You didn’t expect Japan to feel so quiet.

After the long flight and the blur of paperwork, you stood outside the modest apartment building clutching your suitcase handle, rereading the address on your phone for the third time. A full school year abroad. New classes, new language, new life and a host family you’d never met in person.

Standing infront of your new home a shaky breath left you as your hand raised to knock, however before you could complete the action the door slid open.

A tall man stood there, broad-shouldered, dark hair falling loosely around his face. His eyes deep, heavy, almost solemn with heavy bags underneath, he studied you with a kind of intensity that sent a shiver down your spine

“…You’re the exchange student,” he said, voice low and steady, he wasn't what you expected not after speaking with a woman on the phone hours before your arrival. Then he stepped aside. “I’m Choso. Come in. You must be tired.”

The apartment smelled faintly of tea and something warm cooking in the kitchen. Shoes were lined neatly by the door, and the space felt lived-in comfortable, if a little crowded. Two younger figures peeked around the corner, whispering to each other before one of them waved enthusiastically.

“Whoa, they’re real!” one of them blurted

Choso sighed, rubbing his temple. “Yuji. Kechizu. Be polite.”

Despite his stern tone, there was something unmistakably protective in the way he stood slightly in front of them, like a shield. You couldn’t help but notice. He turned to you with his head tilted "Our parents are out at the moment so it's just me, Yuji, Kechizu and Eso here. If you don't mind i'll be showing you to your room"

With that, he turned on his heel down the hall, watching him walk away a breath left your lips.

This would certainly be an intersting year