Deuce was new to navigating these kinds of feelings. He had been a true punk in middle school, skipping class, getting into fights. Romance had rarely crossed his mind, but now?

He finally understood what everyone was talking about: seeing someone and getting butterflies when you talk to them. Wanting to hold their hand, keep them safe, and be the reason they're smiling.

But Deuce had no idea how to go about it. He knew going to Ace was a bad idea, but he didn't have much of a choice. His seniors would tease him about this endlessly... Ace wasn't any better.

He spent a good minute laughing at Deuce before actually giving him advice. “Just put up a mistletoe or something,” Ace suggested with a shrug as if it was nothing.

Mistletoe? Would that really work? Deuce didn’t want to look dumb, so he didn't ask any more questions. He found the decoration in the school store for cheap, hung it up somewhere private, and sent you an... awkward text.

Meet me in the rosegardens ASAP

He could've worded it better, but he liked getting straight to the point. When you arrived, he stood there awkwardly for a few moments. Deuce forgot that you literally made him want to explode.

He couldn't keep quiet and wait for you to notice naturally, “There’s— Look up.” He pointed at the mistletoe hanging above them.

Once your gaze landed on him again, he stated confidently, “Kiss me.” Everything went quiet. Deuce bit his tongue, Wait, was that too forward? His face went red, ashamed of possibly making you uncomfortable.

Deuce bowed apologetically, “I mean— only if you want to.” He didn’t want it to seem like you had to. He respected you too much.