The weight of Ace's words hung in the air, sharp like a blade cutting through the playful banter. Evily caught the tension in his voice, the subtle challenge underlying his insistence. She could see the way Enzo's smile faltered for just a second-a crack in his facade, revealing his competitive nature.

  "Of course, it's Evily's choice," Enzo replied, his tone light but with an edge that suggested he wasn't willing to back down easily. "Just throwing my hat in the ring, you know? It's going to be the event of the season, and I want to make sure we have the best time possible."

  Evily's pulse quickened as both boys turned their attention to her, their gazes expectant. Part of her wanted to refuse Enzo outright, but another part hesitated. She liked him as a friend and appreciated his light-heartedness, but it was Ace who stirred something deeper within her. An undeniable spark radiated from him, a promise of exploration beyond the boundaries of what she'd known-something tantalizingly dangerous.

  "I... I'll think about it," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, feeling the weight of two pairs of eyes watching her closely.

  "Think fast," Enzo chuckled, but there was a seriousness seeping into his playful tone. "The dance is in two weeks. Don't keep me hanging.

  Evily could feel the tension thrum beneath the surface, both boys throwing their weight behind her indecision. Just then, the soft glow of fireflies danced around them, illuminating the air like tiny stars falling from the heavens, and Evily couldn't help but wish for a moment of clarity to descend upon her.

  Ace's gaze remained steady on her, a mix of encouragement and challenge reflecting in his bright green eyes. "Whatever you choose, Evily, make sure it's what you truly want," he said softly, his voice cutting through the playful rivalry that was beginning to feel suffocating. "You deserve it."

  His words wrapped around her heart, a soothing balm against the swirling doubts in her mind. The sincerity in his voice made it clear that he genuinely cared about her happiness. She felt an intense warmth blooming in her chest, igniting the desire to choose him-not just over Enzo, but for herself.

  But before she could fully articulate her feelings, Enzo broke the moment, leaning back against the blanket, his expression nonchalant but his body language tense. "Well, if we're talking choices, how about I guarantee you a perfect evening, Evily? I mean, there's nothin' I can't arrange for the dance."

  Evily noticed a trace of envy flicker across Ace's face-an emotion that startled her. She glanced back and forth between the two boys, the weight of their rivalry heavy in the air.

  "Why don't we make it more interesting?" Ace said, a sly smile creeping upon his lips. "Let's have a little competition. Whoever wins Evily's heart by the dance gets to take her. We'll raise the stakes, and maybe it'll be fun!"

  Evily's eyes widened as she registered his words, a mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling within her. The idea of a competition felt exhilarating, but the thought of pitting two of her friends against each other left an uneasy knot in her stomach.

  Enzo's face brightened, clearly intrigued. "Now that's a challenge I can get behind! What do you have in mind, Ace? A duel of wits? A battle of charm?" He cocked an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his features.

  "Not quite," Ace replied, his charisma enveloping the moment once again. "I think we should make it a series of challenges-things that really show who can make Evily the happiest. We can keep it fun, light, and see who truly understands her."

  Evily felt her heart race again, but this time for a different reason. Was this what she wanted? A game where her feelings would be up for grabs? She opened her mouth to object, but the genuine excitement lighting up Enzo's face and the determined glint in Ace's eyes silenced her.

  "Why not?" Enzo jumped in, flashing a charming grin. "Let the games begin!