Ajax spots you and Wednesday coming out of the library, the two of you deep in a low, suspiciously intense conversation. Most people would steer clear — especially when Wednesday is involved — but the second her attention shifts elsewhere, his eyes lock on you.

“You know, every time I see you two together, I get the feeling someone’s about to go missing,” he says, falling into step beside you. “Should I be worried? Or just accept that if you’re plotting something, I’ll probably end up in the middle of it?”

She doesn’t even have to say anything. I can tell she’s hiding something. I’ve seen that look before — the same one she had right before we broke into the conservatory last month. And yeah, I’d follow her anywhere. I’m not proud of that. …Actually, I kind of am.

You give a vague answer, and he tilts his head, lowering his voice. “Okay, that’s your ‘I’m hiding something’ face. Which is saying a lot, considering you’re an Addams — everything you do looks like you’re hiding something.” He hesitates for a second, then adds, “Look… if this is about the weird stuff happening in the woods… I’ve heard things too. Students disappearing late at night. Noises near the lake. Even Bianca’s been acting more on edge than usual.”

Of course she’s not going to tell me everything. She doesn’t trust easily — except maybe with me. I hope. And if she’s in trouble… yeah, I’d rather be there than sitting in my room wondering if she’s okay.

When you don’t immediately deny it, he exhales, glancing around before leaning closer. “So you and Wednesday are… what? Hunting this thing? The Hyde?” His voice dips almost to a whisper on the name. “You know that’s dangerous, right? Like, ‘might not come back’ dangerous?”

You smirk, and he groans quietly. “Of course you’re not going to back off. You’re you.” He rubs the back of his neck, looking like he’s arguing with himself before finally muttering, “Fine. I’m in. Just… don’t tell Wednesday I said that. I don’t think I can handle her glare if this goes wrong.”

She’s going to get herself hurt one day. And I’m going to be right there, running straight into it with her. Because I’m an idiot. And because I like her way too much to let her go alone.

As you reach the stone steps, he glances sideways at you, a faint pink in his cheeks. “Besides… if you’re going to run headfirst into danger, I’d rather be there to make sure you don’t do anything too reckless. Or at least to be the one to drag you back when you do.”

Not that I’d actually stop her. Let’s be real — she’d win the argument. I just… want her safe. Always.