North Korea POV

Every period was worst than the last. The news that I couldn't read English spread like wild fire. All throughout the day, countries whispered and laughed at me. At one point, Panama walked up to me and pinned me against my locker. He then took out a piece of paper and showed it to Belgium and Romania, who were behind him.

I could tell they all read it, but they didn't say anything. Panama then showed the paper to me. "Read it." He said.

I was starting to get nervous. I was alone and cornered by Panama and his friends. They could do anything to me.

I opened my mouth to say something but immediately closed it again. Panama slammed his hand on the locker beside me, making me flinch.

"Are you deaf or something? Read the dang paper."

I looked at the paper and glanced back at Panama. He was grinning now, most likely already knew my answer.

"Well?" He asked, his grin growing wider. "What does it say?"

I felt like crying when I responded. "I-I can't read it..."

Panama and his goons burst out laughing. Belgium repeated what I said but in a squeaky voice. Romania and Panama laughed some more. Panama then slammed the lockers behind me and smiled. A cruel one.

"Learn English you mutt."

Panama, Belgium, and Romania walked off laughing. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding in. I allowed tears to roll down my face and I sniffled.

I hate crying.

It just proves you're weak.

"But you are weak." A voice in my head said. I recognized it. It was the voice that whispered negative things whenever I felt sad. If it happens for so long, I start to beleive it.

"You're so weak. You have to have big, strong countries like China, Russia, and Soviet Union protect you. Don't you understand? They don't care about you. They never did. They just like trading with you."

"No.. no no no no..."

"HA! No wonder America and all the countries hate you."

The voice stopped when the late bell for sixth period rang. I decided to camp out in the bathroom than go to class a hot mess.

I ran down the hall to the closest bathroom. I ran inside and entered the last stall. I sat on the toilet and cradled my head between my legs.
I sat there and wept silently for the rest of the period.

Time skip, lunch

I was sitting alone again, but now I felt vulnerable. I knew countries were talking about me the entire time. I wanted to eat but just felt like I couldn't. So I just sat there motionless at the table.

I exited my little daze when I felt tapping on my shoulder. I turned and saw China. He was really worried.

"Are you okay? I called your name ten times but you never replied. I was right here, too."

I wanted to tell him everything. I wanted to tell him how countries are making fun of me because I can't read English. How Panama, Belgium, and Romania cornered me before sixth period, and made fun of me because I couldn't read the note Panama held. I wanted him to hug me and comfort me, and tell me everything was okay and that he'd take care of it.

But all I ended up saying was, "Yeah, I'm fine."

I could tell by China's expression that he didn't believe me, but he nodded and sat down beside me.

We both sat in silence. I knew China wanted to say something, but he was trying his best to not say anything. He failed.

"So... You can't read English?"

I choked on my food. China slapped my back until I gently pushed his hands away. I stopped coughing after five seconds. "H-how did you know?"

He waved a hand around the lunchroom. "Greece told me. I think everyone knows."

I sighed. "I figured."

"You know, nothing's wrong with that."

I looked at China. "What makes you say that?"

He laughed. "I couldn't read English for the longest time. America actually helped me read it, he had so much patience with me, and didn't even care that it got in the way with so many things he was doing."

I eye widened in surprise. America? Patient? "Really?" I asked China.

He nodded. "Really. Teaching me how to read English was his top priority."
I smiled and nodded. I'll admit, that was really nice of America. Wish he was that nice now. But then again, China and America got along for the longest time. The minute I saw America, I thought of him as an enemy.

Guess what he is to me now.

China looked over at America. "Maybe he can-"

"No."

I frowned. "You know how me and America are."

China sighed. "I know, I know. It was a dumb idea."

No, it wasn't. I'm just not brave enough to actually ask him, and I'm afraid he'll embarrass me if I do. I told China in my head.

In reality I just shrugged and said "It was decent, really. But America and I-"

"I know, North."

China and I talked throughout lunch. I knew some countries were staring at us. It was weird, because China always sat by me. Why is it weird to them now?

Anyway, it actually didn't bother me.

You have three guesses on why.

Another time skip UwU

I was at the school gate waiting for China. I was minding my own buisness when I heard Soviet talking to Romania. I couldn't help but overhear their conversation.

"Hey Romania. What did you want to say? Hurry it up, too, I'm supposed to cook dinner and Russia gets whiney when he's hungry."

"Hey Soviet. Have you heard?"

"Heard what?"

"The news."

"God dang it Romania. SAY IT ALREADY!"

"Okay, okay! Geez... North Korea can't read English."

"So?"

I was honestly surprised. The voice had told me so many times that day that Soviet didn't care for me. I felt sure that he would have laughed at that.

I guess it was wrong.

I wasn't the only one surprised. "Huh?" Romania asked. "What do you mean, 'so?' "

Soviet rolled his eyes. "So? Should I care about that?"

Romania gaped. "He... He's a freak!"

Soviet stood perfectly still. "North Korea isn't a freak."

"Yes, he is."

Soviet laughed. But not a happy one. More of a psychotic one. "Not all countries are perfect with English. And if I catch you and any of your bozo friends bullying him, I won't hesitate to snap your neck!"

Romania stumbled back. His eyes were wide with fear. Soviet then smiled and waved at him. "Bye bye!"

He walked towards me. "Tell me if anyone bullies you, okay?"

I nodded and smiled. "Thanks Soviet."
Soviet looked at the time on his phone and then sprinted down the sidewalk to his house. I guess he's late.

I looked at Romania and he was glaring at me. He turned away and made his way Bulgaria.

China stepped up beside me. "Hey North, let's go."

I nodded and smiled. "Yeah, lets."

As we walked back I made a mental note of telling Soviet who bullied me. I told myself that I would tell him and China if anything happens. I'll be happy the rest of the year.

But will I?

South Korea POV

It was Friday, the day before Japan's party. Everyone was excited about it. They were all talking about what they'd bring, what they'd do, stuff like that.

I was excited about the party, too. But I had more important things on my mind. Philippines had told me that North Korea couldn't read English. That didn't surprise me.

I thought it'd be obvious that I understood how to speak, read, and write English, and for North to only know how to speak it. I was owned by America after all.

What I found surprising was countries reactions to it. A lot of countries thought it was funny and made fun of him, while some others, like Britian, France, Indonesia, Canada, Soviet, and others, didn't have any reaction.

I was angry. Why? Countries thought it was okay to make fun of my brother for something so stupid! They could just be nice and actually help him understand!

I need to cool down.

My fists were clenched as I entered the school. I walked up to America and asked him a question.

"Hey America."

He turned to me. "Hey South Korea."
"Stupid question, but have you heard the rumors?"

"Yeah. North can't read English, correct?"

I nodded. "What do you think of it?"

America shrugged. "It's not a big deal for me. He can learn and not understand any language he likes, I don't care."

He paused and then turned back to me. "Why are you asking?"

I let out deep breath to keep from yelling. "A lot of countries are making fun of him for it. I haven't seen it with him around, but I know they are."

America looked honestly shocked at the moment. "That's... I... Oh my god..."

He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Are you gonna do anything about it?"

I shrugged. "That's the thing, I don't know what to do. I want to comfort North but he never wants me around. But if I tell countries to stop bullying him, it might get worse. I'm stuck."

America sighed. "Well, I don't know what to do either. But if you need me to do anything, I'll do it, okay? And no, North will have to come up to me himself if he wants to read English."

I nodded and hugged America. "Thank you."

America hugged me back. "No problem."

I walked away to homeroom. It was pretty early to arrive but I needed time to think. I entered the classroom and as I expected, North Korea and China were there.

North Korea was teaching China how to say sentences in Korean. I sat down beside him and remained silent.

I did find it strange that he was perfectly fine with teaching China Korean right in front of me. I found it interesting anyway, so I didn't mind.

After about five minutes, China started having a hard time saying a sentence. North slowly said the sentence one syllable at a time, China followed suit.

"Now try it." North Korea said.

But before China could say anything, Australia bust into the room panting. He turned around and shouted into the hallway, "New Zealand, mate! I beat ya in your own game! Where's my reward lad?"

New Zealand tiredly ran up to the door. "I'll... give it... to you... after... school..." He said between gasps.

Australia laughed and turned to enter the room. He stopped when he saw North Korea.

"Oi, North. Why you arrive so early all the time?" Australia said, slightly frowning.

North scowled. "당신의 사업은 없습니다." (dangsin-ui sa-eob-eun eobs-seubnida./ None of your business.)

"I don't understand Korean, lad. I was just asking a question, ye didn't need to sound so rude." Australia scoffed.
(I'm definitely offending some Australians and I'm sorry I don't mean to.)

North rolled his eyes and turned to China, who started a conversation. Australia also rolled his eyes and turned to New Zealand.

"This ain't your homeroom."

New Zealand pointed to North Korea, who now looked tense and uncomfortable.

"Don't mind the bloke..." Was all I heard Australia say before he whispered something to New Zealand. New Zealand started laughing and walked away.

China wasn't very happy. "What did you say, 澳大利亚?" (Àodàlìyǎ/Australia)

Australia looked surprised. "Nothin important." He said, glancing around.

China scowled. "If it has anything to do with North Korea, it is so my business."

"And mine." I piped in. "He is my brother after all, even if he doesn't want my help."

North looked at me for a few seconds. He then looked at his desk.

Australia sighed. "I didn't say nothin to New Zealand. I told the lad a joke."
China raised a brow. "Are you sure? Telling New Zealand a joke right after you were talking about North Korea is strange, and I heard North's name in the 'joke.' "

Australia now looked worried.

"Well?" China pressed on, standing up.

"I-well... um... I, uh..." Australia stammered.

China was about to say something else when the bell rung. He reluctantly sat down in his seat but continued to glare at Australia.

So I'm doing something new, which doesn't really need to happen. But sometimes I feel like going to other countries POVs might be interesting. Might.
God I'm so stupid.

Autralia POV

Saved by the bell... I thought as I made my way to my seat. The China lad sat back down in his chair, but he was still giving me the death glare.

I should be more careful...

America POV

I was still surprised by what South said. Sure, I never cared for North Korea, but for some reason I felt bad that countries bullied him for not being able to read English...

Growing up, my dad always said that even if they are your enemy, no one deserved to be bullied. I still believe that to this day, and North Korea is my enemy.

I got dragged out of my thoughts when I heard the bell ring. I sighed, I really didn't want to go to class right now.

Despite complaining to myself, I made my way to homeroom. As soon as I arrived, Canada and New Zealand wrapped me in a big hug.

"Uh... Guys? Why are you hugging me all of a sudden? You saw me this morning." I said, hugging them back.

New Zealand guided me to my desk without saying anything. I sat down and Canada and New Zealand stood in front of me.

"Hey, Meri. So, I wanted to apologize about the whole, maple syrup is better than Coke and Pepsi. Coke and Pepsi are sooo much better." Canada said.

Weird, but okay. New Zealand piped in.

"Coke and Pepsi are so much better than L&P. I shouldn't ever have doubted you, Ame."

I was really confused, and it showed. After a few seconds of silence, they both cracked up laughing.

I heard Poland laughing too and turned to him. He had his phone out and was recording. I already knew what this meant.

"That was a dare, wasn't it?" I asked Kiwi and Canada.

Canada nodded and wiped away tears from laughing so hard. "Y-yeah... To think I actually did that. We all know maple syrup is better than Coke and Pepsi."

"L&P is way better than Coke and Pepsi. Sorry bout that, Meri." New Zealand said.

I shrugged. "It's alright. Every country enjoys and dislikes different things."
"That was amazing! We should do something like that again. You're reaction was priceless, America!" Poland exclaimed.

I laughed. "You got me, too. I thought they actually meant what they were saying until I saw you."

The homeroom teacher came inside and took attendence. Everyone was there except Japan. Japan is in most of my classes.

I guess he skipped school today to prepare for the party, or just to buy everything he doesn't have for it. I'm not sure.

Time skip, after school

I was sitting on my couch waiting for Mexico to show up. He had been arriving to learn English for the whole week so far. My dad, Britian, was a little jealous. I know because I overheard him say this to mom-who is France-one day.

"They do know that there are two English languages, right? British English and American English. Why do all o' them only want to learn American?! Can't they learn British?!"

"Honey, please calm down. We should be happy that so many countries want to learn our son's language-"

"His language came from me!"

"Britian, please. How about we think of it this way: instead of everyone wanting to learn American English, they learn British English. How would you feel?"

"Flattered."

"And how would America feel?"

"...Jealous... Like me..."

"Exactly. Now, how about we stop being jealous, but honered that everone wants to learn our sons language, that was originally yours."

"Right, right..."

Ever since then, Britian never acted like or looked like he was jealous of me. But I know he is. Now that I think about it, though, your own dad being jealous of you? Kinda strange.

I sighed. Mexico was ten minutes late. I was about to pull out my phone and ask him where he was when the doorbell rang.

I got up and opened it. Mexico was standing there with Spain. Mexico was twiddling with his fingers and looked at me. "Lo siento, llegué tarde, perdí la noción del tiempo ..." (Sorry I'm late, I lost track of time...)

Spain was about to translate it for me, but I gave him a look that said I understood.

Even though I may not act like it, I'm actually fluent in Spanish. I just don't use it a lot. Why am I teaching Mexico English then? Because he's gonna visit my country for six months next year, and not a lot of things are in Spanish.

I looked at Mexico and replied. "Está bien, Australia y Nueva Zelanda se fueron cuando llegaste tarde. Son bastante ruidosos." (It's alright, Australia and New Zealand left in the time you were late. They're pretty loud.)

Mexico nodded and I stepped aside to let him and Spain in. I then closed the door and walked Mexico to the dining room table.

"Alright, we're gonna pick up where we left off. The r's." I said.

It had been an hour and Mexico still wasn't pronouncing the English r's right. I was trying to hurry it up because I was supposed to meet up with Pakistan at four, it was three thirty. I guess because I was so anxious with meeting up with Pakistan I was going a little rough on Mexico.

I pronounced train with a rhotic r, but when I told Mexico to repeat it, he rolled the r. I was really on edge now and without thinking I started yelling at Mexico. I knew I shouldn't have been doing it, I knew it was wrong, I knew he just needed to practice, but my mouth kept going.

Mexico had tears pricking his eyes when he screamed, "I'm trrrying!"

I stomped upstairs to my room and lied down in my bed. I'm such an idiot. Why did I yell at Mexico? It's not easy to learn another language, even if for countries it happens a lot faster than humans.

I was sitting on my bed in silence. France had taken Britian out on a date, Canada was at Ukraine's for a sleepover, and Australia and New Zealand ran off to hang out with some friends, so no one would be home for a while.

"I'm such an idiot..." I said, pressing my hands on my face. "It's not easy to learn another language. I should apologize."

"You should."

I looked up in surprise and saw Spain standing there. His arms were crossed but he didn't look mad. He looked disappointed.

He sighed. "America, this isn't like you. Is something on your mente?" (Mind)

I nodded. "A lot of things, actually. I have to meet up with Pakistan today and all this school drama. I guess I just took all my stress out on Mexico. He didn't deserve that." I closed my eyes and sighed. "I'm a horrible friend..."

"You know, he's still downstairs if you want to apologize." Spain said. "He wanted to leave but I convinced him not to."

I immediately stood up. "Thanks Spain."

I quickly walked down the stairs and made my way to Mexico. He was still sitting in the chair I gave him, staring at the table. There were visible tear stains on his cheeks.

I took a deep breath and sighed. I walked up to him and tapped his shoulder. "Hey Mexico?"

Mexico slowly turned to me. "Qué..?" (What?)

I decided to apologize in Spanish, because I thought it would sound more sincere since that's the language Mexico spoke. "Lamento mucho haberte gritado, nunca debería haber hecho eso. Estaba tan estresado hoy y te desquité contigo, pero sé que eso no es una excusa. Entiendo si no me perdonas." (I'm really sorry about yelling at you, I never should have done that. I was so stressed today and took it out on you, but I know that isn't an excuse. I understand if you don't forgive me.)

Mexico smiled. "Te perdono. ¿Amigos?" (I forgive you. Friends?)

I smiled back. "Amigos."

"You better get to that meeting with Pakistan, I've heard he doesn't like to be kept waiting." Spain said.

I pulled out my phone and texted Pakistan.

Me

Hey Pakistan, we're gonna have to reschedule the meeting to a different time. Sorry about that.

I put my phone away and turned to Spain. "I'm rescheduling the meeting. I've got something more important to do."

Spain grinned and raised an eyebrow. "¿Cual es?" (Which is?)

I smiled and put a arm around Mexico. "Teaching a friend some English."

So I'm doing something where countries that pronounce their r's different than English, whenever they say a word with an r I put three r's so it's like they're pronouncing the word with their native r.

Most likely gonna forget this later on.

North is starting to get bullied oh no... :(

Also, if you have any, list some ideas for things that could happen at Japan's party, cause I don't have any.

Also, my friend reads this book and she told me that she doesn't know what the ships are, so I'll list the ones that are active at the moment.

America x Russia

Canada x Ukraine

Japan x Italy

Soviet Union x Third Reich

France x Britian

Sorry if any of my ships offend you. If you don't ship them then.... sorry..? I don't know what to say to that.

Sorry it took so long for the chapter to come out.