The next day, sunlight filtered through Nevermore Academy's gothic arches onto the Quad, where students lounged on weathered stone benches. Aleksander sat cross-legged on the grass, sketching ravens in his notebook, while Wednesday perched rigidly beside him like a gargoyle come to life.
Enid sprawled out nearby, scrolling through her phone with manicured claws half-extended, her pink streaks catching the light.
Enid suddenly sat up, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Okay, spill, Aleksander. Rave'N is literally tomorrow. You going with anyone? Like, got a date or what?"
Wednesday's head snapped up from her book—The Philosophy of Schadenfreude—her dark eyes narrowing like twin voids. She didn't say a word, but her fingers tightened around the spine, knuckles whitening.
Aleksander glanced between them, his expression calm but alert. "No one asked me."
Enid's face lit up like a full moon, her grin wolfish. She leaned forward, practically bouncing. "Well, that's perfect because—"
Wednesday's glare sliced through the air like a guillotine blade, pinning Enid in place. No words, just that signature Addams death stare—unblinking, promising exquisite torment.
Enid froze mid-sentence, her enthusiasm deflating. Their eyes locked in a silent standoff:
Enid's wide-eyed telepathy: "Dude, back off! He's mine to claim first!"
Wednesday's icy retort, mouthed like a curse: "Touch him and I'll bury you under the quad. Literally."
Enid blinked rapidly, then forced a laugh that came out too high-pitched. "Uh, never mind! Gotta... check on room decor! C'mon, Wednesday, wolfpack business!"
She grabbed Wednesday's arm, yanking her up with surprising strength.
Wednesday resisted for a split second, shooting Aleksander one last inscrutable look before allowing herself to be dragged away.
Aleksander watched them go, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. He'd sensed it all—their tangled emotions swirling like storm clouds: Enid's giddy anticipation laced with jealousy, Wednesday's rare flicker of vulnerability masked as possession.
Enid dragged Wednesday to the edge of the Quad, near a cluster of ivy-covered pillars, away from prying eyes. She crossed her arms and faced her roommate."Come on, drop the ice queen act,"Enid said. "I can tell you like Aleksander. Same way I do."
Wednesday stared straight ahead, her face blank. "You're delusional. I tolerate him at best. Emotions are a distraction."
Enid rolled her eyes. "Please. That glare back there? Total jealousy. You've been sitting closer to him lately. And don't think I missed you perking up when I asked about the Rave'N."
Wednesday's jaw tightened. "It's survival instinct. He's useful."
Enid stepped closer, voice softening. "Wednesday, you're not fooling anyone—least of all me. You like him. Why fight it?"
A pause. Wednesday's eyes flicked away. "If I let this in... I'll end up like her. My mother. All drama and weakness disguised as passion. I'd rather dissect my own heart."
Enid put a hand on her shoulder. "You're not your mom. Liking someone doesn't make you weak. It just makes you... human. Or whatever we are."
Wednesday didn't pull away. She exhaled slowly. "Perhaps. But if you ask him first, I'll make sure your claws never grow back."
Enid laughed. "Deal. But we both know who'd win that fight."
Enid looped her arm through Wednesday's and marched them back to Aleksander, who was still sketching on the grass.
"Hey, Aleksander," Enid said with a big smile. "Rave'N tomorrow. Go with us?"
Aleksander looked up. "Us?"
"Yeah," Enid nodded. "Me and Wednesday. As your partners. Triple date vibe, no drama."
Wednesday stood silent, arms crossed, but didn't argue.
Aleksander raised an eyebrow. "Both of you? Interesting."
Enid grinned. "Say yes. It'll be fun."