“How do you even know that? They really have been staring at me nonstop, whispering behind my back!” Vance blurted, stunned at how dead‑on Ashley’s guess was.

Ashley chuckled softly. Even with his usual fair skin, Vance already drew attention—now with the tan, it was impossible not to notice him. Suddenly, she grew curious, wanting to test something.

“Do you actually feel ugly with your tan?”

Vance gave a sheepish smile. “Not ugly, just… off. My mom didn’t even ...