At the innermost seat of the cozy maid café, a girl with a white headband sat quietly, hands folded neatly on her lap.
Her wine-red eyes shimmered with a calm intellect, framed by cascading black hair that fell to her waist, glinting like silk in the morning light. The girl's beauty was understated yet arresting—an elegant, refined presence that drew glances without effort. Her white blouse and skirt ensemble, modest yet fashionable, paired with black stockings that outlined her slender legs, created an air of grace that was both mature and alluring.
"Utaha-chan, you're as dazzling as ever," said a voice, slightly teasing.
A short-haired woman in a sharp business suit and tight skirt approached and took the seat opposite her. It was Machida Sonoko, her editor—straightforward, sharp-tongued, and known for being ever-busy.
Utaha, better known to her fans as Kasumigaoka Utaha, frowned slightly. "Machida-san, you're late."
Machida rolled her eyes dramatically. "Come on, I chase after your manuscripts for weeks, and you're scolding me for being a minute late? It's literally 67 seconds past the meeting time!"
"You still haven't met the author of Magical Girl Misaki, have you? So technically, I'm not the only one waiting," Machida added, waving a hand.
Utaha took a sip of her tea and replied coolly, "I invited you early on purpose. He'll be arriving shortly."
Machida huffed. "My time is precious, you know. Do you understand how many budding authors are waiting for me to notice them in my inbox? If I miss the next genius because of this, it's on you."
Utaha's lips curled into a faint smile. "Don't worry. You'll thank me once you meet him. He's worth the wait."
Machida leaned back, scrutinizing Utaha. "You've been quite confident lately. Are you sure you're not just projecting your hopes onto him?"
Utaha smiled mysteriously. "You'll see."
Her editor sighed. "Fine, but if he turns out to be mediocre, I'm doubling your manuscript reminders."
Despite her playful threat, Machida's eyes sparkled as they drifted back to Utaha. She couldn't help but notice her attire today. The young author had clearly put effort into her look—a white camisole dress under a light blue jacket, shoulders just barely concealed, and a soft blue ribbon tied around her waist.
Her generous curves were accentuated tastefully, and the delicate balance between elegance and allure was almost artful.
"Utaha-chan… you look… wow," Machida said, flustered. "Even I'm enchanted. Tell me the truth, is this outfit for that junior of yours?"
Utaha smirked, placing a hand to her cheek in mock innocence. "So what if it is? Didn't you once say my love stories felt hollow? Maybe it's time I get some real-life experience."
Machida gaped. "So, you really have your eyes on this boy?"
Utaha nodded without hesitation. "He's special."
Machida clutched her chest theatrically. "Unbelievable… and here I am, still single. Life is so unfair."
With a sigh of resignation, she reached for the manuscript Utaha had prepared. "Fine. Let me at least check your second volume. If it's good, I'll think about forgiving you."
Utaha handed it over confidently. "Enjoy."
Machida flipped through the pages, eyes growing wider. "It's actually good… no, it's amazing! This is it, Utaha-chan! You've found the right path!"
She nodded decisively. "Alright. In a few days, we're organizing a book signing. We'll tease Volume 2 at the event to boost hype."
"Understood. I'll follow your lead."
Utaha sipped her tea calmly, but inwardly, she was pleased. A book signing meant direct interaction with fans—and more importantly, more reasons for Nozomi to visit.
...
Kasumigaoka Utaha chatted casually, not realizing how the maid café had filled to capacity. Most of the new customers were boys, supposedly there to enjoy the unique maid service experience.
However—
None of them were actually paying attention to the maids.
Instead, their eyes were all subtly drawn to one specific girl.
To her.
Their gazes flicked repeatedly toward Kasumigaoka Utaha's seat, lingering on the smooth curve of her legs wrapped in sheer black stockings, her slender yet alluring figure framed perfectly by the café's soft lighting. Her poised demeanor only added to her irresistible presence.
Machida Sonoko couldn't help but laugh softly.
Machida noticed and chuckled. "Utaha-chan, you've become a hazard to this café's peace. That glasses guy has circled your table three times. Any regrets?"
Utaha shrugged. "Not at all. Just ignore them."
Sonoko smirked, ready to make another teasing remark—
Just as the café doors chimed open.
A tall, sharp-eyed boy with tousled hair stepped in. His confident presence drew the attention of not just the maids, but half the café.
One of the maids, her cheeks already a bit flushed, quickly stepped forward with her trademark smile.
"Onii-chan, welcome to the Maid Café! Do you want to be called anything special today~?"
Nozomi paused for a beat, then smiled smoothly. "I think I'd prefer to be called… husband."
The maid's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink.
"U-Uhm, alright then, Anata… do you have a reservation? As you can see, we're pretty full today."
Nozomi's gaze swept across the café, locking onto the girl with the pristine white headband.
"I do," he replied. "I'm with the young lady sitting right over there."
The maid blinked in surprise, clearly recognizing Kasumigaoka Utaha. For a moment, she looked as if she couldn't believe it.
"R-Right this way, Anata."
"Thanks."
Nozomi followed her lead, walking confidently over to the table. Utaha's and Sonoko's expressions both shifted the moment he arrived.
"Utaha-senpai, I wasn't late, was I?" he asked casually, sliding into the seat beside her.
Then, turning to the professional-looking woman across from them, he gave a polite nod.
"Is this the editor you mentioned? Nice to meet you. I'm Hozuki Nozomi, currently attending Sobu High."
Machida Sonoko gave a firm handshake.
"Machida Sonoko. I'm Utaha's editor. It's a pleasure, Nozomi-kun."
After the brief introductions, the mood relaxed a bit.
Kasumigaoka Utaha glanced at Nozomi, clearly trying to suppress a pout.
"I heard you told the maid to call you husband?"
"That's right, senpai. Would you like to call me that too? I'd allow it—gladly!"
"Hmph. Shameless. Dream on!"
She rolled her eyes, trying to hide the blush that colored her cheeks.
Nozomi leaned in slightly, his tone sincere.
"But with how stunning you look today, wouldn't it be strange not to fall for you?"
Utaha scoffed, turning her head slightly. "I didn't dress up for you. Don't get the wrong idea."
"Oh? Then she dressed up for me," Sonoko added with a playful grin.
Nozomi looked at Utaha, eyes wide in mock betrayal.
"I never expected this from you, senpai. Is this what they call a love triangle?"