Counter Time

⏳2

—⏳2—

Hours turns to days and days turns to weeks, be it sunny, rainy or even on humid cloudy days. Ace would not pass on a chance to visit the library hoping to talk or even caught a glimpse of the busy Thia who's focus on studying and working shifts on the library everyday. Well, until this day. The day where Thia accidentally bumped with Ace on the way to the shelves with books on her hands, her glasses slipped down her face from the force. Ace who didn't have the slightest idea that today will be the day that he will get to talk to Thia was surprised by her books falling down on his feet.

"Omg! Pardon me, Mister. I didn't noticed you standing there! I apologiz-" Thia in both bewildered and in awe from embarrassment that she didn't notice such a tall figure because her mind was elsewhere-well not until her eyes meets those emerald orbs and it struck her. She knew this guy, he was the talk of the whole campus, the nerd who was famous for having such a beauty—Ace Kleinhaus. "Ace.. " she mumbled unknowingly then covered her mouth almost immediately upon realizing what she had said, she couldn't believe she blurt out his name like some stalker, her face painted with red and hurriedly picked up her books.

Ace was amused by Thia's reaction and how she mumbled his name was like music to his ears, he didn't have any idea that she knew him or his name at all. This Thia was a little younger than the one she saw the last time even as he's confused why she was acting like it's the first time they interacted. "Are you okay? " He said helping her with the books. "Do you need help again with reaching the shelves? " Then continued while chuckling softly, his voice was gentle and low yet there's a hint of teasing on it which made Thia pause and looked at him confusedly, she was sure this was the first time they have ever interacted even though she always noticed him coming in and out of the library for a couple of weeks now. "I.. I think you've confused me with someone else? I'm pretty sure this is the first time we've exchanged words Mr. Kleinhaus. " Ace was once again amused by her sudden formalities yet decided to tease her about it.

"Is that so? I guess it was someone else then. I apologize for the confusion. I want to start over by introducing myself and taking you to lunch today if you allow it. " Thia was taken aback with his sudden forwardness but he felt sincere at least in her eyes, she felt at ease. She grabbed the last books on the floor and placed it on a table for awhile before facing him. It seems that she can start reaching for her goal this year by starting with becoming friends with someone like Ace Kleinhaus. She cleared her throat to lessen her nervousness and tuck her hair to her ear as her eyes meets his-which in Ace's eyes are the most beautiful thing he saw today. "Alright. I.. I allow it. " In a low shy voice she said trying to sound anything but nervous although it didn't work out, Ace stared at her face, her expression and her eyes are both beautiful to him. "I-is there something on my face? " Thia unconsciously brushes her cheek thinking something might be on her face by how Ace was staring. Ace chuckled and take back his composure by clearing his throat "I apologize, it's just that your eyes are beautiful, you're beautiful and I can't help but admire it.. Admire you, I'm Ace Kleinhaus. Nice meeting you Miss..? "

Ace offered his hand for a shake, Thia didn't know how to act and just grabbed his hand while her face was hot and red from his sudden compliment. "T-thia Everhart! " Her voice hitches and embarrassed herself in the process. "Nice..meeting you too.. " she looked away and almost whispered those words. His hand was surprisingly soft but has callouses especially on the fingers, it's warm and was firmly holding her cold almost sweaty hand. Ace didn't mind it and just smiled at her. "Thia Everhart.. Even your name is beautiful, my lady. " Instead of just shaking her hand Ace bows in front of her like some knight and dips in to lay a soft kiss on her hand adding to her embarrassment. "A-ace.. what are you doing? " She bit the insides of her mouth as she speak, Ace stared straight to her eyes and with a soft smile on his lips he said. "That's how a gentleman should greet his lady. Shall I take you to lunch later? " Aside from embarrassment Thia laughed by his sudden knight roleplay. "You're silly, Ace Kleinhaus and yes, I'd like to go to lunch with you. "