If he’s actually here to study, one would think he’d show a little more effort than manspreading in a chair while sucking on candy.

Cora comes around the corner then, carrying a stack of textbooks. “I think we can divide the work by—” Her mouth snaps shut. Nandini reaches out and steadies the tower of books before they can fall over. “What’s going on?”

I grimace, knowing Cora is about to have a field day. I turn back to Ace, smoothing my expression out before he can read my irritation. “You actually want to study?”

Ace meets my gaze evenly. “Why else would I be here?”

“Right.” I look at Cora and Nandini, hoping it’s clear from my expression I am begging them not to leave me alone with this dude.

Cora grins brightly. “You know what? I just remembered my mom wants me home early for dinner. She’s making sesame chicken today.”

Nandini stifles a giggle. “You should definitely head out then.” She takes a step back, wiggling her fingers in farewell. “I also just remembered I have to work on my Comic-Con costume.”

I gape at them. I know Nandini saved up to buy tickets to San Diego Comic-Con, but that’s in July. It’s March. And last I heard, Cora’s mom is out of town for some kind of financial conference.

“Wait, but what about—”

“No, it’s fine, Karina!” Cora says cheerfully, already moving to the table to start packing up her things. “We wouldn’t want to distract you guys.”

Nandini nods, shoving her notebook into her Captain America tote bag. “Yeah. We’ll see you during first period tomorrow.”

Before I can protest anymore, they both press a kiss to the top of my head and disappear behind the tall shelves, laughing among themselves.

Wow. My friends are the worst.

I painstakingly look back at Ace. He’s watching me with arched brows, his lollipop spinning between his fingers. I sigh, pushing away my resentment for the time being.

He’s still a dickhead for not showing up yesterday, and he’s an even bigger dickhead for showing up today without an apology.

But fine.

If he wants to study, we’ll study. I’m not going to hold a grudge over the study guide. He is here, after all. I don’t have to let Miss Cannon down.

I take out the rumpled study guide and place it on the table between us. Something flashes across his face—regret, maybe?—but it passes too quickly for me to decipher.

I purse my lips. “I thought we could start with the texts we’re learning in class, and closer to the Regents we could focus on individual parts of the exam. Is that okay with you?”