I Became a Kindergarten Teacher for Monster Babies!

Alina had just finished checking the last of her notes when her phone chimed. It was a message from Dante: Allow them playtime today.

She blinked, then chuckled softly. Maybe he had seen the corridor drama through the cameras, or maybe someone had reported the children's endless protests about "missing playtime." Either way, it was a blessing in disguise.

She clapped her hands. "Everyone, listen up! I have an announcement."

The babies perked their ears and lifted their heads like little animals sensing food. Boo floated a little higher, his mouth already forming an o.

"It's… playtime!" Alina announced brightly.

There was silence for a heartbeat, like none of them trusted their ears.

Boo's eyes bulged. "Teacher… are you sure you just said… playtime???" His ghostly tail swished in disbelief.

Drake jumped up, his wings flapping, "Really?! Teacher, don't lie! Don't play with our fragile hearts!!" He blinked furiously, looking ready to weep if it wasn't true.

"It is!" Alina laughed, her smile spreading wider at their stunned faces. "Playtime for everyone!"

The classroom erupted in squeals and howls. Luna instantly shifted into her wolf form, her fluffy gray fur puffing out as she darted across the room like a lightning bolt. "Zoom zoom!!" she yipped, her paws thudding against the floor as she ran in circles.

Drake gave a delighted roar and transformed into a small golden-red dragon, his wings stretching wide as he bounded after her. "Lunaaa! I'm faster than you!" he declared, chasing her tail around desks.

Vlad Jr. pinched the bridge of his nose with the elegance of a tiny prince. "Unbelievable. My best friend abandons me for a wolf." He huffed and adjusted his tie dramatically, but his lips twitched like he was hiding a pout.

Sable, on the other hand, was bouncing on his toes with sheer joy. "Teacher really gave us playtime…!" His tiny voice was soft but filled with happiness. Vlad sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder, muttering, "Come then, Sable. I'll protect you from their nonsense."

Rocky had already rolled into his stone form and was letting Kelpie push him around like a living boulder, both of them giggling. Boo, still recovering from the shock, suddenly spun in the air with his arms out wide. "Hear ye, hear ye! Playtime has returned! All bow before the merciful teacher!!"

Alina covered her mouth, laughing as she leaned against her desk, watching the chaos unfold. Her heart warmed seeing them so free and happy.

***

In the playground, the little ones scattered about, each busy with their own games while Alina sat quietly on a wooden bench, watching them with a fond smile. Her eyes focused on Vlad Jr., who looked far too dignified for play with a neat cap perched on his head. It seemed he had come prepared for the sun

He held himself like a little prince, chin lifted, but his hands were busy helping Sable roll a small ball across the grass. Sable's face glowed with delight, giggling every time Vlad passed the ball back to him.

Alina hid a smile…she wasn't blind. She noticed the way Vlad Jr. glanced at Drake every so often, his crimson eyes glinting with mischief. It was as if he was saying, "Look, I'm playing with Sable now. Do you see?"

Of course, Drake, being the simple, excitable dragon that he was, had absolutely no clue. He was too busy bounding after Luna, roaring and laughing like a child who had been waiting his whole life for this moment. "Lunaaaa! Got your tail!" he shouted as he nipped at her fluffy gray tail with his snout.

"Stop it!!" Luna howled in outrage, spinning to snap at him before bolting again. But Drake was relentless, wings flapping as he pounced clumsily after her.

Finally, with a frustrated yip, Luna darted toward Alina, her little paws carrying her straight onto her teacher's lap.

Alina gasped, eyes wide as the weight of the fluffy wolf suddenly landed against her legs. "Luna?! Oh—sweetheart!" she laughed, startled but careful not to push her away.

Drake froze mid-pounce, blinking in confusion as his "prey" disappeared onto safe ground. In the next instant he shifted into his human form, his golden eyes widening in disbelief. "Teacher!! That's cheating! You can't let Luna sit with you!" he cried, pointing accusingly at the fluffy wolf still curled on Alina's lap.

But Alina wasn't listening to him anymore. Her hand had instinctively moved to Luna's soft head, fingers sinking into the thick, silky fur. And to her surprise, Luna didn't leap away. Her golden-brown eyes went wide at first, her ears twitching, but then her body relaxed slowly against Alina's lap.

The little wolf tilted her head, closing her eyes halfway as the gentle pats continued. A faint rumble left her chest but it wasn't quite a growl, more like a wolfish purr.

Alina's heart melted. "Oh, sweetheart… you're enjoying this, aren't you?" she whispered, continuing to stroke her head.

Luna only purred softly, settling more comfortably in Alina's lap.

Drake stomped his foot on the grass. "Teacher!! Now you're protecting her! That's unfair!"

Alina chuckled softly, patting Luna once more before looking at Drake. "Alright, alright… don't sulk, sweetheart. Teacher's lap is not part of the playground, okay?"

But inwardly, Alina's heart glowed at the quiet trust Luna had just given her by curling into her lap like that. She knew wolves rarely trusted anyone so easily, and for a little one to seek comfort in her arms… it was something precious.

Drake stood frozen for a moment, glaring at Luna who was practically glowing under Alina's gentle pats. His cheeks puffed out in jealousy. Why does she get all teacher's attention? he thought, his amber eyes narrowing.

With a determined pout, he spun around and charged across the grass, his short legs moving as fast as they could. "Hmph! Fine!!" he muttered under his breath, before yelling aloud, "I also want to play!!!"

Vlad Jr. had been quietly tossing the small ball back and forth with Sable, his movements graceful and precise, like a miniature prince playing a courtly game. His dark lashes fluttered in annoyance the moment he saw the dragon barrelling toward them. "Oh no…" he muttered softly, gripping the ball tighter.