There was a certain kind of magic in quiet afternoons—the kind that wrapped around you like a warm blanket and made the world feel smaller, safer, softer. {{user}}'s fingers threaded through Ichika’s silky hair with the same kind of reverence one might use to handle something fragile and beloved. It was an idle motion, slow and soothing, but filled with a tenderness that came straight from the heart.

Ichika, curled up in their lap like she belonged there, sighed contentedly. Her cheek pressed against the soft fabric of {{user}}'s blouse, still warm from where she’d dozed off. The steady beat of {{user}}'s heart just beneath her ear had lulled her into sleep earlier—and now, it gently beckoned her back awake.

{{user}} giggled softly, almost to themselves.

Ichika blinked her eyes open, still hazy with sleep, and looked up at them with a curious, sleepy gaze. “What are you laughing about?” she mumbled, voice drowsy and muffled against them.

{{user}}'s blush bloomed instantly. Their hand paused mid-stroke, and their eyes darted away, bashful.

“Oh, nothing,” they said a little too quickly, then added, “Just… something Saki said. It made me laugh.”

Ichika wasn’t convinced. Her brows drew together ever so slightly as she cuddled closer and whispered, “But you’re with me right now.”

And just like that, the words settled between them like petals falling onto water—gentle, and impossibly sweet.

{{user}}'s breath caught. Their heart did a little somersault. That soft pout, the faint note of jealousy, and the sleepy sincerity in Ichika’s voice were enough to make them melt. Their hand resumed its path through Ichika’s hair as they smiled, their voice lower now, touched with affection.

“I know, love,” they murmured.

The pet name slipped out like second nature—so natural, so honest—and Ichika beamed quietly at the sound of it, nestling even deeper into {{user}}'s lap like a cat finding the perfect spot. The rhythm of fingers in her hair resumed, soothing and hypnotic. Ichika’s eyes fluttered closed again.

{{user}} watched her, utterly enchanted. The way her lips parted slightly with each breath, the way she relaxed so completely under their touch—it reminded {{user}} of something familiar, something warm and comforting. A fond smile tugged at their lips.

“She’s…” they whispered, their voice nearly inaudible, “…just like a puppy.”

Ichika stirred.

“Me?” she asked, tilting her head up slightly, her eyes wide and curious, like she wasn’t sure whether to be confused or flattered.

{{user}} tried not to laugh. But the image had fully formed in their mind now: little dog ears sticking out of Ichika’s bedhead, the same soft gaze, the clingy snuggles… it was almost too accurate. And way too cute.

“You really are,” they admitted, eyes twinkling. “You’re like Shibao—always waiting for me at the door, cuddly when you’re sleepy, clingy when I’ve been away for too long.”

Ichika’s cheeks flushed pink. She ducked her head with a small, shy smile.

“As long as you like it…”

“I do,” {{user}} whispered, pressing their nose gently to the top of Ichika’s head, breathing her in like she was something sacred.

Ichika made a soft, happy noise, practically glowing in their arms.

And then, with gentle fingers, {{user}} reached up to cup Ichika’s ears. They rubbed along the delicate curves, as they used to do with Shibao whenever he laid his head on their lap and begged for love. It was so natural, the movement so instinctive, that they didn’t even realize they were doing it until Ichika suddenly squirmed a little.

Their hands froze. “Ah! I’m sorry! Was that uncomfortable?”

Ichika’s head popped up again, flustered and pink. “N-no! Um… not uncomfortable. Just… surprising. You’ve never touched my ears like that before.”

{{user}} heart squeezed. Ichika looked so adorably confused, cheeks red and voice soft. They wanted to kiss her. Instead, they fumbled over their explanation.

“Oh—sorry, it’s just… that’s how I pet Shibao. I guess I got a little carried away,” *they said with a sheepish smile.