Special Chapter 1
Steam still clung to the bathroom walls as Aki stepped out of the shower first, towel loosely wrapped around him. Faint marks bloomed across his skin—soft purples and reds that spoke of a quiet intimacy left behind in the steam. He dressed quickly and moved into the kitchen, already starting breakfast as if this were the most natural rhythm of his mornings.
A little later, Akira emerged as well, freshly showered and already slipping into his office clothes. He sat down at the dressing table, lifting the comb to his hair—
"Daddy."
Akira looked down, his expression melting instantly into a smile.
"Aww, my princess."
He picked her up gently and placed her on the makeup table. Aurora, three years old, looked up at him with bright red eyes so much like his own, her slightly dark brown hair inherited from Aki falling softly around her face.
"Daddy, let me help you."
Akira smiled. "Is that so? Okay then, do it."
She grabbed the comb with complete seriousness, carefully running it through his hair. Akira kept one arm firmly around her waist so she wouldn't slip, while his other hand passed her the things she asked for.
"Rubber band."
He handed it to her without question.
A few minutes later, Aurora beamed proudly.
"Taadaaa!"
She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
"Now Daddy looks more handsome."
Akira tried very hard not to laugh. Two small ponytails stood proudly on either side of his head, pointing upward at awkward angles.
"I never looked more handsome," he said solemnly, then kissed her cheek in return.
She giggled.
A soft yawn came from behind them.
Both Akira and Aurora turned.
Ana was awake.
Five months old, with black hair like Akira's and green eyes like Aki's, she stirred gently in her crib.
Aurora smiled brightly. "Ana wake up."
Akira stood up, carefully lifting Ana into his arms while still holding Aurora. He carried both his daughters toward the dining area just as Aki finished setting breakfast on the table, an apron tied around his waist.
"Oh, so everyone is up. Good—"
Then he noticed Akira's hair.
He burst into giggles, walking over and gently taking Ana from Akira's arms while still laughing.
Akira only smiled.
Aki reached out and pinched Aurora's nose playfully.
"You did that to your daddy, you little flower."
Aurora laughed.
They all sat down together. Aki fed Ana her milk while Akira and Aurora ate breakfast. Every now and then, Akira would feed Aki a bite as well, since he was busy with the baby.
When they were done, Aki spoke again.
"Aurora, bring Mama's phone from the bedroom, baby."
"Yes, Mom," Aurora replied and ran off.
Ana played quietly with the stuffed toy tied to her baby chair as Aki removed the rubber bands from Akira's hair, smoothing it back properly and combing it into place.
He leaned back slightly, examining his work.
"Let me see… hm. Perfect. Just like my husband."
He giggled.
Akira chuckled. "Haha, really? Wife saves the day again."
Soon, Akira stood at the main door, ready to leave for the office. He kissed Aki, then Aurora, then Ana.
Aki stood there holding both children in his arms as Akira looked at them, smiling softly.
"Aww… I don't feel like going to work."
He hugged Aki again.
Aki blinked, surprised.
"But you have an important meeting today, honey. You have to go."
"I can postpone it."
"You already postponed this meeting three times," Aki said gently. "You sure you can do that again?"
Akira sighed, his shoulders drooping.
"Guess no choice then."
Aurora's eyes filled with tears.
"Daddy, don't go."
Akira clutched his chest dramatically.
Aki sighed.
"Your daddy is already running from work, baby. Let him go, right honey?"
Akira wiped away imaginary tears.
"I'll be back in an hour, baby. I promise, okay?"
Aki nodded like a proud wife.
Akira sniffed once more, then suddenly sprinted out the door, shouting,
"I'LL BE BACK IN NO TIMEEEEEE—"
"Daddy!" Aurora called after him tearfully.
Aki hugged her close.
"Aww, don't worry, Aurora. When you wake up from your nap, your dad will be right in front of you."
Aurora nodded, wiping her tears.
Ana, meanwhile, simply stared at her sister like a tiny boss.
Aurora smiled again.
"Ana, let's play together."
Aki watched them, smiling quietly.