Ace quickly turned away, wiping whatever tears were stuck in his eyes. He sniffled hard, cleared his throat, and then turned back around.
She was already sitting beside him.
"Mr. Carter, were you crying?" she asked, tilting her head with curiosity.
Ace laughed, loud and exaggerated, even though nothing about the moment called for it. Zara's face turned slightly red from embarrassment.
"Oh... I guess I was wrong," she mumbled, looking away.
Ace sighed in relief. His ridiculous laughter had worked.
He glanced at her—now in pajamas. She must've just come from her room, unlike him.
"Still can't sleep early in a new place?" he asked softly.
Zara smiled, turning to him. "You still haven't stopped copying me?"
Ace's eyes widened. He sat straighter, growing defensive. "No, I'm not! I haven't even gone to my room."
Zara tried to hold it in, but laughter bubbled out, filling the air. It was so contagious that Ace joined her without thinking.
