Japan x Reader
~It Was Simply One Hell Of An Adrenaline Rush~

I turned off the television and sighed. I had just finished watching an anime about a group of kids who saved the world. The ending was incredible and filled with strategized fights. I looked down at my own body. It was so scrawny compared to the heroes'. 'I wish my body wasnt so... squishy.' I always daydreamed about what it would be like to be strong and brave, just like the great heroes of anime. Sometimes I envied them. Why do they have a right to be great? Why can't I be great?

 Trying to get rid of my anime inflicted depression, I called my friend, (Name), and asked her if she would be interested in walking around town. Walking with her always made me feel better. 'I think it's time I gave her that quiz on her Japanese anyway....'

"Sure Kiku I'd love to. I'll be over in five," she said. I told her that that was okay and we both hung up.

'Maybe while we're walking something will happen and I can be the hero. Just like in the show. I'd be foolish to wish for that though. I wouldn't be able to do anything and then (Name) could get hurt. Or end up saving me.' I shook the thought from my head. These thoughts weren't making me feel any better.

I grabbed one of the Japanese books I owned to give to (Name) and headed outside to meet her.

While I waited for her in my front yard, I stared up at the clouds, letting my mind wander back to the show. I imagined myself in the characters' places. Fighting off evil villains, being strong and brave, and the best part, having a goofy catch phrase.  

"Kiku are you okay?" (Name) asked. I jumped at her sudden appearance and my thoughts cleared, with them my fantasy life.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just daydreaming is all," I answered, smiling.

"Oh, I see. So shall we start our walk?"

"Yes. Let's go," I responded. 

And so we began our walk. The first few minutes, we just chatted about school assignments and the teachers, occasionally throwing in some pointless gossip.

When I grew tired of the same topic, I turned to (Name) and asked her about her Japanese.

"Oh, right. I've been practicing lately, and I think I'm getting better. It's still a struggle for me, though." I nodded at her answer and asked if she would like for me to quiz her. She replied yes, and I began.

I proceeded to say various sentences within her skill level, and she would translate them flawlessly. I was impressed that she had gotten this far and done so well. It was easy to see that (Name) had been studying hard.

When we finished, I nodded at her to show that I was pleased with how she was doing. "That was great, (Name). I'm sure you'll be able to hold a decent conversation very soon." As I said this she did a little dance and fist pumped the air. I laughed at her antics.

"Haha, thanks so much, Kiku! I'm so excited!"

"Excited for what?" I asked curiously.

"That I'll be able to learn another language! Especially yours." At that, I knew I blushed. "Anyway," she continued, "maybe after school ends....I could convince my parents to let me go to Japan."

My eyebrows rose in surprise. I knew that she wanted to learn the language but I never knew she wanted to actually go to my country. "Thats a big trip, (Name). Very expensive, too. Are you sure?"

"Of course. I would never make my parents pay for it themselves. I have money saved." She looked down and began to fiddle with her fingers. She mumbled something, but her hair was covering her face and I couldn't make out what she had said. 

"What was that?" I asked. She sighed and stood straight up, looking me directly in the eye. Normally whenever she assumed this position she wanted to tell me something very important.

"I said that I even have a little saved for you, if you would like to go with me. I-I mean, you don't have to, but I would feel more comfortable if you came...."

I chuckled at the small bit of color that had bloomed on her cheeks. She always hated asking me to do something since she was so independent. Honestly, if I had to go back home, going with (Name) would be the best possible way. How could I say no?

I gave her my answer with a small smile. "I would love to go with you, (Name). But you don't have to save your money for me. I'll pay for it myself." She smiled and thanked me. After this conversation we chatted and laughed for a while, all of our worries being swept away by mindless topics. 

'This is why I love being with (Name). When she's happy or carefree, it becomes infectious. There's no way I could be down with her around. My previous self doubts are completely obliterated. I feel as though I could conquer all with her by my side. Of course, now this is starting to sound like a really cliche superhero movie.' I became lost in my own thoughts again, just strolling along the street with (Name). She seemed to be doing the same thing, obviously enjoying it very much, as a large grin had spread onto her lips.

We stayed like that for a while, just enjoying each other's company. I looked to the sky and noticed that the once numerous cloud population had dwindled to infrequent wisps of vapor. They seemed to compliment the now pink sky with their presence. (Name) saw me looking upwards and did the same.

"We've been walking for quite a while now. It's already sunset." She looked in my direction. "Want to go back?"

I returned her gaze. My legs had grown a bit stiff from walking from my home to where we were, so I decided that heading back would be a good idea. "Yes. Lets hurry, then. I don't want you to go home in the dark." She agreed, and we set off.

As the minutes ticked on, we seemed to have run out of topics. Silence ensued once more.

As we walked on, we passed by a dark allyway. (Name) grabbed my shirt sleeve and pointed down into it. "Lets go through here. It's a short cut," she said, pulling me in the dark ally with her. 

"I don't know (Name). It's getting late," I said, trying to get out of her grip. Having her pulling me into there without a struggle made me realise how weak I was

"Which is exactly why we need to go through here!" She flashed me a playful smile. I couldn't resist that smile, so I let her drag me in. 

 When she saw that I was coming, she stopped tugging and walked next to me. As we strolled down the allyway I looked around at the shadows cast on the walls. Some of them looked normal, but others looked creepy.

As we were walking down the ally, (Name) talked about some gossip and I just listened, giving feedback from time to time to let her know I was listening.

Suddenly, a trash can fell right in front of us and something ran from behind it.

We both screamed and hugged each other. Whatever had run out turned towards us. 

 And meowed. It was a cat.

When we realized what it was, we sperated with a nervous laugh. (Name) walked up to the cat. It was a tiny thing, maybe only a couple of months old. It sported pure black fur with a little white patch on its nose.  When she walked up to the kitten she bent down and stroked it's head. 

She turned her head over to me and said, "It was just a kitten. We got scared for nothing." She turned back to the kitten. 

It suddenly hissed, turned tail, and ran way. As watched it go, I felt something cold and round pressed to the back of my head. (Name) gasped and a look of horror crossed her face as she saw what was behind me.

"I wouldn't say for nothing," a deep voice rumbled behind me.

The moment those words were spoken, terrified chills were sent down my spine. I focused my eyes onto my friend's own. They were widened in fear, and I could see her shake.

"Now, be a good boy and give me everything. If not...." he paused and I heard the mechanics in the gun shift. "You die."

I gulped and (Name) whimpered. The man behind me growled and pushed the gun deeper into my head. "Now!" I winced at the cold metal and began to dig in my pockets frantically for something to give him. If he killed me, he would kill (Name) right after....

'No...no no no no no...' I had nothing to give him....my pockets were empty...

"Well?! Give me what you've got, dammit!"

Then I did something that I'd never thought I would do.

I panicked.

My breath hitched in my throat. I used my right leg to kick backwards and hit our attacker where the sun don't shine. Immediately I whipped around to face him. He was doubled over. I took this opportunity to knee his face. He yelped, stumbled back onto the ground,  and clutched his now bloody nose. Over my heart beat pounding in my ears, I could hear (Name) scream and scramble away, probably trying to make a call. 

'How am I doing this....?' I thought. I probably shouldn't have done that, as the man got to his feet. He gathered himself a lot faster than I would have guessed. As he got up, I advanced on him. I wouldn't let him out of my sight. 

"Gah....so you're a fighter, kid? Fine....come at me!" I didn't have time to think before my fight instinct propelled me forward at him. I tried to get a hit onto his face but he was fast. He would dodge in and out of my jabs. In the background, I could hear (Name)'s frantic voice on the phone. She had gotten through to the police, I assumed.

That one thought of mine distracted me, and he landed a blow onto the side of my jaw. I stumbled towards the wall on my left.

"Kiku!" (Name) exclaimed. I saw a few stars....but I was able to get back on my feet. I jumped at the man, but he stepped backwards to avoid me. 

'He's going to get away at this point....Come on, Kiku, be the hero for once!' I mustered all of my strength for a final move...I didn't know what I would do, but at that point I was just trying to keep up with my body. I was winging it, you could say. At last, I told my legs to dash toward him. He tried to get out of the way, but I was able to beat him. When I got close enough I wrapped my fists around the collar of his shirt. I shifted my weight, and the next thing I knew, I had him pinned to the pavement. 

Maybe I had gone a little too far....he had hit his head quite hard and was knocked out. When I was sure it was safe, I stood up and leaned against the building. I was panting. Hard. I watched (Name) come out from behind the side of a dumpster. She was still on the phone. She looked at me completely stunned. "Kiku...." she gasped. I was too fatigued to say anything, so I just flashed her a thumbs up. She ran towards me and caught me in a bear hug.

Gently I tried to slide out of her grip. Despite the situation, I still hated physical contact. "(N-Name)..." I complained. She was hurting me slightly as well....

"Oh, right. Sorry, Kiku." She let me go and turned to the mugger on the ground. "The cops will be here soon...."
 
I gathered myself and nodded. I had a feeling that night would be spent at the police station....

*____*____*____*

I was right. For the next few hours, we were brought into the police station with our parents. We were questioned, treated for wounds, and asked to fill out numerous papers. When everything settled down, a man approached us at the door to show me and (Name) out. Our parents had already gotten in their cars and were waiting for us.

"Well, young man, you were very brave," The chief of police praised me. He put a hand on my shoulder and shook my hand. I nervously laughed at his words and actions. Oh how I hated being touched...."That man has apparently been terrorizing many unfortunate people for months now. You brought him in, and we thank you for that." He turned to (Name). She had pretty shaken up, but we were able to calm her down. "You are very fortunate, Miss, to have a friend like Kiku, here." She looked to the floor, blushing and smiling. I did the exact same.

The chief laughed and opened the door for us. We thanked him for his help, and went out to meet our families. Suddenly, (Name) turned to me. I stopped abruptly and so did she. "Kiku...." she started.

"Hm? What is it, (Name)?" She looked down and fiddled with her fingers, much like earlier today. 

"I wanted....to thank you for what you did. If you hadn't have done something....well I don't even want to think about it. Where did you learn to fight like that?"

I nervously rubbed the back of my head. "Well, honestly it was just an adrenaline rush. I don't know how to fight," I confessed. She giggled.

"You were very good back there. You should take up karate or some form of martial arts. I think you would be great."

I blushed at her compliment. "T-thank you very much.....I'll think about it."  She smiled and nodded.

"Okay...Well, I think it's time to go home. It's been a long day." We laughed in agreement. When our laughter faded, we decided to part ways. 

I watched (Name) walk back to her parent's car. Before she opened the door, she turned to me and waved. I waved back. I was about to get in when she yelled, "Hey, Kiku! Don't forget to give me my quiz again tomorrow, okay!"

I smiled at her and waved again. "Of course! Have a good night!" she nodded and got in her car. I did the same.

*____*____*____*

I got home at about 11:00. I was fatigued, dirty, and wanted desperately to sleep. I went straight to my room to clean up and get settled in. When I had my pajamas on I crawled into my bed. I turned off my light and snuggled in.

Before i gave my mind a chance to wander off, I had one last thought.

'All I need now is that catchphrase....'

*____*____*____*