I Became a Kindergarten Teacher for Monster Babies!-Chapter 354 Frightened

His voice grew smaller with each word, as if he was afraid to admit something so precious aloud.

Dante blinked once.

Then twice.

And very slowly, a pleased smile appeared on his face.

"Oh" he hummed, leaning back slightly with a calm, satisfied air. "Is that so"

Sable nodded, small and earnest. "She always smiles at me... and she pats my head... and she does not get scared of my shadows..."

"And that makes you happy" Dante asked quietly.

Sable nodded again, hugging his pillow as if it could hide how flustered he was.

Dante looked away for a moment, pretending to fix the cuff of his sleeve, but the faint upward curve of his lips betrayed him. The air around him softened in a way only Alina’s name ever seemed capable of creating.

"Well" he said, clearing his throat lightly. "Miss Alina is very special."

Sable brightened a little.

"And she will be happy to see you again" Dante added.

Sable’s small smile returned, warm and shy, and Dante felt strangely relieved. Relieved that the teacher he admired so quietly was becoming someone important to his son too.

Suddenly a soft rustle beside him made him look down. Lucien had pushed himself up with a sleepy little groan, his tiny horns glinting faintly as he crawled across the blankets. Without saying anything at first, he climbed straight into Dante’s lap and rested his head there, letting out a soft hum of comfort.

"Dad" he whispered, rubbing his eye with the back of his hand.

"Yes, little one" Dante replied, his voice naturally gentling as he slid a hand through Lucien’s messy hair.

Lucien blinked slowly, still half in dreams. "Are you all free today"

His sleepy voice made the question sound even more innocent.

Dante smiled, the expression small but warm. "I will take you both to play."

Beside him, Sable, who had been hugging his pillow shyly, suddenly brightened. His whole face lit up like a little lantern.

"Where will we go" Sable asked, eyes sparkling, his shadows swirling excitedly behind him like fluttering ribbons.

Dante let out a soft laugh, rubbing Lucien’s back with one hand while reaching to pat Sable’s head with the other.

"Not decided" he said, amused at their eagerness. "You two choose, and I will take you."

Sable looked at Lucien.

Lucien looked at Sable.

Both then looked up at Dante with matching puzzled faces, their mouths forming the exact same thoughtful little "Umm"

Silence.

More silence.

Then all three of them, father and sons, exchanged the most helpless and confused stare in the world.

It lasted two whole seconds before the absurdity hit them, and suddenly the room filled with soft laughter. Lucien’s sleepy giggles mixed with Sable’s shy little snorts, and even Dante let out a low warm chuckle that softened his entire expression.

"Silly boys" Dante murmured, shaking his head fondly as he reached out to pull Sable closer.

Sable let out a tiny squeak of delight as he was gathered into Dante’s arm, giggling as he bumped gently against Lucien. Their shadows tangled playfully around Dante’s wrist, clearly as happy as their young master.

Dante looked down at the two bundles of warmth tucked against him, their faces glowing with joy, and he could not help but smile again.

"Alright" he said, brushing their hair back with his fingers. "We will decide together. No rush."

ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Queen Granite’s voice cracked through the room like a thunderbolt.

"You what... got lost" she exclaimed, her eyes widening first in shock, then tightening dangerously in anger. "Did they not take care of you? What would have happened to us if something happened to you"

Rocky flinched, shrinking into himself, his small shoulders curling forward. His round stone freckles trembled faintly as he shuffled back a step. He had never seen his mother so frightened, and when Queen Granite was frightened, it always turned into explosive scolding.

Boulder King immediately placed a calming hand on her back. His deep voice rumbled gently. "Granite... breathe."

Queen Granite let out a sharp exhale, trying to contain the storm inside her. The moment she realized she had scared her little pebble, guilt softened her expression. She took another deep breath and knelt down, opening her arms.

Rocky crawled quickly into her embrace, burying his face in her shoulder.

"Tell us everything" Boulder King said, his tone firm but warm. He lowered himself to their level, cupping Rocky’s small rocky cheek with one large hand.

Rocky sniffed and began explaining the entire story. How he and Kelpie saw Koel faint, how they tried to help, how Felix joined them, how they were taken indoors, how teacher was scared, how everyone came searching. His tiny voice wavered with each detail, but he continued bravely.

By the end, Queen Granite’s mouth was set in a tight line, part frustration, part fear, part fierce love.

"Oh my little pebble" she muttered, rubbing his back. "I told you not to approach strangers. Even if everything turned out good this time, not all creatures are kind. You must be careful."

Rocky nodded quickly, hugging her tightly. "Sorry Mommy..."

Queen Granite kissed the top of his stone like hair. "I was scared, that is why I sounded angry. But do not ever disappear like that again, alright My heart cannot take it."

Rocky melted into her arms, murmuring a tiny "Okay..."

Boulder King stroked his son’s head and let out a relieved sigh. "You still did a brave thing, helping someone who fainted. But next time" he said gently, "call an adult. Alright"

Rocky nodded again, cheeks warming with embarrassment and comfort.

The queen and king exchanged a look, equal parts exhaustion and gratitude, then wrapped their arms around their little pebble, holding him tight as if they would never let him out of their sight again.

"I am sorry again Mommy... I made everyone worry... teacher... you... principal... my friends..."

Suddenly his words stumbled. His voice cracked on the last word, and a soft sob escaped him. Tears slipped down his chubby cheeks, making them shine even more, and he buried his face against her shoulder.

"Oh sweetheart" Queen Granite whispered. She stroked the back of his head with slow, soothing circles. "Do not cry, my pebble. We are not angry at you. We were only scared. You came back safe, that is all that matters."

Boulder King shifted closer, his broad hand settling over Rocky’s back like a reassuring shield. "Your mother is right" he said softly. "Everyone who loves you was frightened, but we are proud you wanted to help someone in need. That shows you have a good heart."

Rocky hiccupped, his tears falling faster now that he felt safe enough to let them out. "But... teacher looked so sad... and I did not call her... and I made her scared..."