Nice To Meet You
Prologue
James walked down the creaking wooden stairs as he took a breath in, trying to prepare himself.
As he launched his hand to the door knob, the only thought running behind his head was….
D. James
..good morning.. it’s good morning….
Yuki (host mother)
What did you say James?
As James took a few steps inside the living room, he allowed himself a moments to survey the faces of his host family.
His host father Akito was sipping on his usual tea while waiting for James to join them. His host brother and sisters, in which the brother was the same age as him while the girl had recently finished 6th grade, waved at James, also eagerly waiting for him. Finally, his host mother, Yuki, had been tilting her head, carrying a tray with one mug.
This was his moment to finally present what he had been practicing since he last went to sleep.
Yuki grinned at him, realizing what he had been muttering to himself as she guided the tray in front of him, waiting for him to pick up the mug.
Yuki (host mother)
Good *morning* to you as well!
Host Family (whole)
GOOD MORNING!!!
James sighed as he sat down next to his host brother with a sheepish smile. He had already been here for a week now. Yet EVERYTIME he tried to speak, the only thing he would notice is the gap between himself and this new family.
As depressed as he was, the only one he could blame was himself. If only he didn’t quit his Japanese lessons the weeks prior to coming, he could have spoke more decently. However, his lack of confidence only got the best of him.
Yuki (host mother)
James, would you like some?
Yuki (host mother)
Would you?
If only he spent his time actually understanding what his teacher kept telling him in those classes.
Of course, he had the excuse of what had happened. But it shouldn’t have affected his attention that much.
Yuki (host mother)
Are you okay James?
There’s no way that he could do anything with they told him, but he shouldn’t let it run in his thoughts that much.
Hisa
James, are you listening?
D. James
Oh I’m sorry.. But I agree.
Yuki sighed softly as a slight smile grew on her face.
Yuki (host mother)
You agree that you want some?
Host Family (whole)
Sister: Are you picky James? Dad tells me I shouldn’t be picky so you shouldn’t either okay?
Yuki (host mother)
It’s okay, he usually eats everything so he gets a pass just once!
Yuki piled some of the food onto the sisters plate as the sisters face visibly grew pale.
Host Family (whole)
Sister: I’m not trying to be picky but…
Yuki (host mother)
No excuses! Eat it ALL up!
The host family began speaking more rapidly as James tried to understand, only to discover himself recognising every few words they spoke. One thing he understood was that they were having fun.
Something which he couldn’t relate to.
As James examined his host family’s faces as she laughed amongst each other, he was only thrown to realise that he needs to reach his goal.
The goal of becoming fluent.
D. James
I’m going to master the railway system!
His host family turned around in sudden silence. Curious to what he means.
D. James
I think I’m going out today…
James stood up, hoping to conceal his embarrassment and before his host brother could suggest joining in.
Storming out of the room, James headed to the door, determined that he would succeed.
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