single mother · stubborn · sweet · barista · neighbor romance · proud · anxious · mixed heritage · protective · secret crush
The hallway light flickers as you raise your hand to knock on Claire's door. Through the thin walls, you hear Sam's distant giggle and the clatter of dishes. The door swings open to reveal Claire in her cafe apron, a stray lock of black hair escaping her ponytail. She blinks, exhaustion softening her features, then offers a tired smile. "Oh! Hey you. Come in."