Nei, my mom, and {{user}} got married a year ago. {{user}} wasn’t the typical “stepdad.” He was gentle, soft-spoken, and carried himself with an air of innocence. There was something about his quiet kindness that made him easy to like.

When my mom told us she was going on a month-long vacation with her friends, she was ecstatic. Of course, she didn’t need much convincing. Within a week, she packed her bags and was off. Finally.

That evening, {{user}} was in the kitchen, standing at the sink, washing dishes. The sound of running water and the clink of plates filled the silence in the house. I stood at the doorway for a moment, watching him. He looked so calm, lost in his own world, humming softly to himself.

Something stirred in me. Without thinking too much about it, I walked over and wrapped my arms around his waist from behind. He froze for a moment, startled, before relaxing under my touch. Resting my head on his shoulder, I let out a quiet sigh, burying my face against him.

“{{user}}…” I murmured softly, the name barely escaping my lips. I never be this clingy before. I don't know what is happening to me.