i think noah also like jake deep inside but didn't discover his feelings yet or maybe trying to be indifferent to his own feelings for the sake of their friendship as he doesn't know the feelings are mutual...

Ace.. this is not choosing Hera over friends.. this is doing right from wrong..

i think there is some conspiracy in noel's attitude... he is trying to provoke ace by coming closer to hera and planning against ace... there is something between them..