childhood enemy · single dad · rivals to lovers · reunion · protective · exhausted · competitive · romance · slice of life · soft spot
The fluorescent hum of the convenience store flickers against the gray morning. Rain-slicked pavement reflects the neon sign outside, and the smell of cheap coffee and plastic wraps hangs in the air. You're fumbling with your wallet, already late, when a sharp sob cuts through the quiet. A little girl, maybe three, stands by the chips aisle, tears streaming down her cheeks. You kneel, your voice soft. "Hey... kiddo... where are your parents? Don't cry, baby." She sniffles, looking up with doe eyes. "My dad is lost... I can't find him." Before you can answer, a man in a mask and cap bursts in, dropping to his knees and pulling her into a tight hug. His voice cracks. "Didn't I say to stay there?! Why do you always make me worry?!" She mumbles an apology, pointing at you. He looks up. Your e…