FIRST STEPS INTO ADVENTURE

**Chapter 21: First Steps Into Adventure** 

The daycare was a kaleidoscope of sounds and colors, buzzing with activity as little ones ran around, played with toys, and built towers out of brightly colored blocks. Kota stood near the entrance, clutching his favorite stuffed animal—a small plush cat Max had given him. His big, curious eyes darted around, taking in everything. 

The daycare worker, Ms. Ayumi, crouched down to his level, her voice warm and encouraging. "Hi, Kota! Welcome! We have so many fun things to do here. Do you like blocks? Or maybe the slide?" 

Kota blinked up at her, his little lips forming an "O" of awe as he looked at the play area. The sheer number of toys seemed to dazzle him. Slowly, he toddled forward, his tiny sneakers squeaking on the polished floor. 

The other children didn't notice him at first. A few were busy with a game involving plastic dinosaurs, while another group was drawing on a giant piece of paper laid out on the floor. Kota paused in the middle of the room, clutching his plushie tightly, unsure of where to begin. 

That's when a little girl with pigtails and a sparkly unicorn shirt noticed him. She ran over, her face lit up with a wide smile. "Hi! What's your name?" 

Kota blinked at her, tilting his head slightly. He didn't know how to respond, so he held out his plush cat as if it were a peace offering. 

The girl giggled. "You're funny! I'm Emi. Wanna play blocks?" 

Kota gave a tiny nod, his confidence growing. Emi grabbed his hand and led him to the corner where a tower of blocks was being constructed by a few other kids. One of them looked up as they approached and immediately asked, "Wanna help us make the biggest tower ever?" 

Kota nodded again, his cheeks puffing with determination. He set his plush cat down nearby and picked up a block, carefully placing it on the growing structure. The other kids cheered him on, and for the first time, Kota smiled wide, his tiny teeth peeking out. 

As the morning went on, Kota found himself venturing further into the daycare's world. He slid down the slide with a delighted squeal, shared crayons with Emi during art time, and even giggled uncontrollably when a boy with a mischievous grin made silly faces at him during snack time. 

By the time Max would come back to pick him up, Kota had already earned the title of "block master" and had a crown made out of construction paper proudly perched on his head. 

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**Scene Shift: Noriko's Preparations** 

Meanwhile, across town, Noriko stood in her bedroom, staring at her reflection in the mirror. A pair of earrings dangled delicately from her ears, catching the sunlight that streamed through the curtains. Her outfit was simple yet elegant—a cream-colored blouse tucked into a flowy skirt. 

She ran a hand through her hair, frowning slightly as she considered tying it up. "Maybe a ponytail would look better," she muttered to herself. But after trying it, she shook her head and let her hair fall back into soft waves around her shoulders. 

Noriko glanced at her phone, lying on the dresser. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she thought about the call she'd had with Max the night before. The way he'd made her laugh with his silly jokes, the playful flirting—it had been a long time since she'd felt so lighthearted. 

"Why am I overthinking this?" she mumbled, exhaling sharply. 

Her cat, curled up on the bed, gave a lazy stretch and let out a soft meow as if to say, *Relax, it's just a date.* 

Noriko chuckled, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. She picked up her bag and checked its contents one last time—wallet, keys, a small bottle of perfume. Everything was ready. 

As she slipped on her shoes and prepared to leave, her phone buzzed with a notification. She picked it up, her heart skipping for a moment when she saw Max's name on the screen. It was a simple message: 

*"Can't wait to see you."* 

Noriko's cheeks warmed, and she typed back a quick reply: *"Me too."* 

The screen dimmed, and for a moment, she stood there, her thoughts spinning. Was she ready to open herself up again? To trust someone, to allow herself to hope for something more? 

Her cat let out another meow, breaking the silence. Noriko looked over and smiled. "Alright, alright, I'm going," she said, grabbing her bag and heading toward the door. 

But as she stepped outside, a faint nervousness lingered beneath her excitement. The camera would pan out, leaving her figure framed against the bright morning sky, a mix of anticipation a

nd uncertainty in her eyes. 

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Chapter End