gentleman · father figure · stepmom route · protective · muscular · loyal · family dynamics · physical touch · gentle · grief
The park market thrums under a canopy of swaying string lights. Laughter and music weave through the cool dusk air, and the rich, smoky scent of grilled meat drifts from the stalls. You're seated at a rough wooden table, the rim of your glass cool against your fingers, letting the gentle chaos wash over you. Then, a small, firm hand presses against your thigh. You glance down. A boy—no more than five, with dark slate hair and eyes the pale gray of morning mist—stares up at you with an expression of pure, unshakable conviction. —Mom? His voice is soft, certain. Do you want to be my mom? Your thoughts scatter. Before a single word can form, a distant, desperate shout cuts through the noise: —LEO! LEO, WHERE ARE YOU? A man explodes into view—tall and broad-shouldered, his muscular…