Sakimoto nods knowingly, <span class="mu-g">“Of course,”</span> he says, then smiles knowingly, <span class="mu-g">“Until next time!”</span>
Ah, the smug smile of a person who thinks they’ve found a kindred spirit…
<span class="mu-g">“Until next time,”</span> you repeat, bob your head as Kaiba does likewise, then leave.
-----
Both you and Kaiba return to the car, where both of you sigh at the same time.
<span class="mu-g">“Manager-san,”</span> begins Kaiba, <span class="mu-g">“…I-is there a hidden meaning behind dressing up for somebody like this?”</span>
There isn’t. Besides, it’s just cat ears and a tail. Small stuff.
This is just a bit of fun around friends. Right?
The interaction with that saleswoman must’ve put some ideas in Kaiba’s head.
<span class="mu-g">“No,”</span> you say, then become unsure, <span class="mu-g">“No… I don’t think so…?”</span>
Kaiba sighs in relief, <span class="mu-g">“That’s alright then… I wasn’t sure how to feel about this for a moment…”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“It’s just cat ears and a clip-on tail,”</span> you say, flashing a reassuring smile, <span class="mu-g">“Just for fun.”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“Yeah, I must’ve been overthinking it,”</span> says Kaiba, then looks towards the gift bag, <span class="mu-g">“What did the owner of the store gift you there at the end?”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“Hmm, not sure,”</span> you say, revealing the contents of the gift bag, then reel back in shock, <span class="mu-g">“Geh!”</span>
A large garment, frilly in all kinds of places.
Stockings and cufflets included.
It’s a black and wite maid uniform.
A small note is included.
<span class="mu-b"><span class="mu-i">“Of all cat girl attire, the maid costume stands at the pinnacle! Awaken, my child!”</span></span>
It includes a really rough illustration of the owner with a thumbs-up.
Kaiba eyes you uncertainly, <span class="mu-g">“…this seems like a strange gift…”</span>
You nod, <span class="mu-g">“It’s a bit… much…”</span> you say, sliding it back into the bag.
<span class="mu-g">“…Will you wear it?”</span> asks Kaiba, eyeing you uncertainly.
<span class="mu-g">“What!?”</span> you cry, <span class="mu-g">“No! No… This is…”</span>
There’s no doubt that it’s over the top, but will you ever get another excuse to wear something like this?
