“Yes, it does,” I interrupt. “Because you’re doing it to make a point to your dad and brother. Tell me I’m wrong. Look me in the eye and tell me.”

Ace doesn’t say anything.

“I’m right,” I deduce, although I hate that I am. I hate the thought that Ace is throwing away his future. “What’s the difference then, Ace? I’m pursuing medicine because of my family. You’re refusing to apply to college because of yours. Both of our actions are because of our parents.”

“It’s not the same, Karina.”

“How is it different?”

The tension between us is so thick even a knife couldn’t cut through it. Ace is staring at me, his eyes a turbulent sea, but he doesn’t say anything. I don’t think he has an answer. I don’t think anyone has ever said this to his face before.

“I’m sorry,” I say, conceding defeat first. My shoulders slump and I avert my gaze.

“What did I say about saying sorry?” Ace asks. His voice isn’t cold; it’s as familiar as it’s always been.

I chance a glance up, and he’s watching me tiredly, as if he doesn’t know what else to say.

“I need you to understand this isn’t something you can fix for me, Ace,” I say softly. It’s the most honest I’ve ever been with anyone about this. “I’m not a princess waiting for a knight in shining armor to save me.”

“I understand,” he says, his shoulders slumping. “But I wish there was something I could do.”

A wry smile breaks across my face. “I don’t think there is anything you can do. We have different ways of approaching our issues. I can’t begin to imagine living a life where I’m purposely pissing off my parents. I don’t know how you do it.”

Ace shakes his head. “And I can’t imagine living by my parents’ rules.”

“I don’t know where that leaves us,” I say after a moment, the words quiet.

He runs his hands through his hair again before he stands up. My face falls. He’s leaving.

But then, strangely enough, Ace holds out a hand to me. “Do you trust me?”

I stare at the offered hand, a mix of exhilarated and nervous. “This isn’t Aladdin.”

“It’s not,” he says. “But do you trust me?”

There’s only one answer. I take his hand. “Yes.”

“Then come on. I’m going to show you the world.”

He takes us back to school. It’s only a quarter past four, so it’s still open for students to enter. We just have to swipe our ID cards before we’re allowed inside.