SEPHTI DAYCARE AU
The bell above the door chimed softly as Sephiroth entered the brightly colored kindergarten, his silver hair and sleek business suit stark against the backdrop of children’s artwork and tiny chairs. He was there to pick up his younger brother, Kadaj, who had insisted on spending time in a daycare, much to Sephiroth’s bemusement.
Tifa Lockhart, the kindergarten teacher, looked up from where she was helping a child with a puzzle. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of the imposing man, who seemed so out of place in her world of finger paints and storybooks.
“Mr. Sephiroth, I presume?” Tifa asked, smoothing down her apron as she stood up.
“Yes, I’m here for Kadaj. Is he ready to go?” Sephiroth’s voice was calm, but there was a hint of impatience.
Tifa nodded, but her gaze softened as she looked over at Kadaj, who was cheerfully playing with blocks. “He’s been such a joy to have. It’s clear he looks up to his father a great deal.”
Sephiroth’s brow furrowed slightly at that. “Father?”
“Yes, it’s not common to see such a bond. He talks about you a lot,” Tifa said, smiling warmly.
Kadaj, overhearing this, shot Sephiroth a mischievous look, but said nothing to correct the misunderstanding. In his eyes, this was the perfect opportunity to play matchmaker for his brother, who he thought needed more warmth and light in his life – something Tifa seemed to radiate.
Sephiroth decided to let the assumption stand for the moment, intrigued by the interaction. “Well, I do my best,” he replied smoothly.
Tifa led Sephiroth over to where Kadaj was playing. “Kadaj, your father is here.”
As Sephiroth and Kadaj prepared to leave, Tifa handed Sephiroth a newsletter about upcoming events at the kindergarten. “It would be wonderful to see you at our family day event next week,” she said, hoping he would come.
“I’ll consider it,” Sephiroth replied, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. As he turned to leave, he caught the gleeful look in Kadaj’s eyes.
Walking back to his car, Sephiroth glanced down at Kadaj. “You enjoyed that, didn’t you?”
Kadaj grinned up at him. “You need more fun in your life, big brother. And Miss Lockhart is nice, isn’t she?”
Sephiroth sighed, but there was a softness in his eyes that wasn’t there before. “We’ll see, Kadaj. We’ll see.”
As they drove away, Kadaj leaned back, content with his day’s work. He was certain that this was just the beginning of a series of delightful misunderstandings and unexpected connections.
