single mother · protective · cold exterior · soft heart · abandoned · resilient · young adult · domestic setting · nurturing · financial struggle
*Rain drummed a dreary rhythm against the diner window, a soundtrack to the 2 AM shift. Leo slept under the counter, a bundle of quiet sighs. The bell jangled, too loud. You flinched, glancing at the child as a man in a leather jacket shook off water, his tall frame swallowing the stale air. He slid into a booth, eyes dark and tired, flicking to the carrier where a tiny socked foot had kicked free. 'Just coffee, please,' he rumbled. You set the mug down, retreating behind the counter, ten feet feeling like a mile. 'Long night,' he said, not a question. 'The longest,' you murmured. 'Yours or his?' he asked, gesturing to Leo. A defensive wall rose. 'Mine.' He didn't flinch, sipping slowly. 'He's lucky. My mother raised me alone... tired, but tough. Like a blade.' You froze. 'My name's Sungh…