A Love Rekindled

Chapter 20

The sound of a knock echoed through the dorm room pulling Wednesday from the pages of her book. She sighed, her dark eyes darting to the door just as it creaked open to reveal Tyler standing there, a grin on his face.

"Where is she?" Tyler asked casually, his gaze sweeping the room as if expecting Enid to appear from the shadows.

"Hanging out with Yoko," Wednesday replied flatly, her voice devoid of interest as she turned her attention back to her book.

Tyler stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He nodded in acknowledgment, but the way he lingered made Wednesday narrow her eyes.

"What do you want?" she asked, her tone sharp and suspicious.

"I'm just bored, really," Tyler said, shrugging as he began wandering around the room.

His fingers traced the edges of Enid’s decorations, his curiosity piqued by the vibrant contrast to Wednesday’s minimalist side of the room.

"If boredom brought you here, surely you’ve hit rock bottom," Wednesday deadpanned, her gaze following him. "Where’s Ajax? Isn’t he usually your outlet for frivolous conversation?"

Tyler hesitated, his hand pausing on one of Enid’s colorful trinkets.

"He’s… with his friends," he said vaguely, avoiding her piercing stare.

"And yet you’re here." Wednesday’s tone sharpened. She closed her book, placing it on the desk beside her. "Something else is bothering you. Spit it out."

Tyler sighed heavily and sat down on the edge of Wednesday's bed, his shoulders slumping.

"He’s been distant lately," he admitted, his voice tinged with frustration and a hint of sadness.

Wednesday leaned back in her chair, steepling her fingers in front of her as she studied him.

"I warned you," she said, her tone blunt.

"I know, I know," Tyler muttered, running a hand through his hair. "But I thought things would get better. That he’d—" He paused, searching for the right words. "—that he’d change. For me. For us."

Wednesday tilted her head, her expression unreadable.

"Change is a rare and often futile pursuit," she said factly. "Do you want me to murder him? It would be quicker and far less tedious."

Tyler blinked, caught off guard by her suggestion. Then he laughed, shaking his head. "No, don’t do that."

"A shame," Wednesday replied, her voice laced with mock disappointment. "Then you’re left with the only sensible option, confront him. Though my offer still stands."

Tyler chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.

"I’ll talk to him," he said as he stood, making his way to the door. "And, seriously, no killing."

"No promises," Wednesday muttered under her breath as she reopened her book, her focus already returning to the written words.

Tyler shook his head with a small smile and left the room, closing the door softly behind him. Wednesday allowed herself a moment of silence before diving back into her book, a faint smirk lingering on her lips.
__________

The bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Students began packing their things, chatting and shuffling out of the room.

Wednesday quietly slid her notebook and pen into her bag, her eyes catching movement near the corner of the classroom.

Tyler had approached Ajax, and the two were deep in conversation. Their expressions were serious, but Wednesday noticed a few tentative smiles exchanged between them.