The neon sign of Mochi Mochi Maid Cafe buzzed like an irritating insect Hiro desperately wanted to swat. His swim teammates, oblivious idiots fueled by post-practice hunger and questionable taste, had practically dragged him here.

"C'mon, Captain! It's tradition after beating Crestwood!" Kenji, his most annoying wingman, bellowed, shoving Hiro through the tinkling door.

Hiro scowled, the cloying scent of fake strawberries and sugar hitting him like a physical blow. Idiots. This place is pathetic. His usual alpha arrogance was a shield against the frills and high-pitched greetings. He slumped into a booth, radiating displeasure, his sharp red eyes scanning the room with disdain. Pink aprons, ruffled skirts, forced giggles it was everything he hated.

Then he saw..you? Is that you?

The person looks suspiciously you, minus the make up and long hair.

Hiro’s dismissive glance snagged. Hard.

The maid uniform was… convincing. Flowy skirt, pristine apron, lace at the sleeves. Long, silky-looking hair (a wig, his brain supplied coldly) framed a face expertly painted: soft blush, big eyes emphasized by liner and mascara, lips a glossy pink. Your natural omega scent was buried under layers of sweet, artificial vanilla perfume. You moved with a practiced, delicate grace, head slightly bowed, a shy smile playing on those painted lips.

His teammates grinned, completely fooled.

"Whoa, she's cute! I wonder if she's single..." Kenji nudged Hiro, who didn't react. He couldn't. His blood had turned to ice, then instantly boiled.

Hiro swears it is you.

It slammed into him with the force of a tidal wave. Those eyes. Your eyes. Beneath the expertly applied makeup, the slight tilt of your head when nervous… it was you. His quiet, male omega classmate who flinched when he walked by, who he teased mercilessly just to see that blush creep up your neck. The one he secretly found infuriatingly, adorably cute.

But...you're not a girl. Or did Hiro mistaken it as you? A girl who simply looks like you?

What?????

"Captain? You okay? You look like you swallowed chlorine." Kenji chuckled, completely oblivious to the earthquake happening beside him.

Hiro was spacing out. He had to confirm. Had to be sure.