We had the first sketches of the Harem trousers ready, it was going to be black with white with blue lines, with worn touches as if it was a pair of trousers that had been through a lot.
The others were still arguing over the design, the strange thing was that Enko had started working on the trousers while her teammates were still fighting.
"Asuna are they always like this?"
"Unfortunately yes, that's another reason why I don't like to be a team with them, they can't agree and Enko does what Hikaru wants instead... Maybe I shouldn't judge him, in the end I think I do the same, but the others are not able to mediate".
I found it ironic that Asuna was the one talking about group problems, because when I came to her class not long ago she had the same problem.
"So you guys are going to start making the trousers". - Aki said as they watched the others argue.
"I guess..."
"No Hikaru, you go back to practising on the machine, you've made good progress, but you're still not ready to be my assistant".
"What encouraging words from my friend".
I knew I was improving with the machine, but it wasn't enough for Asuna, that was frustrating.
"Hikaru, I know how you feel, but it's better that I tell you the truth, instead of softening it, you know that I usually play with things, but I really love this, that's why I prefer to tell you things as they are, if it were for experience you're not very close to me, I know that must hurt you, but I believe that in a short time you will be able to reach the level that I expect from you, and then I am sure that you will be at the same level as me, I am even afraid that you will surpass me, for what it's worth, you advance faster than me, Hikaru, that's a lot to say, but don't let it go to your head..."
Asuna's words had made me feel better somehow, though now I was worried whether I could really live up to her expectations.
Asuna turned red with embarrassment, when she finished talking to me I noticed that everyone was quiet listening to what she was saying, most of them looking like they didn't believe those words were coming from Asuna, all except for Enko Yoke who was still minding her own business.
"They could concentrate on their own thing and not spy on us while I'm talking to my friend?" Asuna said a bit annoyed.
Aki laughed a little which didn't make Asuna laugh, but she couldn't help but not do it. I asked her to give me instructions to break the mood and she told me to be reverse stitching which I easily managed to do after watching Asuna do it a couple of times.
The class ended and it was time to go home.
We were walking towards the exit of the school while Asuna was teasing Akari while groping me, which I had to stop her, because she was going a bit too far.
"I was just teasing you guys, don't get so mad at me".
"Asuna, it's one thing to want to tease or play a joke, but don't ever touch Hika's butt again, that's only for me to do, got it?"
"I don't see the law against touching him, and be thankful that I'm only going for his buttocks Akari. Hehehehe".
"You're going too far Asuna and I agree with Aki, she's the only one who should be able to touch me.... But what are you making me say... Just don't keep fiddling around like that, it makes me uncomfortable.... Asuna, isn't that your dad, over there at the entrance?"
Asuna saw her father and ran out to hug him.
Mr. Marias was an elderly man with grey hair, dog bite scars on his eyebrow and pear, he wore bifocals, and despite his old wounds he had a very kind face.
Asuna kept hugging her dad while rubbing his chest.
I approached him to say hello. Asuna's dad was surprised to see me.
"It's been a long time, son, since we last saw each other".
"Yes, it has been a long time since the last time, Mr. Marias".
"Thank you very much for always accompanying my little girl, how have you been?"
"Very well sir, and don't thank me, I always enjoy the time I spend with my friend".
"That makes me happy, who is the beautiful lady next to you Hikaru".
I couldn't help but be surprised that he saw Akari, that meant that he, at some point, saw someone die, a situation that made me feel like my heart was pounding.
"The beautiful woman standing next to me is my girlfriend, Mr. Marias".
Aki introduced herself with a small bow.
Mr. Marias looked at his daughter and then at me.
"I see..." he said with a sad tone.
"Dad, what are you doing here?"
"This old man can't come to pick up his little daughter". - He said while stroking Asuna's hair.
"Of course he can, I'm very happy about this".
"Come daughter, I need to talk to you Asuna, I'll steal my daughter for today children, it was nice to see you son, and nice to meet you Akari".
Part 2 - An offer you can't refuse.
Me and my father were walking down the snowy street that led to the Arekkaido shopping district, nine streets long of purely local shops.
"Why did you bring me here, daddy?"
"It's no mystery that my health is getting worse, and with the current conditions I'm in, I don't know how long I'll be able to continue working in the company?"
"Dad, don't tell me that you don't have long to live...?" I said very worried.
"No, no daughter, don't cry, change that face, that's not what I mean, I hope to last a couple of years more if the gods allow me, but I don't think I can continue working much longer where I am dear, I get tired very easily... calm down my baby, don't cry".
My dad gave me a big hug to calm him down.
"Come take this old man's hand".
I took my father's calloused hand and hugged his arm too.
"As I was saying, soon I will resign, although I will try to stay as long as I can, that's why I wanted to bother you with something, I want to prepare a business that I can manage once I retire, as I am your father and you are 16 years old I can sign an authorization so you can manage that place yourself, obviously after you finish your classes and when you finish school I will take over, so you can study whatever you want, you will have your salary, and the schedule will be managed by you, you can also choose what business to put.... I know I'm asking a lot, as a father I shouldn't bother you with this, it even hurts me, but I only have you, could you do this favour for this old man?"
I was very quiet listening to my father, to pay as much attention to him as possible.
"I was very quiet listening to my father, to pay as much attention as I could, 'You really allow me to do everything, that, of course I do, a thousand times yes, infinitely yes, can I have employees to help?"
My dad had taken off his glasses so he could wipe away a tear.
"Of course you can, but only one at least at first, then we'll see how things go.... I'm glad you like the idea, daughter".
"Of course I'm going to like it, you know I like these things better than studying for the nonsense that happens in class".
Asuana's father couldn't help laughing.
"I should reprimand you for that, but you've been making your own way, I'm glad about that..... Little daughter, if I have ever failed you, I apologise... I... I was always to blame for everything that happened with your mother, I want you to always know that".
"I don't want to talk about it, and don't apologize to me, you've done everything for me, that makes me happy".
"As you wish, my child, look, we've arrived".
"Where are we, daddy?"
"To our new place, right here in the corner, 62 square meters divided in two floors, to put whatever you want, just tell me, I'll be at home for the next 3 days, I asked for permission to rest for a few days and to be with you, my girl".
"The place is beautiful, this is where the old video store used to be, it's a pity it closed down years ago? I think it occurred to me that we could put here as a business and I think I know well who I want as an employee, dad".
"About the employee, I think I know who you mean, daughter, but what business did you come up with?"
"Would you let me talk it over with that person first, we talked about this not long ago, but I never thought there would be such a possibility, all thanks to you daddy, I assure you I won't let you down".
"Even if you fail, you will never let me down, my daughter, I am proud enough of you".
I smiled very naturally, I was very happy especially for the opportunity I had in front of me.
"Let's go eat some tacos at the shop across the street and then we'll go inside to see our shop, what do you think, Asuna?"
"Tacos, I want tacos dad, let's go before the best ingredients are gone".
My father looked very happy to see me, so much so that it hurt him to have to lie to him about his illness.