The pace we walk in: Japan side

"It's fine… with only you…"

Japan couldn't help but slightly blush as he remembered his own words. He couldn't believe he had said that then.

'It's been so long… and at the same time so short since then…"

He sighed, and shuffled through his documents. The meeting will be starting in an hour- Switzerland was already here, per usual. Ah, and Germany was coming through, with Austria. How rare, Austria usually never comes early.

"Guten Morgen, Japan. You're early as usual."

"Ohayo gozaimasu, Germany- san, Austria-san"

Germany looked around, and spotted the Swiss nation already towards the meeting room.

"Switzerland is already here. So if it's the usual order…"

"Ah, ohayo gozaimasu, Holland-san!"

"Mm, goedemorgen"

The blond nation nodded to them, and Germany called out to Austria who was already wondering around.

"Okay, let's go to the meeting room"

"Wait up, aru! I woke up early today!"

"China! This is rare…"

So the five nations started to walk down the long corridor, and they quickly split into two groups without even realising it. The Netherlands, Japan and Germany was walking in a fast pace, while talking about rates, money… and other political stuff. Austria was walking quite slowly with China, who had started to talk on the phone with Hong Kong.

Japan glanced at Holland. Good, he was keeping up with the tall nation.

"Please don't walk so fast, Holland-san! I don't have long legs like you!"

"Then hurry up. I'm waiting"

Japan felt slightly proud. He had caught up to all the European nations who were ahead in time then. He didn't have to be waited for, and he could be in the same pace as them.

"You know you can't stay in here forever"

He was right. True to his words, he was pulled out by America into the world. He was glad for that.

But sometimes, he couldn't help but think.

If he had stayed in there, would Holland still be with him? Would he visit him, bring tulips and sweets to him and tell him what's going on in Europe.

Japan shook his head and smiled.

A/N Well that's it. Thanks for reading.