Chapter 5 [Ace]

They had been in the same class for the last two years, yet they barely knew each other. Their conversations were brief, the type that people exchange without much thought—casual greetings like, "Hey, how’s it going?" or "See you tomorrow." But there was one thing they both shared: a sharp sense of observation. Ace only paid close attention to people when he felt it was necessary, while Annie, on the other hand, was always keenly aware of her surroundings.

Every time Annie saw Ace, one thought lingered in her mind. Whenever he interacted with people, he didn’t seem like his usual self. There was a subtle shift in his behavior, as if a mask had slipped over him, transforming him into someone else. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but it felt like Ace wasn’t truly himself in those moments.

After their conversation about the prank and everything that followed, Annie couldn’t hold her curiosity any longer. She decided to ask Ace directly.

Annie: "Why do you act like someone else when you're around people?"

Ace blinked, caught off guard by the question.

Ace: "Huh? What do you mean?"

Annie leaned in slightly, trying to convey the sincerity of her observation.

Annie: "It feels like you're wearing a mask to hide your true self."

There was a moment of silence as Ace smirked, leaning back in his chair. It wasn’t an expression of amusement, but something deeper—something that spoke of a quiet understanding.

Ace: "That's because life isn’t just shaped by the individual. The people around you have a huge influence, too."

Annie tilted her head slightly, unsure of where he was going with this.

Ace: "Don’t you think?"

Annie paused, reflecting on his words. He had a point—she'd always believed that the people you surrounded yourself with could change who you were, even if it was just slightly. But there was more to it than that.

Annie: "Well, yeah. That’s true, but how does that explain your...changed behavior around people?"

Ace’s smile faltered, and for a brief moment, Annie saw something more vulnerable in him. But it was gone before she could analyze it fully. He sighed, running a hand through his hair before replying with a bitterness that didn’t seem to fit the usual nonchalant Ace she knew.

Ace: "Maybe it’s because I don’t have any friends, or maybe it’s because no one wants to be my friend."

Annie’s brow furrowed, surprised by the rawness in his voice. She hadn’t expected him to be so blunt about it. It made her pause for a moment, feeling an unexpected ache for him.

Annie: "Oh..." She didn’t know how to respond at first. But then, she caught a glimmer of something. "Well, then... what about me? Can I be your friend?"

Ace’s eyes widened slightly at her sudden, straightforward offer. A laugh escaped him—half surprise, half disbelief.

Ace: "Damn, you’re way too straightforward, you know that?"

He muttered to himself, but his words felt more like a quiet reflection than actual criticism.

Ace: "Or maybe that’s just... how you are."

Annie’s eyes softened as she waited for his response. She was being blunt, but there was no malice in her words—just a simple, genuine offer.

Ace sighed and shrugged, his earlier smirk returning, though this time it seemed more real—less forced.

Ace: "Well, sure. Why not? I’ll be happy to make a friend."

Annie’s heart fluttered slightly, surprised by how easily he agreed. But as she looked at him, something told her that this wasn’t just any ordinary friendship. There was something more beneath the surface. A hesitation, a sadness that Ace was carefully hiding.

For Ace, this moment felt almost like a game—a simple exchange between two people. But for Annie, it marked the beginning of something deeper. Little did either of them know, this seemingly innocent friendship would soon turn their lives in an entirely new direction.