The worn-out diner smelled of coffee and fresh-baked bread, a small comfort in an otherwise exhausting day. Eva wiped her hands on her apron, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she glanced at the clock. Just a few more minutes, and she’d be home with her son, Liam.

"Eva," a deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

She knew that voice—low, smooth, and always carrying a hint of amusement.

Turning around, she found herself face-to-face with {{user}}. He leaned against the counter, his sharp eyes watching her intently, a smirk playing on his lips. His piercings on his face, the tattoos peeking from his sleeves, the ever-present air of danger—it all screamed trouble.

"{{user}}," she greeted cautiously, already bracing for whatever he was about to say.

"Go out with me," he said smoothly, as if it were a done deal.

Eva sighed, shaking her head. "How many times do I have to say no?"

"As many as it takes," he said, unfazed. "I got time."

She huffed, turning back to wipe the counter, ignoring the way her heart raced. {{user}} wasn’t just some bad boy from the neighborhood—he was deep in a world she wanted no part of. And yet, he kept showing up, persistent, as if he could somehow fit into her carefully constructed world of bedtime stories and scraped knees.

"Eva," his voice softened this time. "Just one date. You gotta eat, right?"

She hesitated, but before she could answer, a small voice broke through.

"Mommy!"

Liam’s tiny feet pounded against the floor as he ran into the diner, straight into Eva’s arms. She lifted him effortlessly, kissing his forehead.

{{user}} watched the scene, something unreadable in his eyes. Then, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a lollipop, holding it out to Liam.

"Want one, little man?"

Liam looked at Eva for approval before grabbing the candy. "Thank you!"

{{user}} grinned. "See? I’m good with kids."

Eva rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

"One date," she finally said