Time Zone

Reader's POV

"So (Y/N), have you received a letter from your pen pal?" Jessica asked me and I shook my head.

"Not yet, maybe today.. hopefully. Is it normal to be nervous?"

"Of course you would be nervous, he~"

"Jessica~ I am not nervous for that reason. I am actually pretty excited, but worried he won't wanna write me back."

"You are a special case, you know that?"

"You know Jessica, this was your idea of writing people our age that is in jail. You can't judge the things they have done. You don't know their story." I said, and her shoulders slumped.

"Mama (Y/N), is in her scolding mode again."

"Well, she has a point."

"I am sorry, this is why you should have been president."

"Yeah, no. Not my style." I flashed her a smile, and she shook her head slightly.

"I never understand you."

"I don't like leading... anyway, how is volleyball?"

"Good, we miss you though..."

"Yeah, well... that injury is still affecting me. So sports is a no-go, thought about joining the drama club as well. To try and keep myself busy. It's weird not having a crap ton of activities after school."

"I bet, you went from the most athletic, to being one of the geeks."

"Hey, nothing wrong with being a geek." I stuck my tongue out at her, and she laughed.

"Anyway, my pen pal is from here in the US. He is totally super cute."

"Really? So you can judge my person but you fall for yours? Wait how do you know what he looks like?"

"I sent a photo of me and they allowed him to take a photo and send it to me as well."

"Interesting, I should have done that... maybe when I get his letter. I am curious to see what Kazutora looks like."

"Well, he has a cute name. Maybe you are lucky and he is cute too."

"Come on, it's not about who is cute, and who is not... it's about~"

"I know, I know. But you are the type to fall for people easily too."

"Not true, you sound like my brother. Ugh, we have to get to class." I said, and she laughed leaving me to go to my homeroom. I rolled my eyes and went and took a seat. You opened your notebook, as you waited for the teacher to come in.

The school day dragged, and I found myself feeling quite restless. Probably didn't help I hardly slept last night due to upcoming exams. There were a few pop quizzes but nothing too out of the ordinary. Everyone seemed to have gotten a letter from their pen pal, except for me. But considering other people are a tad bit closer to them than mine, it was to be expected. Plus well jail typically had a strict schedule. So I can only assume that was the reason why.

Once the final bell of the day rang, I got up and collected all my stuff. I called my brother in hopes he would pick me up since it was raining.

"Yello~"

"Hey dork, can you please pick me up? It's storming outside."

"Yeah, I am already here. I am gonna drop you off, then head off to work."

"I am on my way!"

I hung up and waved to the teacher and my classmates before walking out of the school. I stood inside next to the doors, before spotting my bothers truck and ran to his car hiding my head with my bookbag. He unlocked the door, and I hopped in and shuddered.

"Didn't bring an umbrella?"

"No, it wasn't supposed to rain today," I said and he shook his head and I fastened my seatbelt.

"Anyway, I left $20 for dinner, if you didn't want to cook. And you have mail. I placed it under the $20. I have to go straight in, after dropping you off. Probably won't be done until late at night, so don't wait up."

"Mm kay, if you work too much you are going to get wrinkles, old man."

"Watch it, brat," he side-eyed me and I laughed.

"I am just saying..."

"I will throw water on you in the morning if you don't hush."

"You wouldn't dare..."

"Oh, I would..."

"Is that a challenge?"

"Take it as you will."

"Alright... watch your back, you won't win."

"You say that every time... but if I remember the score it's currently 20 wins for me and 19 wins for you."

"That's alright, 'cause I will win and we will be tied," I said and he rolled his eyes before stopping outside our house.

"Well get out, I gotta go."

"Alright geez, you just stopped the car," I said getting out of the car. I rushed to the door and unlocked it and got out. I waved and he drove off, I walked in and sighed softly going to my room. I tossed my bag in the corner and dried my hair off before changing into some pajamas. I then grabbed my phone ordering (favorite food) before going to the kitchen. I grabbed the letter I received and I noticed it was the letter I have been waiting for. I quickly opened it, and read it. I couldn't help the smile on my face though it fell a few times. I felt so bad for him, and I made it my mission to make him feel comfortable around me.

I rushed back to my room to grab my notebook and pen before going to the kitchen again to start writing my own letter.

Dear Kazutora,

I am from America, so I am quite away from you haha! And I know, I am barely passing my Japanese class right now. Sad I know... Also, now I am curious about your hobby! So don't leave me hanging, I promise you can't scare me away that easily... I literally watch serial killer documentaries before bed. Helps me sleep :P. And I guess that makes sense on the food part, heard the food isn't too good. Maybe one day if we ever meet I can cook for you! I am a better cook than my brother, he just leaves me money to order food.

You were part of different gangs? For real? I can't say I have been, then again, I am not much of a fighter or anything. I avoid conflict as much as possible! Even if you did some terrible things, you probably feel remorse for the things you have done. As long as you learn from your mistakes that's all that matters. 10 years? I bet if you do good behavior they will let you out sooner, after all, you are still a minor.

You were a great choice to write to! I am happy you returned my letter, I was worried you wouldn't want to talk er write letters back! So I am happy that you want me to continue to write! I won't stop unless you asked me to. You like animals too!? Any person who likes animals can't be bad. I have some pets, I will send a photo of me with my pets! They are super cute! I also like rooftops for the same reason but I don't like to look down and it has to have a railing or fence. If not and I look down I feel lightheaded and feel like I may fall off.

Can't wait to hear from you!

Quote of the day: Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen.

<3

(L/N) (Y/N)

I smiled as I read through my letter before going to get (pet's name) and taking a picture. I smiled widely and snapped the photo before kissing my pet's cheek and snapping another photo. I printed the photos and added them to the letter before adding the address to the envelope and placing it in the mailbox.