**Chapter 26: The Unlikely Babysitter**
The sound of an old, sputtering engine announced Kenji’s arrival long before he rang the doorbell. Max swung the door open, his bag slung over one shoulder and Kota perched on his hip.
“Right on time,” Max said, stepping aside to let Kenji in.
Kenji gave Max a mock salute. “Of course, I’m a man of punctuality and honor. Now, where’s my little partner in crime?”
Kota stared at Kenji, then turned to Max, babbling, “Ba-ba-ba.”
Translation: *This guy again? Really?*
Max laughed, handing Kota over. “Be nice, Kota. Uncle Kenji is doing us a huge favor today.”
Kenji took Kota with exaggerated care, holding him at arm’s length. “Alright, kid. You and me, we’re gonna be best buds. Don’t make me regret this.”
Kota blinked at him, then let out a loud “Goo-goo!”
Translation: *Challenge accepted, weird man.*
Max chuckled, ruffling Kota’s hair. “Okay, I’m off. I’ll be back by dinner. Don’t burn the house down, and remember to feed him. His snacks are on the counter.”
“Got it, Dad,” Kenji said with a smirk.
Max rolled his eyes but couldn’t help grinning as he left.
---
As soon as Max’s car pulled out of the driveway, Kenji plopped Kota onto the living room rug and crouched down to his level.
“Alright, squirt,” Kenji said, smirking. “Let’s see if you’re as tough as your dad says you are.”
Kota tilted his head, then grabbed his plush lion and smacked Kenji in the face with it.
“Whoa!” Kenji said, laughing. “Okay, I see how it is. You’ve got some fight in you!”
Kota giggled, waving the lion like a weapon. “Goo-ga!”
Translation: *Fear me, puny mortal!*
Kenji grabbed a nearby stuffed giraffe and held it up defensively. “Bring it on, tiny terror!”
The living room erupted into chaos as Kenji and Kota engaged in a plush toy duel. Pillows were tossed, stuffed animals flew through the air, and Kota’s giggles echoed off the walls.
“You’re pretty good, kid,” Kenji admitted, dodging a flying penguin. “But don’t think you’re better than me!”
Kota pointed at Kenji and let out a triumphant, “Ba-ba!”
Translation: *You’re going down, pretender!*
Kenji laughed so hard he nearly fell over. “You’re a feisty one. I like that.”
---
After the epic battle, Kenji decided it was time for a snack. He carried Kota to the kitchen and opened the fridge. “Alright, kid. What do you want? Yogurt? Applesauce? Oh, hey, is this pudding?”
Kota squirmed in his arms, reaching for the pudding cup.
“Ah, so you’re a pudding guy,” Kenji said, grabbing a spoon. He set Kota in the high chair and peeled back the foil lid.
As Kenji brought the spoon to Kota’s mouth, the toddler smacked it away, sending pudding splattering onto Kenji’s shirt.
“Seriously?” Kenji groaned, looking down at the mess.
Kota giggled, clapping his hands. “Ba-ga!”
Translation: *Direct hit, fool!*
“You’re lucky you’re cute,” Kenji muttered, grabbing a towel to clean up.
---
After the snack fiasco, Kenji leaned back on the couch, holding Kota in his lap. He stared at the toddler, a thoughtful look on his face.
“You know, Kota,” Kenji said, his voice softer. “I think I’d make a great dad. Don’t you think?”
Kota blinked up at him, then let out a loud “Gah!”
Translation: *Absolutely not.*
Kenji chuckled, though there was a strange glint in his eye. “What? You don’t think I could handle it? I’d be way better than your dad. He’s a softie.”
Kota narrowed his eyes, crossing his tiny arms.
Translation: *Blasphemy! Take that back, you impostor!*
Kenji smirked, tickling Kota’s sides. “Come on, buddy. Wouldn’t you rather hang out with me all the time? We could have so much fun. You don’t need Max.”
Kota squirmed, letting out a stream of babbles that sounded almost angry.
Translation: *How dare you insult my dad, you silly man! I demand satisfaction!*
Kenji stopped tickling him and laughed nervously. “Alright, alright. Calm down. I’m just messing with you.”
But for a moment, as he looked at Kota, a strange shadow passed over his face. He swallowed hard and gave Kota a weak smile. “You’re lucky, kid. You’ve got a good dad.”
Kota tilted his head, studying Kenji curiously.
Translation: *You’re acting weird, but okay.*
---
Kenji sat back, holding Kota close as the toddler started to doze off. He stared at the little boy, his expression unreadable.
“You know, Kota,” Kenji murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “Sometimes I wonder…”
Kota yawned, snuggling against Kenji’s chest.
Kenji sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter.”
The living room fell silent except for the soft sound of Kota’s breathing.
---
When Max returned later that evening, he found Kenji on the couch, half-asleep, with Kota curled up on his chest.
“Well, look at you two,” Max said, grinning.
Kenji jolted awake, sitting up quickly. “Oh, hey. You’re back. Your kid’s a menace, by the way.”
Max laughed, taking Kota from him. “Sounds about right. Thanks for watching him.”
“No problem,” Kenji said, grabbing his jacket. He hesitated at the door, glancing back at Max and Kota.
“Hey, Max,” Kenji said, his voice unusually serious. “You’re doing a good job, you know? As a dad.”
Max raised an eyebrow. “Thanks… I guess?”
Kenji gave a small, almost forced smile. “Yeah. Anyway, I’ll see you later.”
As the door closed behind him, Max frowned, sensing something was off. He looked down at Kota, who was now fast asleep.
“What do you think that was about, buddy?” Max asked softly.
Kota stirred slightly, letting out a sleepy babble.
Translation: *You’ll find out soon enough.*
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...
