Chapter Text
Switzerland and Austria have been close friends since they were neighbors. Austria had first seen Switzerland getting bullied and swore to always protect him.
Despite this, it had always been the opposite.
The two kids sat on a bench surrounded by a mountain herb—Leontopodium nivale; commonly known as edelweiss. On one side of the bench, Austria sat with one leg up, with Switzerland carefully taking care of the other’s wounds.
“Roderich, why are you injured again!?” The Swiss said.
“Seriously, what can you do without me..?” He complained, as he was finishing up the Austrian’s bandages.
“Sorry about that..” Austria looked up at Switzerland’s face.
“Y’know, you don’t have to do this all the time.”
“And leave you injured? No way!”
The Austrian giggled. “Listen, I’ll kick their butts the next time I see them!”
“Oh come on, you said that last time..”
The two had always been close.
But not anymore.
— Switzerland’s POV —
Last day of freshman year.
The day is already ending. People wave goodbyes like it’s any other day. Others are tearing up in each other’s embrace as they recite how much they love each other. Right now, I’m looking for a quiet place to read. I don’t have many friends to wave goodbye to, not any that I’m really close with. I’m just not that type of person, and I just don’t want to get too close to anyone. I went towards the top floor, looking for any empty classrooms to read in and I happen to spot a familiar face.
It was already around 5:30PM.
A melodic sound played gracefully in the empty classroom. The amber rays of the sunset emitting from the window by the violinist created a calm, welcoming, and peaceful atmosphere of warmth. Each note seemed to passionately dance and echo through the your head. It flowed so smoothly and clear, I was mesmerized. Maybe it was just the atmosphere, but I felt like I was in a dream. I hate to admit it, but honestly.. Austria’s great at playing the violin.
It took me a hot minute to notice I was staring at the brunet. A faint red spread across my face as I realized. Jeez, what was I doing? I grabbed my bag and turned to leave, but he suddenly stopped playing and grabbed me by the arm.
“..?”
“…”
“…”
“…”
I pulled away from his grasp and broke the silence. “Seriously, what is it? I have nothing to discuss with the likes of you.”
“Then we are in agreement.” He tossed me a rolled up piece of paper, why was he so extra? Back then he was.. forget it.
“What’s this about?” I turned to look at him.
“Just open it when you get home, you’ll find out sooner or later.”
“..Alright fine, but this better not be anything weird.” I took the letter and was headed outside.
The only sounds I heard in the quiet atmosphere were my own footsteps and my breathing. Through the empty halls colored with paper white paint, I made my way downstairs and decided to continue reading my book there instead of going home immediately. As I was reading, I couldn’t help but wonder what Austria wrote in the letter. I thought back to when we first met, closer than ever. We often looked after each other and cared in our own special ways. We’d visit each other’s houses quite frequently and play together. We don’t visit each other as often as before—rather, we don’t visit each other’s houses at all. Ever since we slowly drifted apart I was often left with many questions on my mind, because why did we start hating each other? It’s not like distance was much of a problem, we’re neighbors after all.
Then what was it?
What could’ve happened if only..
..If only he didn’t change to be a pompous idiot.
I finished the book relatively quicker than usual, but I couldn’t even remember a thing of what I read. All I thought about was Austria.
..What’s up with me today?
Why can’t I get that stupid Austrian out of my head!?
I furrowed my eyebrows and angrily put my stuff back into my bag and zipped it shut. Frustrated, I tightened the grip on my bag and stormed out of the building. The bright rays of sunlight coming from the warm sunset which shone upon my face managed to calm me down a bit. I took a moment to pause and admire the current atmosphere I was in at the moment.
I then made my way back home and opened the front door to be greeted by my little sister.
“Hallo big brother.” Liechtenstein greeted me with a smile.
“How was school? I made you a sandwich.”
“Good afternoon, Lili. Thank you for asking, it was okay.” I took a bite off the sandwich.
“I think.. it tastes like sandwich, thank you for making me this.”
“Well, you came home awfully later than usual.” She looked into my eyes.
“Did something happen at school today?”
“Ah.. Well of course, it’s the last day of school for us. Nothing unusual happened, so don’t worry too much.”
“Oh, I see then.”
“I’ll get going to my room, take care Lili.” I said with a warm smile.
“Take care, big brother!”
I made my way up the creaky wooden floors over to my room and opened the letter.
‘Hello Basch, I hope this letter finds you well…’
As I scanned throughout the letter, a few words at the end caught my eye.
“I’ll be moving back to Vienna in about two days. I’m sorry for these last few remarks. I choose death.
Sincerely yours, Roderich Edelstein.”
—————————————————————
…
Seriously, what’s this bastard even talking about?