hello everyone! ive been planning this fic for a while now uwu. i was inspired by s-sully's drawing here: [ post/81780676617/timezone-greetings] please give it a look sometime!
also dont take this seriously please think of it as some cheesy romcom (though i dont think there will be any actual funny moments since my humor is terrible)
Alfred yawned as exited the bathroom and entered his room. Running a hand through his blonde hair, he switched on his laptop. He checked the time on the monitor—7:03 AM.
Usually he would wake up much later, but he promised Kiku that he would call.
Arthur popped his head in Alfred's doorway as he opened Skype. "Bloody hell," he said, wearing his Union Jack apron and the laundry basket in his hands. "You being awake this early on a weekend, it's a miracle." he shook his head in disbelief.
The boy rolled his eyes. "Not now, Dad, I gotta call someone."
His father left, muttering something about "teenage boys" and "ungrateful sons". Alfred didn't mind, because Kiku's image had already appeared on his screen.
"Kiku! Hey!" cried Alfred. "What's up?"
"Hello. I'm doing fine," The room Kiku was in was dim, and Alfred could see his face only by his computer's light. "Although school has been hectic, seeing as the year is ending in a few days."
"Woah, it's dark in there!" said Alfred. "What time is it in Tokyo, man?"
"Only eight in the evening," Kiku replied. "I have classes tomorrow, so I have to go to sleep in a few hours."
"What, really?" asked Alfred. "And I was going to ask if we could play a game or something..."
"I'm sorry," said Kiku. "But please understand. We're having our exams now. I'm lucky my parents even allowed me on my computer. What time is it there?"
"Seven AM," said Alfred. "I can't believe I woke up this early. And it's Sunday!"
Kiku chuckled. "I'm sorry for making you get up so early."
Alfred shook his head. "Nah, man, it's fine!" he said. "I love talking to you, dude. You're, like, my best friend. Actually, wait, yeah, you are my best friend."
Kiku laughed again, covering his mouth with one hand. Alfred blushed slighty—gosh he's so cute when he laughs goddamn
"So, uh," said Alfred. "Are you excited for Saturday?"
"For the trip?" the Japanese boy nodded. "I've already finished packing my things."
"What, really?" said Alfred. "Man! You really do prepare for everything, don't cha?"
Now it was Kiku's turn to blush. "It's only next Saturday," he said. "By the way, I'm thinking of bringing some candy for you. Hold on, I'll get them right now." He got up and left.
As Kiku went to get the candy, Alfred checked his calendar. Encircled several times in red marker was March 8, surrounded by smiley faces and a big "KIKU'S COMING!" with a smaller "hell yeah hell yeah alright!"
The blond smiled to himself. Finally, after three years, he's going to meet Kiku for the first time! In real life!
When their parents had agreed to the meeting two months ago, Alfred could barely contain his excitement. He had jumped up and down like three year-old and hugged his dad again and again saying, "Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"Alfred-kun? Are you there?" he reverted his attention back to his laptop.
"I told you, man," said Alfred. "Only my dad calls me Alfred. Just call me Al."
Kiku held a pink packet in one hand and a green one in the other. "Would you like the strawberry-flavored one or the apple?"
"Hmmm..." Alfred rubbed his chin. This was clearly a very important decision he had to make. "I dunno, which one tastes better?"
"Personally, I like the strawberry," said Kiku. "The apple one is sour."
"Okay then, strawberry it is!" said Alfred.
"All right," Kiku smiled and put away the candy. "How is your break so far?"
"It's fine, I guess," Alfred scratched the back of his head. "But it's too boring! Kiku, you better hurry and get your ass here already!"
Kiku's smile brightened. "Okay, okay." A knock was heard from Kiku's room, and his bedroom door opened, allowing light to enter. Kiku's head turned to the door, and a woman said something to him in Japanese, to which he nodded.
He turned back to his screen. "That was my mother," he said. "I'm sorry, but I have to go now."
"Aw, really?" Alfred pouted. "Hm, okay then. Bye, Kiku! Tell me when your exams are over, okay?"
"Of course," Kiku gave him a little wave—so cute! Alfred thought. "Goodbye, Alfred-kun." the video call ended.
Alfred closed Skype and leaned back in his chair. He stretched his arms and yawned. There was a knock on his door.
"Al?" Matthew came in. "Dad says breakfast is ready."
"Alright, but who cooked?" asked Alfred. "You or that sorry excuse for a chef?"
Matthew sighed. "I made pancakes."
The blond perked up. "Did you say pancakes?" he said. "I'm on my way!"
As Kiku had his chat with Alfred, his mother came in, letting light from the hallway enter the dark room.
"Kiku, dinner is ready," she said.
"Yes, mother, I'll be there in a second."
"And why is it so dark in here?" she asked. "You know that reading in the dark could worsen your eyesight!"
"I wasn't reading, Mother," said Kiku. "My friend and I were just talking."
"Alright." said his mother. "But come down in a bit, okay?" Kiku nodded. He shut down his computer and grabbed the candy he'd set aside earlier. The young man took out his suitcase and carefully tucked in the pink packet.
He exited his room and went downstairs, all the while thinking of his upcoming trip to New York. He reached the dining room, where seated at the table was his family. His father sat at the head and his mother at the other end, while his two younger brothers and sister sat at the sides. At the center of the table was the warm meal, big enough for a family of six.
"There you are, Kiku!" exclaimed his younger brother. "What took you so long? Dad wouldn't let me eat until everyone was here and I'm hungry!"
"Stop hounding your brother, Yong Soo," chided his father. The thirteen year-old paid no mind and instead focused on getting as much food as he can on his plate.
Kiku took a seat. "Sorry, I was doing something."
"It's alright, Kiku," said his father. "Are you ready for your exam tomorrow? You know math is a difficult subject, aru."
"Yes, Father."
"I studied for the exam tomorrow too!" cried Yong Soo. His other brother, Tao, sighed.
His father smiled. "What about you, Tao? Mei?" Tao simply nodded while Mei gave an enthusiastic "Yes, Dad!"
"Have you finished packing for America, Kiku?" his mother asked.
He nodded. "Yes, I just finished a while ago, after studying."
"Hey, how come Kiku gets to go to New York?" asked Yong Soo. "I want to go to other countries too!"
"Kiku is going so that he can meet his friend," said his father. "He's old enough to go alone, and we've already made arrangements for him to stay at his friend's house so there's no need to stay at a hotel. Besides, it would be a nice reward for him, don't you think? Since he's so studious and hardworking all the time."
"You've talked to the boy's father already, haven't you, Yao?" his mother asked his father.
"Yes," Yao nodded. "Kiku helped me with my English. He says they would be more than happy to have him in their home."
"Okay, that's good," said his mother. "What was that boy's name again?"
"Alfred, right?" said Tao. "Seriously, Mom, how could you forget? Kiku talks about him, like, all the time." at this the eldest brother turned a deep red.
"Your friends have funny names," said Yong Soo.
Tao shrugged. "Well, he's American, after all."
"Ooh, take lots of pictures when you're there, okay?" said Mei. "And then show all of them to me when you're done! Don't forget souvenirs either!"
"Don't forget about me!" said Yong Soo. "Bring home some kimchi for me!"
Yao sighed. "He's going to New York, Soo. Not Korea."
"I'll get you something nice, Soo." said Kiku. He turned to Tao and Mei. "I'll buy souvenirs for you guys too, and I'll bring a camera everywhere so I can take those pictures for you, Mei."
Mei flashed a big grin and thanked her brother. Even Tao looked slightly grateful as he gave Kiku a small smile.
Kiku smiled back. The four siblings didn't always get along, but he cared about them nonetheless. Of course he would want to share what may be the best week of his life with his family.
Only a few more days to go until he'd meet Alfred.
and that's the first chapter! thank you so much for reading this, guys! i have about 11 chapters overall planned for this story. i hope you'll stick with me to the end! :)