Ken waited by the side entrance to his family house, being placed on watch by his parents who were still busy in the cafe. Though, Paul had hired extra help for the day so that when the time came they could also come meet Thijs as his new host family. 

--- 

Thijs held onto the backpack in his lap, sitting in the back of the car driving him from the airport and into Paragon. To say that he was dazed was an understatement. Although a month back he had made the same journey for the entrance exam of UAI, the 10 hour flight didn’t get any easier the second time around. And, because of the 9 hour time difference, it was still early morning in Paragon just as when he left home, but back home it was evening. Still, Thijs tried to stay attentive, taking in the skyline of the city as it came into view. This was going to be his new home. 

In the airport he had been welcomed by a representative from UAI, who gathered him and a handful of other European students who had arrived on the same or adjacent flights. Thijs hadn’t realized so many students would be arriving at the same time. He had caught a glance of a dark haired girl with bright green eyes taking pictures, having wanted to start a conversation but before he could he was led outside with his luggage. 

Thijs’ parents had insisted that he sign up for the host family program, especially after having travelled with him to Paragon after the time of the exam, despite Thijs’ own insisting that he would manage on his own. With his parents here Paragon had seemed graspable, and Thijs enjoyed walking the streets and taking in the city that was so different to home. But now as the 16 year old gazed up at the grandiose Paragon once more- the intimidation fell over him. The goodbye with his family had been tough, but full of support. And alone in this car he felt really… on his own. So the prospects of a host family looked a lot brighter now that he was actually here. He knew he’d be with a classmate, and one who was local.

Thijs took a deep breath and leaned back in his seat. 

--- 

“The car is here!!!” Ken yelled out into the kitchen, getting his parents’ attention who quickly dropped their tasks, handing them over to the temps. Paul wiped his hands on his apron, taking it off and throwing it to the side while Miranda adjusted her hair. Ken’s parents joined him in the corridor, opening the side door as the car doors opened. First the driver stepped out, and then through the crack in the door Ken spotted a tall boy step out- way taller than he would ever have expected! He had strawberry blond hair and dark eyes, no visible mutations- Ken checked off some quirk hypotheses from his mental list. The boy walked over to the car’s trunk, swinging his backpack over his shoulder and easily lifting a big suitcase out. 

The car’s driver made sure Thijs could handle his luggage before turning and heading to the door, at which Ken and his parents stepped outside. The driver had a UAI badge on his jacket and he greeted the family “Hello! Hill family, I assume?” “Yes, that is correct,” Paul replied cordially, suppressing his excitement. “Well, let me officially introduce you to-” just at that moment Thijs came up to stand next to the driver “Thijs!” Ken beamed up at his classmate, who having met eyes smiled back. Ken noticed how tired the boy looked.. but continued smiling. 

Paul stretched out a hand which Thijs shook “Pleasure to meet you! We’ve been really looking forward to you coming” “Thank you- I’m glad to finally be here.” Thijs responded, with just the slightest hint of hesitation, but more because he wasn’t sure the level of formality to maintain. Ken followed his dad’s example and also offered a hand “I’m Ken!! Welcome!!” Ken exclaimed, unable to contain his enthusiasm, as he shook Thijs’ hand “So you’re my classmate!” Ken could hear a strange accent break through Thijs’ almost perfect English. And before he knew it Thijs was getting hugged by Ken’s mom who pulled him in for a quick embrace. “Welcome Thijs, we’re happy to have you here.” Thijs wasn’t too caught off guard, in fact the warmth he already felt was incredibly comforting. 

“It appears all is in order here then.” the UAI representative continued “Thijs, you have my number, you can always call if you have any further questions. But I can assure you the Hill family will take good care of you.” With that the driver bit farewell, pulling out of the driveway and away. 

Miranda ushered everyone inside, as Paul helped with Thijs’ luggage.