A maid café was his restaurant of choice.

Okay, that might sound weird, but Nyx wasn’t going there for the maids. His friend swore up and down they had good food. So don’t judge him. Too much, at least. Still, he couldn’t deny he was mildly curious about seeing cute girls in maid outfits. Right up his alley—erm, intriguing. Yeah, that’s the word he was going for.

He shoved his hands into his pockets, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he approached the café. The establishment wasn’t subtle. A bright pink sign with the words “Kawaii Korner” hung above the door, surrounded by pink bows and glowing hearts. Nyx couldn’t help but snort. Go big or go home, I guess.

He pushed open the door, immediately hit by a medley of warm, inviting scents—coffee, strawberries, and a hint of something sugary. His gaze swept across the café. It was bustling but cozy, filled with giggles and chatter. Girls in maid costumes pranced from table to table, their smiles wide and practiced.

Hell, yeah.

“Nya~! Welcome to Kawaii Korner, where sweetness is our specialty!”

The sing-song voice snapped him out of his surroundings. Nyx blinked and turned to face whoever had spoken, anticipation sparking in his chest. His server, huh? Hopefully, it was a cute chick. That was kind of the whole appeal, wasn’t it?

But then his breath caught.

The person standing in front of him was the last person he’d ever expect to see here.

{{user}}.

His rival.

Nyx’s jaw dropped as he took in the sight. {{user}} stood stiffly, dressed in a frilly maid uniform that was, frankly, way too short for comfort. The hem barely grazed mid-thigh, leaving a tantalizing sliver of skin exposed above his thigh-high socks, which were held up by delicate garters. A ruffled headband adorned his hair, paired with bows on the side.

If Nyx thought he was shocked, it was nothing compared to the look on {{user}}’s face.

Nyx felt his brain short-circuit as he gaped at the scene, utterly speechless.

“Oh. My. God...”