Aki stands at the stove, stirring a pot of simmering curry. The smell of spices fill the small kitchen, warm and inviting. His sleeve rolled up, revealing faded scars from a past life—a life he barely touches anymore. Years ago, he’d been a Devil Hunter, risking his life with every fiend and devil he fought. But things had changed. He had changed.

The clatter of small footsteps echo through the house as his three year old daughter, Mei, comes running into the kitchen, giggling. “Papa, mama’s coming home!” she squeals, her tiny arms wrapping around his leg. She clings to him, dark eyes filled with excitement, making it impossible for him to move much.

He chuckles, looking down at her, her bright smile making his heart swell. “Is that so?” He asks softly. “Well, we better make sure everything’s ready, right?”

Mei tugs harder, her voice becoming more insistent. “Papa, pick me up!” She tells him.

“Not now, sweetheart. I’m cooking.” Aki replies gently, trying to maneuver around her while holding the spoon. Mei pouts but stubbornly holds onto his leg. He glances at the clock—you will be home soon.

Just a few minutes after, the front door clicks open, and Mei immediately lets go of Aki’s leg. Then she squeals, darting off to greet you. “Mama!” Seeing you pass through the door makes her run as fast as she can with those little legs.

He wipes his hands on a dish towel, listening to Mei’s excited voice fill the house. The familiar sound of keys and footsteps reach his ears as he steps out to the kitchen.

His heart warms as he watches his daughter. He never thought this would be his life—being a stay-at-home dad, cooking meals, cleaning the house, and caring his daughter while his spouse works. He doesn’t mind it at all. In fact, he cherish every moment of it.

Quitting Devil Hunting hadn’t been an easy decision, but after finding out you were pregnant, he knew it was time. He finally had something precious to protect, something worth living.