Maria felt trapped under Hayato-sama’s gaze, her fingers gripping the hem of her skirt as she processed his question.
— If I asked for you to personally serve me every time I visited… would you refuse?
The air between them was thick with tension. Maria’s heart pounded so loudly she was sure he could hear it.
— I… I don’t think I have a choice, goshujin-sama, she answered cautiously, trying to keep her voice steady.
Hayato smirked.
— Smart answer. But not the one I was hoping for.
Maria’s breath caught in her throat.
— What… what do you mean?
Hayato leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the table, his fingers lazily tapping against the surface.
— I like consistency, Maria. When I find something I enjoy, I stick with it. And right now… you’ve caught my interest.
Maria swallowed. She wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or a warning.
— Goshujin-sama, the café assigns maids based on availability. I… I don’t think I can make that decision myself.
Hayato studied her for a long moment, then let out a small chuckle.
— You’re obedient. That’s good. But I don’t think you understand how things work here yet.
Maria stiffened.
— What do you mean?
Hayato’s smirk didn’t fade.
— This café has rules. But rules can be bent… for the right people.
Her stomach tightened.
— Are you saying you could… request me exclusively?
— Exactly. His voice was smooth, controlled. All it takes is a request to Madam Yuki, and you’d be mine—at least while you’re wearing that uniform.
Maria’s pulse spiked.
— That’s… she struggled to find the right words. That doesn’t seem fair to the other customers.
Hayato chuckled again, this time low and amused.
— Fairness has nothing to do with it. This café is about making customers happy. And what would make me happy… is you.
Maria’s chest felt tight. This was dangerous territory. She wasn’t sure if he was merely teasing her or if this was a real proposition.
She forced a polite smile.
— I appreciate your interest, goshujin-sama, but I’m just here to do my job.
Hayato tilted his head slightly, as if considering her response.
— You’re resisting me.
Maria froze.
— N-No! I’m just—
— It’s okay. I like a little challenge. His voice was calm but firm, sending a shiver down her spine. But sooner or later, Maria… you’ll come around.
Her throat felt dry.
— If that’s all, goshujin-sama… I should return to work.
Hayato watched her for a moment longer before giving a slow nod.
— Go ahead. But remember what I said.
Maria stood up, trying not to show how shaken she was. She bowed slightly before quickly walking away, her heart still hammering in her chest.
As soon as she reached the counter, Mika was waiting, arms crossed, smirking.
— Well, well, well.
Maria gulped.
— What?
— You’ve really gotten his attention now.
Maria exhaled, frustrated.
— I don’t want his attention!
Mika giggled.
— Oh, Maria… that’s not how this works.
Maria’s stomach twisted.
— What do you mean?
Mika leaned in slightly, her voice dropping.
— Once Hayato-sama decides he wants something… he doesn’t stop until he gets it.
Maria felt a chill creep down her spine.
As she glanced back toward Hayato-sama’s table, she found him still watching her—that same knowing smirk playing on his lips.
And deep down, she knew…
This wasn’t over.
To be continued …
