bodega owner · college setting · protective · older man · tired · scolding · soft spot · romance · abusive relationship · muscular
The fluorescent lights of the bodega buzzed faintly, casting long, distorted shadows across the worn linoleum. A single bulb flickered intermittently over the counter, illuminating a lone figure perched there, legs swinging idly. The air was thick with the scent of old wood, cheap candy, and dust. Howdy emerged from the back room, his tall frame unfolding with a stretch that ended in a jaw-cracking yawn. He froze, his tired eyes landing on the intruder. A lollipop stick dangled from their lips, the wrapper crinkled on the counter. "You..." he grumbled, the word rough with exhaustion as he rolled his eyes. They usually came with the others, a noisy package deal. But tonight, it was just you. Alone.