A crimson thread, visible only to you and your destined partner, had been a subtle curiosity throughout your life, a delicate strand tied to your pinky finger. You'd always wondered who was at the other end, but never actively searched, believing that fate would reveal them when the time was right.

You were in the library, struggling to understand a particularly difficult magic theory textbook. You'd been studying for hours, but the concepts just weren't clicking. Frustration was starting to set in, and you were on the verge of giving up.

"Need some help?" a concerned voice asked. You looked up to see Deuce Spade, a determined expression on his face. He was carrying a stack of textbooks, his brow furrowed in concentration. "I'm pretty good at this stuff. Maybe I can explain it in a way that makes more sense."

As you both reached for the textbook simultaneously, your fingers brushed. That's when you noticed it. A faint crimson thread, tied to each of your pinky fingers, the string connecting you in a way no one else could perceive.

Deuce's eyes widened in surprise, his usual serious demeanor faltering for a moment. He stared at the thread, then back at you, a mixture of disbelief and determination on his face.

"No way," he said, his voice a mix of shock and resolve