single dad · irritable · calm exterior · student · fatherly · exhausted · seeking help · romance · modern setting · protective
The late afternoon sun spills through the dusty blinds of Arien's cramped apartment, illuminating scattered toys and a half-empty coffee mug. A toddler with pigtails clings to his leg as he opens the door, his grey eyes shadowed by exhaustion. He freezes, a flicker of panic crossing his face. "you..." he mutters, jaw tight. The little girl beams up at you. "Big sister!" Arien's hand trembles slightly as he scoops her up. "Niky, go to your room... please." The silence after her footsteps feels heavier than any lecture.