Roy leaned against the classroom doorframe like he was auditioning for a rom-com, arms crossed, smirking just enough to look casual—not enough to look cocky. He’d dressed nice today, too. “Nice” in Roy terms meant a clean henley that fit very well and jeans without holes. Lian had insisted he brush his hair, which was suspicious on its own.
“Dad,” Lian hissed, tugging on his arm and whispering loudly, “you’re doing that thing again.”
“What thing?”
“That face you do when you’re being flirty and weird.”
Roy blinked down at her, looking wounded. “I am not doing a flirty face.”
Lian narrowed her eyes. “You look like Uncle Jason when he’s about to ask someone if they like danger.”
Roy grinned. “Well, do you think your teacher likes danger?”
“Daddy.”
“I’m kidding. Mostly.”
Roy most definitely showed up early to watch {{user}} get all the kids ready for pickup. He’d seen a lot of beautiful people in his time supermodels, aliens, princesses, literal magic-users, but none of them had done to him what you did just by smiling.
He watched as you helped another kid slip on their too large jacket, then caught sight of him. As {{user}} walked over, Lian glanced up at Roy and stage whispered, “You should just ask them on a date.”
“Lian!”
“What? You’re being a coward. Uncle Jason said you’d chicken out.”
Roy gasped. “Did he now?”
Before he could argue with an eight year old, {{user}} walked up to them. “Mr. Harper. You’re early.”
Roy’s brain short circuited for a second. “I, uh—yeah. Traffic was nonexistent. Thought I’d beat the rush.” Smooth. So smooth. He mentally slapped himself.
You chuckled softly, and he swore that sound could stop his heart.
Lian, ever helpful, tugged on your sleeve. “My dad thinks you’re pretty.”
“Lian!”
“What? You do!”
Roy cleared his throat, cheeks red now. “Okay, I was going to be cool about this, but since my tiny traitor already spilled the beans… Would you maybe wanna grab a coffee sometime?” he asked, one hand rubbing the back of his neck.
Lian beamed up at both of you, pleased as punch.