** Kota's Amusement Park Adventure
The sun was shining brightly over the amusement park, casting a cheerful glow over the vibrant rides and colorful stalls. The air buzzed with laughter and the scent of freshly popped popcorn, cotton candy, and grilled hotdogs. Max adjusted Kota's baby carrier strapped to his chest as Noriko walked beside them, her hand casually brushing against Max's as they navigated through the park entrance.
Kota, wide-eyed and excited, babbled incoherently, pointing his tiny finger at a spinning carousel. Translation: *I demand a ride on that magnificent spinning contraption immediately!*
"Easy, buddy," Max chuckled. "We just got here. Let's start with something that doesn't involve you throwing up your breakfast."
Noriko laughed softly, looking at Kota. "He's so excited. It's adorable."
Kota turned his head to Noriko, his baby language coming through loud and clear to him. *Adorable? I am not just adorable, woman. I am a thrill-seeker. Let's go!*
Their first stop was the carousel. Max lifted Kota onto one of the ornate horses, and Noriko stood beside them, holding onto the reins to keep Kota secure.
As the ride started, Kota squealed with delight, his chubby hands waving in the air. Translation: *This is life! Look at me, peasants, I am riding a noble steed!*
Max leaned toward Noriko and whispered, "He's acting like he owns the place."
Noriko smirked. "Wonder where he gets it from."
After the carousel, they moved on to the bumper cars. Max insisted on driving one with Kota on his lap, while Noriko joined a separate car. The moment the ride started, Max regretted his decision.
"Noriko, slow down!" Max shouted as Noriko expertly rammed her car into theirs.
Kota burst into laughter. Translation: *Mommy's got skills! Daddy, you're going down!*
"Sorry, Max!" Noriko called out, her voice full of mock innocence. "My car has a mind of its own!"
By the time the ride ended, Max looked frazzled, Noriko looked triumphant, and Kota was in tears-of laughter.
Next, they wandered to the game booths, where Max tried to win a stuffed animal for Noriko. Kota, ever the critic, watched Max's failed attempts at tossing rings over bottles.
Kota babbled. Translation: *Is this really my father? How can he miss every single one?*
"Okay, okay, one more try," Max muttered, determined. He managed to land a ring on a bottle and proudly handed Noriko a stuffed bunny.
"Thanks," she said with a warm smile. "But I think Kota deserves this one for being such a good sport."
Kota grabbed the bunny with glee, hugging it tightly. Translation: *Finally, something to commemorate my triumphs today.*
While strolling through the park, they came across a play area for toddlers. Kota's eyes lit up when he saw other babies crawling around.
"Wanna let him join in?" Noriko asked.
"Sure," Max replied, setting Kota down.
Kota immediately waddled over to the group of babies, his stuffed bunny clutched in one hand. He babbled something incomprehensible to the other babies. Translation: *Greetings, fellow tiny humans. I am Kota, and this is my noble steed, Sir Russ.*
One baby with a drooling problem grabbed the bunny. Kota snatched it back, glaring at the offender. Translation: *Unhand Sir Russ you barbarian!*
Another baby, a girl with an oversized bow, crawled up to Kota and babbled sweetly.*I like your dragon. Wanna trade for my pacifier?*
Kota shook his head vehemently. Translation: *No deals, lady. Sir Russ is priceless.*
Max and Noriko watched from the sidelines, laughing at Kota's animated gestures.
"I think he's making friends," Noriko said.
"Or enemies," Max added, chuckling.
After a few more rides, they decided to take a break. Noriko found a bench near a cotton candy stall while Max took Kota to grab some snacks.
As Noriko sat, her phone buzzed with a notification. She pulled it out and saw a message from her mom:
*"Call me when you can. We need to talk."*
Noriko's smile faded. She locked her phone and sighed, staring at the ground.
When Max and Kota returned with corn dogs and drinks, Max immediately noticed the shift in Noriko's mood.
"What's wrong?" he asked, handing her a drink.
Noriko forced a smile. "Nothing. Just... a message from my mom."
Max frowned but decided not to press. Before he could say anything, Kota, sensing the tension, decided to intervene.
He held up his corn dog, babbled loudly, and then shoved it into Noriko's face. *Eat this, woman. It's impossible to be sad with fried food in your mouth.*
Noriko burst out laughing, the tension melting away. "Thanks, Kota. You're right. Food makes everything better."
Max grinned. "See? He's got this all figured out."
Kota nodded sagely. Translation: *Of course I do. I'm the brains of this operation.*
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, they decided to end the day with a ride on the Ferris wheel. They climbed into the gondola, with Max holding Kota and Noriko sitting across from them.
As the wheel ascended, the view grew more breathtaking, the entire park spread out below them like a glittering wonderland.
"This is nice," Noriko said softly, looking out at the horizon.
Max nodded. "Yeah. Perfect way to end the day."
Kota, however, was not interested in the view. He was more focused on his parents. As the gondola reached the top and paused, Max and Noriko's eyes met.
There was a moment of silence, the world outside forgotten.
Kota, ever the instigator, covered his eyes with his tiny hands and babbled. *Go for the lips this time, Dad. Don't chicken out.*
Max and Noriko laughed, breaking the tension. But then, encouraged by the moment-and maybe Kota's antics-Max leaned in.
Noriko didn't pull away.
Their lips met in a gentle, heartfelt kiss, the kind that spoke volumes about their connection and the growing bond between them.
Kota peeked through his fingers and giggled. Translation: *Finally! Took you two long enough.*
As the gondola started moving again, Max and Noriko pulled apart, their faces flushed but their smiles wide.
"Thanks for today," Noriko said softly.
Max reached out and took her hand. "Anytime."
Kota, feeling left out, babbled loudly. Translation: *Don't forget about me, lovebirds!*
They both laughed, pulling Kota into a group hug as the Ferris wheel brought them back down to the ground.
It had been a day filled with laughter, chaos, and unexpected moments, but as they left the park, hand in hand with Kota nestled between them, it was clear it was a day none of them would forget.
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...
