America occupied the couch the way an eagle occupies a prey. Not moving. Not apologizing. France sprawled nearby, boredom dripping off him like wine on a feather.

France: “I’m bored,”

He declared, as if announcing a natural disaster. Indonesia nodded, already halfway gone.

Tunisia: “Same. My soul just yawned.”

China lifted an eyebrow, thin and precise.

China: “Already? Time has barely blinked.”

On the floor, the Belgium slept. Deep sleep. The kind where dreams apply for residency. UK pressed a finger to his lips, voice padded with politeness.

UK: “Hey, maybe we can lower the volume. Belgium is… You know… buffering.”

Wales sat in an armchair, book open, eyes half elsewhere. Pages turned. Judgment remained silent. Poland inhaled, ready to release a sentence sharp enough to cut ice.

Too late.

Ireland grabbed him mid-thought and hurled him into the next room with the righteous fury of a man defending emotional safety. Furniture rattled. Destiny gasped.

Ireland: “DO NOT COMPLETE THAT SENTENCE.”

Silence followed. The USA did not move. Belgium snored, victorious. China smiled. Very slightly. France blinked. India nodded again. Enlightened.