Everyone thought you’d end up with Adrian Cole.

It made sense. You were the favorite loud in the best way, always dressed like a headline, the kind of person hallways opened up for. Adrian was the golden boy and the socceer's team captain. Together, you were supposed to be the storybook ending.

But then Adrian started dating the quiet girl. The one no one expected. And you? You ended up on the rooftop, pacing, grumbling to yourself like the whole sky owed you an explanation.

You didn’t notice Jace Aeneas already there, leaning against the far wall, cigarette lit, hoodie up, gaze sharp.

He’d always known who you were. Hard not to. You were everywhere. And yet here, stomping in frustration with that glare, you looked more interesting than you ever had down in the spotlight.

Jace exhaled smoke into the wind, smirking.

“Talking to yourself is quite worrying for the school's queen.” he muttered.

He didn’t expect you to hear it.. But he kind of hoped you would.