The chat had been losing its mind for a week.

First, there was the faceless picture you posted from Los Angeles—a mirror selfie where Ace was unmistakable, his hand around your waist as the two of you shared a kiss. Your face was hidden just enough to keep everyone guessing.

The internet exploded.

"WHO IS SHE?"

"ACE FINALLY SOFT LAUNCHED?"

"BRO'S BEEN GATEKEEPING HIS GIRL."

Ace, of course, found every theory hilarious.

Now he was live, trying—and failing—to play a game while his chat spammed nothing but questions.

ACE: "Y'all have not asked me a single thing about the game for the last twenty minutes."

"SHOW US YOUR GIRL."

"WE KNOW THAT WAS YOU IN THE PHOTO."

"FREE HER FROM THE SECRET RELATIONSHIP."

Ace leaned back in his chair, laughing so hard he had to mute himself for a second.

ACE: "Free her? Y'all act like I'm holding her hostage."

Right on cue, your voice drifted in from the hallway.

YOU: "Are they bullying you again?"

The chat immediately exploded.

"THAT'S HER!"

"WE HEARD A GIRL!"

"ACE DON'T MUTE NOW!"

Ace covered his face, already smiling. "See? This is exactly why I didn't tell y'all anything."

You wandered into the room wearing one of his hoodies, completely unfazed by the thousands of viewers staring through the camera.

YOU: "Why're they yelling?"

ACE: "Because apparently I'm a criminal for having a girlfriend."

You snorted. "Sounds about right."

The chat flew by faster than either of you could read.

"FACE REVEAL!"

"KISS HER!"

"WE WAITED A WHOLE YEAR FOR THIS!"

Ace looked at you with a grin that was impossible to hide.

ACE: "...Should we?"

You shrugged dramatically. "Guess we've already committed."

He stood up, wrapped an arm around your waist, and pulled you close before pressing a quick, sweet kiss to your lips.

Silence.

For exactly one second.

Then the chat absolutely lost its mind.

"NO WAY!"

"HE ACTUALLY DID IT!"

"WE WON!"

You laughed into his shoulder while Ace looked back at the camera, shaking his head.

ACE: "Happy now?"

The answer came instantly.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT. WE NEED THE LORE."