**Chapter 25: The Great Kota Chronicles**
Max stretched as he woke up to the sounds of Kota babbling from his crib. He squinted at the sunlight peeking through the blinds and smiled.
"Morning, champ," he said, groaning as he swung his legs off the bed.
Kota was in his crib, holding his plush lion in one hand and an empty milk bottle in the other, babbling non-stop. He shook the lion at Max as if issuing a royal decree.
“Alright, alright. I’m up,” Max chuckled, scooping up Kota. “What’s the plan today, King Kota?”
Kota waved the lion and let out a loud, “Gaa-goo!”
Translation: *Prepare yourself, peasant. Your doom is near!*
Max raised an eyebrow. “Doom, huh? I think someone just challenged me to a duel!”
---
Max set Kota down in the living room and grabbed the nearest stuffed giraffe, holding it like a sword. “En garde!”
Kota dropped the lion, grabbed a plush penguin, and held it aloft, ready for battle. “Ba-ba-ba!”
Translation: *Face the wrath of Lord Kota the Mighty!*
“Wrath?” Max said, pretending to tremble. “Oh no, what ever shall I do?”
Kota charged forward on his hands and knees, letting out a battle cry. “Gahhh!”
Translation: *Victory is mine!*
Max dodged dramatically, falling onto the couch. “You’re too strong, my lord! But I won’t give up!” He threw a pillow toward Kota.
Kota giggled as the pillow bounced harmlessly beside him. He retaliated by crawling to Max’s feet and tugging on his sock.
“Not the socks!” Max cried. “Anything but the socks!”
Kota yanked the sock off triumphantly, holding it up like a trophy. “Goo-goo!”
Translation: *Surrender now, and I might spare your other sock!*
Max scrambled to his feet, grabbing a second pillow. “You may have won the battle, but not the war!” He tossed the pillow gently, and it hit Kota, making him topple over with a dramatic squeal.
Kota immediately rolled over, laughing hysterically, and waved his penguin in the air. “Ah-ga!”
Translation: *Retreat, peasant! I am invincible!*
Max laughed so hard his sides hurt. He picked up Kota, holding him up like Simba in *The Lion King.* “The winner of the great battle… Lord Kota the Sock Stealer!”
Kota clapped his hands, babbling in triumph.
Translation: *Bow before me, mortals!*
---
After their epic battle, Max carried Kota to the kitchen. “Alright, champ, let’s refuel. What do you want? Applesauce or bananas?”
Kota pointed at the fridge and exclaimed, “Daa!”
Translation: *I demand your finest cuisine!*
Max opened the fridge and pulled out a container of applesauce. “How about this?”
Kota nodded vigorously, smacking his hands on the high chair tray as Max set him down.
Max grabbed a spoon and scooped up some applesauce, only for Kota to grab the spoon and fling the applesauce onto Max’s shirt.
“Seriously?” Max said, staring at the mess.
Kota giggled, clapping his hands. “Ba-ba-ba!”
Translation: *Direct hit! Victory is mine once again!*
Max sighed but couldn’t help laughing. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”
---
After cleaning up the snack disaster and putting Kota down for a nap, Max flopped onto the couch and reached for his phone.
He hesitated for a moment, then dialed Kenji’s number.
Kenji picked up after the second ring, his voice groggy. “Max? It’s not even noon. Why are you calling me?”
“Good morning to you too, sunshine,” Max said. “I need a favor.”
“Oh no,” Kenji groaned. “Every time you say that, I regret answering.”
“Relax,” Max said, rolling his eyes. “I just need a babysitter for Kota this weekend. I’m planning to visit my parents.”
“Babysit?” Kenji repeated, his tone filled with mock horror. “You want *me* to watch a toddler? Do you hate your kid or something?”
“Kota loves you,” Max said. “And it’s only for a few hours. Besides, you owe me for that time I helped you move.”
Kenji sighed dramatically. “Fine. But if he starts crying, I’m calling you.”
“Deal,” Max said, grinning. “Thanks, man. You’re the best.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Kenji muttered before hanging up.
Max leaned back, letting out a deep breath. He glanced at the baby monitor, where Kota was sleeping peacefully, clutching his lion.
---
When Kota woke up, Max sat with him on the couch, holding him close. “You know, kiddo, I wasn’t sure about this whole dad thing at first. But now… I can’t imagine life without you.”
Kota looked up at him, blinking his big eyes before letting out a happy “Goo-goo!”
Translation: *You’re not so bad yourself, Dad.*
Max laughed softly, kissing the top of Kota’s head. “Thanks for sticking with me, buddy. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Kota babbled, reaching up to pat Max’s face.
Translation: *I know, I know. I’m amazing.*
Max chuckled. “Alright, Mr. Amazing. Let’s see if you can outsmart Uncle Kenji this weekend.”
Kota tilted his head, letting out a curious “Ah-da?”
Translation: *Challenge accepted.*
Max grinned, hugging Kota tightly. For all the challenges and uncertainties, he knew one thing for sure—he wouldn’t trade this life for anything.
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...
