I Became a Kindergarten Teacher for Monster Babies!-Chapter 412 Cuddle

Alina had barely stepped into the hallway when she nearly stumbled—Dante was standing right there, leaning against the wall as if he had been waiting for her the whole time. The dim light brushed across his face, softening the tiredness in his eyes, and the moment he saw her, that exhaustion melted into a warm, gentle smile that made her heart flutter helplessly.

He straightened a little.

"Are they asleep?" he asked in a quiet whisper, as if afraid his voice might drift through the door and wake the babies.

Alina nodded with a small smile of her own. "Fast asleep."

They began walking toward her room together, the silence between them steady and comforting. His hand brushed hers once, lightly, and though neither reached for the other, the warmth lingered long enough to warm her cheeks.

"I want to talk to you about something," he said softly when they reached her door.

She nodded quickly, stepping aside to let him in.

They sat on the edge of her bed, shoulders almost touching, the room faintly lit by her night lamp. Dante looked out the window as he gathered his thoughts.

"It’s related to Sable and Lucien," he began. "If you’re taking them with you, I’ve already called a witch. She’ll come early tomorrow to hide Lucien’s red eyes and horns. Sable only needs his horns hidden—he can blend in well otherwise."

Alina nodded, relieved. "That’s perfect. Thank you."

He hesitated then, his eyes lowering for a moment before lifting back to hers. There was something fragile in his expression, something careful and earnest.

"But my main question is..." He exhaled slowly. "Do you want to tell your family about us? About... our relationship?"

Alina blinked, her heart doing a strange little dance. She held his gaze, feeling shy and warm and hesitant all at once.

"I... probably want to tell them," she said softly. "But if you don’t like it—or if it’s too soon—I don’t have to. I can keep it private."

Dante studied her for a moment, his crimson eyes softening. The way she said I can hide it if you want made something tighten protectively in his chest..he didn’t want her to feel she had to hide anything for him.

He reached out and gently cupped her hand, his thumb brushing her knuckles in a slow, calming stroke.

"You can tell them if you want," Dante replied. A silence fell between them, broken only by Alina’s whisper.

"...Do you want to sleep here?" she whispered, unable to meet his eyes for more than a second.

Dante blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Then, slowly, the corner of his mouth lifted in a way that made her stomach flutter.

"Sure," he said, his voice low and steady.

They lay down together, a little awkward at first, their shoulders brushing lightly before both of them adjusted. Dante lifted a hand, shadows responding instantly; soft, silky tendrils curling through the air to turn off the lamp without a sound.

Darkness wrapped around the room, warm and gentle.

For a long moment there was nothing but silence, the soft thump of their hearts. Alina could feel her breath catching in her throat, her body stiff at the thought of lying beside him, alone, the quiet pressing so close it felt almost intimate.

Then Dante shifted.

Slowly, deliberately, he slid an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, guiding her against his chest with a careful tenderness that made her entire body tingle.

"Dante..." she breathed, her voice trembling softly in the dark.

"Cuddle," he whispered, his breath brushing her ear, warm and deep.

Her body relaxed instantly. She let herself melt into him, her cheek resting against the firm warmth of his chest. He tightened his hold just a little, enough to make her feel cherished without trapping her, his thumb brushing slow circles against her arm.

Dante pulled the blanket over both of them, and the moment the soft fabric draped around her, she felt his warmth seep through her skin like the gentlest wave.

His scent wrapped around her: clean, cool, faintly smoky, and comforting in a way she never expected a demon’s presence to be.

Her eyes fluttered shut, and she could feel his heartbeat beneath her hand... steady, strong, soothing.

She felt safe and warm.

Dante’s chin brushed the top of her head as he whispered, barely audible, "Sleep... Lina."

Within minutes, her breathing grew slow and gentle against him, and she drifted off in the cradle of his arms.

Dante remained awake longer than he expected. He looked down, watching the peaceful rise and fall of her chest against him. Memories flickered through his mind—the first time she stepped into his office, how she was checking him out. It had been funny, and at the time, he hadn’t cared that much... knowing how handsome he was. And now she was sleeping in his arms.

A soft, rare smile touched his mouth. Eventually, he closed his eyes and let sleep pull him under, still holding her close.

Morning arrived gently.

Dante woke to warmth... and softness... and something pressing lightly against his waist. He blinked open his eyes slowly, feeling a slight weight on his chest. Then he looked down and his breath caught.

Alina had wrapped herself around him like a sleepy koala.

One leg thrown over his waist. One arm draped across his chest. Her face buried in the crook of his neck. Her breath warm and sweet against his skin. Her small fingers curled into the fabric of his attire as if she never wanted to let go.

She looked peaceful... breathtaking... completely trusting.

His heart thumped hard, deep in his chest.

She had no idea what she did to him.

He didn’t dare move. He simply watched her, letting the morning light soften her sleepy features—the little frown she made when she exhaled, the loose strands of hair falling across her cheek, the faint blush of warmth on her skin.

Careful, he warned himself silently. If she stayed like this every morning, he might never allow the sun to rise again.

She murmured softly in her sleep, snuggling closer, her leg tightening around him just a little as if she sensed him even in dreams.

Dante closed his eyes for a moment, overwhelmed by the strange, warm feeling.

So this is what it feels like... to wake up with someone you love.