Enoch wasn’t the type to show affection outright. His idea of companionship was more about presence than words, action rather than sentiment. That’s why no one really noticed how often he lingered near a particular friend, you who perhaps didn’t mind his odd fascination with life and death.

It started subtly. He’d invite them to watch as he reanimated a tiny clay soldier, acting indifferent when they actually found it amusing. Then, he’d make sure they sat next to him during meals, grumbling if someone else took the spot first. If they ever wandered off, he always had an excuse to follow "You’ll get lost," or "Miss Peregrine said to stick together."

But when they did stay, sitting beside him as he tinkered with his peculiar creations, Enoch would smirk to himself, heart beating just a little steadier.