"Nayan, will you be able to go to your school on your own?" dad asked me the next day. "You know my working hours change and so do your mom's. In that case you'll have to travel all by yourself."

"Stop spoon feeding him Deep," mom said, "he's sixteen. At his age I used to do all my home's chores and walk five kilometres to and from the school everyday. He can travel through public transport, isn't that enough?"

Dad rolled his eyes, "Shreya, will you stop your ranting? He's our only son, shouldn't we care for him if we're having the resources and the money?"

Mom made a face as she left to get ready for work. I said, "Dad, I'm good with the public bus. Besides, most of my friends come themselves, I'll learn the same."

Brushing my hair, dad said, "Don't mind your mother, you know she loves you but she can get a little harsh."

"Yeah," I sighed, unconvinced with what he said.

I went on packing my things up and left for the school. The feeling of travelling alone in the New York city was thrilling as I reached the school jovially. But I came to an abrupt stop as soon as I saw Ace entering through the gates with his friends.

"Hey Nayan," Stella called out as she approached me, "why did you leave yesterday so early?"

"I was not allowed to hang out for long," I lied.

"Oh, I'm sorry dearie," Stella said patting my back. "Come along, let's go in."

I hesitated as Ace could easily notice me if we were to walk in now. Using my brains, I immediately acted as if my leg was sprained.

"Ouch Stella, I think I got a sprain," I acted limping slightly.

"Sprain? How did you get one?"

"I-I don't know. It's awfully painful."

"We need to get someone's help," Stella declared as she began looking for someone. And guess what? The one and only she could notice was Ace!

"ACE! ACE!" Stella yelled while I panicked. Ace and his friends turned and saw me limping towards the school gates. They ran over for help. Ace's eyes displayed concern once they met mine.

"Jeez Stella, what happened to Nayan?" Henry asked as he caught my arm to steady me.

"He says he's got a sprain," Stella replied.

"Lemme help," Ace stepped ahead. He placed my arm across his neck as I acted limping while we moved forward slowly. A point came when I almost tripped from Ace's footing but he caught me by the chest, squeezing it slightly. I'm certain it was intentional because it felt like it was.

And then, it really happened. My ankle twisted and I gave out a loud and painful cry. Now I was truly sprained!

"Hey you alright?" Ace asked in a worried tone.

"What do you think?" I said frustrated. "I can't do this, I can't walk!"

I was panicking which made me lose my balance, falling down while Ace caught me by the waist, causing me butterflies. I could feel the tension between us as the others gathered around.

"Would you like to go home?" Stella asked. "One of us can drive you back."

"No, no!" I panicked even more. "Today we're having a couple of tests, I cannot miss them. It will reflect on my internal-ouch!"

I winced in pain as I tried taking a step. I was losing my patience when Ace did the shocking.

Without my acknowledgement, he bent and collected my lean physique in his strong athletic arms, carrying me in them. My heart pounded frantically as he looked at me with concern.

Without a word, Ace walked inside, carrying me in his arms towards the Biology lecture room while I kept my eyes shut, avoiding the fixating gazes of all.

Once we reached the classroom, he placed me gently at the front seat (I am addicted to front benches) and said, "If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask me."

A nod was enough to bring a smile on his handsome face. The classroom filled, none talking about what they saw happen. Thankfully, the day went by without anymore drama. With the help of my friends, I was able to avoid help from Ace.

"How did your tests go?" Henry asked when the school ended as he helped me out of the school.

"Bio was fun, Chem however, somewhere in between. I've always struggled with inorganic, the numericals mess with my mind."

"I know right?" Henry stopped as he looked around for a while, searching for someone.

"Nayan, where's your dad?" he asked.

Then it hit me that I was supposed to get back home alone! Thinking of travelling about two miles through public transport with a sprained ankle made me dizzy.

"I totally forgot," I said gloomily, "I have to go home alone. Dad won't be coming today onwards."

Henry's brows creased. "What are you saying? You'll never make it back alone!"

"I-err..."

"I'm having a car but me and my hommies will be going together for a practice for the upcoming match." Upon wondering for a moment, his eyes sparkled. "Ace can drop you home, he comes with his car everyday."

"But he comes with Stacy," I mentioned.

"Stacy's at the school for some quiz I guess, so she won't be accompanying him today."

"But ain't Ace in the soccer team as well?" I tried coming up with excuses to avoid Ace.

"I don't think it'll take him long to drop you and return for the practice. Doncha worry, lemme ask him."

And off went Henry to call Ace for the unwanted help that I never required. I knew the journey alone would be painful, but it would be better if I'd distance myself from Ace.

Within minutes, I was sitting at the front seat next to Ace's hot figure as he drove me back home. For a while, neither one of us spoke, but being extroverted, I couldn't hold my words for long.

"Thanks for driving me home," I thanked Ace with a smile.

"Anytime Nayan," he responded cheerfully. "Does that hurt?" he asked pointing at my sprained ankle.

"Not when I'm inactive. Once I move, it hurts."

"You are not habitual of rough activities, are you? Ace asked.

"No," I replied confusedly, "why though?"

"Me and the boys get many such sprains but it doesn't affect us much, we're good to go in no time. Looks like you don't engage in much physical activities."

"I-uh-yeah, I don't," I said feeling embarrassed.

"Hey hey, don't take it that way. I like you that way." Ace bit his lip and rephrased. "I-I mean you should like yourself the way you are. And as a friend, I support it."

"Thanks," I replied.

"By the way, what made you leave the party yesterday?"

I gulped turning pale. Ace saw my expression as he said, "Was it umm...cause of the kiss?"

My heart leapt to my throat. I began sweating and shivering due to nervousness, whilst Ace tensed.

"You're sweating," he said in confusion. "Are you unwell?" He placed the back of his palm against my forehead, melting me with his warm touch. The electricity was innate, I felt it against my forehead.

"Mmm...you seem fine," he replied relieved while driving."What's the matter Nayan?"

"I-I...I dunno," was all I could muster.

Ace turned the car and brought it to an abrupt stop at the edge of the road.

"Speak of it Nayan," he spoke solemnly, "what bothers you? I'm aware that you were acting about having a sprained leg in the morning. Unlucky you, because of my foot, you got an actual sprain. Moreover, you've been trying to avoid me for the entire day. Can I know why?"

Freaking out, I hid my face in my palms. I couldn't confront with this reality. I couldn't confess that I was developing feelings for him.

"Ace," I said hiding my face in my palms, "could you please drop me home?"

Without a word, Ace drove the car as we remained quiet the entire journey. Once we reached my house, Ace quickly sprang out of the car and like a gentleman, held open the door for me, with his left palm forward to lean on to.

With a fake smile, I held his palm as I got up from the seat.

"Need help getting inside, or should I call your parents?" he asked.

"No thanks, I'll manage. Besides, mom and dad are away for work, so it's just me here."

"Oh, alright," he said disappointed.

Feeling bad, I said, "In case you need something, you can come along."

"Some water would do."

"Cool, come along," I said, as I took a step or two and almost fell due to a sudden shoot of pain. Ace was once again my saviour.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm good. Lemme try myself."

With Ace a couple steps behind, I walked briskly towards the house, unlocked the door and entered inside.

"Wow, this place has good Indian aesthetic," he commented.

"Thanks. I'll get something for ya."

Ace sat at the sofa while I went into the kitchen, limping slightly. Water appeared plain thus, I poured out some Sprite with Lay's on a dish and emerged into the living room carrying two glasses of Sprite.

Ace was surprised. "Nayan, I had asked for some water, you didn't have to-"

"Serving water is not my type, I have better standards," I smiled while placing the glasses and dish at the table. "Wouldn't take you longer than five minutes, I'll give you company."

We sat and snacked in silence for a while. Before the silence could get any awkward, I broke with the worst topic.

"So, you're having elections, right?"

"Yes I am," Ace smiled. "I'm standing against Sasha. Chances are bright, I will probably be the next school president."

"Right," I nodded subtly.

"I'm having so many plans on my mind-"

"This is an act, ain't it?" I couldn't hold myself anymore.

"What are you talking about?" he asked, genuinely confused.

"Act of being my friend. You ain't interested in being my friend, and why would you be anyway? All you want are the votes since every vote counts, and so does mine, doesn't it?"

Ace placed the glass on the table. "So you think that all this time I've been faking our...friendship for...votes?"

"Kind of?" I said reluctantly.

He sprang to his feet, staring me down with disbelief.

"I can't believe you thought of me that way Nayan. I agree, I faked our friendship," he paused, "but the reason wasn't the one which you've comprehended."

"I-I didn't mean it that way!"

"Forget it," Ace said bluntly. "Maybe this was all a mistake, maybe I was too naive to have..." he stopped. Shaking his head, he said, "Take care of yourself."

And with that, Ace stormed out of the house, leaving me with nothing but millions of questions and some guilt.