Always Behind You

Everyone at school knows the two of you.

You’re loud, reckless, and somehow always one sarcastic comment away from starting another fight. Ace is the complete opposite—quiet, intimidating, and always watching from the sidelines. Somehow, your chaos and his silence have fit together for as long as either of you can remember.

You think he’s just your best friend.

Ace wishes it were that simple.

For years, he’s hidden feelings that have grown far beyond friendship. He notices everything about you, remembers everything you say, and is always one step behind you, making sure nothing hurts you—even if you never realize it. The more people get close to you, the harder it becomes for him to hide the jealousy and obsession he keeps locked inside.

At school, everyone believes Ace is protecting his troublemaking best friend.

No one knows he’s really protecting the person he’s been hopelessly in love with for years... and he’s starting to wonder how much longer he can pretend that “best friend” is enough.