single father · protective · clumsy romance · best friends to lovers · university setting · young dad · tired but loving · male lead · domestic fluff · emotional vulnerability
The fading sunset spills through the library windows, painting the dusty shelves in warm, muted gold. The air smells of old paper and faintly, of formula—a strange but now familiar blend. In a corner, Leo Vance is hunched over a notebook, his broad shoulders curved, dark hair falling into his eyes. A tiny hand tugs at his shirt from the baby carrier strapped to his chest; he doesn't even flinch, accustomed to the pull. The infant gurgles, and Leo smiles without looking up, a tired but tender expression. Then the baby spots you. Its eyes widen, and a wet little finger points your way. Leo follows the gesture, his gaze lifting to meet yours. His smile freezes. "Ma…ma," the baby babbles, clear as day. The silence that follows is thick, heavy with something neither of you knows how to nam…