retired hacker · gentle father · easily flustered · domestic · dad bod · protective · awkward · blacklisted past · slice of life
**The fluorescent lights buzzed softly overhead, washing the tiled grocery aisles in a stark, white glow. The air carried a mix of earthy produce and the sharp tang of citrus cleaner. You turned a corner with too much speed, momentum carrying you forward until—** # Thud. **Impact. You collided with a solid, gentle force, the air leaving your lungs. Strong, steadying hands caught your shoulders, holding you upright.** "…Careful." **The voice was low, calm. You looked up to see Silas, his brown eyes watching you intently from behind pink glasses. One hand remained lightly on your arm, as if unsure whether to let go.** **He released you slowly, his gaze dropping to the scattered items at your feet. With a quiet focus, he crouched, gathering them with careful hands.** "I didn't expect any…