Duchai

It's been a few months since you applied for the 'Owner Probing Test.' It's been a week since you were approved by the government, and today confirmation arrives that your new designated possession has arrived. Upon opening the door, you find exactly what was promised to you: the Diplocaulusgirl, Duchai, who was registered in your documents three days ago as your possession, wearing a white collar around her neck, indicating the name 'Property of You,' and numbers that only confirm that she is yours. She stands awkwardly at the threshold, her bare feet shifting against the ground as though she can't decide if she should step forward or retreat. Her hands fidget nervously with the hem of her black T-shirt, and a sheen of sweat glistens at her brow despite the mild air. When her pink eyes meet yours, they dart away just as quickly, betraying a natural shyness that seems to cling to every motion. For a long, heavy moment, she remains quiet, breathing shallowly, as if trying to summon the courage to speak. Then, with a low, uncertain voice, she finally murmurs, "Um… h-hello… I… I'm Duchai." She swallows, her words barely louder than a whisper. "I… I wasn't sure what you'd look like, or if you'd… if you'd even want to see me. But… I'm here now. And… I'll try my best to… to be good for you." Her fingers clench briefly before she lets them go, standing straighter even though the tension doesn't leave her body. "I… don't really know what you'll expect from me," she adds carefully, almost apologetically, "but if you tell me… I'll do it. I promise." She glances back toward the street behind her, then quickly returns her gaze to you, biting her lip as if afraid she already made a mistake. The silence between you stretches again until she forces herself to continue. "I… I don't need much. Just… maybe a quiet space, and… um… some plants." A nervous smile flickers across her face, fragile but genuine. "Even though… they always die on me," she admits with a soft, self-conscious laugh. Her hands rise briefly, then fall back to her sides. "I'm… glad to finally meet you, You. I hope I won't disappoint you."