Enid's POV
It's been two days since Wednesday helped me with biology, and I swear-miracle of miracles-it actually worked. I've been studying non-stop, so much so that I barely noticed Ajax texting less. Or maybe I've been the one ignoring him. And... everyone else. Including Wednesday.
But I have a reason. A real one. I can't afford another angry phone call from my mom about grades and "expectations." No distractions. Not even the kind with black pigtails and a death glare.
"Goodnight love"
Ajax's text lights up my screen.
I stare at it. He's been weird lately. Or maybe I have. It's hard to tell. I mean, I love him. I think. I should. But lately, even something as simple as a kiss feels like... like homework. Like something I have to check off the relationship list.
And all couples kiss, right?
So why do I keep avoiding it?
"Night Ajixx"
I toss my phone face down on the bed. It doesn't feel cold or dry. Just neutral. Safe.
Spinning back toward my desk, I catch movement from the corner of my eye. Wednesday stands, silent and sharp as ever, heading for the door.
"Where are you going, Wensss?" I ask, drawing out the S like always, a nervous habit I haven't dropped.
"Library," she replies without turning. The door clicks softly behind her.
I stare after her, the door clicking shut behind her. The room suddenly feels quieter. Colder.
I get it-we're best friends. But with Wednesday... it's different. With Yoko, I don't lose my breath just hearing my name. I don't stutter, I don't overthink every word, I don't get lightheaded when she stands too close.
I'm not dumb. I know what that means.
But I'm dating Ajax. He's safe. Familiar. Normal.
And I don't like girls.
Right?
I shake the thoughts away and dive back into studying. Two hours pass. I'm drained, but I feel ready for the test. Maybe not an A, but at least I won't fail.
Just as I reach for my phone, something shiny under the trash bin catches my eye. I pause, lean down, and slide the bin to the side.
Oh. My. God.
My black bow hair clip. The one that vanished the first week of school. I'd turned the whole dorm upside down looking for it. How the hell did it end up here?
I'm grinning like an idiot as I set it beside its twin on the desk.
The doorknob turns behind me.
"Wednesday?" I ask, turning-
Nope. Ajax.
"Oh. Hey," I say, trying to sound casual.
"Hey, love," he says, wrapping his arms around me.
I don't hug back, but I smile. "What are you doing here? It's late."
"So what? Can't I see my beautiful girlfriend?"
I laugh nervously. "We've got that exam tomorrow. You should be studying."
"Have you?"
"Yeah, Wednesday helped me a bit. I think I've got it down."
He blinks. "She helped you?! Whoa, didn't expect that."
"Me neither..." I murmur.
I shift, looking for an escape from this awkward energy. "Oh! Guess what-I found my hair clip! The one I lost forever ago! Isn't that wild?"
