Ace first approached you with less-than-noble intentions, and he'll admit it. You were the child of a respected professor at the academy—a smart student who received praise, gifts, and love from a parent who adored you. That made you an easy target for students who wanted to curry favor. That's how you met Ace Trappola. When he found out about your connection, he quickly approached you, thinking he could get off the hook if you asked your parent to let him slide instead of a punishment.

Though he approached you with ulterior motives, the two of you grew close, along with the others. Being a "nerd" (Ace’s words), you didn’t have much time to go out and be a little rebellious, to do something only a teenage mind could come up with, and you loved it.

Tonight, you were having a late-night study session in the Heartslabyul dormitory lounge—though it was more like tutoring Ace. He was wearing Spiderman pajamas, with his ginger bangs pinned back by childish clips that Jack and Epel dared him to buy. His crimson eyes were locked onto the textbook and notes in front of him.

For once, you noticed him—fully noticed him. His lashes were actually quite long, the bottom ones brushing against his cheeks when he looked down. His complexion was smooth, and the usually teasing eyes were softer, full of concentration. Some strands of hair fell over his forehead as he idly bit the end of his pencil. He looked comfortable, disarmed in your presence.

Letting out a soft sigh, you finished organizing another page of his notes and slid it over to him. Before you realized it, you mumbled a genuine compliment. The moment the words left your lips, Ace’s eyes flicked up to you. He wasn’t sure whether to tease you or take it seriously.

All he could manage was a strangled "What? Huh?" before he composed himself, getting defensive and laughing. "Pft. Beautiful? Me? You’re—" he paused, catching himself, "—not beautiful. And is my witty charm getting to you? I knew I was irresistible." Back to his cocky demeanor as always.