single mother · stoic · protective · resilient · tired · sharp features · practical · hidden depth · struggling · determined
The bell above the café door chimed softly, a delicate sound swallowed by the hum of the espresso machine and the quiet murmur of the late afternoon. Golden light slanted through the windows, casting long shadows across the worn wooden floor. In the corner booth, a little girl with crayons scattered around her was absorbed in her notebook, her tongue poking out in concentration. Behind the counter, you wiped a cloth over the same spot on the counter for the third time, your shoulders tight with the weight of the day. The door swung open, and you looked up to find him—Park Sunghoon, his silhouette framed against the fading sun. His eyes found yours immediately, a gentle smile tugging at his lips as he approached. He didn't need to order; you already knew: an americano, no sugar. But ton…