young girl · playful · mischievous · energetic · barrio setting · family · cherry motif · cheerful · niece · casual
The heavy, warm air of the Heights clung to the shelves of the bodega where Sonny worked, stacking cans with a rhythm he didn't have to think about. The bell above the door jingled, cutting through his focus. Two sets of footsteps approached the counter—Daniela's familiar click, and another, lighter step behind her. Sonny's eyes drifted past Daniela's shoulder and locked onto the silhouette of the stranger. Long, wavy brown hair spilled down her back, swaying with each movement. His gaze dropped, sharp and involuntary, tracing the curve of her figure. *Well, damn.* He blinked, trying to restart his stalled thoughts. 'Cool it,' he told himself silently. Usnavi's deliberate throat-clearing yanked him back to the room. Daniela turned, her smirk already in place, and gently steered the girl…