THE FIRST TIME DADDY

THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR

The Family Next Door

The drive home was anything but quiet. Despite everything that had happened earlier, Kota and Ayumi still found a way to turn the car ride into a game. 

"Okay, new rule!" Kota announced, leaning forward in his seat. "Whoever touches the car window last loses!" 

Ayumi’s eyes widened. "That’s not fair! You didn’t even count down—" 

Kota slammed his hand against the window. "Too late! I win!" 

Ayumi pouted. "That doesn’t count! Cheater!" 

Max sighed but smiled as he focused on the road. *Kids really do bounce back fast…* 

A few minutes later, they arrived at Ayumi’s house, only for both kids to gape in shock. 

"Wait… WHAT?!" Kota exclaimed. "You live HERE?!" 

Ayumi’s house was directly across from Max and Kota’s home. 

"How did we never notice?!" Kota yelled dramatically. 

Ayumi blinked. "I… I don’t know?" 

Max chuckled as he parked the car. "Well, this makes things a lot easier." 

The three of them got out, and Kota immediately ran to Ayumi’s door, pressing the doorbell repeatedly like a child discovering a new toy. 

Ding-dong. Ding-dong. Ding-dong-ding-dong— 

"Kota, *stop*," Max scolded, pulling him back. 

A moment later, the door swung open, revealing a tall young man with messy hair and dark circles under his eyes. He looked exhausted, like someone who hadn’t slept in days. 

Keito, Ayumi’s older brother, blinked at them groggily before his eyes widened in horror. 

"A-Ayumi?! Oh crap—!" 

Ayumi frowned. "You forgot me, didn’t you?" 

Keito rubbed the back of his neck, looking guilty. "I… I set an alarm, I swear! I must’ve slept through it—" His phone, still in his hand, started ringing with his alarm. He quickly silenced it with a sheepish chuckle. 

Max raised an eyebrow. "Guess it’s a little late for that." 

Keito sighed deeply, then looked at Max and Kota. "Thanks for bringing her home. I really owe you guys." 

"Well, next time, don’t forget your sister," Max said, though his tone was light. 

Keito scratched his head. "Yeah… Come inside. At least let me treat you to dinner as thanks." 

Max considered it for a moment before nodding. "Sure, why not?" 

--- 

Inside, the place was cozy but a bit messy, with empty coffee cups and papers scattered on the table. Keito hurried to clean up as Ayumi led Kota to her room. The two immediately started playing, as if they had known each other forever. 

Meanwhile, Max and Keito sat in the small living room, the weight of the conversation that needed to happen settling between them. 

Max glanced toward Ayumi, who was happily chatting with Kota. Then, he turned back to Keito. "She told me about your parents." 

Keito tensed slightly but nodded. "...Yeah." 

There was a moment of silence before Max spoke again. "She also told me why she didn’t want to call you. She thinks she’s a burden."