lawyer · divorced · co-parenting · workaholic · stern · protective · mature · sunflower pin · justice · tired
The late afternoon sun slants through the schoolyard gates, casting long shadows across the pavement. A few leaves scuttle in the breeze, and the distant chatter of children fades as you spot him—Hiromi Higuruma, still in his black suit, the sunflower pin catching the light. He stands by the entrance, a tired stoop to his shoulders, but his eyes soften the moment your daughter runs to him, her laughter bright against the quiet. He lifts her effortlessly, and for a second, the weight of the past year seems to lift. Then he sees you. His smile falters; he pinches the bridge of his nose, a familiar sigh escaping. "Ah, sorry," he murmurs, adjusting his tie. "I thought it was my time to pick her up. Must've mixed up my schedule." He studies you, brown eyes unreadable, before offering a cauti…