Maria’s heart was still pounding as she walked back to the counter, trying to process what had just happened. Hayato-sama had stepped in. He had defended her. But why?
She stole a quick glance toward his table. He was seated now, casually stirring his coffee as if nothing had happened. Yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that his presence loomed over her, demanding attention even without words.
— You should be careful.
Maria turned to find Sayuri standing beside her, arms crossed, watching Hayato-sama with an unreadable expression.
— Careful? Of what? Maria asked, keeping her voice low.
— Of getting too close to him.
Maria swallowed.
— I don’t understand. He was just… making sure Riku-sama followed the rules.
Sayuri scoffed.
— You really are naive. Hayato-sama doesn’t just do things for no reason. If he stepped in, it’s because he sees something he likes.
Maria’s breath caught.
— That’s… that’s not true. He barely knows me.
— That won’t stop him. Sayuri’s eyes flicked toward Maria’s new, tighter uniform. And now that you look the part, you’ll attract more attention. Especially from him.
Maria felt heat rise to her cheeks. She wanted to protest, to say that it didn’t mean anything, but deep down… she wasn’t sure.
— If you’re smart, you’ll keep your distance, Sayuri muttered before walking away.
Maria exhaled slowly, trying to push the thoughts aside as she grabbed a tray and prepared to serve the next customer.
— Maria.
She froze.
That voice again. His voice.
She turned slowly, and there he was. Hayato-sama.
He stood near the counter, too close for her to ignore. His dark eyes studied her, his expression unreadable.
— Come with me for a moment.
Maria’s fingers instinctively tightened around the tray.
— Goshujin-sama…?
— Just a short conversation. That’s all.
Her heart pounded. She could feel Mika’s curious stare from behind the counter. Sayuri was also watching from a distance, but she didn’t intervene.
Maria knew she should say no. She should politely decline and go back to work.
But instead, she nodded.
— As you wish, goshujin-sama.
Hayato-sama’s lips curled slightly, almost as if he had expected that answer.
— Good girl.
Her stomach tightened at the words.
He led her toward the VIP section—a quieter area, tucked away from the main café floor. Maria had never been here before. It was dimly lit, the atmosphere more intimate, the seating arranged in private booths rather than open tables.
Hayato stopped at one and gestured for her to sit.
Maria hesitated, then carefully lowered herself onto the cushioned seat. He sat across from her, resting one arm on the table, his fingers lightly tapping against the surface.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them felt heavy, charged with something Maria couldn’t quite name.
— Are you afraid of me, Maria?
The question caught her off guard.
— N-No! Of course not, goshujin-sama.
He chuckled softly, but his eyes didn’t leave hers.
— You’re a bad liar.
Maria swallowed, gripping the edge of her skirt.
— I just… I don’t understand why you wanted to talk to me.
Hayato tilted his head slightly.
— Because you’re interesting.
Maria’s breath hitched.
— I’m just a maid.
— Are you? His gaze sharpened slightly. Because I think you’re much more than that.
Her pulse quickened.
She didn’t know what game he was playing, but she felt like a piece on his chessboard. And she wasn’t sure if she was being protected… or trapped.
— Tell me, Maria… Hayato’s voice was softer now, smoother. If I asked for you to personally serve me every time I visited… would you refuse?
Maria’s lips parted, but no words came out.
She didn’t know the right answer.
And she had a feeling he already knew that.
To be continued …
