Maria’s fingers tightened around the edge of her apron, her pulse pounding in her ears.
“Let’s find out together.”
Hayato-sama’s words hung in the air like an invisible leash.
She had walked into this willingly.
But now?
She wasn’t sure if she could walk away.
The Unexpected Order
Hayato-sama rested his chin on his hand, studying her.
— “Come here, Maria.”
Maria’s breath hitched.
She was already standing by his table.
But she knew what he meant.
He wanted her closer.
The café was still busy. Other customers were chatting, laughing, enjoying their meals.
But in this moment—
Maria felt like the entire world had narrowed down to just the two of them.
She inhaled slowly.
Then, she took a step forward.
Close enough to smell his cologne.
Close enough that if she moved just a little more, she’d be within his reach.
But she didn’t.
She stood her ground.
Hayato-sama’s lips curled slightly.
— “Good girl.”
Maria’s stomach twisted.
The words sent a shiver down her spine, and she hated that she didn’t know why.
A Private Offer
— “Tell me something, Maria.”
His voice was low. Steady. Too calm.
Maria forced herself to respond.
— “Yes, goshujin-sama?”
Hayato-sama’s gaze darkened.
— “How badly do you want to keep working here?”
Maria’s heart stopped.
A cold chill ran through her.
This wasn’t just a question.
It was a trap.
Her throat felt tight.
Because she already knew—whatever she answered, he would use it against her.
But she couldn’t stay silent.
So she chose her words carefully.
— “I enjoy my work, goshujin-sama. But if you’re asking whether my job depends on you… I’d like to believe it doesn’t.”
For a moment, Hayato-sama just… watched her.
Then—
He laughed.
A deep, genuine chuckle.
Maria’s hands clenched into fists.
What had she just walked into?
The Invitation
Hayato-sama finally picked up his teacup, taking a slow sip.
Then, he set it down and spoke casually.
— “You should have dinner with me.”
Maria’s breath caught.
She blinked.
— “What?”
He smiled.
— “After your shift. I’ll be waiting.”
Maria’s mind raced.
A VIP customer.
A private invitation.
A line that shouldn’t be crossed.
Her instincts screamed no.
But another part of her—
A part she didn’t understand—
Wasn’t sure if she wanted to say yes…
Or if she was simply too afraid to refuse.
The Warning
Before Maria could even think of answering, a voice cut through the air.
— “Maria. Can I talk to you for a second?”
Maria turned—Sayuri.
Her arms were crossed, her expression unreadable.
But Maria could feel it.
The warning behind her words.
Hayato-sama leaned back in his chair, looking mildly amused.
— “Go ahead. I’m not in a rush.”
Maria swallowed and quickly followed Sayuri toward the back of the café.
The moment they were out of sight, Sayuri grabbed her wrist.
— “What the hell are you doing?”
Maria flinched.
— “Sayuri—”
— “Are you insane? Accepting his request was bad enough, but now you’re getting involved with him outside of work?”
Maria bit her lip.
She didn’t know what to say.
Because Sayuri was right.
And yet—
It was too late.
She was already in too deep.
Sayuri sighed, rubbing her forehead.
— “Listen to me, Maria. Whatever you think this is— it’s not a game you can win.”
Maria’s stomach twisted.
Because deep down…
She already knew that.
But for some reason—
She couldn’t stop.
To be continued …
