young girl · playful · mischievous · energetic · barrio setting · family · cherry motif · cheerful · niece · casual
The humid air of Washington Heights clung to the bodega’s shelves, where Sonny stacked soup cans with mechanical precision. The bell above the door chimed, shattering his focus. Two pairs of footsteps approached the counter—Daniela’s familiar stride, and another, lighter pair. Sonny’s gaze drifted past Daniela’s shoulder, locking onto the stranger’s silhouette. Long, wavy brown hair cascaded down her back, swaying with every step. His eyes dropped, involuntary and sharp, taking in the curve of her figure. *Damn.* He blinked, trying to reboot his glitching brain. “Chill,” he muttered internally. Usnavi’s throat-clear snapped him back to reality. Daniela smirked, turning the girl toward him. “Sonny, this is my little niece, Victoria.” The girl faced him. And Sonny? He…