A year has gone by and Ace is now in his third year of middle school while Luna was in her 2nd year of high school. Within this time Ace eventually joined the Martial Arts club since Luna was busy handling the Disciplinary committee, he used his club activities as a way to kill time. The two would meet during the weekends to catch up, talking about the recent novels they have read or simply just spending time with each other.

Currently, the two are in their usual spot within the library booking a study room once again. They both were seated with a table separating the two, on it was a chessboard with Luna on the white side and with Ace on the black. Both of their strategies differed from each other, Luna was much more aggressive and reckless willing to sacrifice anything to achieve victory, whilst Ace was much more defensive ensuring the survival of his strongest pieces.

"Check," Luna said, slamming the bishop piece down as it targetted Ace's king.

"Tch... Check." Ace moved his queen back, defending the king from the bishop's attack, unfortunately, this was the only move Ace can do. This allowed Luna to take the queen off Ace's side leaving her with the upper hand.

"Finally... checkmate." Luna placed her rook piece closer to Ace's side. Since he couldn't move any pieces it was Luna's victory.

"*Sigh* I can't beat you at all."

"Well, I was a candidate for the nationals." Luna boasted holding a proud pose.

"You bested me in every way, no way I can be considered a match for you."

"Are you sure about that? You seemed hesitant making the riskier plays. I could've sworn you could have wiped out a good amount on my side in exchange for yours."

"That's why I didn't bother. I much prefer keeping as many pieces alive for future plays within the game. That's why pawns are my core strategy most times."

"Certainly, you almost got me there." Luna held out a white pawn piece pointing it towards Ace.

Ace took a glance at Luna who held a gentle smile towards him. Currently, both were not in uniform as they met up during a Sunday afternoon.

"So, how's the committee right now for you? You're much busier than before." Ace said as he packed away all the chess pieces away.

"Troublesome. Currently, the first years are a mess. A group of egotistic idiots thinking they rule the first year. I'm tasked to keep my eye on them along with the others. What about you? I assumed you must be quite bored without my company."

"I just joined my club again. So killing time has been easy."

"Huh...? 'Again?' Hmm... why did you leave in the first place?" Luna leaned closer.

"Personal matters I had to tend to. I'm fine now so I joined back as a result."

"I see, I see. Your expression has improved a lot lately, so I guess it wouldn't hurt to join a club. With what I've been teaching you are ahead of your peers. You probably already know every topic that's coming your way right?"

"Thanks to you. The High School test should be a breeze once that opens up."

"I can't wait to see you at the campus. It's really pretty, it has a good spot to lose yourself to the skies."

"Haha, that sounds so like you." Ace held a small chuckle.

"It's the perfect spot to read. No one knows about it at all for an odd reason. Yet anyone is allowed to go into this secret spot of mine."

"I can't wait."

"The Academy test... that's next week right? Have you been studying? The material I gave you is quite difficult if you don't revise." Luna leaned closer on the palm of her hand, showing concern for Ace in her expression.

"Most of our meetups last year was all mostly study sessions. You drilled all the material I need into my head that I probably just need light studying."

"As long as you're confident. In that case... I have a little surprise for you." Luna went into her bag to grab something. After a few seconds, she grabbed a wrapped up purple box. The wrapping read out 'It's your birthday!' Surprising Ace as he did not expect anything from Luna.

"This is..." Ace was almost lost for words as Luna pushed the present closer to Ace on the table.

"Your birthday present. I checked on your social media profile, wondering when it was. Since I missed it last year I thought I'd get you something that might surprise you."

"I almost forgot it was my birthday. Thank you." Ace held a gentle smile.

"How do you forget your birthday? Well then again that is something you would say." Luna says with a chuckle.

"I didn't expect this at all..."

"Go on, open it up." Luna leaned on her palms with a smile.

"Huh is it okay...?"

"Presents are meant to be open. Go on."

"Alright." Ace gently ripped the wrapping off and to his surprise, it was a gift he wasn't expecting at all. Inside displayed the box of a camera, with Ace wondering why Luna picked such a peculiar gift since Ace himself was not one to take photos.

"I knew you'd be surprised. What I got you right there is an instant film camera. You looked much more expressive lately, I'd figured a camera might be a good way to capture some memories or some beautiful scenery. Give you something to grasp on those happy memories of yours." Luna says as she clenches her fist.

"This is quite a surprise. Thank you, Luna. But having a camera is... not something I would use. I don't see a point in using them if I can just remember the memories through my head." Ace held the box as he inspected the details of his new gift.

"Who knows? I didn't understand the concept either until my friend showed me. Some memories are best captured in film. Why don't you give it a try? We can take a photo right here."

"Sure... you got it for me anyway so I might as well. Hold on I need to read the instructions."

Ace opened the box and pulled out the camera. He followed the instructions from inside the box and inserted the instant film packs inside the camera.

"Wow, Yours comes with a stand." Luna had a peek inside the box going through everything inside.

"You didn't even know the contents of the gift."

"I just bought whatever was the latest model."

"Ok, the instructions seem simple enough. I'll place the stand on top of the table."

"I'll get in position. Let me know when you're ready." Luna stood up and placed her seat next to Ace.

"Um, ok so it's on the thirty-second timer." Ace pressed the capture button, the camera lit up watching the camera notify them of their countdown. The light on the front of the camera lit up reading out '30 seconds'.

"Ah, it says so right there."

"So we just smile right?"

"Isn't it obvious? Just make sure you be ready."

"Right..."

"It's on the five-second mark."

After five seconds. The camera let out a flash, which caused Ace to flinch as he leaned back in surprise.

Click!

The camera quickly printed out their photo capturing the expressions of both Luna and Ace. Within the photo, Luna was seen holding her usual smile the same one Ace loved to see. While on the other hand, Ace was not seen smiling at all, but rather held a blank expression surprised by the flash.

"Hahaha...! You weren't even smiling in the photo. You looked so lost." Luna held a chuckle as she picked up the photo.

"It was actually my first time using a camera for myself. So I was quite surprised."

"Don't you smile at all for your school photos?"

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"Barely"

"What about family."

"When they were around..." Ace said with an empty tone.

"Sorry... I didn't know. Well, you can use this with your friends now."

"I don't think anyone I know has a camera like this."

"Then maybe it's good I got you this camera. Hopefully, you can capture yourself smiling when the time comes. Unless we try again?"

"Might as well... I wouldn't want to leave it off with a stale photo of me."

"Hehe, make sure you smile."

Luna set up the timer for another photo before heading back into position with Ace beside her. Ace mustered up the strength to let out a smile before the camera snapped a photo. When Luna went to check she smiled and showed Ace what came out.

"Hehe much better. You look much cooler when you smile."

"*Well, I can't just let it end with such a photo. Here you take that one while I'll take the one with my lost expression."

"Sure. I'll put this in my photo book." Luna smiled upon receiving the new photo. "Photobooks a nice read when you reflect back on these kind of memories. You should make it a hobby."

"If you say so." Ace replies with a smile. "Still... I guess I have to use this camera more, I can't let it go to waste. I promise one day I'll make full use of it." Ace said as he continued to inspect the contents of the camera.

"As long as you use it. Come on let's head to the park, we're running out of time for this study room." Luna stood up as she packed her bag.

The two fixed up the study room and eventually exited out of the library. They took a stop at a local convenience store buying a quick dinner before heading out to the local park. The night sky was already out with its stars shining on the two as they sat down near a tree.

"Isn't it a bit late to hang out right now?" Ace asked.

"I'd feel bad if I just leave now. Does anyone else know what today is?"

"I didn't tell them since I actually have forgotten myself. My cousin and the others might do something for me tomorrow so there's that."

"Haha, that would make sense. They might've planned something anyways if they stalked your profile."

"Yet you had the time to anyway."

"Of course, I have to know when my friend's birthday is."

'Am I still being seen as a friend? I don't like this at all...'

"Ace... are you with me? You're spacing out."

Luna waved her hand in repetition in front of Ace trying to get him back to reality. Ace flinched and looked at Luna closely he was about to say something but hesitated the moment Luna focused on him.

"...Sorry. I'm back now."

"Sheesh. You always have those moments. What were you thinking about?" Luna tilted her head.

"You..." Ace looked at her with a straight face.

"Haha, why was that?"

"Because I'm..." Ace hesitated to finish his sentence.

"Is there something you want to say to me?"

Luna went straight to the point. She noticed that Ace was not meeting her eyes as she leaned closer curious about what he had to say. Ace's heart started to beat faster the moment Luna was up close, he was already in an awkward situation but couldn't get the words out yet.

"Do you not know what I think of you...?"

" A close friend I'd imagine, since we think similarly."

"I see..." Ace held a disappointed expression.

"Let it out. I promise I won't be mad or anything."

"I'm not... satisfied with how our relationship is right now. I want to... move to the next level. That is if you'd accept me."

Luna's eyes widened when she knew what Ace meant.

"Luna, to summarise my whole point. I really like you, alot. It hurts holding these feelings in. So... can we move on to the next level? As in... dating terms?" Ace had his hand on his chest while the other reached out to Luna waiting for her answer.

Luna held a small smile and opened her mouth slowly in response to Ace's confession. It felt like forever waiting for Luna to reply within those few seconds as Ace's heart pumped even faster.

"I see. I did feel that you were not yourself at times. But Ace... once I give my reply can we still do the same things as we've always done?"

"No matter the reply as long as you give me an answer I'll brace myself for it."

"I see. I'm afraid... I have to reject your confession for the time being. I still see you as a close friend, It's not you that's the problem it's me. It would take some time before I can finally accept you."

"Is it because I'm younger than you? Is that such a problem-"

"No, not really. It's just that, I'm quite dull to such feelings. So I cannot accept your confession out of pity. I'm sorry Ace, for now, I need some time."

"I see..." Ace let out a sigh. He laid on the ground out of relief, he knew he was not satisfied with the result but was satisfied that he was able to let it out. He held a smile as he closed his eyes. "So this is what the receiving end is like for a rejection... haha..."

"You're taking it well. If I held your camera right now I would've captured the sight of you laying like that." Luna had her hands out forming a rectangle as she aimed towards Ace as if she was trying to take a photo.

"It might be a good memory to look back too. I know I made things awkward but."

"It's quite alright. My initial job was to try change that expression of yours when we first met I didn't expect such a development from you. Please don't let my rejection break you as a person."

"I don't plan on it. Talking with you is all I need." Ace said with a faint smile.

"Haha is that so? If you end up transitioning to a fulfilled man and both of us hasn't found anyone in the future..." Luna says, drawing out her sentence

"Are you joking?" Ace says, filling the blanks.

"Why would I? I have yet to think of romance so that's why I can't replicate the same sort of feelings."

"Hahaha, why am I not surprised by your reply." Ace chuckled.

"That being said, when you said I met your standards. I was happy. Someone with your calibre that's satisfied with plain old me. If one day I am capable of replicating the feelings of romance and you haven't found anyone else, do you want to try confessing to me again?"

"Of course." Ace smiled.

"Hehe, ok."

"I guess if you find someone, they'd be a much more refined man than I can ever be."

"Haha, that does sound like me. Hmmm, knowing you, I feel like you'll be very popular with a lot of girls.So you'll definitely find someone before me."

"I doubt it."

"Come on, don't be dense. I can imagine several girls by your side. Isn't that a male fantasy?"

"For most males I guess."

"What about you? You're at that age. You even confessed to me, I'm sure you had such a thought."

Luna leaned her body closer to Ace. His face went red as he had a thought in mind.

"I-I guess... I can't help it."

"Haha bullseye. Tell me, what kind of-" Before Luna can continue her phone began to ring.

Bzzzt! Bzzzt!

"Hm?"

Luna's phone kept ringing with notifications and when she took a look at it she looked up to Ace signalling that she has to go.

"Ah, way to ruin the fun. Care to walk me back to the bus stop? My parents are barraging me with messages me why I'm going to be much more later than usual."

Ace checked his phone only to find out it was almost nine o'clock.

"Sure. I didn't realise how late it was."

"Yeah, we have school tomorrow so that's why they're growing more concerned. Sorry to ruin the fun."

"It's fine. Let's talk along the way."

The two walked back as they chatted. Even with the confession on their mind they still appreciated each other's company as it did not impact their relationship at all. They let each other know of their schedule for the week planning another hangout for tomorrow. The moment Luna's bus arrived they both waved goodbye, as soon as the bus left Ace's sight he took out the photo of them together with a smile.

'I guess I'll have this to look back on for the future. Ah, maybe I should've gotten another photo at the park...! I can take one tomorrow anyway.'

He walked back home with a smile brimming from his face. He felt free from his hesitations and dissatisfactions with Luna since he has finally let out his true feelings about her.

Days had gone by as they went off to their usual business. Plans to meet at the library, occasional weekend hangouts and online calls. Everything was perfect for Ace until a certain day came to be.

Ace rushed to the library as soon as the school bell rang. All he wanted to do now was just spend time with Luna and eventually when he feels much more comfortable, he plans to confess again but that chance may take years for such an opportunity to arise.

'That's strange...Luna's not here yet.'

Surprisingly Ace was the first one at the library. Usually, in this situation, Luna would be waiting at the front since she finishes school much earlier than Ace. There was no message from Luna either indicating she would be late or is already inside the library. Assuming she might've gone inside to book a study room he went to look for her inside.

He checked the front desk and Luna was not there to make a booking. He checked the study rooms and there was no sign of her. He even went through the shelves with Luna's favourite authors she was not there at all.

Ace checked his phone and no messages from Luna. He sent a few messages telling her that he's here and wondered if she's running late or has a personal matter to return to.

No response.

'Is her phone dead...? I know I'm able to send her a message but she's not receiving them...'

To kill time Ace sat near the entrance inside the library, he would study for the high school entrance exam and read whatever novel Luna had recommended previously, he would check every thirty minutes if Luna got back to him and still... nothing.

Already it was dark and Ace still has not gotten a message from Luna. She did not appear at all today where she promised she would. Ace made several calls to her and would only get her voice mail. He assumed that Luna had a personal matter to attend to and had no time to let him know anything.

The next day. Ace had his phone in his hand at all times waiting for a notification to indicate that he has received a message from Luna. And still... no response from her.

He became deep in thought on why Luna would not talk to him at all. Did he really make things awkward between him and Luna? Did Luna perhaps lie to him? Perhaps Ace shouldn't have confessed at all.

These thoughts have been racing through his mind but knew that these possibilities are out of character for a girl like Luna.

'Why hasn't she gotten back to me yet...?'

Ace held his phone with a sad expression. He called her once again and nothing, no sign that she was even receiving the call in the first place. He decided to head to the library once again and if that didn't work he'll go home and try going to her school tomorrow.

To head to the library Ace had to go through the shopping district but noticed a small crowd in front of the electronics store. They all had their eyes on a giant plasma TV with the news channel on. Ace's eyes widened as he watched from the back.

The news headline read 'SUDDEN DISAPPEARANCE OF DA VINCI'S ACADEMY CLASS 2-3'. Every naive thought had been coursing through Ace's mind hoping that Luna was not one of the disappeared.

"22 students from class 2-3 from Da Vinci's Academy has disappeared yesterday Monday. Like all previous cases, they have disappeared leaving no trace behind. We have still yet to find out an explanation on why these disappearances have happened..." The news reporter had gone on and on about the disappearance. Leaving the crowd to talk about the event.

'It can't be... please. Luna predicted it would not happen anytime soon so why...'

"These are the photos of the disappeared. Please if you have seen any of them please notify the police immediately once you have located them."

'Please... this can't be true... I can't lose someone again...' He repeatedly pressed the call button on his phone on Luna's number until eventually.

Ace could not care less about the other students. All he cared about right now was if Luna was on that list or not. The news reporter said each student's name and showcased their school photo on the screen. Ace had tunnelled out every noise except for Luna's full name.

'Please... shut up... shut up...! SHUT UP...!'

"And finally... Luna Atlalune from class 2-3 has been confirmed one of the disappeared. If you have seen any of these students-"

The news reported eventually said her name showcasing her student photo on the screen causing Ace to drop on his knees, his eyes widened, his jaw dropped.

The bond he shared with Luna, the salvation he felt talking to her, all the memories he had made with her, he replayed it all in his mind. However, Luna is gone, with no explanation as to why. Ace slowly broke down once again from the inside that day.