July 20XX, 4 Years Before the teleportation of Ace's class.

Ace walked lifelessly towards the library having to experience the death of his mother. He held an apathetic expression throughout his walk not caring at all about what may happen to him. Years ago, he lost his last parent and felt empty not knowing what to expect of his life. Walking like a soulless shell, he wandered the neighbourhood. He lived to make his mother proud and now that she is gone it's as if he felt there was no reason to live.

During this time Freya's family has taken him in until Ace is of age to live by himself in his house, provided that if he can move past the death of his mother. But ever since she has long left this world Ace has never been quite the same.

"See you tomorrow Ace!" A young Warren ran off with his equipment but stopped to say goodbye to his friend.

"Ah, good luck in your club activities" Ace replied nonchalantly.

"Thanks, today's the big day I'll win that trophy for sure!" Warren excitedly gestured gripping his fist tightly to show his confidence.

Warren during this time knew nothing of Ace's situation as he just understood that Ace was his usual apathetic self. He ran off to join his other club members while Ace walked alone on his way to the library.

After minutes of walking, Ace eventually stepped into the library he was looking for one of the books he often reads titled 'An Empty Human' a book that Ace relates to himself. The book itself is not popular but rather under-appreciated as quoted by his mother. His mother was a known writer who wrote under a specific pen name and it was thanks to her ongoing royalties that Ace can live a satisfying life without the need of working but he cannot help but feel hollow inside his body.

He went into the aisle where the book was located. The moment he reached his hands for the book a girl to his right also placed her hands on the same corner of the book.

"Ah, my bad I didn't know this book was also read by someone else." The girl said.

The girl right beside Ace held an intelligent flair, she styled her hair with loose pigtails with a pair of braided tails by the side of her bangs. She wore a Da Vinci academy uniform indicating that she is at least 2 years older than Ace as he is currently in middle school in his 8th year of schooling.

"Oh, it's fine. I already read that book several times. I'll just read something else." Ace said to her. Before he was about to walk away, he suddenly heard the girls surprised tone.

"You've read Albert's novel that many times? He wasn't that well known of a writer and yet, you know about it." The girl crossed her arms staring with judging thoughts.

"I usually visit this library to read works from authors with similar works."

"Like who?" The girl asked.

Ace blinked twice hearing the intrigue in the girl's voice.

"Uh... Like Albert right there, Dazai, Hines, and Barret..." Ace answered in a dispondent tone.

'What those writers have in common is that they all committed suicide, but the emptiness in his voice makes me worry.'

The girl kept this thought to herself returning to the natural flow of the conversation.

"Those are some articulate writers you've got there. It's rare to meet people like you that hold similar interests. I also read Albert's novel a few times as well. He captures the human psyche of struggling individuals very well."

"Yeah... I was told to read his works. His writing sort of resonates with me."

The girl smiled at Ace's answer.

"Right...?! It's too bad he met an unfateful end. His work is slowly getting recognition right after his suicide." The girl's eyes beamed with life, understanding that Ace wasn't just a simple reader.

"Its the kind of mindset that his writing sort of builds up the reasonings behind his death."

"I also think that too...!" The girl excitedly replied.

It was the first time Ace opened up about this topic to a mere stranger. When it came to talking with Warren or any other of his friends. He has never talked about writers and books to anyone other than his mother who has recently passed away in this time. Slowly Ace began to feel drawn into talking to this girl, wondering what kind of literary works she has read.

"Ah, by the way, my name is Luna. What's yours?"

"Ace..." He replied.

Luna leaned closer to Ace inspecting his uniform.

"Hmm... oh you go to the Fortuna middle school. I'm amazed that someone like you has an interest in these literary writers you mentioned before."

"Is it because I'm a bit younger than you?" Ace tilted his head.

"Well with each new generation acting more childish I'd assume that interests change as well. And you're different from what I imagined from a middle schooler." Luna said bluntly.

'But the fact that he's similar to those authors... it might be dangerous if no one tends to him now.' Luna paid close attention to the emptiness in Ace's eyes

Ace didn't know whether to take that as a compliment or insult but said his thanks anyway.

"Thanks..."

"Avid readers like us are quite rare. If you're interested, do you want to read some of the literary works I'd recommend? If you read the works from the writers you mentioned then you'll like the ones I have in mind."

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

"Oh...? Sure."

"Alright, let me show you" Luna gave a faint smile.

From that moment on Ace and Luna began talking to each other more once school has ended. They would exchange their contact details on social media and would start talking to each other about the books they'd recommend. The moment school ends they'd meet with each other in the library talking about their thoughts of the recent chapter they've read. Their relationship progressed to the point that Ace wanted to spend more time with her, doing whatever she wanted or giving excuses for asking her to meet up.

One day when Ace was meeting with Luna he found her surrounded by a group of 3 girls. They wore the same uniform as her. Ace assumed they were friends until he noticed the tone in Luna's voice.

"*Sigh* What is it now? It's quite annoying dealing with a group like you guys." Luna stated in an annoyed tone.

"Why don't you shut up Luna! I don't get why Elias has eyes for you?! If anything you're ugly! Danielle worked hard to be noticed by Elias!" Girl A said.

"There are plenty of other girls prettier than you and yet you still act cocky, knowing that Elias wants to ask you out." Girl B added.

"I don't see him the way he sees me. He's just a good classmate." Luna replied.

"And look at you acting so haughty I've worked so hard...!" Girl C joined in.

"Do you even know the meaning behind that word? My attitude right now does not show any of that. I'm annoyed you're wasting your time being near me. Just because the three of you talked down many of the other girls doesn't mean I'll simply back down even if I'm outnumbered. Sorry to say but please get out of my way."

"WHY YOU!" Girl A aimed to slap Luna in the face but Ace stepped in grabbing the girl's arm.

"Can you please stop? I thought High School girls weren't supposed to be annoying brats." Ace said in an angered tone.

"Ace you didn't have to jump in," Luna said to him.

Ace noticed Luna's expression. Though she looked angered, her body was prepared to take the hit.

"Wow, who's this your boyfriend? Look at him... so that's why you're not interested in Elias. Because you're dating this cutie." Girl A said leering at Ace.

"Huh...? He's not even in high school. That's the middle school on the other side." Girl C said as she looked at his uniform.

"Wow, So Luna is into younger guys huh...?" Girl A turned her head towards Luna.

"What do you even see in Luna anyway? You could've gone with anyone else." Girl B asked him.

"Unlike you guys, she's someone with a brain. Now get lost." Ace raised his voice.

"Tch...! This is no fun, Let's go girls." Girl C ordered.

Ace went to Luna who looked perfectly fine. He thought he would've expected a weak expression from her after being confronted like that but to his surprise Luna was calm.

"Thanks. I probably would've retaliated with a punch." Luna bowed.

"That's something a normal girl wouldn't say."

"What do you define as normal? Like those bitches? Or a child? Like yourself, we're all different and we all have different ways to react to a situation like that." Luna shrugged her shoulders. "Still, I see you have inherited my way of talking somewhat." Luna held a small smile at her last sentence.

"Well... I thought I could feel mature if I acted a bit like you."

"Is there such a reason? Are you worried about the age gap?" Luna asks with a warm smile. "Actually... what year are you?" It was the first time that Luna had asked this question. She had never looked down on him for being younger since she had always treated him like they were the same age.

"Year 8."

"And I'm a first-year in high school. Three-year difference. I'm not treating you any different from my friends."

"Well, It's a good way to learn how to have a sharp tongue." Ace held a small smile.

"Haha... you're right."

"I booked a study room again. I need your help with some of my subjects."

"Again...? Is it math?" Luna let out a sigh before giving a slight smile.

"Yeah..."

Within the study room, Luna tutored Ace in various subjects. Even going so far as to help Ace learn the year 9 material so he can potentially go into a good high school. Already he has decided to aim for Luna's school, a highly regarded academic academy that anyone of any economic background and diligence can enter. It holds a big reputation for being one of the top schools.

"You want to go to Da Vinci's academy...?" Luna asked.

"It's close to home. And going to a school like that it would look good for universities."

"And what are you planning to do after school?"

Ace paused. He tried to come up with any potential jobs but looked apathetic as he gave up.

"Well, it's still too early for you to think about the future." Luna comments after reading his body language.

"What about you Luna?"

Luna didn't expect Ace to ask about her future as she herself was is still in the processing of identifying her strengths.

"Oh... I'm also like you. I'm unsure as well. My parents suggested that I try to aim for the literary world. But my writing right now is... well I'm unsure what to think of it right now."

"You write?"

"Quite so. Care to read my draft? I typed it up last week. Though it needs some refinements." Luna spun her laptop to Ace's side. After a quick skim Ace became interested in the concept.

Her draft talked about the psyche of a character living their life in this day of age. Much so that it related to both Ace and Luna themselves. People trying to find their purpose in life, the reason they want to continue living in this world. It was only the introduction Luna typed but Ace was hooked on her writing.

"That is a problem in this day in age. We're all following a process, going to school then once we're done we're out in the wild trying to find something to do."

"Right? It's because in this contemporary age. It's all about trying to find joy in life. Whether that be through family, wealth or sense of duty. But realistically, wealth and economy play a role in shaping what we want to do and how our world works. Just because one wants to do a specific job it doesn't mean they'll always get to do it nor even provides that sort of happiness. In the end, we may not be happy in whatever situation just for the sake of living." Luna explained.

Having been drawn to her insightfulness Ace reflected upon himself whether he'd be that type of person who may not be able to find a purpose in life. But hearing All Luna talk was enough to make him happy.

"It's not just wealth. It's also about individuals in a predicament on why they should live for the sake of it." Ace added.

"Haha, you're right. Albert's 'An Empty Human' focused more on that

"But if I ever finish this book. I want to end it on a positive note. Is that naive thinking of me?"

"No, if there are people like me I'd feel hopeful if you somehow give some sort of encouragement. Let me know when you have written more your writing is very interesting."

"Sure." Luna smiled.

Everything about Luna, Ace was drawn into. Her intellect, her insightful thoughts of life, her habits and dislikes. Ace knew that he was not an empty shell. He is a man that holds feelings for a girl who does not see him the way he sees her knowing that his fascination with Luna is building up to love.

"Though... I wish to try to type up more. The students at the academy are quite corrupt like what you've just experienced just then. Being there is a pain that I don't feel like writing at times and at home I'm often tired to do so." Luna held an annoyed expression.

"That sounds like a big problem."

"It is, it makes me think what if we had a disciplinary committee. Hah... like that would ever work, if I ran something like that then all the bullying with be redirected to me. Or think I'm a joke..." Luna says as she twirls her pen.

"That makes it easier to find out who doesn't deserve to be in such a well-known school. It'll be easier to thin out the corruption knowing who wants you down. I think it'd be a deterrent as well."

"Aren't you a schemer, but if you're going to go to the same high school I might as well suggest this concept of discipline."

"Hopefully that will work."

"If it does. I can read and write with peace." Luna stretches out her arms.

"I didn't expect this kind of side from you."

"I for one seek justice too."