**Chapter 24: Kota’s Adventure Part 2**
The daycare was alive with the sounds of tiny humans babbling, giggling, and occasionally crying in protest. Kota, gripping Ms. Yumi’s hand, surveyed the scene with the air of someone who had been here before and knew exactly what was up.
He glanced at a group of babies fighting over a plastic truck, a duo crawling after a runaway ball, and a cluster gnawing on various toys. He gave a tiny nod.
Translation: *It’s good to be back.*
Ms. Yumi crouched down. “Alright, Kota! Time to join your friends.”
Kota waddled forward, confident as ever, his eyes scanning for Emi. But first, there was business to attend to.
---
**The Block Chewer Showdown**
Kota spotted him right away—Block Chewer, the chubby boy who had stolen his pudding last time, was back at it. This time, he was sitting in the middle of the room, holding court with a tower of blocks and glaring at anyone who dared to approach.
Kota walked over, hands on his hips. “Ba-goo! Goo-gaga!”
Translation: *We meet again, nemesis. That tower? Mine.*
Block Chewer narrowed his eyes and placed another block on the tower with a defiant “Pbbbtt.”
Translation: *Try me.*
Without missing a beat, Kota reached for the base block and yanked it out. The tower collapsed in a dramatic tumble, scattering blocks everywhere. Gasps rippled through the baby crowd.
Block Chewer stared at Kota, his mouth open in shock. Then he laughed, clapping his hands. “Goo-ba-ba!”
Translation: *You win this round. Respect.*
The other babies cheered. Emi, who had been observing from a corner, giggled and crawled over.
“Goo-ba!” she said, offering Kota a soft plush cube.
Translation: *That was awesome.*
Kota took it, holding it high like a trophy.
---
**Snack Time Shenanigans**
Snack time arrived, and the babies were each given a small plate of bite-sized fruits and crackers. Kota, ever the diplomat, was happily munching away when Block Chewer waddled over and plopped down beside him.
“Goo?” Block Chewer asked, pointing at Kota’s crackers.
Translation: *Trade?*
Kota tilted his head, eyeing the piece of banana Block Chewer offered. He picked up a cracker and handed it over.
Block Chewer took it, sniffed it, then shoved it in his mouth with a satisfied grunt. Kota gave his banana slice a tentative lick before scrunching up his nose and tossing it over his shoulder.
“Ba-ga-goo!” he exclaimed.
Translation: *Not worth it.*
The banana slice landed squarely on Ms. Yumi’s shoe. She looked down, then up at Kota, who smiled innocently.
“Kota…” she said with mock sternness. “Are you causing trouble again?”
Kota giggled, clapping his hands.
Translation: *Always.*
---
**The Great Crawling Race**
After snacks, the babies were let loose in the play area. Emi and Kota, now an inseparable duo, decided to organize a crawling race. Emi lined up a few willing participants while Kota babbled instructions.
“Goo-ba-ba! Goo-goo-ga!”
Translation: *Line up! Rules are simple—crawl fast, no biting.*
The race began with a flurry of chubby knees and hands slapping the mats. Emi took an early lead, her pigtails bouncing as she crawled with determination. Kota was right behind her, glancing over his shoulder to ensure Block Chewer wasn’t cheating.
Mid-race, one baby stopped to chew on the mat, another got distracted by a shiny toy, and Block Chewer accidentally toppled over. Emi crossed the finish line first, raising her arms in victory.
Kota clapped for her, then babbled, “Goo-ba goo-goo!”
Translation: *Well done, partner. Let’s dominate this daycare together.*
---
**Nap Time Escapades**
When nap time rolled around, Kota wasn’t ready to settle down. Ms. Yumi dimmed the lights and played soothing lullabies, but Kota had other plans.
He crawled over to Emi’s mat and poked her arm. “Goo-ba?”
Translation: *Wanna sneak out again?*
Emi yawned but nodded, following Kota as they quietly crawled toward the toy area. They found a bin filled with stuffed animals and began pulling them out one by one, tossing them into a pile.
“Ba-ba-ba!” Emi giggled, holding up a floppy-eared bunny.
Translation: *This one’s funny!*
Kota grabbed a plush lion, holding it up dramatically. “Roar goo-ga!”
Translation: *I’m the king of the jungle!*
Their giggling attracted the attention of Block Chewer, who crawled over to join them. He grabbed a stuffed giraffe and waved it around like a sword. Soon, the three of them were locked in a dramatic battle of stuffed animals, complete with exaggerated roars and squeals.
Ms. Yumi eventually caught them and carried each baby back to their mats. Kota protested loudly, waving the lion in the air as she tucked him in.
Translation: *This isn’t over!*
---
**The Bald Man Returns**
At pick-up time, Kota was hanging out by the door when he spotted him—the bald man from the park, who had come to pick up another child.
Kota pointed and yelled, “Agawu agawu!”
Translation: *Bald man! Bald man!*
The bald man chuckled, crouching down to Kota’s level. “You again, huh? Still working on your vocabulary?”
Kota grinned and babbled, “Goo-ba-ga!”
Translation: *I know exactly what I’m saying, thank you very much.*
The man patted his shiny head. “One day, kid, you’re gonna have to tell me what ‘agawu’ actually means.”
Kota clapped his hands, clearly pleased with himself.
Translation: *Never. It’s my secret.*
---
When Max arrived to pick him up, Kota babbled excitedly about his day. Max nodded along, even though he only understood about 10% of what his son was saying.
“Sounds like you had fun, buddy,” Max said, lifting him into his arms.
Kota rested his head on Max’s shoulder, yawning contentedly.
Translation: *Another day, another adventure.*
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...
