Chapter Five

How did they end up like this?

Sitting in a cafe, Ace smiled as he ordered a cheesecake and asked Nash what he wanted. Nash wondered if this was that classic enemy-to-lovers plot line. It wasn't what he was going for. He was more focused on plotlines involving a CEO. At least make him hate Ace for a few more months. Nash wondered if he was being petty. Did what happened between them warrant months of hating?

Nash got the book. Ace got hurt; was it really that deep?

He was at a crossroads where even if he agreed to Ace's demands, that lingering feeling that he was letting it go all too quickly lingered in the back of his mind. Yet, Nash wondered if it was water under the bridge by now. It was all too complicated: his feelings, mind, and heart. They all played a different tune. No matter how much he thought about it, Nash was already dipping his toes in the waters by doing things like this.

"What are you thinking about?" Ace asked, noticing Nash lost in thought.

"That I'm letting go of what happened to me too quickly, or am I being petty by holding on to it," Nash replied honestly. He didn't have a reason to lie, and it wasn't anything he couldn't voice out.

"I'm sorry about what happened. How I acted when we first met." Ace apologized. "I had a reason for that, but that's no excuse. I'm sorry."

What reason could warrant acting like that to someone he first met? No, it didn't matter. Nash didn't want to hear his excuse. It happened and passed. Despite his reluctance, Nash was getting past it. That didn't mean he didn't appreciate the apology. "Classic rude character line. I didn't peg you as the type to apologize since you waited so long. Still, thank you."

Ace chuckled, remembering he said something similar to Nash. "Has your impression of me changed somewhat?"

Nash thought about his response. Ace had changed despite his first impression being a core memory. In a possible timeline, it could be a story to tell years from now. Remember how we first met? That's how impactful it was. "Since I'm an honest man, yes. I prefer this version of you." Nash admitted. "I might have to take back a few words-"

"Excuse me," They both looked up to see a long black hair girl with bangs. Her eyes mainly focused on Ace. Nash immediately understood what was happening. He sipped on his iced tea and looked out the window. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

"It's not like we were mid-conversation or anything," Ace said sarcastically. "Can I help you with anything?"

"I don't know how this might sound, but can I get your number." She answered. While Nash knew he was good-looking in a cute sense. Ace gave an overwhelming attractiveness with his bad-boy aura. The situation wasn't surprising to Nash. Situations like these were more uncomfortable than standing awkwardly waiting on a friend while they talked to a friend.

"I'm afraid I can't do that," Ace told her. Nash felt a hand on top of his and met eyes with Ace, confused. "This is actually my boyfriend, and we are currently on a date." Nash was shocked by his blatant lie. If he wanted to reject her, he should have just said no and not complicate things.

"Oh," Her tone changed as she looked at Nash. "That's too bad." She added as she left.

"Is "no" not enough for a rejection. Why rope me into it?" Nash asked.

"That's a better way of saying no. Even if it's a lie, it gets the job done." Ace said, poking at his cheesecake. "I bet you're shocked by this. Breaking news!" He chuckled softly.

Nash replied honestly, "I'm more shocked by the fact that you're single,"

"Being single has become one of my personality traits at this point," Ace spoke. "I've never dated anyone after all." He added, barely above a whisper.

Nash pulled away the cake, Ace's focal point. "What did you say?" He wanted to confirm that he heard correctly.

"I said I never dated anyone," Ace repeated, seemingly embarrassed as he set down his fork.

"I'll believe that when hell freezes over," Nash replied in disbelief. If a guy like Ace never dated anyone, Nash thought he had no chance and should give up the idea of dating. "I'm sure you get approached like that often. Then again, if you act like that whenever you meet someone- Work on your first impression."

"Is it a crime to never have dated anyone?" Ace eased himself into the chair. "I get approached by girls rather than guys. I'm not the type to put myself out there, and I rarely like people."

Nash understood. Ace couldn't randomly approach guys much like they couldn't approach him. The dating scene was complicated. They were similar in a sense. Nash wanted to date, but constantly remaining face-deep in books and staying at home wouldn't conjure up the perfect guy at his front door. While Nash fantasizes about the idea of love and wishes for that novel-like romance, he often finds himself enjoying his own company.

"What about you? I'm sure you have lots of experience."

"I don't," Nash admitted. "I haven't found my type as yet."

"And what's your type?"

"A billionaire. A CEO." Ace burst into a sweet laughter. Nash expected that type of reaction. Not everyone understood his exquisite taste. "Maybe switch things up, a mafia boss."

"Maybe I shouldn't have given you that book. It's getting to your head."

Nash knew his life wasn't a page out of a novel. "A guy can dream,"

That allowed him to joke about things that would never come true. What are the chances of a billionaire/CEO approaching him, creating the perfect enemies to lovers, and having money thrown at him? A real-life mafia boss would have him dodging bullets and mixed up in illegal stuff. Reality was harsh, and his mind was his escape, where he created anything he wanted. The best time is just before bed, creating a bizarre story before falling asleep.

"What about you? Have a crush on anyone?"

"What is this an interrogation?" Ace asked, dodging the question. "That's top-secret information. I won't be giving it away for free."

"By all means, keep that information to yourself. Not like it's going to change my life."

"You never know," Ace said, getting up. "Let's head back to the store. My boyfriend's starting to get grumpy."

Nash looked at him and said, "I'm not your boyfriend."

~~

Nash could feel the pain in his arms from stacking books, cleaning shelves, and moving boxes of books. It's been a few days since he started helping at the bookstore. Things between him and Ace have gotten comfortable, a stark change from his previous tune. Nash was no longer standing on business. His prior words were a distant cry filled with anger.

What happened to we would never be friends and not see each other when he finished helping at the store?

Having lunch with Ace and being at the store was Nash's new routine. Not to forget, Moonbeancactus.

He's a decent guy, like you said.

I told you! There's a lot I know about him.

Though Moonbeancactus's identity was shrouded in mystery, Nash wanted to ask them the question Ace avoided. They could be a stalker for all he knew and could be falling into a trap, but he'll let his curiosity win. Admittedly, knowing if Ace had a crush on anyone piqued his interest. Knowing he evaded the question made Nash think something was up. Nash knew being nosey was wrong when the person in question didn't tell him directly. Nash couldn't help it.

Then I'd like to ask you a question. Is there anyone Mr. Book Nook fancies?

What's this? Do you perhaps-like him?

Nash felt annoyed as their teasing tone was evident in their message. What sensible person would draw that conclusion? Asking a question didn't equal Ace being his love interest. Admittedly, Nash was the type to fall in love quickly. He collected fictional characters like Pokemon. It wasn't his fault their chiseled jawline, deep voice, toned bodies, and sexiness grabbed his heart every time, something Ace wasn't doing; He didn't grab Nash's heart despite his physical attractiveness. At least that was what he told himself.

Not to fret, I'll soothe your heart beating with worry that his interest may lie elsewhere, that he may never be yours and leave you stuck with a one-sided love. *drumroll* There is someone he likes.

Oh no! My world is crashing down at the devastating news. Excuse me while I cry myself to sleep.🙄

Nash tossed his phone to the side of his bed wishing he hadn't asked the question annoyed by Moonbeancactus's one-sided and highly false conclusion.