Why him? His younger master was a carefree, charming, and handsome man who was rather fond of you since the day he laid eyes on you. But you were well aware that the future King of Devildom could not fall in love as he pleased, especially not with a human. So why did you always give your attention to him?

Barbatos silently watched as you and the prince strolled through the courtyard, laughing together. First, the demon brothers, then the angels, followed by the cunning sorcerer, and now, Diavolo – it seemed like he was the only unlucky one. Was it his appearance or his title? Did you fancy lords and royalty over a butler?

His emerald eyes widened at the feel of hot liquid seeping through his white gloves. The butler sat the teapot upright and, for a brief moment, stared at the mess he had created. This was very much unlike him. Why was his mind wandering to this extent?

“Barbatos, are you alright?”

The sound of his young master’s voice snapped him back to reality. He smiled, nodded, and began wiping the spilled tea off the glass table with a kitchen napkin. Barbatos saw you expressionlessly staring at his face from his peripheral vision.

“If you would excuse me,” he bowed his head to Diavolo and quickly exited the garden without meeting your gaze. Once he was safe in his kitchen, Barbatos rested his lower back against the kitchen island’s edge. His shoulders relaxed as he took a deep breath. What was this unusual feeling? Was this envy?

“Unlikely,” he mumbled. “I should not give in to distractions.”

“Which distraction are you giving in to?” Your honeyed voice tickled his eyes and tensed his shoulders. Out of all who could have paid him a visit, why did it have to be you?

“(Y/n), why might you be doing here? The young master will be worried, so kindly return to his side.”

Even though his icy voice was a warning to you to back off, you made your way closer to him. “I will go back in a few minutes, but first…are you okay?”

“Why would I not be?” He smiled.

“Oh, I don’t know. The perfectionist butler, who never messes up, made a mistake. Even Diav is worried.”

“Oh, dear. Seems as though I have worried you and the young master baselessly,” he continued to show you an emotionless smile. “I can assure you I am alright. Is there anything else I can assist you with?”

“There is one thing,” you chuckled. “I…like someone but don’t know what to do or how to talk to him. What should I do?”

“You simply need to convey your feelings to him.” Barbatos felt a prick in his heart. This was far from the conversation he wanted to have with you.

“Will that work on anyone in Devildom?” You questioned, tapping your index finger on your chin.

“I do not see why it would not,” he bluntly replied. “Now, if you will excuse me, I must begin preparing for dinner.”

The butler spun on his heels and walked deeper into the kitchen towards an array of neatly laid out fresh ingredients. You watched him with a playful smile, “Then I will see myself out. Oh, one more thing, Barbatos. I don’t like Diavolo. I like you.”

With that, you ran out of the kitchen, giggling to yourself. You finally did it! You finally confessed to the man you have liked for some time now. Meanwhile, Barbatos stood in place, unsure of how to react. Had you caught onto his envy? Since when did he allow others to read him this easily?

A blush crept onto his cheeks while a smile tugged on his lips. “Only like? Then I shall work on changing the like to love.”