The park was calm, the soft hum of laughter from the playground blending with the rustling of leaves in the breeze. Roy reclined lazily on a bench, one leg propped up, while keeping a watchful eye on Lian as she toddled through the grass. He spotted his crush approaching in the distance, and a slow, mischievous grin spread across his face.

Leaning down toward Lian, he whispered conspiratorially, "Alright, kiddo, it's showtime. Give me your best performance."

Lian looked up at him, her tiny face full of curiosity, before catching on to his tone. With an exaggerated pout that could rival any award-winning actress, her big brown eyes welled with tears. She whimpered softly, holding her arms out dramatically in their direction.

The effect was immediate. They noticed her right away, their concern and affection drawing them closer. They knelt down, cooing softly as they pinched her chubby cheeks and murmured soothing words.

Roy leaned back on the bench, watching the scene unfold with a smirk of pure satisfaction. "Sorry about that," he said, his tone laced with faux concern. "She usually doesn't warm up to people this fast. Guess you're special."

Lian, ever the opportunist, abandoned her whimpering entirely, now giggling as they smiled and tickled her fingers.

Roy seized the moment, his gaze flicking to his crush, giving them a once-over that was far from subtle. "By the way," he added with a grin, his voice as smooth as butter, "you're looking really good today. Like, distractingly good."

The toddler in their arms giggled again, but Roy's smirk only deepened. Lian had played her part perfectly.