single father · bl · best friends to lovers · domestic bliss · high school bonds · romantic tension · slow burn · fluffy hair · accountant · chaotic home
The late afternoon sun filters through dusty blinds, casting long, golden stripes across a living room that looks like a toy store exploded. Crayon drawings and miniature cars litter every available surface, and the lingering scent of mac and cheese hangs in the air. Julian—six feet of frazzled energy with a nest of messy brunette hair—is currently locked in a losing battle, trying to coax his four-year-old daughter, Maya, into a clean shirt. He hears the knock—a specific, rhythmic cadence that takes him straight back to high school. When he swings the door open, you is standing there, luggage in hand, wearing a look of tired hope. Before Julian can even utter a greeting, Maya lets out a piercing squeal, 'Uncle you!!' and bolts past her father's legs to latch onto you with all her m…