I Became a Kindergarten Teacher for Monster Babies!-Chapter 386 Exam (1)

Dante remained awake long after the room had settled into silence. The steady, gentle rise and fall of Alina’s chest caught his attention again and again, as if his gaze were drawn there without his permission. In the dim light, her face looked softer than ever, free of fear, her lashes resting quietly against her cheeks. Something in his chest shifted, unfamiliar and unsteady, and his heartbeat refused to slow no matter how much he tried to calm himself.

His shadows, however, were far less disciplined. They stirred restlessly along the walls and corners of the room, curling and uncurling with barely restrained excitement, responding to emotions he did not yet fully understand. Dante closed his eyes briefly and forced them back into stillness, reining them in with practiced control before they dared drift any closer. This was not the time, and certainly not the place.

When he opened his eyes again, he noticed Sable had shifted in his sleep. The little one had rolled closer to Alina, his movements slow and instinctive, until his small hand found hers. His fingers curled gently around her hand, holding on as if that single touch could guard her dreams. Dante watched the scene in silence, then let out a quiet, almost helpless chuckle.

*****

A week passed quietly, gently, like a page turning without sound. Alina stayed at Dante’s house for a few days, long enough for the fear to loosen its grip on her heart. Slowly, her confidence returned, and when she finally went back home, she carried more than just her belongings with her. She carried warmth, laughter, and memories of sleepy nights, shared meals, and the soft way the babies had clung to her as if she truly belonged there. She had enjoyed every moment, even the ones that left her blushing long after. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

And now, today was a big day.

The very first exam.

From the moment she woke up, Alina’s chest buzzed with excitement and anticipation. It felt strange to be more nervous than the students themselves. She dressed carefully, double-checked her bag again and again, and made sure the exam folders were neatly arranged, pages aligned, no mistakes. These were her babies’ first exams, after all. She wanted everything to be perfect.

In the staffroom, the atmosphere felt lighter than usual. Gabriel closed his thick book and looked at her with a bright smile.

"Alina," he said warmly, "tell the babies best of luck from me, alright?"

She laughed softly and nodded. "Of course. They’ll be so happy to hear that."

Professor Hobb glanced up from his notes, adjusting his glasses. "Yes, do tell them," he added in his deep, calm voice. "Encourage them to stay relaxed. Exams are only a small part of learning."

Miss Kelly smiled too, offering her own gentle words. "And remind them to breathe. Children forget that part first."

Alina promised she would, her heart swelling at how much everyone cared. Gathering her things, she hugged the exam folder close to her chest as if it were something fragile. Taking one last steady breath, she stepped out of the staffroom and headed down the hallway toward the classroom.

That was when she saw him.

Dante stood near the tall windows, his dark coat perfectly in place, his posture calm and commanding as ever. Morning light filtered in from behind him, outlining his broad frame and casting soft shadows across the floor. He turned the moment he sensed her presence, his eyes finding her instantly.

"Miss Alina," he said, his voice low and steady, yet gentler than usual. "Good morning."

Her heart skipped, just like it always did, and she smiled before she could stop herself. "Good morning, sir," she replied, then quickly corrected herself with a shy glance. "Dante."

His lips curved slightly, clearly pleased. His gaze dropped to the folder in her hands. "Today is the exam," he said, more a statement than a question.

"Yes," she nodded, excitement shining in her eyes. "Their first one. They studied so hard. I think they’ll do well, but... I’m still nervous."

"That is natural," he replied, his tone surprisingly reassuring. "It means you care." He paused briefly, then added, "The children trust you. Whatever the result, they will remember your kindness more than the questions."

Her shoulders relaxed a little at his words. "Thank you," she said softly. "That actually helps a lot."

Dante inclined his head. "I will not interrupt you any longer. They are waiting for you." Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, "I will check in later."

She nodded, gripping the folder a bit tighter. "Alright."

As she walked past him toward the classroom, Alina felt a strange mix of nerves and warmth settle in her chest.

Inside the classroom, the moment Alina stepped through the door, a chorus of voices rose together, loud and clear.

"Good morning, Teacher!"

The sound filled the room, bright and eager, bouncing off the walls and instantly melting every trace of nervousness in her chest. She paused for a heartbeat, looking at all those familiar little faces turned toward her. Some sat straight with serious expressions, others practically vibrated in their seats. Drake’s tail swished back and forth with barely contained energy. Boo floated upside down near his desk just to show off. Luna crossed her arms like an adult preparing for battle, and Rocky sat extra straight, hands folded as if this were the most important day of his life.

Alina smiled, wide and warm. "Good morning, everyone," she replied, her voice gentle but steady.

A few babies giggled. A few puffed out their chests proudly. More than one pair of eyes sparkled with excitement mixed with nerves. She could almost see their thoughts written all over their faces. Exam. Questions. Pens. Answers. Don’t forget anything.

She set her folder carefully on the desk and looked around the room, her gaze softening.

"Before we begin," she said kindly, "I want all of you to take a deep breath with me."

They blinked, then obediently inhaled together. Some exaggerated, some quiet, some so deeply they nearly tipped backward.

Alina laughed softly. "Good. Remember, this is just like our classes. No scary questions, no tricks. Just write what you know and do your best. That’s all I want from you."

The tension in the room eased just a little. Boo gave her a dramatic thumbs-up. Drake nodded like he was about to face a monster. Lucien sat calm and focused, and Sable whispered a quiet wish of good luck.

Alina straightened, her heart full, as she reached for the first exam sheet.

"Alright," she said gently, her smile returning. "Let’s begin."