𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 || 𝐌𝐡𝐚

19 pt. 1

(Note: Characters speaking in a specific language will be labeled as (E.) for English and (J.) for Japanese. They will be labeled once, and if the language changes, the other letter will appear. Dialogue that follows the letter will be that language unless labelled something else)

"(E.) Who...are these people?" John whispered, scooting closer to his brother as his eyes scanned over the several teens that sat across from him.

Harriet could only give her poor brother a sympathetic smile. She knew he wasn't much for social interaction, especially in large groups like these. John would usually spend his time in the library, and sometimes, she would stay there with him just to keep him company. Though, as much as she didn't want him to be uncomfortable, Harriet knew that the only way for her brother to overcome his social anxiety was to learn how to talk to people, so she did nothing.

"Kids that Aunt Reia is taking care of apparently," Heiram answered as he wrapped his arm around his little brother and gave him a gentle squeeze.

When their dad suggested taking them to Coney island after school, the three teens were beyond excited. They all had different reasons for wanting a break; Heiram after all of the searching for a college and preparing for tests, John for all of the tests and exams he had to study for, and Harriet after all of the heartbreak and drama she had gone through with her friend group. It was safe to say that they all needed a time to relax.

With James also telling them that their Aunt Reia was coming along, they were ecstatic to see her again. However, when she climbed into the bus along with a lot of other kids and another adult, they finally realized why their father had taken to bringing a bus for their trip.

Now they sat across from the supposed teens that their Aunt Reia was taking care of, some sitting next to Heiram while he sat as a border between them and his two siblings, and they didn't know what to do.

With a small noise of confusion, Harriet turned to her left, tapping Reia and the shoulder, causing the woman to turn to her.

"So...are you...helping with a teen shelter or something? How come you're taking care of so many kids?"

Reia gave the girl a small look of amusement, and she cleared her throat, eyes going back to the front.

"Something like that."

"Something? What do you mean 'something'?"

James chuckled at his daughter's confusion. "You three will find out soon enough."

All three teens frowned at the statement. Reia broke out into a smirk and lightly shoved James forward.

The statement was not much help.

Looking back at the teens in front of them, Heiram, John, and Harriet eyed them wearily.

Yaoyarozu and some of the students noticed their demeanor. Wanting to ease their tension, she gave them a small bow, placing a hand over her heart.

"My name is Yaoyarozu Momo, and I'm the vice class president of our class. I'm aware that it is a surprise for you that we're here. Please, there's no need to feel nervous or shy. If you would like to talk to some of my classmates, feel free to do so. I'll be able to translate for you. Some of them also have a good understanding of English."

John's eyes couldn't help but narrow slightly at the girl. There was something about her name that was familiar. He didn't know exactly where he heard it from, but he knew that he knew it from somewhere.

Harriet's head tilted slightly in confusion. "Vice Class President?" she mumbled.

"Translate? Are you foreigners?" Heiram asked as he rose an eyebrow.