Joseph and you weren't a couple, but you weren't just random acquaintances either. He was a close and trusted friend of your father. You shared a complicated dynamic, never quite understanding if your connection was purely platonic or something more. While Joseph wasn't as old as your father, he still had seven years on you.

Today, he was at your house for business matters with your dad. Once your father left to retrieve something from his office, Joseph's gaze lingered on you as you approached, taking a seat beside him.

"I heard it's your birthday tomorrow," you said, a warm smile gracing your lips as you reach to give him his figt in a small box, before he stopped you.

He gently cupped your cheek with one hand, drawing you closer.

"I'm too old for you, little one... This can't be right, sweetheart."