Maria barely slept that night.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Hayato-sama’s smirk, his dark gaze, the way he had leaned in just enough to make her heart race.
She had held her ground.
But for how long?
Because now, she wasn’t just avoiding him—she was playing his game.
And she had the sinking feeling that she was in over her head.
The Next Day – A Change in Strategy
When Maria arrived at the Sweet Blossom Café, she made a decision.
She wasn’t going to play defense anymore.
If Hayato-sama wanted a challenge—she’d give him one.
Mika immediately noticed her mood shift.
— Oh? You’ve got that look in your eyes.
Maria smirked slightly.
— What look?
Mika grinned.
— The “I’m about to do something reckless” look.
Maria chuckled, adjusting her apron.
— Let’s just say… I have a plan.
Mika’s eyes widened.
— Oh, this I gotta see.
The First Move
Maria’s chance came faster than expected.
Just as she finished serving a table, she felt it.
That familiar, lingering gaze.
She didn’t have to look to know who it was.
Hayato-sama.
Watching. Waiting.
This time, she didn’t hesitate.
She walked straight to his table, tray in hand, expression unreadable.
He raised an eyebrow as she approached.
— Maria.
She smiled sweetly.
— Goshujin-sama, you come here so often… but I don’t think I’ve ever heard you order anything interesting.
Hayato-sama chuckled, clearly amused.
— Oh? Are you saying I’m predictable?
Maria tilted her head slightly.
— Not at all, goshujin-sama. I would never assume something like that.
She placed a new drink on the table—something he hadn’t ordered.
— But I thought you might enjoy a little surprise today.
Hayato-sama’s smirk widened.
— How bold of you.
Maria shrugged.
— Just doing my job, goshujin-sama.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then, he picked up the cup.
He took a slow sip—never breaking eye contact.
Maria held her breath.
Then, finally—
He set the cup down and smiled.
— Interesting choice.
Maria forced herself to stay relaxed.
— Do you like it?
Hayato-sama’s fingers tapped lightly against the cup.
— I think I like surprises.
Maria refused to look away.
— Good. I’ll make sure to keep you entertained, then.
For the first time, Hayato-sama was the one caught off guard.
Just for a second.
Then, his smirk returned.
— Careful, Maria. You might start to enjoy this.
Maria smiled.
— Maybe I already am.
And before he could respond—
She walked away.
Her heart pounded.
She didn’t know what she had just done.
But one thing was certain—
Hayato-sama wasn’t expecting it.
And now?
The game had truly begun.
To be continued …
