He gave him a short but chaste kiss on the lips before pulling away; eyes shining with affection. Japan didn't respond immediately, he was too dazed by the sudden outburst of affection from the taller blonde nation.

"So, dude, I..." America paused and bit his lip before continuing; looking as if he wanted to bury his face in his hands and hide forever. "I really really like you. Like, a lot," he mumbled with childishly hopeful eyes. Faint blushes could be seen painting both of their faces a rosy red. America's heart raced and he could hear his pulse pounding in his ears. He balled his hands into fists and licked his lips, avoiding the careful gaze of the shorter nation before him.

After what felt like an eternity, Japan spoke guardedly; his voice shaking, "America-San... I had no idea..." He trailed off, feeling even more awkward. How was he supposed to respond? His head swam with possibilities; was this a joke? Japan mentally slapped himself for thinking such a thing. Sure, he truly did like America, he just wasn't sure if it was the same like the other nation mentioned. They were best friends. They were always at each others houses playing video games, watching anime, and talking. They went many places together and had several sleepovers over the many years they'd known each other.

His feelings of affection towards the other man hit him like a ton of bricks. At this point, it felt as though his heart was ready to leap out of his chest. He was certain the other could hear just how loud and fast his heart was beating.

Even though the sun was setting and it was getting rather dark, Japan was still able to see the red plastered across America's features, and the way his blue eyes sparkled in the dim lighting of the sunset. Realizing that America was fidgeting uncomfortably and still awaiting a proper answer, Japan stood on the tips of his toes to deliver a feather light kiss to the blonde's cheek; his face burning all the while.

"Ameri-," Japan cut himself off, feeling it to be proper to continue by calling the other something more personal, but cutesy nicknames would have to wait. "Alfred-San, I would like to attempt to pursue a relationship with you." As he spoke, he hoped the other couldn't detect the trembling of his voice. Japan had little to no experience with romance, only getting his knowledge from anime and manga.

America's face lit up and he released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Once again forgetting Japan's personal bubble, Alfred picked up the smaller country under his arms and spun him once before bringing him into a crippling but comfortably warm and safe embrace. "I-I'm glad." America sounded as if he was on the verge of tears as he buried his face in the crook of Kiku's neck, "I'm super glad, Kiku." As America lifted his head to gaze at his new found boyfriend, huge and dorky grins spread across both of their faces.