**Chapter 22: A Day to Remember**
The morning sun was already high in the sky as Max stood in front of Noriko's house, nervously adjusting the collar of his shirt for the fifth time. He held a small bouquet of flowers—nothing too extravagant, just a mix of daisies and tulips he thought matched Noriko’s gentle personality.
The door opened before he could knock, and there she was. Noriko stepped out, her casual yet elegant outfit perfectly complementing her radiant smile. Her hair fell softly around her shoulders, and her light perfume floated in the air as she stepped closer.
“Right on time,” she teased, closing the door behind her. “I half-expected you to be late.”
Max chuckled, scratching the back of his head. “I had to be punctual. Wouldn’t want to ruin my first real date in... well, let’s just say it’s been a while.”
Noriko smiled and noticed the flowers. “Are those for me?”
“Oh, these?” Max glanced at the bouquet like he’d forgotten he was holding them. “No, I thought I’d hand these to the first stranger I met on the street.”
She laughed, rolling her eyes as she took the flowers. “Thank you. They’re lovely.”
“Not as lovely as you,” Max said with a wink, his tone playful but sincere.
Noriko flushed slightly, but she quickly brushed it off. “Alright, charmer. Shall we get going?”
Max opened the car door for her, and she slid into the passenger seat with a soft “thank you.” As he got into the driver’s seat and started the car, the atmosphere between them was warm, their usual banter setting the tone for the day.
---
**The Cinema**
Their first stop was the cinema. The marquee was lit up with the latest blockbuster titles, and the smell of popcorn wafted through the air. They debated for a few minutes before settling on a romantic comedy.
“I figured it’d be safer than an action movie,” Max said as they waited in line for snacks. “Didn’t want to risk you falling asleep halfway through.”
Noriko smirked. “Oh, please. I can handle action movies. I’m just worried *you’d* cry during the rom-com.”
“Me? Cry? Never.” Max dramatically placed a hand over his chest, feigning insult.
When they found their seats, the lights dimmed, and the movie began. It wasn’t long before both of them were laughing at the quirky antics of the characters on screen. At one point, Noriko leaned slightly closer to Max during a particularly funny scene, and he couldn’t help but notice how natural it felt to have her there beside him.
By the time the credits rolled, Max was still chuckling. “Okay, I’ll admit it—that was pretty good. But no tears, see?”
Noriko glanced at him skeptically. “Your eyes were totally glistening during that last scene.”
“Lies. I’m as dry as a desert.”
“Sure you are,” she said, shaking her head with a grin.
---
**Lunch by the Park**
After the movie, they headed to a nearby park with a small café tucked into one corner. Max ordered sandwiches and coffee for them, and they found a spot under a large tree with a perfect view of the lake.
“So, do you take Kota to places like this often?” Noriko asked, biting into her sandwich.
“Not as much as I’d like to,” Max admitted, glancing at the lake. “He’s still pretty young, but I’m hoping to do more with him as he grows up. I want him to have the kind of memories I didn’t get to have.”
Noriko’s expression softened. “You’re doing a great job, Max. It’s not easy raising a child on your own, but you’re really giving it your all.”
Max looked at her, touched by her words. “Thanks. That means a lot, coming from you.”
They spent the rest of lunch sharing stories—Noriko told him about her college days, and Max recounted a funny incident where Kota had accidentally “decorated” the living room walls with crayon art. The laughter flowed easily, and the connection between them deepened with every passing minute.
---
**The Stroll**
After lunch, they strolled through the park, the conversation shifting to lighter topics. They paused at a small flower garden where Noriko admired the blooms, and Max couldn’t resist picking a single daisy to tuck behind her ear.
“There,” he said, stepping back to admire his handiwork. “Perfect.”
Noriko laughed, touching the flower gently. “You’re such a dork.”
“And yet, you’re still here with me,” Max shot back, grinning.
They passed a group of kids flying kites, and Noriko suddenly stopped, her eyes lighting up. “I haven’t flown a kite in years!”
“Challenge accepted,” Max declared, leading her to a nearby vendor.
Soon enough, they were both laughing like children as they tried to keep their kite aloft. Max tripped over his own feet at one point, landing on the grass with a loud “oof!” Noriko doubled over in laughter, clutching her stomach as she tried to help him up.
“You’re hopeless,” she teased.
“Maybe,” Max replied, dusting himself off. “But at least I’m entertaining.”
---
**The Cliffhanger**
As the sun began to set, Max drove Noriko back to her house. The air between them was quiet but comfortable, the kind of silence that spoke volumes without words.
When they reached her door, Noriko turned to him, holding the bouquet he’d given her earlier. “Thank you, Max. I had a really wonderful time today.”
“Me too,” Max said, his voice soft. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a day like this.”
For a moment, they stood there, the evening air wrapping around them like a gentle embrace. Then Noriko leaned in and gave Max a quick kiss on the cheek, her face turning slightly pink as she stepped back.
“Goodnight, Max,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Max touched his cheek, stunned but smiling. “Goodnight, Noriko.”
As he walked back to his car, his heart was racing, and his mind was buzzing with thoughts of what this day could mean for them.
---
**At Noriko’s Door**
Inside her house, Noriko leaned against the closed door, her hand brushing over the petals of the bouquet. Her cat meowed, weaving between her legs, and she let out a small laugh.
“Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea after all,” she murmured, looking out the window as Max’s car disappeared down the street.
Little did either of them know, their story was only just beginning.
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...
