Chapter 29

憧れ (Akogare, lit: Longing) is the twenty-ninth chapter of the Tensei Pandemic manga series.
==Plot==
Hinata asks Yuuri why he's at the cafe, and Yuuri explains that since he started living alone, he's had a hard time with part time jobs, often criticized for being unfriendly. When he stumbled upon the maid cafe's poster, he felt that he had no choice. Hinata wonders why he chose a hairstyle similar to Yurina's, prompting Yuuri to defend that he chose something familiar as it was his first time dressing up as a girl. He then warns Hinata and to not tell Yurina that he works here, which Hinata swears that he wouldnt, as it would mean exposing his own secret too. Hinata compliments Yuuri on his hairstyle, saying it suits him and looks cute, though Yuuri, still clinging to his masculine identity, is not pleased with the compliment. 
Work at the cafe progresses. After closing, Myaako brings up the parade that they plan to attend tomorrow and suggests that they all wear cat ears for the occasion. While the other girls enthusiastically agree, Yuuri, now going by the name "Yuuka," coldly refuses to wear the "girly" accessory and opts out of the parade.
The following day, Yuuri is absent from the parade. Concerned, Hinata runs back to the cafe to find Yuuri secretly trying on the cat ears, much to his embarrassment. Hinata probes whether Yuuri wishes to appear as cute as the others, sparking a defensive reaction. However, Yuuri soon softens and opens up about his true feelings: He always liked Yurina as a brother, but felt inferior to her effortless charm. Once, he dressed in Yurina's clothes and styled his hair like hers without her knowing. Standing before the mirror, he was immediately overwhelmed by guilt.
Recounting these memories, Yuuri laments his failure as a brother. However, Hinata asserts that Yurina would never view him this way. He suggests that what Yuuri felt for Yurina may in fact be admiration, but as a man, he tried to hide his admiration, feeling responsible to protect Yurina. Hinata assures Yuuri that he does not need to feel guilty, then returns to the parade, leaving Yuuri alone to contemplate.
Back at the parade, the shorter girls find it difficult to attract attention in the crowd. Suddenly, a nearby commotion draws them, and to their surprise, they see Yuuri, now donning his cat ears, enthusiastically distributing flyers for the cafe. With Yuuri's help, they soon complete their promotional tasks. Afterwards, Yuuri expresses his gratitude to Hinata, confessing that he felt like the world ended when he changed genders, but now he is no longer feeling as bad.
Just then, Myaako arrives with a special guest: Yurina. Myaako introduces "Hinako" and "Yuuka" to Yurina, and mischieviously asks what she thinks about Yuuka, to which she responds that Yuuka is very cute.
Hinata reflects the day's events, relieved knowing that Yuuri's burden of guilt has lightened and he is beginnning to accept his current self. However, he realizes that the same is yet true for himself. He breifly considers whether it might be easier if he just accepted the way he is, but quickly dismisses the thought. Hinata is then approached by a man who requests to take a photo. Hinata obliges with a cute pose, but soon dashes off in embarrassment.
==Featured Characters==
In order of appearance:
==Navigation==