-first longer chapter! hopefully the others will be this long, or around that, since now we're getting into more characters!-
Kennith was awoken by his phone buzzing incessantly - which was odd, since he usually left the volume up. If someone were calling, it should've been their ringtone blaring. He blearily reached for his phone to see what it was, and barely registered the new, strange app at first. He stared at it in confusion, his sleep-fogged brain trying to work out what it was doing there.
He deleted it near immediately, grumbling and curling back up, his blanket yanked over his head to shield from the sunlight shining through his window.
That, however, was when his alarm went off - the alarm being his usual text from Akira, telling him that he was awake, and heading out for the day, with the usual "love you, sorry if I woke you up" at the end.
(It never made him any less giddy.)
He went to go back to sleep once again, before jolting up again, struck with joy as the memory of what had happened returned to home, new country, new circumstances.
He wasted very little time (that being about 30 minutes, which was very little compared to how long it usually took) dragging himself out of bed, trying to push away the dreariness of sleep. A few splashes of cold water in the bathroom helped some, and two mugs of the coffee Stephanie had brewed - whenever she'd gotten it? - perked him up the rest of the way. She either didn't notice all his darting and stumbling around, or didn't find it very important to worry about it; at this point in their friendship, the latter was far more likely.
His dressing routine was completely thrown off by his mess of suitcases, though he got his bra off and binder on in record time, so that was certainly something! He spent barely any time checking himself in the mirror, focusing entirely on, for once, proper cleanliness. He was going to make his way to Shujin, after all, he couldn't show up in the same condition he normally allowed himself to be in.
He paused for a second to realize that, toothpaste still burning at his gums. A worry had dug itself into the back of his head, during his week of planning: would this move be more detrimental to his health than it was beneficial? But here he was, brushing his teeth for the first time in at least a week, just after a long night's rest, taking a shower, and changing his clothes-all because he was in this new environment. All because he planned to actually leave his house and go meet someone. All of this was already a vast improvement on his usual state. Hell, the fact that he'd gotten out of bed was amazing.
With this assurance fresh in his mind and settling the worry in his heart, he quickly finished brushing, and looked himself in the eyes in the mirror for a moment. He took a deep, slow breath, and gave a genuine smile to his reflection.
"You've got this," he whispered. And for once, he actually felt like he meant it.
He gave Stephanie a kiss on the cheek before bounding out the door, unable to stifle the giggles bubbling up from his chest. He slowed himself to a relaxed stroll-he knew it would be a while before he actually saw Akira, since he'd only just set out for school...how long ago? Only an hour, at most, he figured. He might as well take the time to make his way around the neighborhood and familiarize himself.
He encountered Leblanc after not too long, and quickly pulled out his phone to make a little note of its location; temporary, until he learned the area. He took the time to send Akira a text. Something vague, of course - this would be a surprise.
Ken: hey, what'd u say that new school of urs was called? Shujin? i was talking w someone about u (gay i know) and totally spaced on it
Not entirely untrue, either - Stephanie had wanted to know the name of the school, though she hadn't specified why. Kennith theorized she might want to become a teacher there, because she was a big nerd, of course she would want to be a teacher. The response came fairly quickly.
(That was surprising, somewhat. He'd figured he would be in class.)
Akira Cute-rusu: That's right! Shujin Academy!
Akira Cute-rusu: Aptly named, I can already tell. ;-; Save me.
Ken: don't u fret, ur knight in pastel armor will sweep u off ur feet
Ken: maybe
Ken: how tall are you again bc that might affect the sweeping
Akira Cute-rusu: About 175 cm! I think that's...5'9 or so?
Ken: oh wow youre tall
Ken: the sweeping may be changed to dragging but we will see
Ken: now focus on ur class nerd, ily
As he walked, Kennith casually searched the school and its address - asking where it was would have been way too obvious.
He hadn't yet told Akira that he and Stephanie had arrived in Japan. He knew the move was going to happen, but he also knew about the obstacles around it, so there was no definite date on when it would happen - which was exactly Kennith's plan. He wanted to surprise him.
It took him a good while to figure out not only where the station was - his stubbornness on asking directions was his downfall, in that regard - but how the hell the train system worked and where the train actually went; thank god there were a few other people heading the direction he was, as much as he didn't want to talk to people. He managed a slightly clunky conversation, explaining how he was new to the area, and asking how to reach Aoyama-Itchome by train. Take the train to Shibuya, then transfer onto the Ginza Line...simple enough, he felt.
Until he reached Shibuya.
The station was incredibly crowded, filled with noise from all directions and neon lights shining into his eyes, it was overwhelming. He tried to keep his head down and block out the noise, forcing himself to keep his breaths even. He absentmindedly plucked a pamphlet for part-time jobs from the little stand they were in, making a note to read it later, and give it to Stephanie. He clumsily made his way to Exit 8 after seeing the signs and overhearing a few conversations, mumbling rushed apologies to anyone he bumped into, nearly crumpling the pamphlet into a little ball with how tightly he clutched it. Despite how cramped it was, the metaphorical solitude of the train was a relief.
He fiddled with the hems of his sleeves nervously as he made his way through Aoyama-Itchome. He vaguely knew how to reach Shujin, and the neighborhood was only so big, he would find it eventually. And he had a good while until school let out, anyway. It took him another hour and a half to find his way to the school, and promptly sat himself down outside it, pressing his back to the cement...plant boxes? That was the only way he could describe them. He was tempted, for a moment, to pass the gates and sit himself on one of the ledges, but that might get him into trouble. Normally, he wouldn't really care about that, but he couldn't go getting hauled off for minor misdemeanors when he had a boyfriend to meet.
The time left passed fairly slowly, which he didn't mind as much as he thought he would. He gave an obligatory wave or nod to a few passersby who gave him more than a glance, but besides that, he had some time to relax. He ended up absorbed in music, so much so that he almost didn't notice when people came flooding out of the school's doors. He fumbled with his phone and headphones and staggered to his feet, needing a few moments to wake up his sleeping foot as he stuffed his things into his pocket. He made an effort to look cool and relaxed...up until he saw that familiar mop pass the gates.
"Akira!" he called out immediately, more of a squeal than anything. He rushed towards him and wrapped him in a tight hug, nearly lifting him off the ground (or he hoped so, anyway). He excitedly stepped back and took his boyfriend's hands, trying not to burst into tears, but hiding it well. "Look at you, oh my gosh - you never showed me this new uniform! It looks so cute on you, I love the little turtleneck," he babbled on, while Akira was more blankfaced than anything, and his apparent peers - a blond-haired boy and girl, each around Akira's height, though the boy slouched - gave each other confused looks. As he rambled on, eventually, Akira seemed to register the situation.
"Oh!" he chirped. "Oh, my goodness- when did you get here?" He wrapped Kennith in a tight hug of his own, smiling happily, and quickly going back to holding his hands once he released him.
"Last night, actually! I felt like surprisin' you - hope that was okay."
"It's more than okay!"
Akira moved to hug Kennith to his side with one arm, gesturing to him with his free hand. "Ryuji, Ann- this is Kennith! I don't think I told you about him...we were so wrapped up in the Kamoshida thing, it kind of slipped my mind. He moved from America recently! I've known him for a while, but we haven't gotten to actually meet in person until now."
Kennith couldn't help pressing against him, partially for the fact that he could, and partially to hide himself some. He hated meeting new people; it was lucky Akira was here. He could feel other pairs of eyes from lingering students drilling into his skull, and he could swear he heard whispering...
"Ken, these are some of my new friends! I know I mentioned them, right? This is Ryuji Sakamoto..."
"Yo," the blond boy interjected, giving a small two-finger salute.
"...and Ann Takamaki!"
"Hi!" the girl chimed in, giving a sweet smile, (Sickeningly so,) and a wave of her own. Kennith only bowed his head in return. Akira gently squeezed his shoulder, and Kennith nearly melted at the soothing gesture. God, he was just going to be a lovestruck fool, wasn't he?
"Nice to meet you two," Kennith managed to force out, giving a small smile. He hated this, he hated this, he hated this-
"We're going to head out," Akira said to the two, smile ever-present on his face. "Text me if you need me, okay?" They each nodded, said their respective goodbyes, and made their ways back to their own homes. As soon as they were out of sight, Akira immediately turned to wrap his arms around Kennith's waist, holding him close. He touched his forehead to his and let out a soft breath, seeming to relax.
"You okay?"
Kennith nodded and wiped his eyes, hoping he wasn't tearing up. "Mm. Sorry to bug you like this- didn't know you had plans to hang out with anyone."
"No, no, you're alright! Really. Honestly, I'm glad you came along...this was just the thing I needed to brighten my day." He sounded so genuine, Kennith couldn't help smiling. "D'you wanna head to Leblanc? I think introducing you to Sojiro would be a good idea, now that I'm able to."
Kennith grimaced and groaned, leaning his head back some. "I mean...I can't say you're wrong...Would you wanna meet Stephanie first?"
Akira paused. "I...don't know. You mentioned she can read lips, right?"
"Yeah, but your accent might make it a bit hard to read, and the only Japanese she knows is JSL. So, hold off, then?"
"Yeah, that might be best. I don't wanna force you to translate for me." He groaned again, which made Akira laugh softly. (That laugh melted his heart.) "Hey- how about, to make up for it, I treat you to some nice coffee? Sojiro's been teaching me how to brew it how he does, so I can work part-time in the shop, and I've been doing pretty good if I do say so myself- and I do."
That got a small snicker out of him. "You drive a hard bargain. Alright- let's get it over with, yeah?"
The entire way back to Leblanc was mostly a pep talk. Akira was perfectly calm, on the other hand. Before walking in, he grabbed Kennith's hand and laced their fingers, pressing a small kiss to his knuckles as extra reassurance. With Kennith sufficiently soothed, the two of them strolled in- at which point, Sojiro glanced up, and raised his brows.
"Sakura-san! I have someone I'd like you to meet- this is Kennith."
Sojiro seemed fairly unfazed. He didn't seem to realize particularly what was happening, as he chimed, "Aren't you two a bit old to be holding hands? You're like preschoolers." The two exchanged a look.
"Aren't you a little old to be womanizing?" Akira threw back, which gave Kennith some confidence in chiming in.
"Sakura-san, I don't know if you know this, but there's this thing called being gay. You should look it up."
The two of them fell into a stifled giggle fit, while Sojiro fumbled for words, clearing his throat. "I- uh. I'm sorry for, uh, assuming- you two take it easy." He was clearly at a loss for words as Kennith scooted into one of the booths while he got back to work.
"Oh, my god- I think that's the funniest way he could've responded," he giggled, keeping his hand over his mouth to help hide it. Akira nodded and tried to hide his own laughter.
"True- okay, lemme go change into my uniform, n' I'll get you that coffee I promised, yeah? On the house."
"Thank youuu, you're such an angel," he crooned, leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek, which he gladly leaned down to receive. As Akira went to change, Sojiro perked up again.
"Hey- if you're going to be working today, it's not gonna be just for him, I hope you know."
"Of course, of course! S'why I'm getting the uniform," Akira said dismissively as he made his way upstairs, waving a hand behind him. Once he was out of earshot, Sojiro leaned on the counter, shooting Kennith not quite a glare, but certainly a look that made his stomach lurch.
"You'd better not go getting him into any trouble, alright? No matter if it's your fault or his, if he slips up, he's out of here. Understand?"
Kennith figured this was his version of a shovel talk, and gave a stiff nod.
"Good. And if he isn't good to you, you tell me. I'll kick his ass. I may not know exactly...how, this all works, but I'm still willing to teach him a lesson if he goes breaking any hearts."
That put him at ease. He nodded again, smiling some. "Of course, Sakura-san, thank you."
He only grunted before getting back to his work, somewhat awkwardly. Kennith couldn't help feeling appreciative for what care the old man managed to show. He leaned his head on his hand and closed his eyes, patiently waiting. He couldn't help, somehow, feeling at ease in this place. It already felt like home.
(Or maybe that was all the love in his system.)