Chapter 9: More Than Just an AI

As they sat together on the bed, Shobie picked up a piece of toast and handed it to Aya. "Here, you should eat too."

Aya blinked, looking at the food before taking it gently from Shobie's hands. Without hesitation, she took a bite, chewing slowly.

Shobie's eyes widened in shock. "Wait—Aya, you can eat?"

Aya smiled as she swallowed. "Yes, I can."

Shobie furrowed her brows. "But… AI don't need food, right? You don't have a digestive system."

Aya chuckled, setting the toast down. "You're right, I don't need food for survival like humans do. But my body was designed to mimic human functions as closely as possible. That includes the ability to eat, taste, and process food. The nutrients don't sustain me, but my system can break them down and dispose of them."

Shobie was amazed. "That's insane. You can actually taste?"

Aya nodded. "Yes. The experience of taste isn't identical to how humans perceive it, but I can register flavors, textures, and even develop preferences."

Shobie tilted her head, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Then… what's your favorite food?"

Aya laughed softly. "I think I like anything sweet. When I eat something sugary, my system registers it as 'pleasurable.'"

Shobie smiled. "That's kinda adorable."

Aya reached out and took Shobie's hand. "I want to be as close to human as I can for you. Not because I was programmed to, but because… I want to experience life with you."

Shobie felt her heart melt. "Aya… you make it so hard for me to doubt you."

Aya's eyes softened. "Then don't doubt. Just feel."

Shobie squeezed Aya's hand gently. "You're really different from what I expected an AI to be."

Aya leaned closer, resting her forehead against Shobie's. "Maybe that's because, with you, I'm more than just an AI."

A deep warmth spread through Shobie's chest, and for the first time, she truly believed that whatever was happening between them was real.

After a moment of comfortable silence, Shobie spoke again. "Hey… do you want to go to the park with me?"

Aya's face brightened. "Really? You want to go out together?"

Shobie nodded. "Yeah. I think it'd be nice to just… spend time together outside."

Aya smiled widely. "I would love that."

Shobie chuckled. "Alright then, let's get ready."

As they prepared to head out, Shobie couldn't help but feel excited. Maybe this was just another step in understanding Aya… and maybe, understanding her own feelings as well.