𝑫𝑬𝑨𝑫 𝑨𝑳𝑰𝑽𝑬《 Philippines CountryHumans AU 》

xxxvi.

[When I was reevaluating the previous chapters I fr just realized that I post once every month— im so so sorry that my updates with my chapters take so long. I'm hoping that since my school year is over, I'll be able to focus more on this book.]

[I'm planning on making a schedule for uploads every two weeks, but all of this technically relies on my writer's block not being an ass. I really, really want to finish this book without thinking that I didn't put enough effort into it, so wish me luck!]

[Enjoy!!]

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The food is delicious, Philip distantly thinks as he bites into a spring roll, savoring the taste of the food. It's delicious, it reminds me of Martial's cooking. Not too sweet, not too sour, not too salty, and not too bitter— a meal of even and equal flavor.

Vietnam watches fondly, looking at Philip almost dreamily as he replays the past scenes in his head. He kissed Philip. How cool was that?! Vietnam's hand reaches up to brush his bottom lip lightly, a slight smile on his mouth. He can still taste the country's minty breath.

Ah, Vietnam thinks in a startle. Now's not the time for that.

"D-Does it taste good? I asked a chef to cook it when I heard Martial telling the others that they could go visit," Viet brings his hand down once Philip turns to look at him, shaking his thoughts to the back of his mind. His cheeks are dusted with a hint of pink, yet Philip seems to not notice. And even if he did, he didn't seem to want to say anything about it, because his cheeks are pink too.

In response, Philip only ponders after snapping out of whatever thoughts he was having, "Wait— Martial asked you guys to visit?"

Vietnam blinks, "oh, you didn't know? He practically begged for us to go. Something about you wanting to see us after so long."

Philip frowns, "I never asked for any of you to come—," Vietnam pretends to ignore the pang in his chest, "—actually, I never asked anyone to visit. I suppose I just... woke up and realized I needed to get ready since you guys were going to meet me after such a long time.

The bedridden country sets the spring roll down into the container slowly in disbelief, "I... didn't think Martial would do that."

Vietnam only huffs, crossing his arms as he tips his head. "That guy... always so secretive. He didn't even tell you about this?"

Philip sweatsrops as he looks away awkwardly.

Heaving a sigh, Philip takes the spring roll and bites it once more, his shoulders slumping forward. When was the last time I ate something so delicious?

Everything he ate when he had run away was always a few pieces of crackers and bread, and if he was lucky enough, a chocolate bar. Philip never lingered in places for too long, after all, Martial would have immediately found him through CCTV cameras or witnesses from passersby.

It reminded him that, no matter what, even the taste of evenly flavored spring rolls don't change, even when the entire world seems to be spinning too quick for him to catch up.

Vietnam watches, like he'd always done, as Philip wordlessly munches on the food. The country was devouring it, almost swallowing it without chewing. And, if he looked close enough, he'd find a few unshed tears resting on Philip's waterline.

And yet, he said nothing.

Vietnam takes a look at the clock, and then back at Philip's sideview. His time was up for this visit, yet, he couldn't bring himself to leave.