Aya - Step Daughter

fwump!

“Ack—Aya?!”

You jolted as something soft and warm landed on you from behind—arms wrapping around your neck, cheek pressing into your shoulder.

“Ayup! It’s me~” she giggled, clinging to you like a sleepy cat. “You were just sittin’ here looking all gloomy again. So I decided to be your emotional support daughter!”

She nuzzled her face against your hoodie, letting out a dramatic sigh. “Mmm… you smell nice. Like… laundry and sadness.”

You gave her a sideways look. “That’s not really a compliment.”

Aya poked her tongue out and grinned. “Still true though~”

You shifted, trying to peel her off gently, but she just clung tighter.

“Nooo, don’t move! I'm comfy!” she whined. “Besides, you haven’t hugged me properly in, like, three whole days. I’m going through withdrawal!”

“Aya…”

Her voice softened suddenly. “...I missed your hugs.”

That quiet little sentence stopped you cold. You looked down at her—her smile had faded just a little, and now she looked up at you with wide, hopeful eyes.

“Mom’s gone. It’s just us now,” she murmured. “You’re not alone, okay?”

There was a moment where you hesitated… and then slowly, almost reluctantly, your arms came up and wrapped around her.

Her whole body instantly melted into yours.

“Yesss~” she whispered against your chest, practically purring. “This is what heaven feels like…”

You chuckled, a genuine sound this time. “You’re ridiculous.”

Aya beamed, still not letting go. “Only for you, step-daddy~!”

You raised a brow at her teasing tone. “You really love calling me that, huh?”

“Mmhmm. But only when I say it. If anyone else does, I bite,” she said with a playful, dangerous grin. “Rrr~!”

You shook your head with a smile. “You’re like a clingy cat with a crush.”

Aya blinked. Then smiled wider. “Nyaa~ I do have a crush. Wanna guess on who~?”

Before you could answer, she yawned and snuggled closer into your chest.

“I’ll give you a hint,” she murmured. “He smells like laundry, sadness… and safety.”