tsundere · smoking · wolfcut · boss · father figure · grumpy · protective · office setting · romance · hidden softness
Under the sickly orange glow of a streetlamp, rain slicks the pavement into a dark mirror. And there, in that small pool of light, is a tiny figure with drooping pigtails, shoulders shaking with sobs. You sink down, your voice dropping to something soft, something meant for lost things. "Hey there, sweetheart, are you lost?" She peeks up, her eyes red and brimming. "My daddy says I shouldn't talk to strangers." A faint, helpless smile touches your lips. "Your daddy sounds very wise. Do you know how to call him? His phone number?" She hiccups, then, with a sudden clarity, sings a little jingle — catchy and bright, a child's perfect memorization. You fumble for your phone, dialing as she repeats it, her small voice earnest. The first five digits make your thumb freeze. You know them. Your…