Chapter Four

Nash announced his time at The Book Nook as a short gig to his parents. Leaving out the crucial details of accidentally spraining the wrist of a guy he met a few days ago, he told them someone needed a helping hand at her bookstore. His father grinned from ear to ear at the news, and sometimes Nash wondered if the man genuinely wanted him out of the house and not for the right reasons. He spared them the unnecessary details and went about as usual.

At least on the surface, he did.

"This is all your fault!" Nash said, pointing at his prized possession on his bookshelf. The stress was making him lose his sanity. "If you didn't end up in that store, none of this would've happened."

He was at an age where he was talking to himself-the only person who gave in to his delusions and fits of one-sided conversations like this one. Delulu, they would call him. "I should've just bought you when you were first published." Serving as a gift to himself after graduating. Nash held out as long as he could, not knowing the book would become a rare find.

"One of us has to be the insane sibling," Violet spoke, startling Nash. He admittedly had a few issues, but nothing on the level of, "I need a therapy session." Half the world was silently going insane anyway. "By all means, take the title." She leaned against the door frame. "Heard you got a job."

"Don't you know how to knock?" Nash asked. "It's only temporary." It was the only "job" he would do without being paid.

"Try and make it permanent. All this staying at home is clearly affecting you." Violet sounded like one of those people who would say you're sick because of constantly being on the phone.

"How about you mind your own business." Nash ushered her out and closed the door. This time, making sure he locked it.

Sighing, he figured it was time to head to The Book Nook. A notification from Moonbeancactus popped up on the screen. Nash took the opportunity to thank them again, showcasing a picture of the book. While he was thankful for the tip, he told them that they should've told him more about the owner.

Moonbeancactus: Glad you found it. The "owner" is rough around the edges, but he's a good guy. He has what you consider a hidden charm. You have to agree, though he's handsome. He could steal my girl, and I wouldn't even complain-handsome.

They spoke as if they knew Ace personally. Hidden charm, my ass; Ace was more than just rough around the edges. There was nothing more to like than his looks. The only thing Nash would agree to. Nash sent Moonnbeancactus a private message asking how he knew Ace.

How do you know him?

I've known him for a long time.

It's hard to believe he has a hidden charm.

You have to get to know him first.

I don't think that'll be possible. We're like Tom and Jerry.

It's worth the try. Trust me, he's easier than you think. All you have to do is ask, and he'll answer.

All Nash had to do was ask. From experience, it was easier said than done.

~~

Entering the familiar bookstore full of unpleasant memories, Ace greeted Nash. "I didn't think you'd show up." He was removing books from the shelf with one hand. "Morning."

"Looks like I didn't need to,"

"I'm only doing what I can," Ace replied. "One hand can only do so much. It's a real pain in the ass." While the bookstore was small, it didn't take away from the number of shelves and books lying around.

"Way to add to my guilt," Nash approached him, eyes carefully watching him. Moonbeancatus's words played in his mind. How should he approach the situation? Their conversation flowed smoothly. The best it's ever been. "Your shirts buttoned wrong," Nash pointed out in an attempt to feel Ace out.

Ace looked down at his shirt. "I didn't even realize." He struggled to undo the buttons, trying to correct them.

"Let me help you," Nash offered. He thought of his actions as a way to test if Moonbeancactus was telling the truth.

"What's this? Did you hit your head? Being nice isn't part of your character."

"I'm a nice person, depending on who you are," Nash told him. He buttoned up the shirt. "Take my kindness while it lasts. Even if it's only for a few minutes."

"Thank you," Ace said. "You have three moles." Nash looked up, meeting Ace's eyes. "I like the look."

"Don't start acting nice. It's creepy. Get on my nerves like you always do. That feels more natural."

"I wouldn't want another sprained wrist. It's my first time seeing someone get aggressive over a book. You don't have any friends, do you?"

Nash welcomed the insult. A compliment from Ace was unnatural. "You're one to talk. With a personality like that, I bet people run when you open your mouth. That face is the only thing you have going for you. If you sit and act cute, I'd like you better. Hell, I'd fall in love with you just for a storyline." It was after Nash finished speaking he realized what he said. All this talking was a personality trait of Violet, not his.

"The heart can't betray the mind," Ace teased.

"I don't like you in the slightest. So keep dreaming." Nash said before walking away.

"Don't hide your intentions," Ace said. His cheerful laugh trailed behind Nash.

~~

Nash worked in silence after ceasing against any more unnecessary and false details coming from his mouth. Even now, he can't believe he said that. Disliking each other was their thing. Liking and love were a territory that should remain unexplored. Nash wouldn't cultivate that storyline. After finishing here, that would be it. No more Ace and he meant it this time.

Nash looked around the room, and there was no sight of Ace. Engrossed in work, he didn't realize Ace was gone.

Why not leave and not tell me?

The sound of the door opening drew his attention. It was Ace, waltzing in with a box of donuts from Do' Nuts. "Got us something to eat," Ace said.

"At least tell me you were leaving,"

"If I told you I was going to buy us lunch. Would you have accepted it?" He asked. Nash knew he wouldn't. "Besides, you were working so hard. I didn't want to interrupt you."

"What makes you think I'll accept it now?" Nash questioned.

"Because you wouldn't let it go to waste. You accepted that latte last time, didn't you? And I know you're hungry by now." Nash couldn't deny that. He hasn't had anything since breakfast. A latte and donut meant nothing. "I'd feel bad if you refused it. And when I feel bad, my wrist hurts more."

"You really think I would believe that?" Ace shrugged his shoulders. Nash accepted his kindness. He wasn't going to let pride let him go hungry. Hence, he washed his hands and joined Ace behind the counter, sitting on stacks of books. "Please let there not be any jelly-filled donuts in here."

"One doesn't buy jelly-filled donuts when they go to Do' Nuts," Ace said. "That's the rule."

"I could high-five you right now. At least someone out here agrees with me."

"Why not?" Ace held up his hand, signaling for Nash to high-five him. Nash reluctantly gave him a high five, barely completing the gesture.

"What's with the 180?" Nash asked. "The first day we met, you had such a strong personality. I don't think I'll ever forget that. Now, you're acting all nice. Buying donuts, laughing, and doing high fives."

"You mean being human," Ace took a bite of a strawberry-frosted donut. "I got what I wanted. That's all there is to it."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Nash held back on taking a donut after hearing Ace's words. He always hated it when Ace did that. Whenever Nash would ask him a question, he would shrug it off, only answering what he wanted to. A different reaction from what Moonbeancactus said.

"I've never seen anyone act like that over a book," Ace changed the topic.

Nash didn't think he would ever act like that over a book. He may have taken things too far, like being willing to fight Ace for it. And look where it left them. But Nash was desperate for it. His past self might've made some decisions that his future self will have to deal with. For now, he was satisfied with having the book rather than being embarrassed.

"We've both done things that deserve some reflecting," Nash said, unable to resist the chocolate-covered donut-his favorite-any longer. "That crappy book is a gift to myself. I've been looking for months. I wasn't letting this chance slip away even if I turned out acting crazy." Nash took the opportunity to ask. "Was that really your favorite glasses?"

"No, it was the only thing I had on hand," Ace responded. Nash wasn't surprised. With Ace, anything was possible.

"A little birdie told me to ask, and you'll answer. Maybe that person wasn't wrong." Nash admitted despite his reluctance. "That doesn't mean I forgive you. You still have a lot to work on. I doubt we'll be friends, and after this, we won't see each other again."

"We don't have to be friends," Ace said before getting up and walking off.