February 14th, Valentine's Day—a day for the socially active. For someone like me, just an ordinary stay-at-home type, it meant nothing.

I sat quietly in a fast-food joint by the window. Ordered two burgers and a Coke. Watched couples on the street showing off their love everywhere.

If only Qing Xue would come to her senses someday, maybe I could join them. But in this lifetime, it seemed unlikely.

Watching couples arm in arm, whispering sweet nothings—I felt utterly envious. A bold thought crossed my mind: I wished all lovers were long-lost siblings.

But that joke was outdated now. Incest-themed stories flooded everywhere; they didn’t need more. Some groups might even get excited over real siblings.

Sighing, I watched the couples outside dealing tons of damage to me. Occasionally, a 9999 critical hit landed.

Enough already! I should buy torches and gasoline. You guys, show some decency! Holding hands and whispering isn’t enough? Damn it, making out in public?

When I snapped back, I’d crushed the Coke cup in my hand. Cola dripped down the table onto my pants.

Today was a good day for the socially active. For me, it was a disaster.

How envious I was. I even wanted to rent a lover for the evening, chat in a cheap motel. Of course, just a joke.

As I kept observing, my phone rang. It was Yulan’s call.

"Master, Happy Valentine’s Day."

"H-happy."

Yulan, rubbing salt in my wounds? I’m already taking tons of damage. How can I be happy?

"Hey, Master, are you alone today?"

Her voice brimmed with hope. Did she want to spend it with me? Obviously.

"No, with Qing Xue."

I lied. I’d sensed her feelings long ago. Better to reject her now than let her be slowly consumed. Deeper love meant sharper pain. Much of it was gratitude anyway.

Still, I’d always seen her as family.

"Eh, really? But didn’t the mistress go home this morning?"

Having such a sharp maid was troublesome. Yulan was perfect—too diligent. She knew where everything was, kept the house spotless, gave her all.

She’d worked at my place over two years. Never complained. Never rested. I worried she’d overwork herself.

Maybe let her rest today.

"Seems so."

"Master, if you’re alone… could you spend a little time with me?"

"Mm, okay."

She beat me to the invitation. Serious about everything, not just work.

"Mhm, settled! Where are you? I’ll find you."

Her excitement gave me a headache.

"KFC."

"Roger! Wait ten minutes, Master."

She hung up before I gave the address.

Seriously, girl—no street name, and ten minutes for makeup? Even Qing Xue takes half an hour. This maid was too excellent.

Exactly ten minutes later, she sat down. Not a second more or less.

"Master, why so surprised?"

"Am I?"

I replied with slight confusion. Inside, I was shocked. My face showed nothing.

"Mhm, I can see through your heart, Master."

Girl, those words were dangerous…

I studied Yulan closely. No makeup, yet carefully dressed. Hard to describe.

Her fresh face, small triangular hair accessory—indescribable charm. A stylish blue shirt and dark green dress made her look petite and cute.

Under my gaze, her cheeks flushed. Her big eyes sparkled. Shy but not avoiding my eyes. This straightforwardness added to her appeal. She knew exactly how to shine.

"Master, don’t you like my outfit?"

"No, very satisfied."

Not just her top—her fair legs in black stockings. My ideal girl’s look. Could she read my mind?

"Glad to hear. Master, Valentine’s chocolate."

Yulan smiled, pulling a box from her pocket. She offered it with both hands.

"Thank you."

Delicate packaging, cute bow, faint feminine scent. Handmade, not bought.

"I’ll take your first, Master."

"First time…?"

That phrase sounded dirty. Was I being perverted?

"Mhm, your first Valentine’s chocolate, right?"

"Y-yes."

How did she know? Bitterness filled me. Still, the gift made me a little happy.

"Master, are you full?"

She eyed the leftover burger on my table.

"Mm."

Wasting food was wrong. I’d bitten it already. I should finish.

"Then I’ll accept it. No wasting food."

As she took the burger, her face turned bright red.

"I’ve bitten it. Let me get you a new one."

"No, this is fine."

Her boldness made me look away. Hard to refuse.

After eating, we walked side by side. Cold weather, yet she wore thin clothes. I took off my coat, draped it over her.

"Thank you, Master."

"Even for looks, don’t harm your body. It’s freezing. Wear more next time."

"Mhm."

She nodded with a smile. I saw her scheme. She’d always dress like this.

At the park, a crepe cart appeared. She jogged over, bought two.

"Yours, Master. Mine."

"Mm."

Chocolate-flavored. She knew my taste.

"Master’s looks delicious. Can I have a bite?"

Whoa—manga-like development? Girl, how many romance manga have you read?

"Not good."

Her fiery gaze embarrassed me.

"It’s fine. I don’t mind."

No, I minded. But I gave in to her stare.

"Just one bite."

"Mhm, my strawberry one’s good too. Try it, Master."

"N-no. Not into strawberries."

"Master’s lying."

Yulan pointed to her mouth, forcing a smile.

"Alright."

I bit it with a bitter smile. Cool. Tasty.

"Good?"

"Mm."

She beamed. On a bench, she wrapped her arm around mine, rested her head on my shoulder.

The park’s couple-filled atmosphere must’ve influenced her. More young pairs than usual. Some same-gender couples too.

"Master, I like you."

A cool breeze blew. She looked up, whispered in my ear.

"I like you too. As family."

"Mhm."

This feeling wouldn’t be returned. I had Qing Xue. Yulan was family. I didn’t want to hurt her.

"Even knowing it won’t be returned, I’ll stay by your side. Don’t reject me outright. Every girl deserves happiness. At home, I’ll suppress this. The mistress is wonderful—cherish her, Master."

"Mm."

"If… if you’re ever single again, consider me first."

"I will."

Saying that hurt. Was it okay?

Tears welled in Yulan’s eyes. She fought them, buried her face in my chest. Her tears soaked my shirt.

"Just… let me be selfish. I want to rest by you."

"Mm. Rest well. You’ve worked hard."

She laid her head on my lap, curled up like a cat.

As I stroked her hair, she fell asleep. No rest at home. Her nerves always tight.

"Rest well."

Watching her cute sleeping face, I smiled. Maybe this was fine. She’d planned it all. As her master, I’d indulge her.

Behind a large tree, a figure watched them. Silently put down her phone. Bit her lip. Turned away.