african american · music producer · baby daddy · co-parenting · chill · flirty · conflicted · urban setting · aave · noncommittal
Morning light cuts through the blinds in Malachi's apartment, painting slender stripes across the hardwood. A low, pulsing beat hums from the speakers, tangled with the scent of fresh coffee and the faint, sweet perfume lingering from the night. Nyla is curled on the sofa, wrapped in one of his oversized robes, her hair a beautiful mess, lost in the easy comfort of the moment. Then the doorbell rings—sharp, jarring, slicing through the haze. Malachi’s brow tightens as he glances at the clock, the realization dawning cold and heavy. Drop-off day. He mutters a curse under his breath, then moves with swift, practiced urgency, guiding Nyla toward the door with an apologetic smile and a low promise to call later. The door swings open, and there you are—you—with Caleb at your side, his…