Beneath the surface || Wenclair

Chapter 5: uninvited feelings

The cool night air brushed against Enid's skin as she and Wednesday made their way to Xavier's dorm. The distant thrum of music and laughter grew louder with every step. Enid's nerves twisted tighter, the weight of Wednesday's presence beside her making every breath feel just a little heavier. She risked a glance at her roommate and nearly faltered.

Wednesday was wearing something unexpected—still black, but different from her usual strict attire. Tonight, she'd opted for a casual black sweater, sleeves slightly rolled up, paired with dark, slim pants. The casualness felt strange, almost jarring, yet somehow still utterly Wednesday. Her braids, which had been absent in their dorm earlier, were back in place, as if signaling a return to her sharp, detached self. And yet, something about the outfit felt... intimate, like Wednesday had dressed down just enough to slip into the crowd while still maintaining her edge.

Before they could knock, Xavier swung the door open, smiling in a way that made Enid suspicious. "Glad you could make it," he said, stepping aside. His eyes darted between them, a knowing look flickering in his gaze, as if he knew something Enid didn't. She resisted the urge to ask.

They entered the large, open space—Xavier's dorm, more like an apartment than a room, with enough space for a small gathering. The air was filled with music and the low hum of conversation.

Enid barely had time to take in her surroundings before someone offered her a drink. Normally, she'd decline—parties weren't really her thing—but the idea of numbing the constant pull she felt toward Wednesday seemed too tempting to pass up. Maybe a little buzz was exactly what she needed to dull her senses and get through the night.

With an almost reluctant sigh, she took the drink, watching out of the corner of her eye as Wednesday did the same. Only, instead of sipping it like Enid expected, Wednesday downed her shot in one swift motion, her expression entirely unfazed.

Enid blinked, surprise clear on her face. "Wednesday... I didn't think you drank."

Wednesday's eyes flicked toward her, one brow arching slightly. "I'm an Addams, Enid," she replied, her voice as steady as ever. "We don't do things halfway."

Enid couldn't help but smile despite herself. Of course, Wednesday would say something like that. But behind the amusement, there was an undeniable tug in her chest. The more time they spent together, the more she felt herself slipping. Every glance, every word, seemed to push her closer to the edge of her carefully maintained restraint.

As they moved deeper into the party, Enid could feel the heat of the room mixing with the warmth of the alcohol spreading through her body. People around them danced, talked, and laughed, but her focus was always on Wednesday. The way her eyes would narrow ever so slightly when someone tried to engage her in conversation, the sharpness in her movements as she dodged any unwanted interactions—it was as though the two of them were in their own world, even in the middle of the crowded room.

"Enid! Wednesday!" Yoko appeared, her usual sunglasses perched atop her head. "Didn't expect to see you two here. Wednesday, I thought parties were beneath you."

Wednesday regarded Yoko with a cool stare. "Normally, they are. But tonight is an exception."

Yoko smirked, looking between the two of them with obvious curiosity. "Right, well, don't let me keep you from... whatever this is."

As Yoko walked off, Enid felt her cheeks burn. She could sense Yoko's teasing glance from across the room, and it only made her more aware of how closely she was standing to Wednesday. She needed to get a grip.

But when she glanced at Wednesday, she found her roommate already watching her, those dark, unreadable eyes taking in every flicker of emotion that crossed her face.

"What?" Enid asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Wednesday didn't answer immediately. Instead, she reached for another drink, taking her time before finally speaking. "You've been... different lately," she said, her voice low enough that only Enid could hear.

Enid's heart raced. "Different how?"

Wednesday tilted her head slightly, her gaze unwavering. "Distant. Distracted. And yet... undeniably present."

Enid opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, Yoko's voice boomed over the crowd. "Alright, folks, time to play a game!" The crowd began to shuffle toward the living room, where a large circle was forming on the floor.

Enid's stomach twisted into knots. The last thing she needed right now was to play some stupid party game. But as they approached, her eyes widened in horror as Yoko pulled out an empty bottle, settling it at the center of the circle.

"Time to get this spinning, boys and girls," Yoko said with a grin.

Enid's heart dropped. Spin the bottle. With Wednesday. She had just walked into her own personal nightmare.