**Chapter 6: First Day Jitters**
Max stood outside the bookstore, Kota strapped snugly to his chest in the baby carrier. The building was charming, with a cozy storefront and large windows displaying neatly arranged books. It had a warm, inviting vibe that made Max feel like this might actually be a place where things would start looking up.
But standing there, ready to start his first day of work, Max’s stomach was in knots. He hadn’t worked in a while—not since Saki had left, not since his life had spiraled out of control. And now, here he was, about to juggle a new job and raising Kota at the same time. No pressure.
Kota, of course, was completely oblivious to his dad’s nerves. He gurgled happily, kicking his tiny legs against Max’s chest as if this were all just a grand adventure.
“You ready for this, little dude?” Max asked, adjusting the baby carrier. “Because I’m definitely not.”
Kota let out a delighted squeal, and Max smiled despite himself. “Yeah, you’ve got the easy part. You just have to look cute and drool on things.”
Taking a deep breath, Max pushed open the door and stepped inside.
---
The interior of the bookstore was even cozier than the outside. Shelves were lined with books of all genres, from fiction to self-help to children’s stories. A few plush chairs were scattered around the room, inviting customers to sit and read. Max immediately felt a sense of calm wash over him. This wasn’t some high-stakes corporate gig. It was a small, quiet bookstore. He could handle this.
A middle-aged woman with a kind smile stood behind the counter. She was the same woman who had offered him the job at the fair. Her name tag read “Noriko.”
“Max, right?” Noriko greeted him warmly. “And this must be your little helper.”
“Kota,” Max said, smiling awkwardly. “Yeah, he’s… definitely a helper. Whether I need it or not.”
Noriko chuckled. “Well, we’re glad to have you both. It’s not often we get employees who bring their own entourage.”
Max laughed nervously. “Yeah, he’s kind of part of the package deal.”
“Well, I’m sure we’ll manage just fine. Why don’t I show you around and get you started?”
Max followed Noriko through the bookstore, trying to take everything in while also keeping Kota entertained. As they passed by the children’s section, Kota reached out toward a display of brightly colored picture books, his tiny fingers grabbing at the air.
“You like that, huh?” Max said, shifting Kota in the carrier. “Maybe we’ll pick out a bedtime story later.”
Noriko smiled at the interaction. “You’ll fit right in here. We get a lot of parents and kids coming through, so Kota might even make a few friends.”
Max wasn’t so sure about that, but he appreciated the positive outlook.
---
The first hour of work went surprisingly well. Noriko had Max unpacking new inventory and organizing the shelves while Kota babbled happily in the carrier. The baby seemed fascinated by all the colorful book covers and the soft rustling of pages, and for once, he wasn’t fussy.
“This isn’t so bad,” Max muttered to himself, sliding a stack of books into place. “I think we’re actually doing it.”
But of course, that was when things started to go sideways.
Just as Max was reaching for another box of books, Kota let out a high-pitched squeal—one of his “I’m about to make your life difficult” squeals. Max glanced down, seeing Kota’s face scrunching up in that all-too-familiar expression.
“Oh no, no, no, don’t you dare,” Max whispered, trying to bounce Kota in the carrier to soothe him. “We were doing so well!”
But it was too late. Kota’s wails filled the quiet bookstore, echoing off the shelves and making every customer in the vicinity turn to look. Max felt his face go red with embarrassment.
“Shhh, come on, buddy,” Max pleaded, desperately trying to calm the baby down. “Not now, okay? Daddy’s working!”
Noriko appeared by his side, her face a mix of concern and amusement. “Everything alright?”
Max nodded frantically, bouncing Kota even more. “Yeah, yeah, he’s just… you know, being a baby.”
Noriko gave him a sympathetic smile. “Why don’t you take a quick break and settle him down? We’ll manage out here.”
Max didn’t need to be told twice. He hurried to the back of the store, where a small staff room offered some privacy. He unstrapped Kota from the carrier, cradling him in his arms as the baby’s cries began to subside.
“Okay, okay, you win,” Max muttered, rocking Kota gently. “You’re the boss. I get it.”
After a few minutes, Kota finally calmed down, his little fists unclenching as he snuggled against Max’s chest. The baby’s warm weight was oddly comforting, and Max found himself smiling despite the chaos.
“You’re really something, you know that?” Max whispered, brushing a strand of hair from Kota’s forehead. “I’m trying to keep it together, but you’re making it a challenge.”
Kota cooed in response, his big, innocent eyes blinking up at Max.
“Yeah, yeah, I forgive you,” Max said with a chuckle. “Let’s just try to keep the meltdown to a minimum for the rest of the day, okay?”
---
Despite the rocky start, the rest of Max’s shift went smoothly. Noriko was patient, the customers were friendly, and Kota—thankfully—spent most of the afternoon napping in the carrier.
By the end of the day, Max felt a strange sense of accomplishment. It wasn’t much, but it was something. He had made it through his first day of work as a single dad, and that felt like a win.
As they walked home, the sun setting behind them, Max felt a small flicker of hope in his chest. Maybe, just maybe, he could do this. Maybe he could be the dad Kota needed, the one who didn’t give up, even when things got tough.
They reached the apartment, and after a quick dinner and bath, Kota was fast asleep in his crib. Max stood by the doorway for a moment, watching his son’s peaceful face. The weight of responsibility still pressed on him, but it wasn’t as crushing as it had been before.
He had survived another day. He had a job. He had a son. And somehow, that was enough.
As Max climbed into bed, he thought back to Saki’s words—how she had told him he’d never be good enough, how she had walked out of his life without a second thought. For so long, those words had defined him. But now, with Kota in his life, maybe they didn’t have to anymore.
“Tomorrow’s a new day,” Max muttered to himself, closing his eyes. “And we’ll figure it out. One step at a time.”
---
*End of Chapter 6.*
YOU ARE READING
THE FIRST TIME DADDY
RomanceMax never imagined his life would turn out like this: a single father raising a lively two-year-old while working at a quiet bookstore. Far from the successful man his wealthy parents hoped he'd become, Max is still finding his footing after years o...
