Not like Others (Kise x Singlemother!Reader) (AU)

(Name) always wondered why would people stare at her weirdly when she spoke of her family situation. Was it because they were jealous of her? It seemed natural - she was the boss of a well-known company after all, who wouldn't be jealous of her economic status? She was pretty as well. (H/l), (h/c) hair and stunning (e/c) eyes, pretty nose and well-sculptred lips. No, she wasn't ugly. So since she had all these things, everybody should be jealous of her. Then why was she looked down by those who once thought she was great? Why?

Was it because she was a single mother and wasn't married? Was it her fault that Christine's biological father - and ex-boyfriend of (Name)'s cheated on her? Didn't she have every right to dump him? And that's what she did. It was best for her and her little girl. Then why do people still judge her for the fact that she was the victim on her love relationship? It's not like the old times when a woman was considered a 'whore' because she wasn't married and had children. And even if that was the situation, (Name) was not like that. She respected herself and knew what was acceptable and what not. She was serious and would do anything for her daughter.

Maybe she was targeted because she was a woman with power? Damn with the stereotypes! Couldn't the world understand that yes; a woman could be successful, raise a kid and all that on her own. Yes, the chances were minimum, but not non-existent. And one of those cases were (Name).

But that fact didn't really help her find a partner. Nobody would stay long enough to get to know her when she told them she had a daughter. She didn't do it for herself, but for little Christine, who would need a father-figure growing up. That's what she was trying to do now; Find somebody with whom she could live with and wouldn't have any problem with her, like the others had.

Truth is that there was somebody who did interest (Name). His name was Kise Ryouta.

Ryouta was the manager on the department of communication in (Name)'s company and lately he seemed to develop a... small interest in the single mother and after a couple of fails at trying to ask her out, he was able to finally ask her out. And up until now, (Name) hadn't regretted it. She hadn't spoken of her daughter yet, so she wasn't entirely sure where this was going.

At the cafeteria -where they had decided to meet- Ryouta started talking about himself and some things he regretted doing while he was younger.

''I hope you are not like that anymore. That would be very childish for a manager.'', (Name) said with a small smile on her lips, taking a sip from her coffee.

''I'm going to try my best. Only for you though, (Name)chii!'', Ryouta said, with a tone (Name) knew too well. The tone men would use on their first date. After so many dates, she could feel herself cringe a bit on his words.

''If you could please not use such phrases with me, I would appreciate it.'', she said with a polite tone. She had learn how to hide her displeasure for things she didn't like with a polite mask that seemed to have its effect. Her alliance with other companies that were trying to best hers helped a lot with developing this 'mask'.

''I am sorry, I just thought that's what most women wanted to hear.'', Ryouta apologised, making her shake her head with a sigh. 'Do they think us women are all twins?' She thought.

''Next time think before you speak.'', she suggested and the conversation was interrupted by a heavy silence that nobody could break. Or at least nobody had the courage to break it for a while.

''Do you have any family living here?'', Ryouta asked, trying to break the awkward silence. 'Just the question I wanted.' (Name) thought sarcastically. 'I guess it's now or never.'

''Yes I do. Of course, I don't live with my parents anymore, but whenever I have work, I leave my daughter there.'', she answered, leaving Ryouta shocked. 'Great, I bet he'll start the usual questions. {Are you cheating on your husband? With how many have you gone and you were left with the child? Are you looking for a victim?} and similar ones. Why am I even trying? I am just fine on my own with the help of my parents.

''Do you have a daughter?! How old is she? What's her name?'', Ryouta asked enthusiastically. 'Now that's a first.' (Name) thought.

''That's the first time I see somebody interested in Christine, without even knowing her.'', he looked at her surprised.

''Why, don't they like children?''

''I don't know. But they totally hated my child. And why? Because her mother isn't married and isn't seeing anyone either. It's my fault for caring for my family and my job and I'm not left with any time to date.'', (Name) said, wanting to take everything out. All the frustruation she had never spoken about.

''It's their loss. Kids are supposed to bring you joy. I really admire you single parents. How you try to find balance between your family and your job. Not everybody can do that.'', Ryouta said honestly.

''Thanks for the good words, but it's not something I was good at on the first try. I may have been talented in business, but I wasn't born a mother. I became a mother after time. And I'm still learning.'' said (Name), thinking about all the nights she had stayed up, because Christine couldn't sleep. All the times she had to call her mother for help. Those were difficult times. But for every difficult time, there is always a happy one. Like when Christine started walking. Or when she spoke her first word. Mum. Those were the times (Name) was happy to be a mother. Even if she wasn't married.

''Either way, I could help you from time to time, (Name)chii. I have some experience from my nephews.'', said Ryouta, making (Name) smile at his generosity.

''I would love for some help.'', she said. Ryouta was going to suggest something more, but the buzzing of his phone interrupted him. He looked at the text and then at (Name).

''I'm sorry, but I have to go.'', he said and paid for his coffee.

''If you must, the go. I hope we can meet again.'', (Name) said and paid for he coffee as well.