The national selection for Iceland was a big deal for the little population of the Icelandics. They took it seriously but for some reason, Iceland didn't bother taking it as serious as the others would

Back when it was Yohanna, he had a great time with her. She was his dream girl in every ways possible but as the contest came to an end and new people started coming in and out, Yohanna just kinda dissappeared. It saddened Iceland because he was already considering her as a close friend, something he rarely did with his other representatives

Years after, he never got the chance to connect to anyone of his own representative. He could never relate to any of them and they were too fixated on the competition. Winning is great and all but all Iceland wanted, as years went by, was a human he could call his friend

2018 approached, it was the year of ballads as the entries that had come out were mostly plain and bland

Iceland loves ballad. It was tradition for Icelandics to go for either plain ballads or just Pollaponk. Amongst all of the competitors, he was not amused by any of them

"Are you sure you're not interested in them? There might be one person" Iceland scoffed. Norway was the second person who knew about his boredom towards the Eurovision selection in his nation, Norway understood that even though Iceland wanted to win, he also wanted a friend

"It's easy for you to say, your kid's coming back for a return!"

"I'm really proud of him but at the same time I am frustrated because I feel like he just came back with a fucking scat of all things just to fuck with me. Dunno why"

"Probably because you cursed him to be immortal?" Norway stayed quiet afterwards

"Anyways. You should really consider it. I feel like this would be the year" And the older nation left Iceland in confusion. No one should ever doubt Norway's judgement, but Iceland still doubted it

So Iceland gave Songkvaneppin one more chance. Maybe see anyone there who might be his age, which would be rare considering the rare young singers in Eurovision

He was just walking through the hall of the building before a guy, rushing towards the stage, fell over him

"I am so sorry! I didn't mean it!" Iceland rubbed his head from the impact

"Yeah yeah it's cool" The nation finally got a good look of the guy

He looked like he's about his age, with brownish blonde hair and blue-ish eyes. His smile was nervous yet it showed sincerity. He was wearing a maroon-coloured suit and... Are those red shoes???

"I'm sorry, I was very excited I didn't see you there, Mr. Steilsson" The teen helped him up. Iceland was curious of the person before him, as he sensed a feeling of familiarity from him

"What's your name, kid?" Although most nations would remember most of their population's name, Iceland could've cared less

"Ari. Ari Ólafsson!"

"How old are you? You look really young"

"I am 19" My age... Iceland's eyes widened

"Why are you here?"

"I want to try out for the Eurovision. I know I'm too young and I'm probably not qualified enough but I really want to see what's out there..." His words. None of them contained lies

An explorer... Like me... He's my age...

Could this be what Norway was talking about?

Iceland could only smile

"Well, I wish you the best of luck, Ari" Ari's expression lighted up

"Oh thank you, Mr. Steilsson!" If his expectation was right, and what Norway said were no bullshits, then Ari might be the person he's looking for

The competition came. Iceland had to admit, he was impressed by Ari. His voice was as strong as Serbia's Marija Šerifović in 2007, the song held great and deep meaning. It was perfect. And he could tell Ari thought the same

"There's always a choiceee we can make..." His voice was soothing. Thought it sounded more like a plain old boring ballad towards the others, Iceland on the other hand felt energy and nostalgia at the same time

As the song came to an end, Iceland rose up and clapped the hardest. For some reason, Ari made him feel something he had not felt in awhile. And he was damn sure it's not gay

Maybe he's the one... Yeah, I'm sure

What surprised Emil to no end was a crying Ari running down the stage, covering his eyes as tears streamed down his cheeks

"They said keep practising. And they were right" Was the only sentence Emil need to consider Ari a winner

You did well... I really do hope you could make it to Eurovision

The press started surrounding Iceland, it was probably an odd sight for them to see their nation so enthustiastic about the national selection. Besides, even his people knew of his lack of interest in attending it

"It's been a long time since we see you here again, Mr. Steilsson. Tell me, who do you think is worthy to represent us in Eurovision? Who is your favourite this year?" Emil glanced to where Ari was, still crying on his family's shoulders. Emil smiled softly

"Ari had potential. I do hope he could make it to Eurovision this year, he's my personal favourite" The press continued asking why he thought so, Iceland didn't bother answer it. Besides

Isn't it only proper to support your friend?

The announcement came and Emil could easily say, it was one of the most heart-racing announcement ever

Ari stood amongst the other competitors, young and fresh ready to accept lost. But what he got, was not what he expecter

"OUR CHOICE!" More tears streammed down his eyes and Emil couldn't help but cry along

"ARI!" Emil ran towards Ari in a childlike manner and jumped on him

"M-mr. Steilsson?! Wha-"

"Just call me Emil, buddy!"

So began Ari's Eurovision adventures