Maria took a deep breath as she stood in front of the Sweet Blossom Café. She adjusted her crisp white apron, checked her black-and-white maid uniform one last time, and ran a nervous hand through her light brown hair. Today was her first day at this place, where dozens of girls like her played the role of cheerful, attentive, and slightly mischievous maids for the delight of their customers.
As she pushed the door open, a small bell chimed softly, and a cheerful female voice greeted her immediately:
— “Okaerinasaimase, goshujin-sama!” (Welcome home, Master!)
Maria felt her cheeks flush as she heard the ritual phrase she would soon have to say herself. Behind the counter stood an experienced maid, Sayuri, a young woman with perfectly styled black hair tied into a strict bun. Her sharp eyes scanned Maria from head to toe before offering a professional, almost rehearsed smile.
— You must be the new girl. Follow me, we don’t have time to waste.
Maria hurried after Sayuri through the café’s backstage area. The atmosphere was entirely different from the front: while the main room was warm and inviting, here, the maids were rushing in all directions, adjusting their outfits, fixing their hair, and balancing trays filled with colorful desserts.
— Rule number one: You must always smile, no matter what happens, Sayuri instructed, handing her a small notebook.
— Rule number two: Customers are kings, but some will test your limits. Learn to say no with elegance.
— Rule number three: No physical contact—unless it’s part of a special service.
Maria’s eyes widened. A special service? Before she could ask anything, another maid, a bubbly redhead named Mika, swooped in to rescue her.
— Sayuri, don’t scare her off on her first day! Maria, come, I’ll show you how to take an order.
The two girls stepped back into the main area. Maria’s heart pounded as she took in the scene. The room was filled with customers—some sitting alone with laptops, others in groups, laughing and chatting with the maids. The decor was a mix of Victorian elegance and kawaii charm, with pastel-colored walls, golden picture frames, and silky ribbons adorning the furniture.
— See that couple over there? Mika pointed. They ordered a heart-shaped pancake set. Before serving, you have to perform a little magic spell to make it “extra delicious.”
— A spell?
Mika demonstrated one of the café’s most famous rituals: she drizzled syrup over the pancakes in the shape of a heart and made an exaggerated, playful motion with her hands.
— “Moe moe kyun~!” she chimed, flashing a big smile.
The customer laughed and clapped in delight. Mika set down his plate and turned to Maria.
— Now it’s your turn.
Maria took a deep breath, stepped up to a customer who was focused on his phone, and repeated shyly:
— M-Moe moe kyun…
The customer looked up, intrigued by her timid voice. His eyes met hers, and he smiled.
— First day?
Maria nodded, feeling flustered.
— Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it.
With that, he gave her a small wink before returning to his phone.
Maria exhaled discreetly. She had only been in the café for a few minutes, and already, she could tell that this place was going to be full of surprises…
To be continued …
