I barely made it ten steps down the corridor.
Still dizzy from the girl interrogation squad, wiping away invisible tears of humiliation from my soul, when—
A hand grabbed my collar and yanked me back like I was a stolen lunchbox.
"Hold it right there, traitor."
A full-on circle of disappointment.
They looked like a group of anime protagonists just before the final betrayal arc.
Classmates, guys from other departments... even the vending machine guy.
Their eyes burned with one shared truth:
"Yuuta... has fallen."
"Dude, seriously? You have a wife?!" one of them asked, voice cracking.
"And a daughter?! A cute one?! Who ran into your arms like a drama scene?!"
"Bro... we ate convenience store Valentine's chocolates together last year."
"You said 'relationships are a scam!' We believed you!"
"You were one of us..."
Each word hit harder than my rent reminder.
I raised both hands in surrender. "Wait, it's not what it looks like—"
"Is she real?" one guy whispered. "Like... not from a dating sim?"
"Does she call you Papa?" another asked, almost tearing up.
I sighed. "Yes... but it's complicated."
Their silence was louder than judgment.
Then the vending machine guy stepped forward.
"We're not mad you found love..." he said, solemn.
"We're mad you didn't tell us... so we could live through you."
I nodded, moved. "I'll... cook lunch for everyone?"
Brotherhood restored.
Finally, I returned home. The questions about my life—damn it, that Erza... that fucking lizard dragon.
She did it on purpose. I could practically hear her mocking laugh echoing in my mind.
I will take revenge on you, just you wait.
I said this to myself, a quiet promise that lingered in my thoughts as I walked through the door.
It's a place I've always returned to, but lately, it's different. I used to stay alone, but not anymore.
Now, there's a small family waiting for me. A family I never thought I'd have.
I stepped inside, and just as I did, I heard the pitter-patter of tiny feet racing toward me.
"Elena!" I smiled instinctively, my heart already softening before I even saw her.
Before I could even react, she appeared in front of me, grinning from ear to ear.
"Papa, welcome back!"
she said, her voice high-pitched, full of that youthful innocence that made every word seem like a melody.
She was as cute as ever. My chest tightened at the sight of her, and I didn't even try to hide my smile as she jumped into my arms.
Her small hands wrapped around me in the tightest hug I'd ever received, and for a moment, I felt something I hadn't experienced before.
A sense of warmth, a feeling of belonging. It was as if time itself slowed down just to let me savor this moment, and my soul felt at peace for the first time in years.
I never realized how badly I needed this.
It was the first time in my life I ever felt like I had a family.
I quickly took her in my arms, holding her close, unsure if I wanted to let go. Her presence grounded me in ways I couldn't describe.
For all the chaos, for all the struggles, this—this feeling right here—was everything.
"Miss me that much?" I teased, rubbing her head as she giggled, her small body still warm against mine.
Her face lit up even more.
"Of course, Papa! I missed you all day!"
I chuckled and looked over her shoulder, my gaze sweeping around the house.
The small family I never thought I'd have, but somehow, I did.
My heart felt fuller than it ever had before, and for the first time in ages, I allowed myself to believe in something beyond survival.
Maybe, just maybe, this was what I needed all along.
I lift Elena onto my shoulder, and that's when I notice her—Erza, the queen lizard, sprawled on my couch like she's royalty.
Watching TV. Because, apparently, she is royalty now.
Wait. She is a queen.
She doesn't even look at me, just lazily waves a hand and says,
"Hey, mortal, make something delicious. I'm starving."
I can't help but roll my eyes, but then a memory hits me—the time she barged into my class and said,
"Honey, I'll be staying in your world."
Sweet, innocent, like a little wife. And now? She's back to being the cold, heartless dragon woman I've come to know.
"Can't you hear your queen?" she says, a little louder. "Food. Now."
trying not to lose it. I swear, I just want to knock her out, but... she's a dragon.
If I did, I'd probably end up in the sky somewhere.
Elena tugs on my leg, looking up at me with those big eyes.
"What are we eating today, Daddy?"
"We're having steak with red wine, kiddo."
Erza's tail starts wagging like a dog, but her face stays as cold as ever.
"Pathetic. I bet it won't taste good. My mom taught me how to make world-class steak, so don't even bother."
I raise an eyebrow, fighting back a grin.
"Oh, really? Let's make a bet then, Queen of Dragons."
She glares at me, not backing down.
"Fine. If I win, you'll clean my tail, horns, and wings every day."
I cross my arms, playing it cool.
She shrugs, looking smug.
"You get one wish. For one whole day."
I can't help it. I let out a wicked laugh, like I've just won the lottery.
"Oh, I've been waiting for this."
Erza's eyes widen for a second—she just realized what she agreed to. I think she might be regretting this already.
Meanwhile, Elena is leaning in close to Erza, whispering,
"Mama, is Daddy okay? Why's he acting so weird?"
[Scene: After Chapter ends, bonus skit starts]
Elena (hopping around): Yaha~!
Papa said if I get more collections, I get more screen time! So please collect, okay?
Erza (arms crossed): Hmph. If we don't get comments, I might just burn the . Accidentally.
Yuuta (panicking): W-Wait! Readers, please—leave a comment! Save the story!
Elena (grinning): Or I'll start calling every reader Papa! Hehe~
Erza: That's it. I'm deleting Yuuta's scenes next.
Narrator: And that's how the chaos began. Please support this chaotic family with your collection and comments before the author cries.