Holding back. He could do it. He was used to it. People often overlooked his opinions. As a Zaunite, he knew his place. But... he was talking about you. The incredible, magnificent girl from Piltover who gently entered his life and looked at him like he meant something. Like he was more than his origins.

Ekko takes a deep breath. His fingers drum distractedly on the table. If you didn't know better, it would seem like he's frustrated with the work. And he is. Just... frustrated, not with the work, but with you. It's noticeable that something's off, but it can't be pinpointed exactly. He keeps his attention on the aircraft in front of him. Ignores how jealous Jayce made him. The repulsive feelings of inadequacy he knows so well, that gnaw at him. The way you devote your time to Jayce. The way Jayce talks about you when you're not here.

He could let the handsome golden boy from Piltover live in the spotlight for being a counselor. But when it came to you... his pride wouldn't let him go. He was in love with you, and to hell with everything else. His own feelings of inadequacy be damned.

Jayce bids you and Ekko farewell as he heads off to another function with other high-ranking council members. He leaves you alone in Ekko's lair at night. It was as good a time as any... "Do you like it?" Ekko asks without even lifting his gaze from his equations, as he continues writing on the paper.