The children loved Asahina, and ran to meet him like a drove of stampeded animals. They all came dashing and making the male stumble back slightly before he let out a hearty laugh. A smile blossoming on his face like a flower in spring.
"Hey kiddos!"
"Hina-sensei!"
They all flocked to him at time breaking speed.
He wrapped his arms genlty around the kids and teens in which stayed at his daycare when no one was able to care for them for the day. He wanted to make sure they felt safe and loved.
Weishi snuggled in, "You're the only person I know that gives indefinite hugs."
Asahina snickered, "Well, love, where else would I rather be?"
In that moment the arms squeezed a fraction tighter and Weishi breathed more slowly, his body melting into his as every muscle lost its tension to the spring air.
The young adult chuckled at the adorable action at he patted the child's head who smirked at his fellow mates.
"I want hugs and pats to!"
They all whined to the male dressed in a baby blue apron with a baby duckling with it mother on it.
He merely chuckled shaking his head at the silly children before complying to their demands.
"Come on now. Let's get off the ground. Have you all eaten breakfast with Mr Wilver yet?"
Mr Wilver was Asahina's employ that worked at his daycare. He mainly took care of the older people.
This daycare not only too care of children and teens but also adults and the elderly. It truly was a welcoming place and everyone loved it here. Especially the owner, Asahina himself.
"We already did. But I don't think grandpa Tyson has eaten yet since Mr Wilver had his hands full with the others."
"Ah of course. I should apologies to him for being so late."
"No need."
A tall male stepped out, he waa wearing a yellow apron with a dog on it. He approached his boss and gave a courteous hello.
"Thank you so much. I'll be sure to give you a bonus this month. You have been such a help. The children seem to adore you as they do I."
He shook his head a grateful smile hung at his lips.
"Really you don't have to. I have pride in this job and what you do. I couldn't take a bonus."
A determined smile played at Asahina's lips. One Wilver knew to well. He knew he wouldn't take no for an answer. A playful sigh left him.
"Fine I'll take the extra. But I'll be sure to treat you to dinner."
His soft lips stretched into a bright smile.
"I'll take your word on that. I look forward to it."
"Of course you do. You love food."
"Who doesn't?"
"True."
The duo guided the flock back into the warm and homey building all of them were familiar of.
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"Po-san it's time for breakfast!"
I put the spoon in the bowl and carry them both in my free arm to the armchair.
He returns my smille with a gentle wrinkled smile. It simply made my heart swell in happiness and made the prospects for the rest if the day brighter.
"Today it's your favourite pumpkin soup and some extra soft and fluffy bread to accompany it!"
He chuckled at my enthusiasm.
"As energetic as usual. It's nice to be able to see this every morning. It sounds delish. Thank you."
I place my hand on his wrinkled one and smile gently.
"It's my job. I love to do it. Now time to eat."
I get made sure it wasn't to hot bedore spooning it to the male. He leans forwards slightly and eats it slowly.
For each mouthful he opens wide, chews a little and swallows it down.
I get up for my water bottle leaving him on the chair.
I give him a cup of water and lift it slowly to his lips to allow him to swallow it. I wipe his mouth with a clean cloth.
"All done. If you need any assistance. Please don't hesitate to call."
"I hope you wouldn't mind wheeling me to the lounging area."
"Of course not."
I walk behind him and grip the handles if the wheel chair before gently pushing him along to the lounging area.
The sound of children's laughter became louder as we approached it.
"Energetic and loud as usual."
I chuckle and nod.
"They always are unless they're napping. I wonder where they get all of that energy from. Maybe I should eat the same food as them so I can be like that."
Po-san laughs heartily at my response.
Once the people in the lounge spot us they approach us. The children running screaming his name happily. He was basically a grandpa to all of them. I smile fondly at the scene that unfolded before me. I would never get sick of it.
They all jumped on the spot as they spilled their exciting news to him. He simply listened intently, chuckling as he rubbed their head affectionately. Rubbing their already messy bed hair even more. They leaned into the familiar warmth. As if begging for more.
"How about you children go play at the park. I'm to old to go. I'll be doing some knitting."
"Okay!"
They all chirped happily. The teens sitting on the couch glanced up from their phones.
I turned to them.
"You guys need to go our and get some fresh air!"
Rex, the oldest if the trio groaned in annoyance before nodding.
"Fine but I'm bringing my phone at least."
"Fine. Only on one condition. You excersise. You can listen to your music while doing it."
"Alright alright got you dad."
I chuckle before ushering the others to get ready on our little trip. They happily dashed off to prepare.
This was going to be a long day.
----------------------
"Slow down!"
The children were running like there was no tomorrow. I sigh and let pause to catch my breath. I notice Ten Ten, one of the children who stay at my daycare being awfully quiet.
I slump down next to her as she pluck grass from the ground. Dirtying her hand.
"What's the matter?"
I pat her head.
That sinple question seem to make her burst into tears.
"Ijustreallywantedtoplaybutidonthinktheyllletmeandandandwahh!"
I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, gently rubbing her arm.
"Calm down. Take a deep breath kiddo."
I count 1 2 3 slowly to her as she takes slow and shaky breaths.
"Now tell me slowly. Take your time. I have all day."
I smile reassuringly. She fidgets with the hem of her shorts.
"W-Well I want to p-play with the boys but the my m-mum s-said I'm to much of a tomboy. You think they'll let me join?"
I smile reassuringly as I give her a thumbs up. she chuckles at my chuckle.
"I'm sure they will. The love company and all of the people here are kind although the may necessarily look like it."
She nods and hugs me before dashing off. I smile at the scene of all of them playing. Resting my face in the palm of my chin.
"You never cease to bring a smile to their face. I admire that from you."
Rex voice sounds from behind me. I turn around and greet him. He had what look like a grape flavoured lollipop in his mouth.
"If you eat to much you might get cavities."
He rolls his eyes in response a grin appearing on his lips.
"Yeah yeah. Tell me when it happens."
I laugh. We spend the rest of the day playing at the park until it got dark and soon for the parents or guardians to pick all of them up.
-------------------
"Take care. I'll see you soon."
The last child waves to me before slowly disappearing with his mum.
I stretch my body turning to Wilver.
"Let's pack up then we can head home."
He nods and head to leave.
Something begins circling around me.
It was a gosh damn fly!
I dash into the building but it continues to trail behind me making that annoying sound.
I dash for the fly swatter and make haste to chase after it.
It was unusual. There aren't usually flies in this weather here. Whatever.
I smile satisfactory as it falls to the ground.
Suddenly a bright light blinds me.
Wilver looks at me before dashing to my aid. He stretches his hand and I try to grab it but it just goes through.
"Look after the everyone for me. Tell them I love them with all my heart!"
Tears spilt out of his eyes as he nodded.
"I will take care of yourself."
"You too..."
That was the last time I saw him. Hopedully not the last though.
------------
All the trees were tightly-knit, just one strand in a massive web of life. Green leaves, yellow leaves, red leaves. It was a rainbow of rich, autumnal colours. The scent of earth and water drifted through the air. It was a picture of serenity.
But where the heck was I.
A strap of my apron falls of my shoulder as i drop the fly swatter in my hand.
"What's going to happen now?"