After an intense hour of dodging and attacking, Nathan's luck ran out as he failed to dodge a crucial strike, causing him to accidentally drop his sword. This unfortunate turn of events meant that Nathan had lost the fight. However, to Ace's dismay, there was no cheer or applause for his victory. Instead, a collective sigh of disappointment filled the room. This reaction stemmed from the fact that Nathan, being the popular one and the president, overshadowed Ace, leaving him feeling insignificant in the eyes of the spectators. As Ace made his way out, Marianne and Derek approached him with cheerful congratulations, recognizing his victory. However, Ace simply shrugged off their praise and proceeded towards the comfort room. Once inside, he cautiously ensured that he was alone before turning his attention to the mirror. As he gazed at his reflection, his own face staring back at him, a subtle grin formed on his lips, revealing a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
In that moment of solitude, Ace couldn't help but let out a gentle laugh as he ran his fingers through his hair. It was a rare feeling of relief and happiness that washed over him, and he celebrated his hard-earned victory in the privacy of the comfort room. The joy and contentment he experienced were his alone to savor, a well-deserved reward for his efforts. As the night fell upon Harrington's Royal Academy, the atmosphere was filled with celebration for the closing of the event. Amidst the festivities, Derek and Marianne found themselves searching for Ace. Curiosity and a desire to congratulate him on his victory drove them to seek him out amidst the crowd of revelers. Unable to locate Ace inside, Marianne made her way to the balcony. There, she spotted Ace standing alone, his gaze fixed upon the sky. Intrigued by his contemplative demeanor, Marianne stood at the doorstep of the balcony, silently observing him, wondering what thoughts were occupying his mind in that moment.
With a gentle call, Marianne caught Ace's attention, causing him to slowly turn towards her. As Marianne prepared to approach him, she was taken aback when she noticed a genuine smile grace Ace's face. In that magical moment, as if in perfect harmony with Ace's smile, fireworks burst into the night sky, captivating Marianne's gaze. She couldn't help but be captivated by the beauty of Ace's sweet smile, a sight that filled her heart with warmth and joy. In a beautiful moment of connection, Marianne finally witnessed Ace's smile for the first time. With a gentle approach, she stood beside him, returning his smile with one of her own. Together, they stood side by side, their eyes fixed on the sky, mesmerized by the vibrant display of fireworks. In that shared moment of tranquility and wonder, Marianne and Ace found solace and joy in each other's presence.
As the fireworks faded and the sky returned to its tranquil state, Marianne broke the silence. "Ace?" she began, prompting him to turn his gaze towards her. "Yes?" he responded. Gathering her courage, Marianne clenched her fist and looked at Ace, posing the question that had been on her mind, "Why are you so cold and distant?" Upon hearing this, Ace's previously joyful demeanor shifted abruptly, replaced once again by his familiar cold and distant expression. Ace held Marianne's gaze for a moment before responding, "Why do you care?" His blunt response left Marianne taken aback, rendering her speechless. She stared at Ace, regret washing over her for having asked the question. The silence that followed was heavy, filled with unspoken thoughts and emotions. "That's the most foolish question I've ever heard, Marianne," Ace retorted sharply. Marianne, taken aback by his harsh words, tried to explain herself. "I was just curious," she responded softly. However, Ace's coldness persisted as he replied, "Keep your curiosity to yourself. Don't bother asking me pointless things." With those words, he turned and left the balcony, leaving Marianne standing there, feeling a mix of hurt and confusion.
Following that incident, Ace grew even more distant from Marianne. Whenever she visited him, they would spend their time together in silence. Ace would immerse himself in reading and writing within the library, while Marianne would occupy herself in his room, playing with his toys. The once vibrant connection they shared seemed to have faded, replaced by an unspoken tension and a sense of detachment. Marianne couldn't shake off the memory of Ace's sweet smile, but it felt like a fleeting moment, a precious gem that she may never witness again. Lost in her thoughts, she whispered to herself, "What a rare gem," as she gazed out of the window, contemplating the bittersweet nature of their connection.
As eight years went by, Marianne grew into a 17-year-old young woman, while Ace matured into an 18-year-old. Despite the passage of time, Ace remained distant from Marianne. During lunch breaks, Marianne found solace in the company of Derek and their other friends, enjoying their companionship and shared laughter. Meanwhile, Ace continued to spend his time alone, often found in the library, immersed in his own world. The divide between them seemed to persist, leaving Marianne longing for a connection that remained elusive. Due to the ongoing distance between Ace and Marianne, Yoma saw an opportunity to get closer to Ace. Yoma consistently approached Ace, showering him with numerous gifts and attention. As a result, Yoma and Ace became the subject of gossip and speculation among their peers, with many considering them a potential couple, despite the absence of an official relationship. Their interactions and the attention they received only served to further highlight the growing divide between Ace and Marianne.
Contrary to the rumors and assumptions, Ace did not have romantic feelings for Yoma. In fact, it was Yoma who persistently pursued Ace, constantly seeking his company despite his attempts to distance himself. Ace found himself trying to avoid Yoma's presence, as he did not reciprocate her feelings. Meanwhile, Marianne couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy, as it had been a significant amount of time since she and Ace had last spoken. The growing distance between them only intensified her longing for their connection to be restored.