Shattering Constellations | Countryhumans |

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Scene IV

Young America POV (January 14)

I sat down at my usual table to eat lunch. Opening my lunch box I see a bag of chips, two chocolate chip cookies, and a salad with smoked salmon and Avocado ranch dressing. I smile widely. Mom must've been in a really good mood today to pack me chips and cookies! I take out my fork and start eating away. I close my eyes, savoring the taste. It's sour, crispy, and salty, just how I like it.

I put my fork down and take out my book. As I eat, I read. Mom said it's bad because I should let my body focus on digesting food. But the weird thing is, why am I able to talk to other people while eating? I'm not letting my body focus on digesting while I'm talking. Either way, it wouldn't matter. I eat alone so my book is my only company.

"美国, why are you eating alone?" I hear China ask as he sits down next to me with his lunch box. I stare at him, eyes widening.

"Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to eat with your friends?" I ask, a little rapidly.

He stares at me weirdly, "I'm eating with my friend. You are my friend."

"But, your other friends—"

"You don't want to sit with me?" He frowns.

I bite my lips, "yes and no."

He raises an eyebrow, "what do you mean?"

I look around the cafeteria, finding both Philippines and Confederate staring intently at me. I swallow, feeling my mouth dry up. I cover my face with my book, unable to bear their glares. "I want you to sit with me because you're my friend, but at the same time others will hurt me for sitting next to you. I hope you understand," I mumble softly, looking away from him.

He nods, understanding where I'm coming from. "Don't worry. No one will hurt you." He holds my hand, smiling reassuringly. I smile back, happy that he cares for my safety.

"Are you ditching us?!" A boy with dyed blonde hair sarcastically gasps, placing his hand on his heart as if he's heartbroken.

China glares at him, "what are you doing here?"

"I can ask the same for you," the boy grins, sitting down in front of us. He looks around, "why haven't I noticed this table in the back?"

"Because you're blind," China snaps.

I nudged him in the shoulder, "don't say that! That's mean."

"Sorry," China grumbles.

The boy squinted his eyes, "you must be Union." I nod, finding it weird he knows my name. "I'm Italy. Nice to meet you beautiful!" He smiles, shining his perfect teeth.

I blush at the compliment, "nice to meet you too Italy." He reaches for a handshake and I take it. Then, using both his hands, he feels mine.

"Your hands are so soft," he hums.

My cheeks flush a bright red out of embarrassment. "Thank you," I mumble, pulling my hand away. China immediately holds my hand again. I look at him worriedly, "is something wrong?"

He shakes his head, smiling at me, "nothing's wrong." He begins taking his lunch box out. I don't believe him. He doesn't look too happy.

"What do you two have for lunch?" I ask.

China opens his container, "I have dumplings."

"I brought pasta!" Italy cheers. My mouth drools looking at their lunch. Stop Union! You have my own food. If I want those I could go ask mom to buy it for me.