Japan x Reader- Kokoro

There had always been something about Japan that you could never lay a finger on; something that always left you puzzled. Maybe it was his genteel nature, or his soul-searching eyes. Whatever it was, it never failed to leave you mystified.

~~

Your questionning thoughts were interrupted as you heard Kiku behind you- snapping you back to the reality of sitting on a park bench in the cheery Spring air.. Speak of the devil and he shall appear, you suppose.

"_____-san, omaesan (hey)."
"Konnichiwa, Nippon (Hello, Japan)," you said brightly.

He smiled when he heard you speak his own language, and then pointed to the empty bench space beside you.
"Is this seat reserved for anyone?"
"Anata nara (Only for you), Kiku."

Japan smiled softly and sat a couple of inches away from you, not wanting to defy anyone's personal space- including his own. No matter how emotionally close he was to someone- hell, he was your best friend- he still had trouble being physically close to someone, as if he were afraid of offending someone or making them uncomfortable in general... Or maybe just himself.

"____," he said softly. "I was hoping you would rike to join me for tea and ice cream at my home."
You smiled. "I'd be honoured."

~~

Japan poured you some sweet tea before kneeling on the cushion beside you. It was beautiful out, so he decided to have the affair out of doors.

"Arigatou (thank you)," you replied.

Japan smiled faintly and sipped at the tea before pausing for a moment. "___-san?"
"Yes, Kiku?"
"You seem as though something is on your mind..."

You felt yourself go slightly pink. "N-no," you said quietly.

He stared at the leaves in his tea. "Are you sure I have not offended you in some way?"
"No, of course not! ... I was just... You know how you read the atmosphere?"

Japan nodded, looking somewhat curious.

"Well," you continued. "I... Have been trying to read you, persay."
"Fascinating... But why?"
"Because there has always been something about you I could never quite figure out..."

Japan nodded.
"I am reserved. I suppose that would make me hard to figure out..."
"I didn't mean to offend..."
"You in no way offended me, ____."

You let out a sigh of relief, which quickly halted when he said it may the fact he hadn't been completely honest with you.

"P-pardon, Kiku?"

Japan sighed. "I know not how to say this..."

He pointed to the left side of his breast. "Kokoro..."
"Yes, heart..." you nodded, not sure where he was going with this.

Japan slowly took his hand away from his chest and meekly placed it on your palm.
"You have my kokoro..."

You blushed as he suddenly tucked a Sakura branch behind your ear.

"And you have mine..." you whispered.