Another chapter about our hard-working maid.

Sato Aika returned to the hallway to begin the morning cleaning of Hikigaya Hachiman's mansion. She moved with quiet efficiency, her maid outfit rustling softly as she worked. As she placed a cleaning cloth on the window, the door of the master's bedroom opened.

Hikigaya emerged, looking slightly disheveled but alert. Sato was surprised to see him up so early. "Good morning, Hikigaya-sama," she greeted him warmly and respectfully.

Hikigaya scratched the back of his head, seemingly unsure of what to do next. "Good morning, Sato. You're up early," he noted, though it was clear she had already been busy for a while.

"Yes, Hikigaya-sama. I always start my day early to ensure everything is in order," Sato replied with a soft smile.

Hikigaya seemed to contemplate something for a moment before making a decision. "Well then, Sato. Let's go. We're heading out now."

Sato blinked in surprise. "Now? But I haven't finished the cleaning yet," she said, her voice mildly confused but ready to comply.

Hikigaya waved off her concern. "It's fine. You can finish later. We're going to Akihabara."

Understanding her role as a maid, Sato nodded. "Yes! I'll go get dressed."

Hikigaya stopped her with a raised hand. "No need. It's fine to wear your maid outfit where we're going. In Akihabara, it's normal for people to cosplay. It's weird but not out of place."

Sato hesitated for a moment, then nodded again. "As you wish, Hikigaya-sama."

They made their way to the driveway, where Hikigaya's black 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 awaited them. The sleek car was a stark contrast to the traditional elegance of the mansion. Hikigaya opened the passenger door for Sato, who thanked him politely before sliding into the seat.

As they drove off toward the Chiyoda ward, the city slowly coming to life around them, Sato couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and curiosity about their destination. Akihabara, known for its vibrant culture and eclectic mix of shops, was a place she had only heard about but never visited. Today, she would experience it firsthand, alongside her enigmatic employer.

Sato glanced at Hikigaya, who seemed deep in thought as he navigated the streets. She felt a sense of gratitude for this unexpected opportunity to see a different side of the city and perhaps understand her employer a little better.

0000

I followed Hikigaya into a narrow building, the staircase barely wide enough for a single person. We ascended to the third floor, where Hikigaya opened the door to an unfamiliar shop. My eyes widened as I took in the vast array of toys, cards, and clothes displayed all around. The atmosphere was lively and colorful, a stark contrast to the mansion's serene elegance.

Hikigaya made his way to a glass case at the back of the shop. "I came to pick up my order. It's Hikigaya Hachiman," he said.

The clerk, a young man with a friendly smile, nodded. "Yes, one moment." He disappeared through a door behind the counter.

I glanced around, still marveling at the assortment of merchandise. I had never seen so many items dedicated to anime, manga, and various pop culture phenomena all in one place. My curiosity was piqued by a display of intricately designed action figures and an array of colorful trading cards.

The clerk returned, carrying a dark bag typically used for suits or formal dresses. Hikigaya unzipped it, revealing a black suit. He turned to the clerk. "Hey, can I try this on?"

"Of course, right this way," the clerk responded, guiding Hikigaya to a backroom.

I stood outside the door, unsure whether to explore the shop further or stay put. After a few moments, Hikigaya emerged, wearing a suit that seemed oddly familiar. It took me a moment to realize that it was a Batman costume, complete with the iconic cowl and cape.

In a deep, gravelly voice, Hikigaya declared, "I'm Batman."

I couldn't help but smile at the sight. "I see," I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral but unable to hide my amusement entirely.

Hikigaya's serious expression faltered slightly, and he let out a chuckle. "What do you think?" he asked, dropping the Batman voice.

"It's... impressive," I said honestly, still smiling. "I didn't expect this."

"Neither did I, to be honest," Hikigaya admitted, looking down at the suit. "But I guess it's good to step out of the ordinary once in a while."

I nodded in agreement, feeling a newfound appreciation for the unexpected moments in life. "Indeed, Hikigaya-sama. It's good to embrace the unexpected."

As Hikigaya changed back into his regular clothes, he handed the Batman suit to the clerk for purchase. "It was hard to find a 1:1 replica of the Batman suit," he mentioned to me, "and the cost was high too, but I'm happy with the purchase."

I nodded, still impressed by the suit's detail and authenticity. "It's very impressive, Hikigaya-sama."

Hikigaya sighed, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Sadly, I couldn't buy the other equipment Batman carries because of Japan's firearm and weapon laws."

I raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in my eyes. "Equipment?"

"Yeah, things like the Batarangs, grappling hook, and other gadgets," Hikigaya explained. "They're considered weapons, so they're not allowed for purchase here."

"I see," I replied thoughtfully. "Even without the gadgets, the suit alone is quite remarkable."

As we left the shop, I couldn't help but feel a bit surprised. I had worked and cleaned Hikigaya's mansion daily and knew the layout of his home intimately. Yet, I had never seen any merchandise that hinted at his otaku interests. The realization that Hikigaya was an otaku added a new layer to my understanding of him.

0000

We entered a bookstore. I noticed the spines of the books were thin, unlike the typical thick novels I was used to seeing. Before I could ask Hikigaya about it, he spoke up.

"I came to pick up some novels. You should look around a bit. There are books about maids. Just be careful in the adult section. They are mostly thin books," he advised.

"Thin books?" I asked, puzzled.

Hikigaya nodded. "Thin books, doujinshi, or doujin, are fan-created works. Most of those kinds are very graphic, in a sexual way."

Hikigaya walked away to find his novels, leaving me to explore the bookstore. I wandered through the aisles, my eyes catching on various titles and covers. The selection of books with maids as the focal point particularly interested me. I found a catalog of maid uniforms available for order and even some guides on creating cosplay maid outfits. Enthralled, I began to flip through the catalog, losing myself in the intricate designs and possibilities.

So engrossed was I that I didn't notice I had wandered into the 18-plus section that Hikigaya had warned me about. Maybe it was luck or misfortune, but my curiosity got the better of me as I picked up a thin book. The title read, "Master and the Fateful Maid with Big Tea Cups."

My eyes widened as I opened the book. Within seconds, my face turned crimson, my mouth forming a small 'o' of shock. On the page of the grayscale manga, in the largest panel was a youngster, and mounted onto him was a glass-wearing mature woman with a maid skirt and apron. The monstrously sized breast was exposed and the overlap of the character's chest to express bouncing. The explicit content was far beyond anything I had anticipated. My eyes darted from the page to the surrounding area, and I let out a small squeak of horror.

My pure maiden's heart couldn't handle the sudden exposure to such graphic material. "W-What is this?" I stammered my voice barely above a whisper. I felt my cheeks burning as if I had a fever. My mind raced, trying to process the images I had just seen.

Mortified, I quickly shoved the book back onto the shelf, my heart pounding in my chest. My hands trembled as I tried to calm myself, and I took several deep breaths. "Oh no, oh no, oh no," I muttered to myself, glancing around to ensure no one had witnessed my embarrassing mistake.

Feeling a mixture of embarrassment and panic, I quickly left the area, practically fleeing the adult section. My thoughts were a whirlwind of mortification and disbelief. I eventually found myself back in a safer part of the bookstore, trying to regain my composure. I couldn't believe I had made such a blunder and hoped Hikigaya wouldn't find out about my little mishap.

Hikigaya stood by the cashier, unsure of what to do as he purchased several thin books, manga, and light novels. I was holding onto the hem of his shirt, my earlier embarrassment still evident in my flushed cheeks and downcast eyes. Despite my usual composed demeanor, I found comfort in the simple act of clinging to Hikigaya's shirt, grounding myself after the shocking experience.

With our purchases complete, we walked toward Hikigaya's car. I finally felt calm and let out a sigh of relief. Hikigaya noticed my relaxation and handed me a small bag. "That's a small gift from me," he said.

I looked into the bag, and my eyes widened. Inside, I found a catalog for ordering maid outfits and a book titled "How to Make Maid Outfits for Cosplay." I looked up at Hikigaya, gratitude shining in my eyes. "Thank you, Hikigaya-sama."

Hikigaya just smiled, a rare expression of warmth crossing his usually stoic face. We drove off, and my heart felt lighter, the gift lifting my spirits after the earlier mishap.

After a while, I noticed we were driving through a neighborhood I didn't recognize. Finally, we stopped at a large house. Before I could ask, Hikigaya explained, "This is a shared house that I own. I rent it out. I came here to move some of my manga and other stuff. I have a teenage friend who lives in one of the rooms while she attends university."

I nodded, absorbing the information. I followed Hikigaya as he approached the house, curious about this new aspect of his life and eager to help with whatever tasks awaited us inside.

I was helping Hikigaya pack two boxes. One contained anime figures, carefully wrapped in bubble wrap to prevent any damage, while the other was filled with books, neatly stacked to maximize space. As I packed, I glanced around the half-empty room. It had posters of musicians and cats adorning the walls, and on the bed, a collection of plush toys was neatly arranged.

There were still bookshelves lining one side of the room, filled with books and figures. I took a cloth and began cleaning the dust off the three empty bookshelves, wiping down each surface with meticulous care. Hikigaya, meanwhile, carried the packed boxes out to his car, loading them into the trunk with practiced ease.

As I finished dusting the bookshelves, I looked around, assessing what else needed to be done. I decided to make the bed, straightening the sheets and fluffing the pillows to give the room a tidier appearance. The simple act of organizing brought me a sense of calm and satisfaction, contrasting with the earlier chaos of the bookstore.

Hikigaya returned to find me smoothing out the bedspread. He paused for a moment, watching me work with a gentle expression. "Thanks for the help, Sato," he said, breaking the silence.

"It's no problem, Hikigaya-sama," I replied, a soft smile on my face. "I like to keep things clean and organized."

Hikigaya nodded, appreciating my dedication. "I think that's everything for now. Let's head back."

We made our way back to the car, and as we drove off, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. The day had been full of unexpected moments, but I felt closer to Hikigaya, understanding more about the different facets of his life.

0000

We arrived at an apartment complex. Anticipating my question, Hikigaya explained, "I rent two apartments here. They house my figures and books."

We got out of the car, each carrying some of the bags, and made our way to one of Hikigaya's apartments. I entered first, setting the bags down near the entrance, while Hikigaya went back to the car to bring in the two boxes.

As I looked around the apartment, I couldn't hide my surprise. The room was filled with bookshelves packed with manga, light novels, and doujins. The shelves also held physical boxes of video games, all neatly organized. Cardboard cutouts of girls and characters adorned the space. It was a stark contrast to Hikigaya's mansion, where I had never seen any of this merchandise.

My eyes wandered to a large flat-screen TV and several game consoles arranged in a corner of the room. "So this is where he keeps all his otaku stuff," I thought, my curiosity piqued. It made sense now why Hikigaya seemed so normal at the mansion; all his hobbies and collections were confined to this small apartment.

Hikigaya returned with the boxes, setting them down gently. He noticed my wide-eyed expression and chuckled. "Surprised?" he asked.

I nodded. "I never expected this. I didn't see any of this kind of stuff in your mansion."

Hikigaya smiled. "Yeah, I keep my hobbies separate. It's easier that way."

I looked around again, taking in the sheer volume of his collection. "It must have taken you a long time to gather all of this."

"It did," Hikigaya admitted. "But it's worth it. This is my little sanctuary."

He paused, then added with a smirk, "Besides, Yukinoshita would just throw my stuff away. She says she is not a fan of the covers of my light novels, something about the heroines being dressed scantily."

I giggled softly, understanding the predicament. "Well, let's get these things organized," I said, rolling up my sleeves.

Hikigaya nodded, grateful for my help, and together we began to unpack the boxes and settle the new additions into his already impressive collection.

0000

Back at the mansion, we entered through the main doors. Almost immediately, Hikigaya's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID. After a brief conversation, he ended the call, his expression darkening. "I'll be in the master's room," he muttered before swiftly making his way upstairs.

I found his sudden shift in mood unsettling, but I returned to my chores, trying to push the oddity from my mind. After preparing lunch, I joined the headmaid in the kitchen. We were soon interrupted by the arrival of Yukinoshita Yukino, who carried a black bag that likely contained a new dress.

"Good afternoon, Yukinoshita-sama," I greeted, taking the bag from her.

Yukinoshita let out a sigh. "Is Hikigaya in his room?" she asked.

The head maid nodded. "Yes, since he returned from his morning activities."

"I see," Yukinoshita responded, a slight frown crossing her face. "Well, I'll be in the dining room. Please serve lunch for one."

We worked together to serve Yukino's lunch, arranging the dishes with care. We watched as she ate her meal in silence. After finishing her lunch, Yukinoshita sipped her tea slowly, deep in thought.

Once she set her cup down, she looked at us. "Hikigaya and I have a prior engagement to attend this evening, so you won't need to prepare dinner for us."

We nodded in acknowledgment. "Understood, Yukinoshita-sama."

We watched as Yukinoshita finished her tea and stood up gracefully. She gave us a small nod before heading upstairs to the master's bedroom, where Hikigaya was waiting. I couldn't help but wonder what had transpired to cause such tension.

0000

Yukinoshita descended the stairs, looking stunning in a black A-line halter asymmetrical lace chiffon dress that gracefully flowed around her slim figure, enhancing her elegance. Her fair skin glowed against the dark fabric, and her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders and down to her hips, perfectly complemented by two red ribbons just above each shoulder. The flat ahoge atop her head added a touch of charm to her refined demeanor.

Hikigaya stood at the base of the stairs, looking somber. He wore a black suit with a white dress shirt, his usual dead fish eyes appearing even more sad.

I watched them, curiosity piqued. I wondered if they were heading out for a date or a social gathering.

I bid them goodbye as they left, then returned to cleaning and maintaining the mansion. After completing my afternoon chores, I returned to the kitchen, where the head maid waved me over.

The head maid informed me, "Hikigaya-sama and Yukinoshita-sama will be spending the night out." She then asked, "What do you know about tennis, Sato-san?"

I replied, "I know the sport, but I've never played it before."

The head maid nodded. "That's fine. You'll have time to learn. For the rest of the evening, I want you to watch some tennis matches online and practice. I'll go out and shop for some tennis outfits for you."

Following her command, I spent the evening watching tennis matches, studying the players' techniques and movements. I practiced some swings in the garden, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about learning a new sport.

0000

I discovered why I was commanded to learn tennis. Hikigaya and Yukinoshita returned early in the morning and instructed the staff to prepare breakfast while they took a shower. As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries filled the air, I helped set the table and placed the silverware. The head maid informed me that I would be accompanying Hikigaya and Yukinoshita to the local country club for a tennis game and instructed me to have breakfast first.

I left the kitchen as Hikigaya and Yukinoshita entered to have their breakfast. Afterward, I returned to my room to change. I put on a black sleeveless tennis dress, its lightweight and breathable fabric perfect for movement. The dress hugged my figure, flaring slightly at the skirt to allow ease of motion. My fair skin contrasted beautifully with the black dress.

I stepped out of my room and waited at the entrance for Hikigaya and Yukinoshita. Hikigaya wore a pair of athletic shorts and a plain T-shirt, both in dark colors, as he walked down the stairs. Yukinoshita had her long black hair tied back in a sleek ponytail and stood out in her tennis outfit. She wore a white sleeveless tennis dress, its lightweight and breathable fabric perfect for movement. The dress hugged her slim figure, flaring slightly at the skirt, allowing ease of motion. Yukinoshita's fair skin contrasted beautifully with the pristine white of the dress, and her large, piercing blue eyes seemed even more vivid. She completed the look with a pair of white tennis shoes and a matching visor. The red ribbons she usually wore in her hair now adorned the straps of her dress, adding a touch of her signature style.

Hikigaya's eyes widened slightly as he took in my appearance. "You look great, Sato-san," he said, genuinely impressed.

"Thank you, Hikigaya-sama," I replied with a polite bow, my smile warm and appreciative.

With Yukinoshita on one arm and me following closely behind, Hikigaya led the way to his black 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350.

0000

The three of us entered the country club, the atmosphere buzzing with the murmur of guests and the clinking of glasses. The elegant decor and manicured grounds added to the air of sophistication that permeated the place. Yukinoshita scanned the crowd and quickly spotted her friends standing near the tennis courts.

"There they are," she said, gently guiding Hikigaya and me toward them.

As we walked through the club, whispers from the guests could be heard, many of them speculating about the couple. "Are they famous tennis stars?" one guest wondered aloud. "They look like they could be," another replied, their eyes lingering on Yukinoshita's graceful posture and Hikigaya's confident demeanor.

When we reached them, the whispers shifted, now focusing on us. "Isn't that Hikigaya Hachiman, the rising successful businessman?" someone whispered. "And Yukinoshita Yukino, the CEO and daughter of a Diet member," another voice added in awe.

Hikigaya, used to such attention, ignored the rest and focused on his friends. "Totsuka Saika, Nakamura Arisa," he greeted warmly, his voice cutting through the soft chatter. "This is Sato Aika, my new maid and secretary."

Totsuka's soft, feminine features lit up with a welcoming smile. "It's nice to meet you, Sato-san," he said gently.

Nakamura, standing tall and confident beside him, extended her hand. "Welcome, Sato-san," she said with a nod. Her deep blue eyes held a sharp, observant gaze, but her smile was warm and genuine.

I bowed politely, my demeanor professional and respectful. "It's a pleasure to meet you both," I replied, my voice steady and composed.

As we exchanged pleasantries, the whispers of the guests continued, now a mix of admiration and curiosity about the high-profile group. The club's elegant ambiance and the soft murmur of voices created a backdrop of refined sophistication, making the upcoming tennis match feel all the more significant.

0000

The tennis match began with an air of excitement and competitive spirit. Hikigaya and Yukinoshita stood on one side of the net, their expressions focused and determined. Totsuka and Nakamura took their positions on the opposite side, equally ready for the game.

Hikigaya served first, the ball zipping over the net with precision. Totsuka returned the serve gracefully, his movements fluid and almost effortless. Yukinoshita moved swiftly to intercept, her racket connecting with a satisfying thwack.

The game progressed with a series of fast-paced volleys. Hikigaya and Yukinoshita coordinated their efforts well, their teamwork evident in the way they covered for each other's moves. Hikigaya's powerful serves and Yukinoshita's sharp reflexes kept them slightly ahead in points. However, Totsuka and Nakamura proved to be formidable opponents, their skills complementing each other perfectly. Totsuka's agility and Nakamura's strategic plays balanced their team, making for a challenging match.

After five intense minutes, Yukinoshita's stamina began to show. Her breaths became labored, and a slight sheen of sweat glistened on her fair skin. Yukinoshita called for a brief pause.

"I need to switch out," Yukinoshita said, her voice steady but tinged with fatigue.

I stepped forward, ready to take her place. "I've got this, Yukinoshita-sama," I said with a reassuring smile.

She nodded, grateful for the reprieve. As she stepped off the court, I joined Hikigaya. I felt a rush of nerves and excitement, knowing I was about to play a game I had never played before. But as soon as the match resumed, I focused on the task at hand. My movements were swift and precise, and I tried to apply the strategic thinking I had observed in the previous games.

The match continued with a heightened level of intensity. Points were traded back and forth, each team displaying their skills and determination. Hikigaya and I worked in tandem, our coordination improving with each volley. Totsuka and Nakamura matched our efforts, the competitive spirit driving us all to push harder.

As the game neared its conclusion, the score was tied, with each team giving their all. The final volley was a blur of rapid movements and sharp returns. When the ball finally hit the ground, it was clear that neither team had gained a decisive advantage. My breath was ragged, but I tried to hide it from Hikigaya.

"It's a draw," Hikigaya announced, his voice carrying a mix of satisfaction and exhaustion.

Both teams exchanged smiles, the competitive tension giving way to mutual respect and camaraderie. I let out a sigh to regulate my breath. We gathered our equipment and moved to a shaded area to rest.

Hikigaya and Yukinoshita, now thoroughly exhausted, found a comfortable spot on the grass. I sat down beside them, feeling the cool shade providing much-needed relief from the sun. Suddenly, Yukinoshita rested her head on my lap, her breath gentle and calm. I felt a wave of warmth and tenderness as I looked down at her. Hikigaya did the same, resting his head on my lap, his eyes closed as he savored the moment of relaxation.

"Good game," Yukinoshita murmured, her voice soft.

"You too," I replied, my hand gently brushing her hair. It felt nice, the simple, comforting act of caring for them. As I sat there with both of them resting on my lap, I felt a deep sense of belonging and contentment. Despite the unfamiliarity of the game, the joy of being there for them and sharing this moment made it all worthwhile.

Totsuka and Nakamura went to grab drinks to rehydrate. They returned shortly with a tray of chilled water bottles and sports drinks.

"Here you go," Totsuka said, handing out the drinks. "You all played really well."

Nakamura nodded in agreement, her deep blue eyes reflecting her admiration. "It was an impressive match."

As we settled down with our drinks, Hikigaya took a long sip of his sports drink and sighed. "Maybe I should start working out again," he mused aloud. "I haven't touched a tennis racket since Sobu High School."

Yukinoshita, her head still resting on my lap, glanced up at him with a playful smirk. "I'd rather you not," she said, her voice light but sincere. "I enjoy your muscular flabby body. I don't think I can handle you being more popular than before you gained wealth and a small gut."

Hikigaya chuckled a hint of self-deprecation in his laughter. "Muscular flabby body, huh? That's a unique compliment."

Yukinoshita shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's honesty. Besides, you're already more popular than I'd like. I prefer keeping you to myself."

Gently brushing a stray lock of hair from Yukinoshita's face, I joined in. "Yukinoshita-sama is right, Hikigaya-sama. You're perfect just the way you are."

Totsuka nodded in agreement, his expression as kind as ever. "And it's not just about physical fitness. You've accomplished so much, Hachiman. That's what really matters."

Nakamura, leaning casually against the bench, added with a grin, "Though a little exercise never hurt anyone. It's all about balance."

Hikigaya sighed again, this time with a contented smile. "Maybe you're right. A little balance, but not too much. I still need to keep some mystery about me."

We all laughed, the camaraderie and lighthearted banter filling the air with warmth. Despite the competitive edge of the tennis match, the bond we shared was evident, making the day all the more special. As we finished our drinks and the conversation wound down, the group basked in the satisfaction of a well-played game and the deepening of our friendships. Their double date was full of fun and memorable moments.

0000

Hikigaya, Yukino, and I returned from the country club. As we arrived at the mansion, I headed to the kitchen to have a small dinner before turning in for the night. The house was quiet, a peaceful end to a busy day.

Once in my room, I looked around to make sure no one was nearby. I walked to my bed and collapsed onto it, feeling the weight of exhaustion in every muscle. I rubbed my legs and feet, hoping to ward off any soreness that might greet me in the morning.

Finally, I sat up and went to my closet to change into my nightgown. The soft fabric was a welcome comfort after a long day. I made a mental note to take a hot bath in the morning but knew that sleep was my most immediate need to recover. With that thought, I climbed into bed, pulled the covers over me, and allowed the day's events to fade into the background as I drifted off to sleep.