Maria felt the shift immediately.
She had tried to turn the game on Hayato-sama, to make him lose interest, to take control of the situation.
But instead…
He had accepted the challenge.
And now, she wasn’t just playing defense.
She was in the middle of a battle of wills.
Later That Evening – The Café Closes
The day passed without incident—at least, on the surface.
Maria continued serving customers as usual, but she could feel Hayato-sama’s presence the entire time.
Watching.
Waiting.
And yet, he didn’t try to call for her. He didn’t pull her into conversation or demand her attention.
Instead, he let her wonder.
It was almost worse than direct confrontation.
Because now, Maria didn’t know what he was thinking.
By the time the café was closing, she felt exhausted.
She wiped down the last table, trying to shake the tension out of her shoulders.
Then—
A shadow appeared beside her.
— You’re working hard, Maria.
Her breath caught.
She turned her head slowly.
Hayato-sama.
Standing way too close.
Maria’s pulse spiked.
— Goshujin-sama, the café is closing soon. If you need something, I can—
— I don’t need anything.
His voice was smooth, calm.
But Maria could feel it.
That undercurrent of control.
— I just wanted to see how long you’d keep pretending.
Maria stiffened.
— Pretending? she echoed.
Hayato-sama smiled slightly.
— That you’re unaffected by all of this.
Maria’s stomach tightened.
She knew she had to choose her words carefully.
— I’m just doing my job, goshujin-sama.
Hayato-sama’s gaze darkened slightly.
— Is that so?
A heavy silence settled between them.
Maria forced herself to hold her ground.
But just as she was about to step back, he moved first.
Leaning in—just slightly.
Not touching her.
Not breaking the rules.
Just close enough to make her feel trapped.
— If you really want to play this game, Maria, you should know something.
His voice was low, smooth, dangerous.
— I never lose.
Maria’s breath caught.
For a split second, she forgot how to respond.
Then—
She forced herself to smile.
— Neither do I, goshujin-sama.
And before he could say another word—
She turned and walked away.
Her heart was pounding.
Her legs felt weak.
But she had done it.
She had kept her composure.
Still—
As she reached the staff room, she let out a shaky breath.
Because now, Maria knew.
This wasn’t just a game anymore.
It was war.
And Hayato-sama wasn’t holding back.
To be continued …
