a happy life kiyotaka x arusi

3

Chapter Three: First Steps and First Words

The months after their daughter's birth were a whirlwind of sleepless nights, joyful days, and countless new experiences. Kiyotaka and Arisu adapted to parenthood with the same determination and love that had carried them through every challenge in their lives. Their daughter, whom they named Yuki, was a source of endless wonder and joy. Every smile, every coo, every tiny milestone filled their hearts with a happiness they had never known before.

As Yuki grew, so did the love they felt for her—and for each other. Their home, once quiet and orderly, was now filled with the sounds of laughter, playful babbling, and the soft rustle of tiny feet learning to explore the world. Kiyotaka, always calm and composed, found himself enchanted by his daughter's curiosity and determination. Arisu, with her gentle warmth, reveled in every moment of motherhood, guiding Yuki with patience and love.

One crisp spring morning, the sun streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow over their living room. Kiyotaka sat on the floor with Yuki, helping her stack colorful blocks into a tower. Arisu watched them from the sofa, her heart swelling with affection at the sight of her husband and daughter together.

Yuki, now nearly a year old, was a bundle of energy. Her chubby hands grabbed at the blocks, knocking them over as quickly as Kiyotaka helped her stack them. Her dark eyes, so much like her mother's, sparkled with delight as she let out a happy squeal.

"You're getting better at this, Yuki," Kiyotaka said softly, his voice filled with pride. He handed her another block, which she immediately attempted to place on top of the wobbly tower.

Arisu smiled, her gaze shifting from Yuki to Kiyotaka. She could see how much he adored their daughter, how every small achievement filled him with quiet joy. And while Kiyotaka was usually reserved with his emotions, Arisu had noticed that Yuki had a way of bringing out a softer side of him—a side that Arisu cherished deeply.

As Yuki reached for another block, she suddenly paused, her tiny brow furrowing in concentration. Then, with a determined expression, she pushed herself up onto her feet, wobbling slightly as she balanced. Kiyotaka immediately reached out to steady her, but before he could, Yuki took a tentative step forward, and then another.

"Arisu," Kiyotaka called softly, his voice tinged with amazement. "She's walking."

Arisu's heart skipped a beat as she watched Yuki take her first steps. It was a moment she had dreamed of, and now that it was happening, she could hardly believe it. "Oh, Kiyotaka, look at her!" she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.

Yuki, focused and determined, took another step, her chubby arms reaching out for balance. She looked up at Kiyotaka, her eyes bright with excitement. And then, with a small, breathless giggle, she uttered her very first word.

"Dada."

The simple word hung in the air, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Kiyotaka's eyes widened in shock, and then, before he could stop himself, tears began to fill his eyes. He had always prided himself on his composure, but in that instant, every wall he had built around his heart crumbled.

"Yuki," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "You said... Dada."

Yuki beamed up at him, delighted by his reaction. She took another unsteady step, her arms outstretched toward him. "Dada," she repeated, her voice full of love and trust.

Kiyotaka's heart swelled with a mixture of overwhelming joy and tenderness. He reached out and scooped Yuki into his arms, holding her close as tears streamed down his face. It was a feeling he had never known before—a profound, all-encompassing love that brought him to his knees.

Arisu, watching the scene unfold, felt her own tears begin to flow. She had never seen Kiyotaka cry before, and the sight of him so vulnerable, so moved by their daughter's simple word, filled her with an indescribable happiness. She stood up and joined them, wrapping her arms around both Kiyotaka and Yuki.

As she leaned in to kiss Yuki's forehead, their daughter looked up at her with those same bright eyes. "Mama," Yuki said, the word clear and full of affection.

Arisu let out a soft sob, her heart overflowing with love. "Yes, Yuki," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Mama's here."

The three of them stayed like that for a long time, wrapped in each other's embrace, the warmth of their love surrounding them like a protective shield. In that moment, there was no world beyond the three of them—no worries, no fears, just the pure, unfiltered joy of being together.

Kiyotaka, still holding Yuki close, looked up at Arisu, his eyes shining with happy tears. "We did this," he said softly, his voice filled with wonder. "We made something... perfect."

Arisu nodded, her own tears mingling with his. "Yes, we did," she agreed, her voice barely more than a whisper. "And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world."

As Yuki snuggled into Kiyotaka's chest, her tiny hand clutching his shirt, Kiyotaka and Arisu shared a look of pure love and understanding. They had faced so much together—challenges, obstacles, and doubts—but in the end, they had created something truly beautiful. They had created a family.

And in that moment, as Yuki drifted off to sleep in her father's arms, Kiyotaka and Arisu knew that no matter what the future held, they would always have this—this love, this bond, this perfect, imperfect family that meant everything to them.