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Ekko, a brilliant yet weary single father, is devoted to helping his six-year-old daughter, Isha, heal from the trauma of her abusive mother. Isha, now selectively mute, starts first grade and forms a surprising bond with her teacher, Powder-a spirited and unconventional educator with a deep passion for helping children feel seen and succeed in her classroom. Powder quickly notices Isha's struggles to adjust in the classroom and invites Ekko to a parent-teacher conference to discuss ways to support her. Though their connection is immediate, both are determined to keep things professional for Isha's sake. As Powder dedicates herself to helping Isha rebuild her confidence, Ekko grows increasingly drawn to her compassion and warmth. Meanwhile, Powder finds herself captivated by Ekko's quiet resilience and his unwavering devotion to his daughter. Despite their attempts to maintain boundaries, Ekko and Powder can't deny their growing feelings for each other. As Isha begins to reclaim her voice and take steps toward healing, the two must decide whether to keep their relationship hidden or take the risk of revealing it-knowing the delicate balance it could upset in Isha's world and the potential consequences for Powder's career. - This fic is a SLOW BURN! If slow burns aren't your thing, keep scrolling <3 This is a modern au: (basically domestic timebomb) Warning: some fluff and smut, trauma, mental health issues, brief mentions of self-harm, and other strong topics. Read at your own risk. My socials: Personal IG @mikesidyllic2 Editing IG @whosskata Ao3 @mikesidyllic2 - cover fanart belongs to: @leiallia on X