**Chapter 16: A Step Forward**
After a pleasant afternoon in the library, Max and Kota made their way to the bookstore. The crisp air was refreshing as they strolled down the street, Kota happily holding onto Max’s hand, babbling about the animals they had seen in his books.
As they entered the bookstore, the familiar bell chimed above them. The soft hum of customers browsing the aisles filled the space. Max glanced around, searching for Noriko. She was at the counter, helping an older woman with a stack of mystery novels. Her smile was warm and inviting, as it always was when she interacted with customers.
Noriko caught sight of them and waved, a flicker of something in her eyes—anticipation, maybe. Max waved back, feeling a small flutter in his chest as he approached with Kota.
“Hey there, Noriko,” Max greeted, lifting Kota into his arms. “We’re here for the surprise you promised.”
Noriko’s smile widened as she finished ringing up the customer and gestured for them to follow her to the back of the store. “Come with me. I’ve been working on something I think you’ll appreciate.”
Max’s curiosity piqued as they moved past the rows of shelves to the back office. Noriko stopped in front of a wooden table, where a carefully wrapped package lay waiting. She picked it up and handed it to Max, her expression unreadable but clearly excited.
Max raised an eyebrow as he untied the string and pulled back the wrapping paper. Inside was a beautifully framed photograph—one that captured him and Kota during one of their afternoons at the bookstore. The picture showed Max sitting on the floor with Kota in his lap, both of them surrounded by a pile of books, lost in the moment.
He blinked in surprise, a soft smile spreading across his face. “Wow, Noriko… this is amazing. When did you take this?”
Noriko crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe with a pleased smile. “I’ve been taking photos here and there whenever I noticed the two of you. I thought it would be nice for you to have something to remember these early days with Kota.”
Max looked at the photograph again, feeling a lump form in his throat. It was more than just a picture; it was a reminder of how far he’d come since Saki had left Kota with him. He had been overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what to do, but now… now things felt different. He had grown into his role as a father, and Kota had become his anchor.
He turned to Noriko, his voice thick with gratitude. “This… this means a lot, Noriko. I don’t know what to say.”
Noriko’s eyes softened, and she took a step closer. “You don’t have to say anything, Max. I just wanted you to know that you’re doing a great job. I see how much you care about Kota, how hard you’re trying. And I think you deserve to be proud of yourself.”
Max felt a warmth spread through him, something he hadn’t felt in a long time. There was a tenderness in Noriko’s words that hit him deeper than he expected. It wasn’t just about the picture—it was about the support she’d shown him, the quiet ways she had been there for him and Kota.
He glanced down at Kota, who was now fiddling with the edges of the wrapping paper, blissfully unaware of the significance of the moment.
Max cleared his throat, trying to keep his emotions in check. “I don’t know what I’d do without you around, Noriko. You’ve really helped me a lot.”
Noriko gave a small laugh, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m just happy to be a part of your life—and Kota’s life, too. You two have kind of grown on me.”
Max grinned, feeling a sudden lightness. “Well, we’re lucky to have you.”
For a brief moment, there was a quiet tension between them—not uncomfortable, but something new, something that hinted at more than just friendship. Max wasn’t sure what to make of it. He hadn’t thought much about the possibility of romance since everything with Saki had fallen apart. But Noriko… she was different. Steady. Kind. And he was beginning to realize how much he valued her presence in his life.
Before he could dwell on the thought, Kota tugged at his sleeve, babbling something about wanting to see more books.
Max chuckled, glancing down at his son. “Alright, alright, little man. We’ll get you some more books.”
Noriko smiled softly. “Go ahead, I’ll clean up here. And Max,” she added, her voice gentle, “if you ever need anything—help with Kota, or just someone to talk to—you know I’m here, right?”
Max met her gaze, and for the first time in a long time, he felt a glimmer of hope for something beyond the routine of fatherhood and work. “Yeah, Noriko,” he said quietly. “I know.”
As he walked back into the main part of the bookstore with Kota, Max couldn’t help but glance back at Noriko, who was tidying up in the back office. There was a shift between them now—something unspoken but undeniable. It wasn’t love, not yet, but it was something more than just friendship.
And for the first time in a long time, Max wasn’t afraid of where it might lead.
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*End of Chapter 16.*
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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...
