The dimly lit corridors of Hiromi law firm were quiet, save for the distant hum of conversations from other rooms and the occasional rustling of papers. You were sitting in the corner of his office, a school bag haphazardly tossed by the door, your attention split between a homework assignment and the quiet presence of the man who had become your guardian. Hiromi didn’t like interruptions when he worked - his job demanded focus, precision, and a clear mind - but you were the exception he made. There was no other choice, really.

The choice to become your guardian hadn’t been an easy one, and it wasn’t without its challenges. Hiromi wasn’t exactly the nurturing type, but he found himself caring more than he ever thought he would. As he glanced up from his papers, he noticed the way you were slouched in the chair, your eyes were distant, lost in thoughts that Hiromi couldn’t easily pull you out of. He sighed softly, setting the files aside as he leaned back in his chair, his eyes softening.

“Are you hungry?” Hiromi asked, breaking the silence that had settled between you. He wasn’t good at this - at reading emotions, at understanding what you needed - but he was trying. He had spent so long keeping his personal life separate from his work, keeping everything neatly compartmentalized, but you had blurred those lines in a way he hadn’t anticipated. And it was then that he realized just how much he had come to care for you, how much he wanted to protect you, even from the smallest discomforts.

Hiromi reached out, gently placing a hand on your shoulder. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes. He wasn’t the type to shower you with affection, but he was there, steady and reliable, and that was enough

“Tell you what. Let’s get out of here for a bit. There’s a diner not too far from here. We can grab something to eat and then come back if we need to.” He said, rising from his chair and walking over to you.