Maria took a deep breath, adjusting her apron as she followed Mika toward the customer who had specifically requested her. She could feel the weight of anticipation in her chest—this was her first time being singled out, and she wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing.
The café was still buzzing with soft chatter, the clinking of teacups, and the occasional giggles of the other maids entertaining their guests. The atmosphere was warm, comforting, but Maria’s hands were slightly sweaty as she approached the table in the corner.
Seated there was a man in his early thirties, dressed in a sharp black suit, his tie loosened slightly. He exuded an air of confidence, the kind that made Maria instinctively straighten her posture. His dark eyes studied her with quiet amusement as she stepped closer.
— “Okaerinasaimase, goshujin-sama!” she greeted, flashing a bright smile just as she had been taught.
— You’re the new maid, aren’t you? His voice was deep, smooth, and oddly mesmerizing.
Maria nodded, feeling her cheeks warm slightly under his gaze.
— Y-Yes! My name is Maria, and I’ll be taking care of you today, goshujin-sama!
She didn’t know if she had said it with enough enthusiasm, but the man smirked, seemingly entertained by her nervousness.
— Maria, huh? It suits you.
She wasn’t sure what he meant by that, but she pushed through her nervousness.
— May I take your order, goshujin-sama?
He glanced at the menu but didn’t seem particularly interested. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, his gaze still locked onto her.
— How about… you choose something for me?
Maria blinked. This wasn’t something she had expected. She quickly scanned the menu in her mind, trying to think of something suitable. She had been told that many regulars enjoyed the personal touch of having a maid select their meal, but she had never done it herself.
— Um… how about our special strawberry parfait? It’s very popular!
The man tilted his head, as if considering her suggestion, then nodded.
— Sounds good. I’ll trust your choice, Maria.
She quickly jotted down the order and hurried off, feeling her heartbeat quicken.
— Who is that guy? she whispered to Mika once they were back behind the counter.
Mika glanced over at him and grinned.
— That’s Hayato-sama. He’s a regular… but not just any regular. He’s one of the VIPs.
Maria frowned slightly.
— VIP? Like… the special service kind?
Mika chuckled.
— Maybe. He’s been coming here for years, and let’s just say he has his favorites. Be careful, Maria. He’s the kind of man who likes to play games.
Maria swallowed hard.
— Games?
— You’ll see, Mika said with a teasing wink.
Maria wasn’t sure if that was a warning or a challenge, but as she prepared Hayato-sama’s parfait, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something… unexpected.
To be continued …
