The night of the FallDance arrived like a storm—loud music, flashing lights, and way too many sequins.
I stood near the refreshment table, fidgeting with the hem of my soft blue dress, the one Mom had called "elegant" and Melanie had called "innocent Disney princess vibes." I wasn't sure which was worse.
Melanie, in a shimmery black fit, appeared beside me with a cup of fruit punch. "You look stressed. Like you're waiting for an asteroid to hit the gym."
"I just… want tonight to go smoothly."
She gave me a look. "You mean you want him to show up."
I didn't answer.
Because yes, Ace had confirmed he'd be DJing. And yes, part of me had been checking the entrance every three seconds since the music started.
"He's not worth it," Melanie muttered, sipping. "Dance with someone else. That sophomore in the white shirt keeps staring at you like you're a cupcake at a diet camp."
I choked on my drink. "Mel!"
But she wasn't wrong.
The guy in question was NoahPrice. Sweet, tall, and actually normal. He was in student council with me, and rumor had it he had a massive crush.
So when he finally approached, offering a hand and a hopeful smile, I hesitated only a second.
And said yes.
We danced to a pop song, his hands respectfully distant, his smile gentle. He made small talk about classes and music and college dreams.
It should've been perfect.
But I felt nothing.
At least—not until I glanced at the DJ booth and saw him.
Ace.
Standing there in black jeans and a dark button-up, sleeves rolled, hair perfectly messy, watching me dance with someone else.
His jaw was clenched. His knuckles white where they gripped the booth.
And suddenly, I couldn't hear the music.
---
A slow song started.
The room dimmed. Couples moved closer. The air thickened.
Noah looked at me hopefully. "Want to keep dancing?"
Before I could reply, someone tapped his shoulder.
Ace.
"Mind if I cut in?" he said, voice smooth but sharp.
Noah hesitated, glanced at me. I swallowed and nodded.
He stepped aside.
Ace stepped in.
And the world fell away.
---
His hand found my waist. Mine found his shoulder. And we stood there, swaying under the fairy lights I'd spent all week hanging.
I didn't speak.
Neither did he.
Until—
"You looked happy with him," Ace said.
"It was just a dance."
"Didn't feel like just a dance."
"Why do you care?" I asked softly.
"Because I do."
Silence stretched between us, full of things unsaid.
"I'm not yours," I whispered.
"I know," he said. "But I want to be something. To you."
My heart stuttered.
But just as I opened my mouth, Brielle's voice cut through the air.
"Ace. We need to talk."
I froze.
He didn't move.
She crossed her arms. "It's about your brother."
Everything in Ace's body went still.
I stepped back. "What is she talking about?"
"Hope—"
"No. Don't 'Hope' me. What about your brother?"
Brielle's eyes flicked between us, satisfaction glimmering. "You didn't tell her?"
My stomach dropped.
"What didn't you tell me?"
Ace looked at me, something unreadable behind his eyes. "It's complicated."
"Try me."
He ran a hand through his hair. "My brother didn't just get arrested for some dumb fight, Hope. He… he was caught stealing. From my family. From me."
I blinked. "What?"
"He owed money. Got desperate. I tried to help, but he took things too far. I told the truth. That's why he's in jail."
I felt like the floor had been pulled from under me. "You turned him in?"
Ace's voice broke. "I had to. He broke into our house, Hope. My mom was there. He wasn't the same person anymore."
Brielle, still lingering like a vulture, added, "That's why everyone thinks he'll end up like his brother. Because they think he's cold enough to betray his own blood."
I turned to Ace. "Is that why you act like you don't care about anything? Because you're afraid people are right?"
He didn't answer.
And maybe that was answer enough.
---
I stepped away.
"Hope," he said quietly, voice aching. "I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to look at me like that."
"Like what?"
"Like I'm one of them."
"You're not," I whispered. "But you're not letting me in either."
We stood there, surrounded by music, lights, and dancing bodies—but it felt like we were the only two people in the gym.
"I just don't know if I can be what you want," he said.
"I never asked you to be perfect."
His eyes searched mine.
And for a second, I thought he might kiss me.
But instead, he turned away.
And I let him.
Because maybe, sometimes, the slow song ends before you're ready.