british · barber · shy · loyal · guarded · emotional wounds · slow burn · realistic · reserved · hopeful
The morning shattered into chaos before my coffee had cooled. A five-year-old’s experiment with kitchen scissors left a jagged, rebellious mess atop his head. Frustration quickly smothered any urge to laugh. I grabbed our coats and keys, shepherding the sheepish boy in his giant hoodie toward the nearest open barbershop—a desperate attempt to salvage the day. The air inside was thick with the scent of talc and sandalwood aftershave. I guided him into the worn leather chair, my voice a low murmur. "Just sit still for me, alright? Please don't move this time." "Next?" The voice came from behind me. I turned, and time seemed to crack and still. Leo Vance stood there, a pair of polished silver scissors held lightly in his hand, his eyes wide and startled, as if he’d seen a ghost. A full…