I finally updated this chapter. If you remember the story, 'My Romance is Better Than Emma's'. This is the second chapter. This story is based on the idea I got from the series 'Maid-sama' and 'We Never Learn'.

Chapter 2

Hikigaya Hachiman stood in Yukinoshita's kitchen, clad in a classic butler uniform that seemed both out of place and strangely fitting on him. The uniform, tailored to perfection, featured a crisp white dress shirt with a high collar, complemented by a black bow tie neatly tied at his neck. Over it, he wore a black tailcoat that accentuated his slender frame, its intricate golden buttons gleaming under the kitchen lights.

His trousers matched the coat, impeccably pressed and falling just right over polished black shoes. A silver pocket watch dangled from a chain looped through his vest, adding a touch of old-world elegance against the modern backdrop of Yukinoshita's apartment.

His medium-short black hair was neatly styled, with a subtle ahoge that added a touch of casual charm to his otherwise composed demeanor. But what caught Yukinoshita's attention the most were his eyes—those infamous dead fish eyes that often hid a depth she couldn't decipher, now softened slightly by the warmth of their shared moments in the kitchen.

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I stood at the kitchen counter, focused on the simmering pot before me, while Hikigaya, dressed in a classic butler uniform, leaned against the opposite counter. His attention was divided between observing me and checking his watch, mindful of his part-time job schedule.

The aroma of spices filled the air as I stirred the stew with practiced ease. I glanced over at Hikigaya, noticing his thoughtful expression as he reviewed a note on his phone.

"Hikigaya-kun, could you give this a taste?" I asked, holding out a spoonful of the stew to him.

He looked up, momentarily surprised by the request. "Oh, sure."

Hikigaya leaned forward slightly, allowing me to feed him the spoonful of stew. His lips parted as he savored the flavors, his gaze meeting mine briefly before he nodded in approval.

"It's good," Hikigaya remarked, a faint smile touching his lips. "You've got a knack for cooking, Yukinoshita."

I smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Hikigaya-kun. I'm glad you think so."

Encouraged by his praise, I continued cooking, my movements fluid and precise as I prepared for the next course. I set a salad on the counter and glanced at Hikigaya, who was now more attentive, watching me with genuine interest.

"Could you taste the dressing?" I asked, dipping a spoon into the bowl of dressing.

Hikigaya nodded, leaning closer as I offered him another spoonful. Our hands brushed briefly as I fed him, a fleeting touch that sent a small jolt of warmth through my fingertips.

"It's perfect," Hikigaya said softly, his eyes meeting mine in a lingering gaze.

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks but maintained my composure as I moved on to the main course. I plated the dish and turned to find Hikigaya still watching me, his expression unreadable yet oddly reassuring.

"Here, try this," I said, offering him a forkful of the main course.

Hikigaya accepted, his lips parting as he tasted the dish. The air between us seemed charged with a quiet intensity, each exchange of food bringing us closer together in a way that words alone could not express.

As we progressed through the meal, I found myself drawn to Hikigaya's presence more than I had anticipated. His calm demeanor and quiet dedication resonated with me in a way that felt both comforting and exhilarating.

By the time dessert was served, my initial embarrassment had given way to a subtle thrill of enjoyment. I offered Hikigaya a spoonful of cake, our proximity now comfortably intimate, our interactions seamless and natural.

"You are amazing, Yukinoshita," Hikigaya said between bites, his tone sincere.

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "Thank you, Hikigaya-kun. I'm glad you're helping with the meal."

As we finished the last course, I couldn't help but reflect on the unexpected turn of events. What had started as a simple request for feedback had an ulterior motive. I knew the rules when hiring Hikigaya as a butler: I couldn't feed him or vice versa, as it was against the rules made to protect the butlers from getting drugged. So I developed a loophole, having him taste my dishes under the pretense of adjusting the seasoning. I repeated the action multiple times, maintaining the pretense while deepening our connection.

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After our meal together, Hikigaya insisted on helping me with the dishes while I retreated to the living room to study. As I sat with my books open, my focus was divided between my studies and occasional glances toward the kitchen. I couldn't shake the lingering warmth from our shared meal.

Every few seconds, I glanced around to make sure no one was watching. My hand slipped into my pocket, retrieving the spoon I had used to feed Hikigaya. It was a simple utensil, yet its significance now held a special meaning for me.

My cheeks flushed at the thought of the indirect kiss—a fleeting connection that stirred unexpected emotions within me. I toyed with the idea of pressing my lips against the surface of the spoon, savoring the lingering taste of our shared meal.

But then, with a self-conscious shake of my head, I pushed the tempting thought aside. Such actions felt too bold, too vulnerable, especially for someone like me who prided herself on composure and control.

Instead, I carefully returned the spoon to my pocket, my fingers lingering on the smooth metal for a moment longer before withdrawing. The warmth of the evening and the intimacy of our meal lingered in the air around me, a gentle reminder of the unspoken connection I shared with Hikigaya.

As I refocused on my studies, I couldn't help but smile to myself. Perhaps there was more to our relationship than I had initially anticipated—a quiet understanding that transcended words and found solace in shared moments, however simple or fleeting they may be.

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As I sat in the living room, studying while occasionally stealing glances toward the kitchen where Hikigaya washed the dishes, my mind wandered to unexpected places. I couldn't help but daydream about a future—perhaps a married life with Hikigaya. The image of him diligently attending to household chores brought a soft smile to my lips.

Lost in my thoughts, I watched Hikigaya dust the living room with focused attention. His movements were precise yet unhurried, reflecting his thoroughness in everything he did. With each swipe of the cloth, I found myself imagining a life where we would share these mundane yet intimate tasks.

Finally, as Hikigaya finished, I composed myself. I walked over to him, my demeanor professional yet tinged with a subtle warmth that only I could sense. "Thank you, Hikigaya-kun," I said, my voice calm and composed. "You did a thorough job. I'll be sure to request you again next time."

Behind my poker face, my heart fluttered with emotions I couldn't quite name—a mixture of admiration, fondness, and a hint of something deeper. My eyes met his briefly as I bid him goodbye with a nod.

Hikigaya nodded in return, his expression unreadable yet carrying a hint of understanding. "You're welcome, Yukinoshita. I'm glad I could help."

With that, Hikigaya turned towards the apartment door, ready to leave. I watched him go, my thoughts swirling with newfound feelings that both thrilled and unsettled me. As I closed the door behind him, I leaned against it for a moment, my breath catching in my throat.

"Goodbye, Hikigaya-kun," I whispered to myself, my heart racing with the anticipation of what the future might hold.

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After bidding Hikigaya goodbye at the door, I retreated into my apartment, my thoughts consumed by the evening's events. I took a hot bath to relax, the warmth soothing my body but doing little to calm my racing mind. As I crawled into bed, I noticed the spoon resting on my pillow—the same spoon I had used to feed Hikigaya earlier.

Embarrassment flooded my cheeks as I recalled the momentary lapse in judgment when I had briefly considered kissing the spoon—an act I couldn't believe I had entertained. The idea of an indirect kiss with Hikigaya lingered in my mind, both thrilling and unsettling.

I rolled around on my bed, letting out soft yelps of embarrassment as I tried to shake off the vivid imagery playing in my thoughts. My heart raced at the mere thought of what I had almost done.

Despite my attempts to distract myself, I found it difficult to sleep. The clock ticked past midnight, and then one in the morning, before exhaustion finally overtook me. As I drifted off, dreams of a wedding ceremony welcomed me into a world where reality and fantasy intertwined, where Hikigaya stood beside me, our futures entwined in ways I had never imagined possible.