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—
BAM!
A hand grabbed my collar and yanked me back like I was a stolen lunchbox.
"Hold it right there, traitor."
Oh no.
The boys.
I turned around—
And there they were.
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…"
"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?"
Unanimous approval.
Brotherhood restored.
Kind of.
(Location:- Home Yuuta Apartment).
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.
Home.
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, I laughed, but as I glanced up… I saw her.
Queen Lizard herself—Erza—sprawled across my couch like she owned the place. Remote in hand. Watching TV. Legs up.
Wearing a robe she must've borrowed from my closet.
I blinked. "Wait—how the hell are you using the internet TV?"
She didn't even look my way.
Elena giggled. "Mama's learning about your world, Papa! She said she needs to gather data."
"Through Netflix?" I asked.
"She's watching cooking shows," Elena added. "To understand human culture."
I raised an eyebrow.
Smart... but kind of ridiculous.
"I mean, it's impressive," I muttered. "She found my college in less than a day."
"She followed your scent," Elena said casually.
"What scent?" I blinked. "Do I smell that bad?"
Elena giggled harder. "No, Papa! You have a different smell. Mama and I tracked it."
"Oh… that's… slightly terrifying," I mumbled.
"And yes," Elena continued proudly, "Mama crushed some cars. And trees. And fences."
I blinked again. "Wait. That shortcut I took behind the park…"
Elena nodded enthusiastically. "Gone, Mama destroy the path out of anger."
I sighed and rubbed my face. "Figures."
Before I could even complain further, a growl rumbled through the room.
Elena's stomach.
I looked down. "Sounds like someone's hungry."
She gave me puppy-dog eyes. "Elena is very hungry, Papa."
I grinned. "Alright, alright. Let's make something special tonight. How about steak?"
Her eyes sparkled. "Steak! I love steak!"
"You guys have steak in your world?" I asked curiously.
"Of course!" Elena chirped. "Mama's steak is the best!"
Erza finally looked up from the TV, a smug smirk forming. "Naturally. I was raised by the High Circle And taught by High Chef."
"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow. "Well then, let's see how you compare to a good old-fashioned earthly steak."
Erza crossed her arms, eyes narrowing. "Is that a challenge, mortal?"
"Wait, what?" I blinked. "No, I didn't say—"
"You dare question the culinary prowess of the Dragon Queen?"
"I literally didn't even—"
"Challenge accepted!" she declared proudly, standing up. "We will have a steak-off. Winner gets to demand anything from the loser."
I looked down at Elena.
She was already clapping.
"Yay! Papa versus Mama! I'm the judge!"
Great. This is happening.
I sighed. "Fine. But when I win, I'm making you clean up every dish."
Erza smirked. "And when I win, you'll polish my claws for a month."
I rolled up my sleeves.
"Let's see who earns the title of Steak Master."
To Be Continued…
[End of chapter]
[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 next chapter. 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.
Yuuta:Nooooo—!
Narrator: And that's how the chaos began. Please support this chaotic family with your collection and comments before the author cries.