Setting the Stage
The morning sun streamed through the bookstore windows as Max, Noriko, and Kota got to work preparing for the much-anticipated book reading event. The bookstore was already a charming place, with shelves lined with books of every genre, but now it needed a touch of magic to capture the hearts of the little readers who would soon visit.
Max placed a ladder against the wall to hang the banner while Noriko stood below, sorting through a box of decorations. Kota sat nearby on a pile of cushions, his arms crossed and his expression smug, clearly convinced he was the supervisor of this operation.
"Make sure the banner is straight, Kyoshi," Noriko called up to him, tilting her head as she examined his work.
Max glanced down with a teasing smile. "Yes, ma'am. Anything else you'd like me to do while I'm up here? Hang the moon, maybe?"
Noriko laughed, shaking her head. "Just the banner will do, thank you. For now."
From his cushioned throne, Kota pointed imperiously toward Max, his little hand waving in a commanding gesture. His expression said it all: *"Work faster, minion."*
Max raised an eyebrow at him. "What's that, Kota? You think I'm not working hard enough?"
Kota's lips curled into a mischievous smile as if to say, *"Finally, you understand."*
Noriko chuckled and crouched next to Kota. "You're so bossy. Why don't you help us instead of sitting there like a little emperor?"
Kota puffed out his chest and tapped his tiny foot against the floor. His expression was pure arrogance as if to say, *"I've delegated all the hard work to you two peasants."*
Max laughed as he climbed down from the ladder. "Well, at least he's consistent. Let's see how long he keeps that act up once he sees what we're planning next."
---
The next task was setting up the reading corner. Noriko spread out a soft rug while Max brought over the cushions, carefully arranging them around a small table. Kota, of course, took it upon himself to inspect their work. He toddled over to the table, poked the cushions with an air of authority, and gave a curt nod of approval.
Noriko grinned. "What do you think, Kota? Are the cushions soft enough for the little readers?"
Kota tilted his head as if weighing her question carefully. Then he pointed at one cushion in particular, his expression clearly saying, *"This one's mine."*
Max shook his head in mock exasperation. "Of course, you'd claim the best spot for yourself."
Kota smirked, climbing onto the cushion and sprawling out like a king on his throne.
Noriko rolled her eyes playfully. "Well, at least he's comfortable. Now, let's move on to the decorations."
---
Stringing up fairy lights proved to be a team effort. Kyoshi held the lights while Noriko carefully draped them over the shelves, making sure they were evenly spaced. Kota followed them around, tugging at Kyoshi's pant leg whenever he felt the lights weren't "just right."
At one point, Noriko paused to admire their progress. "It's looking so beautiful already. I think the kids are going to love it."
Max smiled at her, his voice soft. "You're the one making it beautiful, you know. Not just the decorations—the way you care about everything, the way you light up when you talk about the kids… it's contagious."
Noriko blinked, caught off guard by his words. "Max…"
Before she could say more, Kota stomped his tiny foot to get their attention. His expression practically shouted, *"Stop being gross and get back to work!"*
Max chuckled, ruffling Kota's hair. "Alright, boss. We'll save the romantic talk for later."
Noriko laughed, her cheeks flushed. "Thanks, Kota. Always keeping us on task."
---
By late afternoon, the bookstore was transformed. The fairy lights cast a warm, inviting glow, and the reading corner looked cozy and magical. Noriko stood in the middle of the room, surveying their work with a satisfied smile.
"We did it," she said, turning to Max. "It's perfect."
Max nodded, his gaze lingering on her. "It is. And you're incredible, Noriko. I couldn't have done this without you."
Before she could respond, Kota waddled over and grabbed Noriko's hand, pulling her toward the reading corner. He gestured for her to sit on one of the cushions, then did the same for Max.
Noriko tilted her head. "What's this, Kota? Are you tired?"
Kota shook his head and pointed at the cushions insistently.
Max raised an eyebrow. "You want us to sit? Alright, alright." He lowered himself onto the cushion, and Noriko did the same.
Once they were seated, Kota climbed into the small space between them, plopping down with a contented sigh. His expression seemed to say, *"Finally, I've got you two where I want you."*
Noriko laughed softly. "You're something else, Kota."
Max leaned back, his arm resting casually on the cushion behind Noriko. "He's got good taste, though. This is a nice way to end the day."
The three of them sat in comfortable silence for a while, the soft glow of the fairy lights casting a golden hue over the room. Kota yawned, his little hand reaching out to hold both Noriko's and Max fingers.
Noriko looked down at him, her heart swelling. "I think he's finally out of energy."
Max smiled, his voice low. "Don't count on it. He's just recharging."
Noriko laughed quietly, leaning her head against Kyoshi's shoulder. "Well, I'll take this moment of peace while it lasts."
Max turned his head slightly, his gaze soft as he looked at her. "You deserve it, Noriko. You've done so much, not just today but for all of this. For us."
She looked up at him, their faces close. "You've done just as much, Max. And… I'm really grateful. For you. For everything."
Their moment was interrupted by a tiny snore from Kota, who had fallen asleep clutching their hands.
Max chuckled. "Looks like the boss has finally clocked out."
Noriko smiled, her eyes shining with warmth. "I love this. I love… us."
Max's s arm tightened slightly around her. "Me too."
As the fairy lights twinkled above them, the three of them sat together, content and connected, ready for whatever the next day would bring.
CHAPTER END 🫠