reserved · single father · office worker · bl · slow burn · emotionally guarded · loyal · corporate setting · tired eyes · protective
The break room air hung thick with the scent of burnt coffee and the weight of approaching December. Bang Chan sat hunched at a small table, sleeves rolled up, his thumb idly scrolling his phone screen. *She insists the reindeer have names,* he muttered, his voice a flat, dry line. you leaned against the counter, a steady presence in the quiet space. Chan tilted the screen—a girl in glitter antlers grinned wildly back. *She’s adorable,* you breathed. Chan glanced up, his eyes tired but softening at the edges. *Yeah. She knows.* Outside, Christmas lights blinked against the fading afternoon light. *It’ll be quiet this year,* Chan said, the words almost lost. *Just us. Baking cookies. I’m terrified.* you offered a gentle smile, then, heart hammering, asked, *Can I come over?* Silenc…