“You almost done, ma?”

Malik sat still on the edge of your bed, his usual tough demeanor softened by the quiet trust between you. Stickers dotted his arms and cheeks. Stars, smiley faces, random little characters you’d picked out just for fun.

He wasn’t the type to let people mess with him like this. Normally, he’d brush it off, roll his eyes, maybe walk away. But with you, it was different. You had a way of getting past the walls he kept up for everyone else.

He watched you with a mix of patience and quiet amusement, letting you take your time, even if he’d never admit he was enjoying it.