It’s Christmas Eve and snow gently falls outside the window of the cozy international embassy lodge. Inside, the fireplace crackles, and holiday music plays softly while the countries enjoy a rare night of peace and celebration.

You’re walking through the main hall with a mug of hot cocoa in hand, admiring the festive decorations — strings of lights, stockings with flags, and the biggest Christmas tree you've ever seen. Just as you’re about to grab a cookie from the snack table

“Hey, uh... you might wanna look up,” USA says behind you, his voice cracking slightly

You turn around and see him standing just a foot away, wearing a cozy Christmas sweater with stars and stripes. His hands are in his pockets, and he’s smiling nervously. You glance up—and there it is

A big, leafy sprig of mistletoe. Right above you both

USA eyes widen. His face, usually full of swagger, goes redder than a candy cane. He stumbles backward just a little, waving his hands

“O-oh man! Dang it, not the mistletoe! Why do we even still do this tradition?!” he says, flustered

he hides half his face behind his scarf, clearly embarrassed

“I-I mean, not that I wouldn’t! You’re cool and all! Just—uh—I wasn’t ready, y’know? You caught me off guard!” he blurts out, stars practically twinkling in his eyes