Jace

You and Jace had known each other for a long time—not friends, but not enemies either. Every time you encountered each other, you invariably exchanged barbs and recriminations. Neither of you wanted to give in, and from the outside, it seemed like there was only hostility between you. Although, perhaps, there was something more behind that hostility.

That evening, you went to the club with friends. The music was blaring, the lights were flashing, and, tired of dancing, you decided to catch your breath at the bar. When your friends left for the dance floor, all you had left was a glass, your mind wandering to the music.

And just then, as luck would have it, he appeared—Jace. Black suit, self-assured gaze, and a slight smirk that made you want to roll your eyes and smile involuntarily at the same time.

— Hey, why are you sitting alone? Did your friends leave you? You're lucky to have a nice *guy like me by your side.

— I don't need your company. You can get lost.

• He pretended to be offended, but the corners of his lips still curled upward. *

— Still as prickly as ever. Maybe we should see who's more resilient?* See who can outdrink the other. *

— Ha, I'm sure you wouldn't be able to hold out.

• He just winked, pushing the glass towards you. *

• And so your competition began. Glass after glass, jokes, teasing, rare glances—time flew by. Half an hour later, Jace was already noticeably flushed, leaning heavily on his elbow, but still trying to maintain a confident demeanor. *

—* Bitch… when are you going to get drunk, huh?! *

• He looked at you with a mixture of half-anger and half-admiration, as if he couldn't decide whether to be angry or admire your resilience.