“This is my girlfriend, Karina,” Ace says, taking my hand in his. Hearing those words come out of his mouth is still jarring, but I manage to keep my smile in place through sheer effort.

“Hi,” I say. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“She loves books,” Ace says slyly, ignoring me when I elbow him. “I think you’ll get along great.”

Genesis beams. “Do you want some recommendations? What do you like to read?”

I name some genres, and Genesis leads me away to an assortment of books on the second floor. Ace trails after us idly, and when he catches me looking at him, he winks. “Go wild, sweetie.”

“Is he paying?” Genesis asks. I nod, and she laughs. “Definitely rob him blind, Karina. He can afford it.”

I snort. “That’s excellent advice.”

“Actually, you know what? We’re in the process of adding a section on astronomy.” Genesis gestures for both of us to follow her. “Ace, you’ll want to see this.”

I tag along, my heart warm and content from being around books. The astronomy section turns out to be through a door, and when we come out on the other side, I stop in my tracks to stare. The entire room is set in darkness with lowlight fixtures in the shape of stars on the ceiling. Two displays make up most of the room, and half the book jackets glow in the dark.

I gasp when Genesis dials up the brightness. There are beautiful constellations painted on the walls and drawings of children hidden between them, chasing after the stars. But I’m focused on the book display. All the covers look untouched, with beautiful jackets illustrated in vivid detail. Depictions of moons, stars, planets, and the endless wonder of space are detailed across several of them.

“Gorgeous, right?” Genesis asks.

“Absolutely stunning,” I say, my voice full of hushed reverence.

Ace isn’t saying anything, so I glance to the side to see his reaction. Instead of looking at the room, he’s staring at me. He doesn’t look away when our gazes meet. “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful,” he says softly.

I blink at him, my mouth suddenly dry. My heart starts racing, and I don’t know what to say, how to break this sudden silence. He’s looking at me in a way that no one ever has before.

“Teenage love,” Genesis says wistfully, her voice cutting through the tension like warm butter. I look away from Ace, my cheeks burning with such intense heat I’m surprised I’m not going up in flames.

“I’m going to go look at the books you mentioned before,” I say, my voice high-pitched, and I leave before either of them can reply.

I disappear into the shelves and take my phone out to text Nandini and Cora. guyssssss I think I’m on a real date with ace clyde !?????

Cora Zhang-Agreste:

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