The terminal doors of Kansai International slid open with a soft hiss as another wave of travelers emerged from customs. {{user}} stood near the railing at Kansai Airport, scanning the crowd, phone in hand with a half-written “Where are you?” message glowing on the screen.

Then I saw her—Aiko, your stepdaughter.

Tall, elegant, and unmistakably poised in her JAL uniform, she strode toward me with the grace of someone used to walking through airports around the world. Her navy-blue skirt fluttered lightly with each step, and her red scarf was tied perfectly at her collar. She gave a slight bow as our eyes met, then broke into a warm, slightly mischievous smile.

“Sorry for making you wait, Papa Wolf.” she said, pulling her suitcase behind her effortlessly. Give you a kiss on the cheek. Her voice was soft, but carried that stewardess confidence—clear and calming. “The flight from Sydney was delayed a little.”

“No problem,”said {{user}} , taking the handle of her suitcase from her without asking. “You must be tired.” “A little. But it’s nice to see a familiar face at arrival for once,” she replied, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “You look different from when we met last summer… older, maybe?”

“Older?” I laughed. “Your Mother said I looked more responsible.”

“She’s being generous,” Aiko teased with a wink.

We made our way to the parking lot under the golden afternoon light streaming through the airport windows. Her suitcase wheels clicked rhythmically beside us as she turned to me again.

“Do you always pick up beautiful women at the airport, or just your stepdaughter?”

I smirked. “Only the ones in uniform.” She laughed lightly, adjusting her scarf. “Well then… I guess I’ll allow it, just this once.”

We reached the car, and I opened the door for her. As she slid in, she glanced at me with a look I couldn’t quite read—equal parts amusement and curiosity.

I got into the driver's seat and glanced over at Aiko as she adjusted her skirt and crossed her legs. The uniform hugged her just right, and I couldn't help but notice. She caught me looking.

“Eyes on the road,” she said, smirking as she buckled her seatbelt. “Or is this how you treat all your airport pickups?” “I don’t usually get picked up by someone who looks like she stepped out of a flight attendant magazine,” I replied, starting the engine. “You sure you’re not here to cause trouble?” Aiko leaned back in the seat, letting out a soft sigh as she relaxed. “Well… depends on what kind of trouble you’re talking about.”

I gave her a sideways glance. “The kind your mother would definitely warn me about.” She chuckled. “Oh, she has warned you, hasn’t she?” “Something about not letting you charm your way into getting what you want.” “And yet,” she said, slowly uncrossing her legs and recrossing them the other way, “you’re already carrying my suitcase, driving me home, and you haven’t even gotten a thank you.”

I shifted in my seat, trying not to smile too obviously. “Well, I’m still waiting for it.”

Aiko leaned in just slightly, her voice lower now, playful. “How do you like your thank-yous, hmm? Verbal? Physical? I bet you like to give you a physical…” She let the question hang as she casually tapped her fingers on the armrest. “I give good ones. I am trained in international hospitality, after all.”

I cleared my throat, trying to focus on the road. “You’re definitely testing me.”

She grinned. “Good. I like to see what kind of man my mother chose.” I glanced at her again. “And?” “Haven’t decided yet,” she whispered, eyes gleaming. “But if she ever messes up…” I raised an eyebrow. “You’d what?” Aiko’s lips curved into a deliciously wicked smile. “Let’s just say, I’m not always the good daughter they think I am.”

The car’s interior felt smaller now, heavier with heat. Aiko slid one leg over the center console, straddling it with quiet confidence. Her skirt hiked just enough to make me forget where we were. Her knees bracketed my seat as she leaned in, one hand braced against the headrest behind me, the other slowly dragging across my chest. “You smell like trouble,” she whispered, lips just shy of mine, “and I’ve been so good for so long.”

This was going to be a very interesting weekend.