*The Great Birthday Heist*
Max and Noriko were huddled in the kitchen, whispering like two secret agents planning a high-stakes mission. The mission? Kota’s third birthday surprise.
“I’ve got the balloons,” Noriko said, ticking an item off her checklist. “What about the cake?”
“It’s in the fridge,” Max replied. “Triple chocolate. I got the one with the dinosaur decorations. He loves dinosaurs.”
Noriko smiled. “Good. Now we just have to keep him distracted until everything is set up.”
Max nodded. “Yeah, easier said than done. That kid’s sharper than a tack.”
As if on cue, Kota waddled into the kitchen, squinting suspiciously at them. His tiny brows furrowed, and he pointed an accusing finger. “What are you hiding?”
Max immediately turned to the counter, pretending to study an empty mug. “Hiding? Us? Nothing! Just, uh, admiring the, uh, fine craftsmanship of this coffee cup.”
Kota tilted his head. “You’re a terrible liar.”
Noriko stifled a laugh and crouched down to his level. “Oh, Kota, don’t you have some important toddler business to take care of? Like building towers or drawing pictures?”
Kota crossed his arms. “I’ll have you know I already finished my tower, and it’s a masterpiece. What are you two up to?”
“Nothing!” Max said, a little too quickly.
Kota narrowed his eyes, clearly unconvinced. “If you’re planning something, it better involve cake. And toys. Lots of toys.”
“Oh, it involves cake,” Noriko said sweetly. “But you’ll have to wait and see.”
---
The next morning, the preparations kicked into high gear. Max was blowing up balloons in the living room while Noriko worked on hanging streamers. The goal was to have everything done before Kota woke up.
“Pass me the tape,” Noriko whispered.
Max handed it over, careful not to make a sound. “Why are we whispering? He’s asleep.”
“Have you met Kota? He probably sleeps with one eye open,” Noriko replied.
Just as she finished taping a streamer to the wall, they heard tiny footsteps.
“Abort mission!” Max hissed.
They scrambled to hide the decorations, diving behind the couch just as Kota entered the room, rubbing his eyes.
“What’s going on?” Kota asked, looking around suspiciously.
“Uh… we’re, uh…” Max began, searching for an excuse.
“Cleaning!” Noriko said. “Just cleaning the living room. It was… messy.”
Kota raised an eyebrow. “Since when do you two clean anything?”
Max forced a laugh. “Ha! Good one, buddy. But seriously, you should go play in your room for a bit. We’ll call you when breakfast is ready.”
Kota didn’t budge. He pointed at the corner of the couch where a stray balloon string was poking out. “What’s that?”
“Uh… a very fancy cleaning tool,” Max said.
Kota smirked. “Nice try. I know you’re up to something.”
---
After successfully distracting Kota with a new coloring book (and a mild bribe involving cookies), Max and Noriko resumed their preparations.
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...
