Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a snowy day in mid-December , the sound of people stomping around snow filled the streets, the sounds of kids throwing snowballs at one another. The smell of constant hot chocolate, and other hot beverages filled the atmosphere.

Whenever it snowed in Faraway Town, it always was the perfect amount, you could move around properly without having to shovel the snow out of your driveway. Some stayed inside warming themselves under countless blankets and fireplaces, and others went outside, relishing in the snow, making snow angels and dancing around the snow whilst constantly hitting each-other with icy cold snowballs.

But Kel, he decided to stay inside, despite the intense yearning to go outside in this weather again.

All he really wanted was to go outside, to play around with his friends.. but, things have changed. They all weren’t the same little kids they were all those years ago.

Ever since the truth had came out, and Sunny had moved, things have changed, perhaps for the better.

Kel always had in his mind if he should contact him now, he remembers that day significantly, how everyone ran out but him. He stood there, consoling Sunny. He could see those tears running down his pale cold cheeks, it stung his heart every-time he remembered that memory. Even if what Sunny did had affected everyone, he knows that it’s wrong to blame him for everything when it was an accident.

Sunny was his best friend, no.. he is his best friend. That won’t change, and even after everything, he missed him very much.

But everyone’s actually doing better since then, he should tell Sunny about all the new stuff that’s been going on ever since he left and moved. Wait.. maybe that’s a good excuse to call him, isn’t it? Geez, why was this so hard. If only he could just.. go to the phone, and input his number.. he did ask his mother about their number before he left too.

Kel took a deep sigh, his mind pondering on what he should do. It’s been a few months since the move.. so this surely should be a good time.

He took a moment to change into a more comfortable and cozy outfit as he walked downstairs, he finally reached the landline, taking a deep breath.

Why was this so nerve wracking?

He looks at the numbers on the phone, he was worried, this wasn’t supposed to be so suspenseful, he was just gonna call his friend, or at least he hopes Sunny sees him that way.

He put his finger on the first number, every number made him reminisce of a different memory.

Kel remembered when Sunny used to come over often, the two had sleepovers constantly, whilst Hero and Mari would chat.. no, flirt, in the background. The two used to eat cereal together in the mornings as Kel did most of the talking, he remembers when Sunny would always beat him in video games every-time he stayed over.

Kel actually had practised on his video gaming skills ever since, in hopes that the two would play again. He still does so secretly too.

He put his finger on the second number.

He remembered when he tried to impress Sunny that one time, climbing on a tree, but soon afterwards he fell off, and Sunny laughed out loud for the first time. Kel couldn’t help but grin and laugh by then, rubbing his head as Sunny helped him up and checked for any injuries. He was so happy by then, because he made him smile.

Kel actually started climbing trees more often, and would hope he’d fall so he’d make Sunny laugh more.

He put his finger on the third number.

Kel remembered bickering with Aubrey about Sunny, it was such an infuriating day for him. How Aubrey kept clinging onto Sunny, and he would cling onto him in rebuttal. The two bickered all day long, but in the end, he noticed Sunny’s small smile at the silly argument. His heart melted, he loved whenever he could catch a small, (no matter how rare), glimpse of his smile.

Kel tried many ways to make him smile again after that, he still hasn’t given up after so many years.

He put his finger on the fourth number,

His thoughts, still filled with experiences of Sunny, the way whenever he’d laugh at him, or even give him the smallest of smiles, Kel’s big heart would melt at the sight. It was a running joke actually, he remembered when Hero would tease him after Kel would malfunction whenever, (in the rare instances), Sunny smiled.

Kel still feels warmth in his heart, even after all those years ago, just reminiscing over those memories.

He was caught up in his thoughts as he finally inputted the last number.

Suddenly, a wave of anticipation, fear and uncertainty spun inside of him.

What if his mother didn’t give him the right number? What if Sunny never responds? What if he calls and they’ve changed their number? Or.. even worse.. Sunny doesn’t wanna speak to him again!

“Kel?”

Kel spun right around, letting out a loud yelp in surprise.

“AH! Oh-.. H-Hey Hero.”

“What are you doing?” He chuckles.

“..Uh.. nothing, just y’know callin’ some friends.”

Hero’s face softens as his mind slowly draws a conclusion as to who it was.

“..Ah, I think I know.” He smiled.

Kel rubs the back of his head sheepishly, “Sorry, I.. know that-“

Hero shook his head, almost offended at Kel’s assumption.

“I don’t mind. Why should I interfere in your relationships? Besides, if I forgave Basil, why wouldn’t I forgive Sunny?” He said, seemingly reassuring Kel that he didn’t mind him calling Sunny.

“W-Wait! You forgave Basil? When? Huh?”

“A while ago. I can’t hold grudges forever, Kel. Basil is, and will always be my friend, so will Sunny.. and.. what happened those years ago, was an accident. I’m sure Mari wouldn’t want us all to fight forever.” Hero says, his tone a little more softer and gentle, as he looked up, seemingly thinking about something with a tear inside his eye.

Kel’s heart warms up, his shoulder tension eases, he relaxes knowing that it was totally fine now. That there was no more issues, no need to keep it secret, surely.

“..I see.. ah- sorry for being so worried n’ all.” He laughed nervously, “Just.. thought you’d think otherwise y’know?”

Hero shook his head, “I’d never stand between you and Sunny, Kel.” He says, wiping away the tear as he focuses again on Kel. “I know how much you miss him.”

Kel sighed, “I really do, Hero.”

“So.. call him, I won’t make you wait!” He walked off into the kitchen, not before peeking his head out, “Make sure to tell me what happens, okay?”

Kel yells out, “Yeah! I will, thanks dude!”

Hero, finally fulfilled with his small interrogation, gave a small smile as he continued his duties in the kitchen.

Kel took a deep sigh, a very long, and heavy, and anxious sigh.

“..I can do this, I can do this… I can do this.” He repeated, in hopes of some sort of miracle confidence to come along and help relieve him of his worries.

He finally hits enter, and the line rings, he’s internally freaking out, his mind running with plenty thoughts, many of them about Sunny disliking him, and not wanting to speak with him anymore. A simple action was causing him absolute stress and anxiety, he hasn’t felt this way since almost losing the basketball tournament a while ago, though.. that’s a story for another time, anyway. But.. perhaps this was a mistake, maybe he shouldn’t contact him right now-

“…”

The line connects.

This was the moment he was waiting for.

Kel needs to respond quickly, before it’s too late, he grabs the phone, it almost dropping in his clumsy hands, he was shaking, sweating and freaking out. Maybe he really wasn’t fit to talk to Sunny, ah! No matter, Kel should focus on the task at hand.

“Y-He-I mean.. Hey! I-Is this Sunny?” He grinned nervously, squeezing the phone in his hands for dear life, it surprisingly didn’t break from the sheer grip he was having.

“…Yes.”

“S-Sunny! It’s me! Kel! I.. uh.. I was wondering about you man!” He says, trying to keep his composure and keep his voice from sounding too excited or too nervous, he couldn’t be so awkward speaking to his best friend of so many years.

“I.. know you don’t speak a lot, so I’ll make this quick.”

Sunny, despite not saying anything back, he seemed intrigued, and Kel knows that.

“I was wondering if you could come to Faraway Town, this winter. I.. kinda wanted to see you again, a-and.. y’know, catch up after.. everything.”

Kel waits in anticipation, taking in a deep breath.

“…I’m going there anyway.”

Kel’s eyes lit up, and then suddenly back to confusion, “W-Wait? What do you mean you’re coming?”

He looked outside his window, in search of Sunny possibly standing right outside, but alas, seeing nothing but snow, “Are you already on your way to Faraway Town? Wait-.. are you in trouble? Is there something wron-“

“I’m fine. I wanted to see you.. as well.” Sunny says, a hint of warmth in his voice.

His eyes darted back to the floor.

Kel’s cheeks warmed up just by that, he took a deep gulp, catching his breath and trying to keep his composure. Sunny was going to be the death of him. Why was Sunny having such an huge affect on him? It had to be studied at how easily he had him wrapped around his finger, and he barely even spoke, also Kel hadn’t even see his face at all, yet.

“..Kel?” Sunny spoke, a little worried from the uncharacteristic silence, Kel usually talks up a storm, (not to say Sunny minds that), so this was a little unusual.

“Ah! S-Sorry..” He mumbled, trying to think of something to explain his sudden silence, as well to explain why he was stuttering so much, “ Was.. uh.. occupied, y’know man..” He laughed nervously, trying to break the tension.

Sunny chuckled from the other end, maybe Kel wasn’t screwing this up afterall.

“Ahh..” He couldn’t help but smile goofily, playing around with the ties on his shorts, Sunny was so perfect, he was so quiet, but so proper, he could never see him as any kind of monster, it was hard enough taking time for himself after the truth, but before Sunny left, Kel had made sure to have a way to contact him. Sunny always found a way into Kel’s heart, (unknowingly of course), Sunny was the most amazing, (and the most understanding), friend that Kel could ever ask for.

Kel spoke a while, talking about what’s changed in Faraway Town, how Basil is now planting flowers and decorating the streets after his recovery, and how Aubrey and Hero had forgiven Basil, and sometimes Kel would see the two, (Aubrey and Basil), planting flowers together with Aubrey’s now girlfriend, Kim. How Hero also told him that he forgives Sunny, and how everyone is starting to accept this change, and get used to the new environment and circumstances, despite the earlier events.

“And, that’s all!” He smiled, proud of himself.

“Oh! And one thing..” Kel grinned.

“If you’re comin’ to town, don’t forget to sleepover at my place!”

Sunny mumbled a faint ‘Sure’.

“Okay, I won’t bother you anymore dude! Go ahead and get ready, where will we meet?”

“I’ll be at your door.”

“Ah? Gee, I thought I was being the gentleman, turns out I was the princess all along.” Kel joked dramatically, Sunny seemed to like that joke too.

Sunny faintly chuckled, “I’ll go now, bye.”

“Okay, love you, bye!” Kel said happily, completely oblivious to what he just said.

“..L…Love you too.” Sunny said back, a little embarrassed from his voice.

The call ends, as but in a short moment, Kel realises what he just said to Sunny.

“…Wait..”

His face heated up, his cheeks warm and face completely red, he put his hand on his cheek as he sweated nervously, trying to hide the absolute embarrassment that was clearly painted on his expression. It was embarrassing enough just rambling onto Sunny (even though he did that plenty as a child), it was worse knowing that he told him ‘I love you’ and that had probably made him extremely uncomfortable.

But.. even though he was extremely embarrassed over that, a part of him felt a little confident after his bold move. He felt nervous definitely, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but feel a little excited and relieved, like a weight was lifted off his shoulders, he didn’t feel such a heavy tension looming over the conversation afterwards.

The next couple of hours were spent with anticipation, Kel waited around the house eagerly waiting for a knock on the door, or some kind of strange signal, it was so obvious how he was waiting that Hero had picked up on Kel’s intense enthusiasm and excitement, Hero didn’t dare interrupt Kel’s eagerness, which was much alike an excited dog that was eagerly awaiting their owner, so he wasn’t going to ask what happened, not until he let Kel relish in whatever (likely) Sunny told him for a while longer. Although Hero would never admit it, he was happy for Kel taking a move, and not being so anxious about everything anymore.

Finally, life felt as if it was a little bit more normal, for once.

Chapter Text

Sunny woke up, finally feeling the motivation to do something for once.

He got up from his bed, still unused to his new surroundings, plus, his old bed was way better than this. It felt weird, it was so unusual waking up here, in a place that he was unfamiliar with. Sunny just wanted to go back home, but it wasn’t ever his choice. He didn’t want to move in the first place, perhaps he was just in a grumpy mood, though he’s felt this way ever since he stepped foot into this.. ‘house’.

Sunny sighs, opening his window, looking outside to be instantly met with a snowball to the face from a random group of kids. They instantly ran away afterwards, but.. he wasn’t mad at all. No, in fact, he was happy, that simple (yet disrespectful) act, reminded him of his childhood days in Faraway Town, he reminisced his old memories, how they all used to snowball fight and Sunny would always be teaming up with Kel.. wait, Kel..

Crap, he forgot, he hasn’t contacted him, wait.. what was Kel’s number again? Perhaps four years of isolation, and a few months exposed to an unfamiliar environment has truly wiped away important information.

He looks down, wiping away the snow from his face, as he took a deep breath. Why was he so useless? Ah, he shouldn’t talk like that.. his therapist told him to express positive thoughts, Sunny was surprised his mother even bothered to consult a therapist. Maybe because she was afraid of what the other families might say if they knew what happened.

Sunny wishes he could do something to escape this hell.

Getting out of bed was a mistake, wasn’t it? Why does he even bother anymore? It’s all pointless, nothing has changed, and he can’t do anything this time to make a difference in his pathetic life.

Everybody still hates him, don’t they? Even Kel. I bet he’s probably too disgusted with Sunny to contact him, isn’t he? It’s not like he doesn’t deserve that treatment, but he can’t help but feel helpless.

Sunny sighed, going downstairs.

He has to make a difference, he needs to do something, he has to speak to Kel. Regardless of what his mother says, he’ll visit. Even if Kel is disgusted with him, he’ll listen to him, surely.

Once he arrived to the kitchen, his mother wasn’t there, as usual, she was outside doing god knows what, and left him some leftovers. At least this hasn’t really changed much in his home life.

Sunny looks at the leftovers and shakes his head, he wasn’t eating this.

He should get ready to go out now, before his mother leaves.

‘Should I leave a note?’ Sunny thought, then shook his head, ‘Yeah.. no, she’ll probably drag me out of Faraway Town, and file multiple complaints against every resident for no reason.’

Sunny takes a coat, about to head out.

Ring! Ring!

Sunny gasps, stopping right in his tracks, who could it be?.. Surely it isn’t who he thinks it is.

Perhaps his secret visit had to be put on hold for a second, mainly depending on who it was.

He moves over to the landline, picking up the phone, his eyes widening as he heard who was on the other line.

“Y-He.. Ah, I mean.. hey! I-Is this Sunny?” Kel spoke.

No damn way, it was Kel.

Kel really went out of his way to contact him? So he truly didn’t forget about him or hate him after-all! That was a relief, geez, those intrusive early morning thoughts are so sickening. No wonder he isolated himself, all alone, and relied on sleep and his made-up dreamworld to push those thoughts away, instead of confronting them.

“Yes..” Sunny spoke, trying not to sound too excited or nervous.

“Sunny! I-It’s me man! I uh.. was uhm, wondering how you’ve been doin’ man..”

Ah, Kel was so adorable, he couldn’t help but feel flustered just by listening to Kel’s voice. Why was he affecting him so much? Maybe he was socially deprived or something, but he just couldn’t help but melt into Kel’s energy, it was so easy to be around him, he was so likable.. almost too likeable.

“I know you don’t talk much, so let me make this quick.”

‘Ah! How considerate.’ Sunny thought.

Kel was such a gentleman, remembering such simple details despite … the truth.

No matter, that was not Sunny’s focus, he found Kel extremely endearing, it was kinda crazy how much he missed his best friend. It was as if but one word from him cures thousands of illnesses/sicknesses, Kel was practically an angel, a ray of sunshine, the colour into Sunny’s black and white life. Kel was such an amazing friend, he felt like he didn’t deserve him.

“I was wonderin’ if you could uh.. come to Faraway Town, so we can.. catch up and everything y’know..” Kel mumbled, “Kinda.. uhm.. wanted to see you again..” He said, a little flustered.

Sunny gasped, internally, Kel.. wanted to see him again? And even catch up? So.. is he inviting him somewhere? Like the old days? Kel was full of surprises today, first he calls him, second he wants to see him, third he’s not even mad at him?

Well, that was amazing news, because Sunny was just about to go catch a bus back to Faraway Town, (without his mother’s knowledge.)

“..I’m going anyways.” He mumbles, giving vague detail.

Sunny could instantly hear the gasp from the other line, even though Kel obviously tried to not be too loud with his surprise, and (at least Sunny assumes) excitement.

“W-Wait.. what do you mean you’re coming?”

Kel took a few moments, silent, before he spoke again, seemingly shuffling around somewhere.

“Are you already on your way here? Wait..- are.. you in trouble? Is something wron-“

Sunny interrupts him before he gets carried away and jumps to multiple unlikely conclusions, like how he used to when he was a kid.

“I’m fine. I..” He sighs, “I wanted to see you.. as well.” He said, a hint of warmth in his monotone voice.

Kel didn’t respond, perhaps Sunny was a little too bold, wasn’t he?

Ah, dammit, he already made Kel uncomfortable, he always makes things worse.. better just brace himself for the worst or whatever.

“..Kel?” Sunny asks, mainly worried about his lack of communication, Kel usually talked a lot, so this was totally out of character.. and possibly meant that he made a huge mistake.

“Ah! S-Sorry..”

Sunny holds his breath, praying that Kel wasn’t uncomfortable.

“I.. uh.. was just occupied with something.”

Sunny sighs of relief, but, he seemed still a little worried. No matter, he’s still speaking with Kel, so it’s fine. But, Kel sounds sort of cute, with how he’s stuttering and mumbling, maybe he was actually just a little flustered, can’t always assume the worst. He learnt that lesson the hard way.

He chuckled, in hopes it would relieve the situation, and also because he thought Kel’s actions were adorable.

Afterwards, Kel started to ramble about Faraway Town, how Aubrey and Hero forgave Basil, and how Aubrey is also lesbian?! Huh, he should’ve known.. also, she’s dating Kim, and Basil recovered, and is now planting flowers and decorating the town’s streets alongside Aubrey and her now girlfriend, Kim. (Sunny totally supports it.)

Another important part Kel mentioned, was that Hero had forgiven him for everything, he also included how Hero understood it was an accident, and how.. Mari.. wouldn’t want us fighting all the time.

Sunny smiles, this was amazing news, this was perfect even. Everything was going to be okay, he was going to be okay. Perhaps this was what he was waiting for all these months ever since he stepped foot inside the house, a fresh start.. but all he really wanted was that start with his friends, but he always thought it was impossible, till Kel spoke to him again.

“And that’s all!” Kel said, seemingly proud of himself.

Sunny was about to speak till Kel seemed eager to share something extra.

“Oh! Right, one thing..”

He waited.

“If you’re comin’ to town, don’t forget to sleep over at my place!” He said warmly.

Wow.. he was even inviting him to his house? Sunny really did win the lottery, gosh, he felt so flattered and lucky. Everything wasn’t okay, it was PERFECT!

“..Sure..” Sunny mumbles, he couldn’t speak loudly otherwise it’d be obvious how flustered he was.

“Okay! I won’t bother ya anymore dude! Ah, where will we meet anyway?” Kel asked, ‘What a smart guy, always thinking ahead.’, Sunny thought.

“I’ll be at your door.” He answered, he just wanted to be with Kel as fast as possible.

Kel laughs, making a joke about him being the princess instead of the gentleman.

Sunny chuckled, it was a funny joke.

“I’ll go now, bye.” Sunny should leave, before his mom comes home and his plans are foiled.

Kel nodded, “Alright! Love you, bye!” He grinned on the other line.

Sunny’s mind practically exploded. D-Did he just tell him ‘I love you’? This can’t just be winning the lottery, this has to be a dream.

He pinched himself, wincing in pain right after, this was so unreal, yet it felt so strangely.. real? Kel would never do this, (or at least Sunny assumes delusionally), but especially not after the whole.. truth, came out.

Ah.. Kel was so naturally charming, his very personality was so bright and charismatic so naturally that he felt as if Kel was just not real, maybe he was an experiment, it can’t be possible.. but then again, Hero exists too, perhaps it just runs in his family.

He took a deep breath, “L-Love you too..” Sunny mumbles, obviously flustered.

Sunny ends the call, hiding his face (to whoever was watching) as he fell to the ground hugging his knees trying not to freak out from whatever that was. What kind of affect did Kel have on him? A simple I love you was enough to get Sunny shaking and red in embarrassment. He always did feel a sense of comfort around Kel, he always felt different around him, even as a kid. Sunny always chalked it up to him being his best friend, but whenever he saw other best friends, he just.. never felt the same way they do. Also, he liked Aubrey at that time, so he never thought of possibly having a crush on Kel. Was that even possible to have a crush on two people? Gee, Sunny was such a player as a kid.

Maybe he really did have a crush on Kel.

But.. would Kel even like him back?

You know what, no time for these thoughts! Sunny should get up from the floor, and run to the bus before it’s too late, or at least speed walk, so as to not faint because he’s really not that athletic.

He got up from his place on the floor, putting on his coat properly this time, as he took a deep breath.

This was it, he was gonna see Kel and the others again, no matter what. he was gonna make everything right, and he was going to fix things that he left behind unsaid.

Chapter Text

What was Sunny thinking? Going over to Faraway Town again? It was all so nerve wracking. The idea of finally entering that town again, after so long —after what he did. It all felt surreal, but Sunny knew that he couldn’t keep hiding anymore, he’s learnt that lesson in a brutal way.

Sunny was holding onto the yellow pole, holding onto it as he looks around at the other passengers. They all were so normal, they all wore sweaters or some kind of cozy sort of clothing, adorned with scarves, or coats, or earmuffs, it was as if nothing was wrong —as if life was so simple and comfortable, kind of like how it was a kid. Oh, those memories from when he was younger, all of his friends playing snow fights, and building snow forts, he remembered teaming up with Kel to beat Basil and Aubrey, he remembered when Aubrey wanted to team up with him that one time, and Kel would outright refuse to. Those days were so carefree, the only problems they ever really had was mundane things that had no effect on their futures.

But now, things were different, they all grew up, yet he felt as if he was stuck in the same body, the same old mentality. He knows he’s forgiven himself from all those years before, but he still felt sick to the stomach on how he affected everyone. Sunny knew it wasn’t right to be so upset over things from so long ago, yet he knew at the same time that it was okay to talk about it, to think about it, because if he forced himself to not think about it, and brush it off as he did so long ago, he wouldn’t be on this bus right now.

He looked out at the window in front of him, the view was sort of blocked by a young pregnant lady with her small child sitting on the priority seats, but he didn’t mind.

The view was wonderful, mesmerising, the once covered snowy lands, slowly turned into a more pleasant and less crowded space, the once buzzing streets of people slowly faded away as they slowly entered into Faraway Town.

Looking outside, he could see simple children running around, playing snow fights, some rolled around the snow covering themselves completely —as some of them also were being scolded by their older siblings for that. He could also see couples laughing together as they built snowmen, the couple he saw reminded him of Hero and Mari.

Oh how he missed Mari.

He ruined everything..

No, he was a little kid, he made an accident, and Mari wouldn’t want him to still feel burdened after so many years. And he knows that better than anyone else (he had a whole story dedicated to that too.)

Alas, the bus stopped as Sunny stepped out, he took a moment to adjust to his familiar surroundings as he smiled warmly, he missed this. He missed the atmosphere, the smell of the hot beverages, the laughter that surrounded him, he almost spaced out thinking of his friends until he heard the shout of a random dog.

Ah, he finally remembered.

He needs to go see Kel.

Speaking of seeing Kel, did he even live at the same house? He knows the way by heart, but, he wasn’t sure anymore. Maybe Kel had switched houses, wait.. no, let’s be serious, if Kel had moved, he would’ve told Sunny over the phone, and he probably wouldn’t have moved that far if he requested Sunny to visit Faraway Town.

Sunny took a deep breath, as he carried on his journey, venturing into the snowy pathways, looking around the houses as he counted in his head what families he remembered living there before he left.

He spots Hobeez, that place had tons of memories, he remembers how Kel used to ogle at the figurines and how he always told Sunny that he’d buy all of them one day.

When he went to Kel’s house before he moved, he noticed the shelf full of those figurines.

Kel really did keep his word, didn’t he?

Sunny also spotted Gino’s Pizza, the classic spot where he and his friends would eat at, of course with Hero paying for everything by then. He remembers how Basil wasn’t really the biggest fan of pizza because he felt like it was too greasy.

He remembered Kel taking Basil’s slice in response, as Hero lectured Kel on not taking other’s food.

He saw the supermarket, what fun times, he remembers when Aubrey and him went there one time because Sunny’s mother sent him to go buy some sweets. Aubrey eagerly offered to come with him, so they went there together. He remembers her constantly clinging onto him, and spitting out pickup lines to the very obviously flustered preteen.

Gosh, and before he moved, Aubrey had totally changed. She wasn’t the same head over heels kid that would constantly flirt with Sunny like before, but, people change, and that’s fine. The two were still friends, or at least he hoped they’d continue being friends if he took Kel’s word for it.

Sunny didn’t really care much for the fix-it shop, he only went there a lot with Kel because he kept breaking the family vases and lamps because of his clumsiness. Sometimes they went with Hero, but whenever Hero came along, it was mainly Sunny observing as Hero scolded Kel to no end. Kel got used to it, so he never really cried over it. Sunny knows that if Mari had done that to him, he probably would have gotten really frustrated and-

Oh!

He saw the park, it was always such a delight to see the playground, even if it had rusted quite a lot since he last saw it. It looked a lot smaller and more.. childish, then he once remembered. When he used to play as a little kid with his friends in the playground, he remembered how delightful and adventurous it felt. He remembers their secret spot too, oh how he cherished those memories.

He still has the photo album, he even printed out all of the photos so he could frame them on his wall back in the city.

Well, he was finally at Kel’s doorstep, it felt unreal.

He was the one knocking on the door this time.

Was he doing anything right? Why was this so.. scary?

Gosh, he wonders what Kel felt knocking every week all those months ago.

Sunny took a deep breath, before raising his hand slowly, gulping as he knocked on the door, with gentle yet loud knocks.

…

He heard a sudden scurrying and shuffling before the door was quickly opened, revealing a slightly out-of-breath, grinning Kel.

“Sunny!” He says, his tone not lacking one bit in excitement and eagerness.

Sunny looked back at him, neutrally, but he was clearly nervous with his hand shaking slightly.

Kel noticed this before smiling at him, “I’m so glad to see you again, Sunny.”

Sunny took a deep breath, nodding as he signed,

‘I’m glad to see you as well, Kel.’

Kel read the sign, nodding. “Come inside! I’ve got hot chocolate here, and some snacks, y’know?”

Sunny nodded, walking inside, he looked around the place, things didn’t change too drastically, but there were a few things that he knew weren’t there last time he was around. More specifically, there was a lot of medals and achievements, and surprisingly when he looked closer at it, it wasn’t Hero’s.

Kel noticed Sunny’s observations, as he chuckled, “So, my achievements seem to have caught your eye?”

Sunny looked back, realising Kel had noticed him wandering aimlessly and ogling at his achievements this entire time. He took a deep breath before signing out a response,

‘These are yours?’

He asked, before Kel nodded, giving him a response in no time, “‘Course! Whilst you were away, I kinda competed a ton in a few basketball tournaments, and.. well..” He blushed, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, “Kinda got a few achievements.”

Sunny smiled softly, nodding.

Kel’s heart beat faster in notice, Sunny seemed to be more open then he last saw him, oh how he loved his soft smiles, his beauty was captivating, he loved Sunny, his best friend, so dearly.

“Mom n’ Pop were super overjoyed hearing ‘bout it, Mama kinda was surprised I was earning some kind of medals for once.” He chuckled, continuing, “And dad was proud of me, it felt.. good.” 

He looked at Sunny, “So they put up these achievements, Hero was the most proud honestly. He was ruffling my hair, tackling me constantly and well, aggressively but affectionately teasing me.” Kel grinned, before it faded away quickly as it turned into embarrassment.

“Ah-.. sorry-..” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, “Was rambling a lot, wasn’t I?”

Sunny’s eyes widened slightly as he shook his head,

‘It’s alright, I don’t mind listening, Kel.’

Kel nodded, a faint blush appearing on his cheeks as he mumbles, “Sorry again..”

Sunny was about to respond until Kel interrupted suddenly going close to him,

“Oh crap, dude- I forgot! I haven’t taken you to see all the cool new things yet!” Kel said excitedly, holding Sunny’s hands tightly, but not too tight to hurt him.

Sunny tilted his head, so as to say ‘What new things?’

Kel instantly understood the signal as he smiled, explaining,

“Well, recently they’ve put up this ice rink, and there’s this new coffee shop too! Faraway town might be small, but there’s a ton of big changes! Well, I might not know how to ice skate, but I’m sure we can figure it out together, right Sun?” He looks at him with a big goofy grin plastered onto his face.

Sunny couldn’t help but blush slightly nodding, he couldn’t really respond since Kel was holding his hands, but he didn’t mind talking, they were alone after-all.

“I don’t mind.”

Kel’s heart lit up at the sound of Sunny’s voice, it was such a sweet and small action, but it always made Kel feel all fuzzy and warm.

He nodded, letting go of Sunny’s hands as he cleared his throat, “Alright, do you wanna go to the ice rink or would you like coffee first?”

Sunny thought for a moment, before ultimately deciding.

‘Let’s go for coffee first, it’ll be nice to catch up.’

Kel nodded, “Alright, I’ll lead you!”

He opens the front door again for Sunny as the other stepped out, Kel was still in the doorway before he felt a strange feeling that someone was watching him.

Kel looked behind him to see Hero peaking outside the kitchen, smiling.

He gave him an annoyed and embarrassed glare before closing the door, stepping into the cold air outside with Sunny.