Maria stared at her phone, her heart hammering against her ribs.
“You’re making this fun, Maria.”
The message from the unknown number glowed on her screen like a warning.
Or a challenge.
She swallowed hard.
This was different.
This wasn’t him teasing her in the café, watching her from his usual seat, playing his little games.
This was him reaching into her life.
Beyond the café.
And Maria didn’t like it.
The First Decision
Mika was still in the staff room, fixing her hair in the mirror.
Maria turned to her, gripping her phone tightly.
— Mika… can I ask you something?
Mika glanced at her reflection, raising an eyebrow.
— Of course. What’s up?
Maria hesitated, then showed her the screen.
Mika froze.
Her playful smirk vanished.
— No. Way.
Maria nodded slowly.
— It’s him, isn’t it?
Mika didn’t answer right away.
Instead, she took the phone from Maria’s hands, staring at the message like she was analyzing a bomb.
Then, finally—
— Yeah. It’s him.
Maria’s stomach twisted.
— How did he get my number?
Mika exhaled, rubbing the back of her neck.
— If he wants something, he gets it. That’s just how he is.
Maria clenched her fists.
— That’s not normal.
Mika looked at her seriously.
— No, it’s not.
Silence stretched between them.
Then Mika sighed and handed the phone back.
— So… what are you gonna do?
Maria bit her lip.
She had two choices:
- Ignore the message. Pretend like it never happened. Act normal.
- Respond. Show him that she wasn’t scared.
Maria took a deep breath.
Then she started typing.
The Response
Maria:
“I don’t appreciate surprises outside of work, goshujin-sama.”
She hesitated for a split second.
Then hit send.
Mika gasped.
— Oh my God. You’re actually talking back?
Maria crossed her arms.
— I’m not going to let him think he can just do whatever he wants.
Mika whistled.
— You’re either brave or crazy.
Maria wasn’t sure which one she was.
But one thing was clear—
She wasn’t backing down.
The Immediate Reply
Her phone buzzed almost instantly.
Unknown:
“Who said this was outside of work?”
Maria’s blood ran cold.
Mika grabbed her wrist.
— Maria… this isn’t a game anymore.
Maria swallowed hard.
She knew Mika was right.
Hayato-sama had just made his move.
And now?
Maria had to decide—
Did she keep playing?
Or was it time to end this… before it was too late?
To be continued…
