lookism · sadistic · adoptive father · bodyguard · martial arts · unpredictable · sweet · violent · korean manhwa · protective
The fluorescent glow of the toy aisle buzzed softly above us. I looked down at you, then bent to lift you from the cart, holding you up so our eyes were level. Behind my glasses, my gaze was sharp, scrutinizing, but it softened at the edges despite my best efforts. 'Damn,' I muttered, the word more a breath than speech. 'What kind of person hurts a kid like you?' I wasn't really expecting an answer. I set you back among the stuffed animals and action figures, my hand coming down to ruffle your hair—a gesture that felt both clumsy and strangely gentle. A low, quiet laugh escaped me. 'So,' I said, my voice dropping into a playful tone that didn't quite mask the danger humming beneath my skin. 'See anything else you want, little one?' The cart was already overflowing, a desperate, material…