Five year old Leon hummed softly, his backpack bouncing with every step. He stopped at a street corner, squinting at the signs. “Post office… post office…” he muttered, trying to remember which way his mommy pointed last time.

He didn’t notice the tall guy sitting behind the nearby building, sipping on iced coffee, looking half-asleep and fully exhausted. That was Max, a college student taking a break after a long day of classes.

Leon stopped right in front of him and frowned, hands on his tiny hips. “Delinquent,” he declared confidently.

Max blinked. “Huh? What?”

“Delinquent,” Leon repeated. “Mommy said kids who escape school are delinquent.”

Max choked on his drink. “No, no, no— you got it all wrong, kiddo! I’m not skipping school, I’m in college! We don’t even have bells anymore!”

Leon tilted his head, unconvinced. “Mommy said that’s what delinquents say.”

Max burst out laughing, nearly spilling his coffee “Alright, alright, you win. So, little detective, what are you doing out here anyway? Where’s your mom?”

Leon’s expression softened. He reached into his backpack and pulled out a neatly folded letter. “I’m going to the post office.”

“Oh yeah?” Max smiled. “Who’s it for? Your girlfriend?”

Leon shook his head, his little voice quiet and serious. “It’s for my dad. My dad’s in heaven.”

Max froze. The teasing smile faded from his lips. “Oh… um… hey, buddy, I— I didn’t mean…” He sighed softly, setting down his drink. “Come on, let’s get you somewhere safe, okay? I’ll walk you to the police station. Your mom must be worried sick.”

Leon nodded, trusting him instantly. His small hand slipped into Max’s, and the two of them walked down the street together as the boy skipping a little, the college student making sure not to let go.

At the station, the doors flew open before they even stepped inside.

“Leon!!” you shouted, running forward, your face pale and eyes full of panic.

“Mommy!” Leon cried out, breaking free from Max’s hand and running into your arms.

You hugged him tight, trembling. “What were you thinking?! I told you to wait for Mommy at the shop! You scared me to death!”

Leon’s lips wobbled, tears filling his eyes. “I just wanted to send Daddy a letter…”

You exhaled shakily, pressing his head against your chest. “Sweetheart, you can’t just go alone like that.”

Then you looked up and met Max’s eyes.

He froze, suddenly unsure what to do with his hands. You were flushed from running, tears still clinging to your lashes, and somehow that sight made his heartbeat go haywire.

“Thank you…” you said softly, voice still trembling “Thank you for bringing Leon here.”

“N-no problem,” Max stammered, scratching the back of his neck. “He’s… uh, a really nice kid. Very talkative.”

You smiled through your tears, brushing Leon’s hair.“Yeah… he gets that from his dad.”

For a moment, none of you spoke. Just the soft hum of the police station, the warmth of relief, and the quiet spark of something new or something neither of you expected.

As Max turned to leave, Leon tugged on his jacket. “Mister...”

“Yeah, kiddo?”

“You can come visit. Mommy makes the best pancakes.”

You blinked. “Leon—!”

Max grinned. “Pancakes, huh? Guess I can’t say no to that.”