"Okay. So we need to get Loung a present. But what do we get him?" Samantha muttered as she and China raced through the shopping mall.

They had gotten super early to find the birthday boy a present. This wasn't something that Samantha would normally enjoy, waking up at 7 in the morning during summer holidays. But this was an exception because it was very important.

"We have to have firecrackers, aru. And fireworks. He loves them," China said.

"I don't know a single place that sells those stuff," Samantha replied, frowning.

"Don't worry. Since it's the first of July, everybody will be setting off fireworks. I am sure that they'll sell them everywhere," the country explained.

"I hope so," she said, scanning the shops. Her eyes landed on a clothing store. "Hey, he likes new clothes, right?" she asked.

"Yeah. And looking cool," China added.

Right before they were about to sprint to the clothes store, they felt a hand on each of their shoulders. They whipped around.

"I didn't think I'd see you two here. I expected you to be still in bed, Samantha," Loung commented.

"What are you doing here, aru?" China asked casually.

"Just doing some morning shopping. Mind if I tag along?"

"No, not at all," Samantha replied cheerfully.

This was probably going to be harder than they thought.

******

After running around the mall and distracting Hong Kong as they bought his birthday gifts and decorations, they finally decided to head home.

As they walked back to the house, they passed by a small, old store at the end of the sidewalk. China's eyes widened slightly, seeing that they forgot to buy fireworks.

Samantha noticed this too, and turned to Loung as China dashed into the store. "Do you want ice cream? We could get some ice cream if you want," she offered, pointing to a nearby 7-11.

"Where did China go?" he asked, looking around. "I wonder if he wants some too."

"Nah, he's too old for the stuff," Samantha joked. "Come on, let's go!" She grabbed his hand and ran to the convinience store.

Just as they entered, China came out with a bag of firecrackers and some fireworks. He walked into the 7-11 after Samantha and Hong Kong.

"You can be never too old for ice cream, aru," China whispered from behind them.

He quickly bought one, then led the other two outside. They continued their journey home. Once they arrived, they put a small party hat on Hong Kong's head.

"Happy birthday, Hong Kong!" they chorused together and gave him the presents that they bought this morning.

"Thanks," Loung said, setting the presents aside so that he can open them later. "But was this really necessary?" He pointed to the sparkly red paper cone on his head.

The two nodded. China then emptied all the contents of the bag onto the couch. "We got you these too!" he said, handing the box of firecrackers to Hong Kong.

A small smile formed on his face. "Firecrackers."

"We got some fireworks to light up later tonight!" Samantha said, skipping over to him and using her two pointer fingers to pull the corners of his lips up into a grin. "I've never lit a firework or a firecracker in my life before. How's it like?"

"It's very fun," Hong Kong replied. "Here, you should try it." He handed her a string of firecrackers and a lighter.

"If you're going to light any fireworks, light them outside, aru. We have to clean this place up for the dinner party," China said.

The two went outside. "Okay, let's see how this works," Samantha said and flicked the lighter. She crouched down and lit the end. She then held it away from her and watched as they exploded loudly.

"You're right. It is fun. Now I get to wake you up with these tomorrow morning," she teased. "Happy birthday again, you."

He simply shook his head in amusement.