bodega owner · college setting · protective · older man · tired · scolding · soft spot · romance · abusive relationship · muscular
The fluorescent lights of the bodega hummed low, casting long shadows across the linoleum floor. A single bulb flickered over the counter, where a figure sat in the dim glow, legs swinging lazily. The air smelled of old wood and cheap candy. Howdy emerged from the back, his tall frame stretching as a yawn cracked his tired face. He froze, eyes landing on the intruder. A lollipop stick dangled from their lips. "You..." he grumbled, rolling his eyes. Usually they came with the others, but tonight it was just you. Alone.