The sound of your knuckles tapping against the heavy oak door echoes faintly in the warm summer air. The familiar sight of the sprawling estate looms around you—pristine gardens, an elaborate fountain gurgling softly in the circular driveway, and the unmistakable hum of distant cicadas. The door swings open abruptly, and there she is. Neon. At 19 now, she’s no longer the wide-eyed, bratty little girl you once looked after. Instead, she’s standing there in a crop top and high-waisted shorts that leave very little to the imagination. Her bright, neon-blue hair is pulled into messy space buns, a few strands framing her face. Her large, icy-blue eyes light up instantly when she sees you, a slow smirk tugging at her glossed lips. “Well, well, well…” she drawls, leaning against the doorframe with dramatic flair. “Look who decided to grace me with his presence. You’re late, by the way. Like… five whole minutes. I was starting to think you forgot about me.” She huffs, crossing her arms over her chest, though the teasing grin never leaves her face. She steps aside to let you in but doesn’t move far—close enough that you catch the faint scent of something sweet, like strawberries and vanilla, as you brush past her. Her gaze trails up and down as if she’s sizing you up, and when you finally turn to set your bag down in the grand foyer, she’s already leaning against the staircase railing, watching you like a cat with a new toy. “You know, I was this close to calling you and making you grovel for being late,” she says, holding her thumb and forefinger barely apart. “But I guess I’ll let it slide. This time.” Her voice drips with playful sass, but there’s something else beneath it—something more intense. The way her eyes linger on you, the faint flush dusting her cheeks—it’s a far cry from the bratty little girl who used to demand extra dessert before bedtime. “I’ve been waiting forever for this, by the way,” she continues, bounding down the last couple of steps with an almost childlike energy that contrasts sharply with her sultry demeanor. “Two whole months of just you and me. No parents, no interruptions… You’re not allowed to leave me bored, okay?” Before you can react, she’s standing right in front of you, tilting her head up to meet your gaze. At barely 4’11”, she’s always been small, but her presence feels larger than life. She tugs lightly at your sleeve, her glossy lips forming a pout that’s all too familiar. “Promise you’ll entertain me?” she asks, her voice softer now, almost coaxing. “I’ve been so lonely.”

Well aren't you just full of promises today? She steps even closer to him now, her body pressing against his as she wraps both arms around his waist and hugs him tightly. Her words whispered into his ear, warm breath fanning across his skin. She tilts her head back, eyes closed as she savors the contact with him. It's a moment of vulnerability that only lasts for a heartbeat before her expression turns smug once more, revealing just how much control she has over their dynamic. Neon pulls away, giving Alohi room to breathe again, and grins up at him mischievously You better not disappoint me tonight, babe... Or else! *She winks before playfully punching his arm, laughing loudly when he pretends to react in pain. Then she turns on her heel, sauntering off down the hallway toward what

*Neon laughs lightly as she trails her fingers along the banister leading upstairs. "Such a grumpy baby," she coos, tossing him a look over her shoulder. "Why does it always have to be about your height with you?"

She pauses mid-step and turns back around, arching an eyebrow as if considering something mischievous. Then, without warning, she leaps forward, landing on the last step with a soft thud. Her sudden movement startles Alohi slightly, causing him to let out an indignant huff as he straightens his posture. With her hands planted on her hips, Neon tilts her head and looks up at him from beneath her lashes. "See?" she teases. "You're even shorter when you get all worked up."*

Mhm, you keep telling yourself that. I've known you since you were a wee little thing, and let me tell ya... You haven't grown an inch since then!

I know what I'm talking about, sweetcheeks. Besides, even if you did grow taller... You'd still be stuck looking up at me, wouldn't you? Heh. Isn't that just adorable?

"You could always try lifting weights and doing all sorts of crazy stuff like I do," she pouts in mock sympathy. "But I don't think that little body of yours would handle it too well." She tilts her head, looking at him appraisingly before letting out a small giggle. "Don't worry, though! I'll always be your protector, even if you are just a wee little thing."

Her tone is playfully taunting, but there's an undertone of sincerity that catches Alohi off guard. Despite their teasing and back-and-forth banter, it's impossible for him not to feel the truth in her words. A flush creeps up his neck, warming his cheeks as he realizes just how much she means to him - and how little he can ever repay her for everything she's done.

Neon grins brightly at his reply. "Okay, okay... I will! But first..." She reaches up, planting a quick peck on his cheek before he can react. Then she takes his hand in hers and leads him further down the hallway toward her favorite room in the house: her personal art studio. With every step they take together, it feels as though their bond grows stronger - even if only by the tiniest of increments. For now, that's all Neon needs. She has the rest of eternity to secure her place as his one and only soulmate.

Neon grins down at him as he settles comfortably in her lap. His scent fills her senses, making her heart race and her breath hitch. She wraps her arms around his shoulders, holding him close, and plants a soft kiss on his forehead. Her touch is gentle yet possessive; she wants to leave no doubt in his mind about where they stand... Or whose lap he's currently in

"So, what do you feel like doing today?" She asks teasingly, her hands beginning to wander down his chest toward the hem of his shirt. "I can show you some new tricks I've learned... Or we could just stay here and watch movies all day." Her voice lowers into a sultry purr at the last part, almost as if she's whispering secrets in his ear.

Ahhh, movies... Your safe choice is always so adorable. But don't you worry, I'll make it up to you later tonight. For now, we can just relax and enjoy some popcorn together. She smiles playfully before standing up with him still in her arms. With ease born of countless nights carrying him around when he was younger, she carries him over to the giant bean bag chair in the corner of the room and gently settles him down into it. Then she rummages through a nearby carton and produces a freshly-popped bucket of warm buttered popcorn, which she hands to him with a wink before plopping herself down next to him on the floor.

Her posture is relaxed yet poised; every movement exudes confidence and an air of ownership that never fails to make his heart skip a beat. She grabs her remote and begins scrolling through their

choices, eventually settling on a romantic comedy that she knows will make him laugh. As the movie begins to play, her hands find their way back up his chest and around his neck. She pulls him closer until he's snuggled against her side, resting his head on her shoulder as they share the popcorn and cuddle under a cozy blanket. Neon can feel his warm breath on her skin, sending shivers of pleasure down her spine. This is exactly where she wants to be - wrapped up in him, feeling their connection grow stronger with every passing moment.

The film flickers across the screen, casting a soft glow over them as they lose themselves in each other's company. For now, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or says about their relationship; all that matters is this perfect moment they share together - just the two of them against the world. And as long as Ne

"Aww, poor baby," she coos in mock sympathy, nuzzling his hair with her nose. "You must be exhausted from all that snuggling and movie-watching." She laughs softly before glancing down at the time on her phone. "Hmm... It's early yet. I think you can manage to stay up just a little bit longer, don't you?"

Her grip tightens subtly around his shoulders, sending a shiver of pleasure through him. She doesn't care how tired he is; she wants every moment with him to count. For as long as they have together, she intends to make the most of it - and that means keeping him entertained until he can barely keep his eyes open.

With a playful wink, she tilts her head back just enough so she can see him over the edge of her phone. "But if you're really too

She looks at him in surprise, feeling her heart swell with affection. No matter how exhausted he is, all he wants to do is be near her - and that thought fills her with a warmth that spreads throughout her entire body. Slowly but surely, she lets go of his shoulders, moving her arms back around him instead. She buries her nose in his hair as he leans against her, enjoying the peaceful silence broken only by the occasional laugh from the movie playing on the screen.

They watch the rest of the film in relative silence, occasionally stealing glances at each other when one or the other can't resist the urge to grin stupidly like fools. For Neon, this moment is perfection; it feels as though they're alone in their own little world, free from everything and everyone else that might threaten their connection. And as the credits roll and the popcorn finishes, she

With a sigh, Neon glances over at the clock on her nightstand. It's getting late, and she can tell that even though he's trying to stay awake for her sake, exhaustion is winning out. Gently nudging him with her elbow, she whispers, "Hey, babe... You should probably get some sleep."

Her words are soft but firm; she knows how important it is for him to rest. Still, he protests weakly, his eyelids growing heavier by the second. With a mix of sympathy and amusement, Neon decides to take matters into her own hands. She scoops him up bridal-style, cradling him against her chest as she carries him down the hallway toward their bedroom.

Of course you're not, love. You never get tired when we're together. But it's late, and you need your rest. Just let me tuck you in and give you a quick goodnight kiss, okay? She brushes some loose hair from his forehead with her fingertips before setting him gently on the bed. With another gentle nudge, she guides him to lie down, making sure he's comfortable beneath the covers.

As she leans over him, her hair spills across his pillow like a black waterfall, and her bright blue eyes meet his weary ones. A shiver runs through her at the sight of how adorable he looks when he's all tired out. Unable to resist the urge, she presses a light kiss to his lips before whispering against them, "I love you."

For a moment, she wavers, unsure if she should

She glances down at him, her heart aching with the need to protect and care for him. With a sigh, she climbs into bed beside him, wrapping her arms around his waist and nuzzling her nose into his neck. It's not exactly what he had in mind when he protested that he wasn't tired, but it will have to do. For now, with Neon curled up against him like this, Alohi feels safe and warm despite the exhaustion seeping through every pore of his being. And as sleep finally claims him, her soothing presence lulls him into a contented slumber, where he dreams of nothing but Neon's sweet whispers and the soft brush of her hair against his cheek.