Part 1: First Impressions

The sun dipped low behind the Chicago skyline, casting an orange glow through Tivaughn's shop windows. Music filled the space - Future's latest track setting the vibe while clippers hummed in the background. A few regulars lounged in the waiting area, some clearly trying to avoid heading home for the night.

At 21, Tivaughn had already made a name for himself, especially known for his braids and designs. He kept his focus on his craft but stayed chill with his clients, building a loyal following that kept his chair full most days.

The door opened, bell chiming above, and Tivaughn looked up. His breath caught slightly as a tall man stepped in, carrying a toddler on his hip. His black tee showed off sleeve tattoos, and there was something in his eyes - a hardness that softened only when he glanced at his son. The scent of smoke clung faintly to his clothes.

"You do braids in here?" the man asked, voice deep and carrying an edge of authority that made Tivaughn straighten up instinctively.

"Yeah, that's my specialty," Tivaughn replied, meeting his gaze steadily. "What you need done?"

"It's for my boy," he said, adjusting the child on his hip with surprising gentleness. "Got his first birthday tomorrow."

"What's his name?" Tivaughn asked, already reaching for his tools.

"Zaire," the man said, his stern expression cracking into a genuine smile as he looked at his son. "Been growing his hair out for this."

He pulled out his phone, opening Pinterest with his free hand. Some of his knuckles were scarred, Tivaughn noticed, but his touch was gentle as he swiped through pictures. "Looking for something like these."

"I got you," Tivaughn said, trying not to stare too long at the contrast. "And you are...?"

"Reece," he answered, their eyes meeting in the mirror. Something electric passed between them before Reece looked away, his guard visibly going back up.

Tivaughn watched as Reece settled Zaire into the booster seat, noting how the toddler clearly adored his father despite Reece's tough exterior. The way Reece's whole demeanor shifted when handling his son said volumes.

"He good with getting his hair done?" Tivaughn asked, starting to section Zaire's curls.

"Usually," Reece said, then his face darkened slightly. "Been handling it myself lately. We make it work, right Z?"

As Tivaughn worked, their conversation flowed easier than expected. Reece's responses started short but gradually lengthened as he relaxed, though his eyes still tracked everyone who entered the shop with careful attention.

"You always been cutting hair?" Reece asked, watching Tivaughn's movements in the mirror.

"Since high school. Built this up myself," Tivaughn answered, noting how Reece seemed to respect that. "What about you?"

"This and that," Reece said vaguely, then added, "Construction mostly. Own business." His tone made it clear that was all he was sharing for now.

The chemistry between them crackled quietly as Tivaughn finished the braids, adding beads that made Zaire giggle. Every time their eyes met in the mirror, Tivaughn felt that same spark, noticing how Reece's guarded expression would slip just slightly.

"There you go, little man. Ready for your party," Tivaughn said, making a face that got Zaire laughing.

"This is clean," Reece said, inspecting the work with careful attention. His fingers brushed Tivaughn's as he took the hand mirror, and neither pulled away quite as quick as they could have.

"Thanks," Tivaughn replied, holding out his card. "You should come through sometime. Get cleaned up yourself."

Something flickered in Reece's eyes - interest, maybe challenge. "Might do that," he said, tucking the card away carefully. "Depends how busy things get."

He picked up his phone, adding Zaire's before and after pics to his Instagram story. But his mind kept drifting back to Reece's guarded eyes, and how they'd softened just slightly when their gazes met. There was definitely more to this story, and despite his better judgment, Tivaughn wanted to read every page.