~ Powers of Nations: A Countryhumans Chronicle

▶Chapter:65◀

The chapter:

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3rd person pov:

The early morning sun filtered through the cabin windows as the group gathered in the kitchen for breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air. Canada, ever the gracious host, was already making waffles.

Belarus and Ukraine were the first to join him, both yawning and rubbing the sleep from their eyes. Soon after, Germany and Japan made their way in, followed by France, Britain, and Australia. Then Taiwan, China entered last, a worried expression etched on his face as he scanned the room.

“Where’s Russ?” China asked, glancing around.

“He was still asleep when I checked,” America replied casually, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. “Said he was tired and didn’t want to get up yet.”

China’s eyes narrowed, suspicion gnawing at him. He didn’t believe America for a second, but he held his tongue for now.

“Let him rest, then,” Canada said, placing a stack of waffles on the table. “He deserves it.”

As they all settled down to eat, the mood was light and filled with chatter. Germany was discussing his latest engineering project with Britain, while France and Japan shared stories of their travels. China, however, couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. He kept glancing towards the hallway that led to the bedrooms, worry creasing his brow.

Belarus and Ukraine exchanged glances, both noticing their brother’s absence. “He must be really tired,” Ukraine said softly.

“Yeah, he’s been through a lot,” Belarus agreed, though he also cast a suspicious look at America.

After a while, as breakfast continued, Russia finally showed up. His appearance drew immediate attention; he had dark circles under his eyes, clearly showing signs of lack of sleep. China, seeing him, felt a bit of relief but noticed how oddly quiet he was.

America, spotting him, couldn't resist teasing. “Aww, finally the princess woke up?” he said with a smirk.

Russia tried his best to ignore him, keeping his gaze downcast as he shuffled to the table and took a seat. He began to help himself to breakfast, moving with a sluggishness that didn’t go unnoticed.

China’s eyes followed Russia’s every movement, his protective instincts on high alert. He kept his concern to himself, but his gaze occasionally flicked to America, the suspicion never leaving his eyes.

“Did you sleep well?” Canada asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Not really,” Russia mumbled, avoiding eye contact. He picked at his food, trying to appear normal but failing to hide his exhaustion.

America leaned back in his chair, still smirking. “Maybe you should drink some coffee, Russ. Wake up a bit.”

Russia just nodded, not trusting himself to speak. His stomach churned with unease, and he felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.

China noticed his discomfort and spoke up. “Leave him alone, America. He needs rest, not your teasing.”

America shrugged. “Just trying to help,” he said, though his tone was far from sincere.

The atmosphere at the table grew tense, with the unspoken tension hanging in the air. Everyone seemed to sense something was amiss, but no one knew the extent of what had transpired the previous night. Russia did his best to blend into the background, while China’s protective watch over him only intensified.