less"Thanks, Wednesday," said Eugene, scratching his head with a bit of embarrassment.
"Don't thank me. You're pathetic too. You need to train more and not just rely on your psychic powers. Lose that belly a little," said Wednesday without a hint of mercy.
"I-I will!" said Eugene, as he walked away to get some water and cool off.
"Why do you defend him?" Luke asked.
"He reminds me of my brother. Though without the constant urge to strangle him," Wednesday replied.
Luke already knew that Wednesday had joined the beekeeping club, and the only other member was Eugene. The three people closest to her at Nevermore were: Luke, Enid, and Eugene.
In the second round, Luke and Wednesday advanced without difficulty. The surprise for Luke was that Enid lost to one of the werewolf students who had mocked Eugene.
"Are you okay?" Luke asked, approaching Enid as she took off her helmet and rubbed her shoulder in discomfort.
"Yeah... just a little sore," Enid said with a smile to show that nothing was wrong.
"Are you sure?" Luke asked. He noticed dark circles under Enid's eyes, and her complexion seemed paler than usual.
"Yeah, it's nothing," Enid said, losing consciousness for a few seconds. Luckily, Luke was nearby and caught her.
"Enid! Are you okay?" Yoko asked, noticing her friend losing consciousness.
"I just feel a little dizzy," said Enid, leaning on Luke and touching her head.
"Your expression doesn't look good. Go to the infirmary," said Professor Vlad, approaching them.
"I'll take her," said Divina, who had lost her match. Professor Vlad nodded, and the two girls left the gym.
"She's been coming to the dorm late these last few days," said Wednesday, noticing Luke's worried expression.
'Coming in late?' Luke thought, concerned. Maybe Enid was pushing herself too hard with training, and that wasn't good.
The third round began. From this point on, there was one fight at a time, observed by the whole class.
There were eight participants left. Wednesday had to face one of the werewolves who had mocked Eugene. Not the one who beat Enid, the other one.
"Your boyfriend can't protect you here," the werewolf whispered to Wednesday as he passed her on his way to the far end of the track.
'Boyfriend?' thought Wednesday, raising an eyebrow as she made her way to the other end of the track.
The only person who could fit that category would be Luke. He was the first guy that came to her mind. What she didn't like at all was that he said she needed protection. She should teach this werewolf that she doesn't need anyone's protection.
"En garde," said Professor Vlad, and both participants put on their helmets and took their stances.
"Begin!"
Wednesday launched herself into the attack. This time, she was much more aggressive than in her previous fights. Her opponent was shocked by her ferocity and barely managed to defend himself.
Even though, as a werewolf, his physical strength was superior, Wednesday's technique was flawless. The werewolf couldn't do anything; Wednesday was reading his moves, and in less than two minutes, the fight was over.
"Winner: Wednesday Addams!" announced Professor Vlad.
"I don't need Luke's protection to defeat someone so weak and pathetic," said Wednesday, taking off her helmet and looking at the werewolf with disdain. Without another word, she turned and walked back to Luke's side.
'Wait. Why didn't I deny his false statement?' Wednesday thought, staring at the wooden floor with confusion on her face.
"Next up: Luke Poe vs. Evan Smith!" said Professor Vlad, and both students headed to the track.
Luke glanced at Evan with an icy stare. This was the guy who beat Enid and left her shoulder hurting. He should teach him a lesson.
Evan felt a chill run down his spine as he noticed Luke's gaze. Should he surrender? He considered it, but that would make him look like a coward. A werewolf afraid of a psychic who can't even use his telekinesis.
'He's angry,' thought Wednesday, noticing Luke's expression as he put on his helmet. She had seen that same look the day they fought with the normies at Pilgrim World.
This time, however, she could understand the reason for Luke's anger, as the person he was facing had hurt his ex-girlfriend. In Pilgrim World, she hadn't understood Luke's sudden change during the fight with the normies.
At first, Luke had laughed at the normies and seemed relaxed, but when she regained consciousness, his relaxed attitude had shifted to one of true rage. Why? She didn't know.
"Begin!" Professor Vlad exclaimed.
Luke launched himself at his opponent. He dominated Evan with perfect precision. It didn't matter what attack Evan made; it was as if Luke knew exactly how he would strike. He could dodge or block effortlessly, thanks to his observation haki. The fight felt like child's play to Luke. In just two minutes, he scored enough points for victory.
Professor Vlad raised his hand to declare the end of the match, but Luke didn't stop. He advanced toward Evan and began attacking him with numerous quick and powerful thrusts, all aimed at the weak points of the body—points he knew very well thanks to Natasha.
Evan staggered backward, dazed and confused. Luke's second thrust struck the hand holding his sword, leaving him defenseless. He fell to the ground as Luke continued to strike him.
Luke's brutality toward Evan unfolded in a matter of seconds. The students watched the beating in shock, frozen as Evan's anguished screams echoed through the gym.
"Where's your superior strength now, huh? Werewolf!" shouted Luke, increasing the intensity of his blows. He must have pulled out the tip of his sword to cause more damage, but he couldn't turn back time now.
"Stop, Luke!" yelled Professor Vlad, running to separate him.
The professor had to physically pull Luke away to make him stop. As Luke returned to a calm state, he removed his helmet and looked at Evan with satisfaction.
"Your behavior is unacceptable! You are disqualified," Professor Vlad exclaimed, his voice booming through the large hall.
"Go back with the others. You will observe the rest of the matches in silence," he added, and Luke nodded without saying a word. The fact that the professor hadn't punished him further was good, so Luke didn't argue about his disqualification.
Luke returned to Wednesday's side, feeling the eyes of the entire class on him. They stopped watching him discreetly when the next match began: Bianca vs. Yoko.
"You should learn to control your anger better," Wednesday commented while watching Bianca and Yoko's fight.
"In this case, there was no need. I don't care about the tournament," Luke replied with a calm expression.
"What if you face a stronger opponent? Your anger will only cloud your judgment and make you prone to mistakes," said Wednesday.
"You're confusing something," Luke said.
"What?"
"It's not anger. It's ferocity," Luke responded, leaving Wednesday silent.
Ferocity wasn't the same as anger. Ferocity was brutality, a quality that implied controlled aggression, and a relentless focus. A fierce fighter could use every opening in their opponent's defense to strike mercilessly but with a clear goal and control over their actions. Very different from anger.
Recalling Luke's fight, Wednesday concluded that his moves had always been calculated, never impulsive. To the observer, it might have seemed that Luke was angry—and it wasn't entirely false. He was angry, but he didn't let that anger control him. Instead, he transformed it into ferocity, crushing his opponent in a relentless and controlled manner.
Bianca won the match against Yoko, though it had been a very close battle. The final match was Nick (a green-aura psychic) versus a vampire from Yoko's group. Vampires also had bodies superior to those of psychics, not to mention green-aura psychics.
Nick won against the vampire with ease. Even though he didn't use his green aura actively, it had already enhanced his physical abilities, and that enhancement was permanent. As a result, he could compete with a werewolf in strength and win—as long as the werewolf didn't transform. He wasn't at a high enough level yet to match the strength of a transformed werewolf.
The first semifinal would be Wednesday Addams vs. Bianca Barclay. The second would be Nick vs. Evan. But in Evan's current state, he couldn't win. He would only receive another beating and a bit more suffering.
'Wednesday versus Bianca...' thought Luke, remembering that this fight had happened in the series, although the circumstances were different. The result had been Bianca's victory.
"Hey, psycho. I wonder if you're as crazy as Luke. Both of you are equally psychotic. You make a cute couple, don't you?" said Bianca with a mocking smile, watching Wednesday's blank expression.
'This again,' thought Wednesday. Why did everyone keep calling her and Luke a couple?
"Let me remind you that psycho saved your life. If you ask me, I would have let that Hyde rip your head off," said Wednesday with a cold expression. She wouldn't have been so kind as to save Bianca and the others, even if she could have.
'I know who's crazier,' thought Bianca with a grimace. She didn't like to remember that night when she had been paralyzed with fear as the Hyde ran towards their group.
"En garde... Begin!" shouted Professor Vlad.
The match started, and so far, it was the most evenly matched and competitive of all. Bianca had flawless technique, just like Wednesday. The problem was that Wednesday was at a clear disadvantage. She was facing a siren.
Siren tissue and bones are superior to those of a psychic. Essentially, all outcasts have better physical capabilities than psychics. Only a green-aura psychic can enhance their physical abilities to surpass the other outcasts, yet they remain the most powerful due to the incredible abilities their auras grant them.
Just like in the series, both earned a point. At the decisive moment, Wednesday suggested a military challenge: no helmets, no tips. Professor Vlad left the decision to Bianca, who ultimately agreed.
'That's a reckless move,' Luke thought, surprised by Wednesday's behavior. The goth girl should know that her fencing skills are on par with Bianca's, but her physical abilities, inferior to those of a siren, put her at a clear disadvantage.
With their technical skills being equal, the fight would be decided by two things: experience and physical capabilities (strength, speed, etc.). For Luke, the latter remained the most important, since this was a school tournament, not a fight to the death.
Wednesday might have more experience in life-or-death battles using her powers, but not in fencing matches. It was likely that Bianca had spent more time honing her fencing skills, given that Wednesday, being a multifaceted genius, probably devoted less time to this discipline.
In the end, it all played out like in the series. Bianca managed to land a cut on Wednesday's forehead, winning the match and advancing to the final.
"Oh, your blood is red. I thought it'd be black and white," Bianca said with a wide grin. Wednesday didn't say anything; she merely touched her forehead and observed her blood. It had been a long time since she last saw her blood.
"Winner: Bianca Barclay. Head to the infirmary, Addams," Professor Vlad instructed.
"Please, don't kill my ex-girlfriend, Luke," Xavier said with a strange smile.
"Why do you say that?" Luke asked, stopping his intense gaze at Bianca.
"You had the same expression as when you were watching the werewolf guy who beat and hurt Enid," Xavier replied, and Ajax nodded.
'Really?' Luke thought, surprised. He hadn't noticed that. It was odd... He was in love with Enid. As for Wednesday... Before he could continue thinking about it, he saw Wednesday grab her bag and leave the gym, so he decided to follow her.
"I told you," Ajax said, watching Luke chase after Wednesday.
"What?" Xavier asked, confused.
"That Luke would like a girl like Wednesday," Ajax explained, and Xavier recalled his old conversation with Ajax about the girls Luke liked.
The fencing tournament ended for Luke and Wednesday. To almost everyone's surprise, neither of them made it to the final.
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less"Requesting a military challenge was not a smart move. By the first two points, you should have realized that Bianca's swordsmanship is similar to yours. Adding to that her superior physique and the fact that you can't use your powers, it was a reckless decision," said Luke, approaching Wednesday, walking quickly toward the infirmary with a rarely seen expression on her face.
"I don't need your lecture, Luke. I know," said Wednesday impatiently, without looking at Luke and walking even faster.
"Then, why did you do it?" Luke asked, quickening his pace so he wouldn't fall behind. It was the first time he had seen Wednesday angry in any way. It seemed she didn't like losing.
'I did it because of you,' Wednesday thought without responding.
Bianca's comment about Luke had bothered her. It annoyed her that Bianca was so ungrateful and called Luke a psychopath when he had saved her from Hyde.
Aside from losing, what irritated her most was that she got upset over a negative comment someone else had made about Luke. She wasn't like that. She didn't care if the other students insulted someone else, or so she thought.
Not receiving an answer, Luke decided to keep his mouth shut and followed Wednesday to the infirmary. It was his first time visiting Nevermore's infirmary.
Inside the infirmary, the first area was the reception. It looked like a typical medical office, with its desk, shelves filled with many books, and an examination bed for patients.
Then, there is another area separated by double doors, where there are many rows of beds with white sheets and privacy screens. This is where students need to rest and recover. Usually, in Nevermore, there are many injured students due to practice fights, such as fencing duels, the ones Luke had in his psychic powers class, etc.
"What are you guys doing here?" asked Divina, who had just come out of the second area. She was surprised to see Luke and Wednesday, who had blood on her forehead.
"We need the nurse. Is she here?" Luke asked.
"No. After attending to Enid, a girl from another class came saying they needed her help immediately in a classroom. It seems someone fainted, and it was safer for her to go there," Divina explained.
"Mm. Is Enid okay?" Luke asked, concerned. Wednesday went to sit on the examination bed to wait for the nurse.
"Yes, she's sleeping now. The nurse said it was just fatigue and exhaustion. With enough rest, she'll be fine. I'm going to class to inform the teacher. See you," said Divina, leaving the infirmary.
When Luke looked toward Wednesday, he noticed that she had pulled a white curtain, and he could no longer see her. Ten minutes later, she retracted the curtain and changed from her fencing uniform to her Nevermore uniform.
A long-sleeved white shirt buttoned to the collar with a black tie. Over the shirt, a fitted black vest. On the lower half, her usual black skirt.
"Do you mind if I change?" Luke asked, pointing to the bed with the curtain. He had also brought his bag with his clothes and wanted to change.
Wednesday didn't say anything. She simply got up from her spot and sat in a chair against the wall. Five minutes later, Luke had changed. He was now wearing a white shirt with a tie and black pants. The nurse still hadn't arrived.
'She's very quiet,' Luke thought, looking at Wednesday, who was staring at the floor with her dark eyes.
"Do you want me to heal the cut?" Luke asked, and Wednesday looked up.
"Do you have the knowledge?" Wednesday asked.
"Yes," Luke replied. The cut wasn't deep or very big. Wednesday nodded. She trusted Luke's abilities and didn't want to keep waiting for the nurse.
The first thing Luke did was wash his hands with soap and water. With clean hands, he approached the bed.
"Come here," Luke said, patting the examination bed. It would be easier to heal her wound from there, as the height was better compared to the chair where Wednesday was sitting.
Wednesday got up from the chair and sat on the bed. Her gaze was now almost level with Luke's.
"May I touch your forehead? Your bangs are covering the wound," Luke asked, looking at Wednesday's face. He knew she didn't like physical contact, no matter how light it was.
"Go ahead, but be careful, blood is hard to clean," Wednesday said, nodding slightly. To heal the wound, someone had to touch her forehead, whether it was the nurse or Luke. She preferred the latter.
Luke stood in front of Wednesday, his hands steady yet gentle as he lifted her bangs to reveal the cut on her forehead. She showed no sign of pain, her face remained stoic.
"It's not too deep, but we need to clean it well. Let me," Luke murmured as he inspected the wound.
He went to a nearby cabinet, took out a first aid kit, and began preparing the supplies: gloves, gauze, antiseptic.
"I didn't expect you to be so efficient. Is this a hidden talent?" Wednesday asked with interest, watching Luke's actions.
Luke smiled slightly. "Having a photographic memory has its advantages," he said as he applied antiseptic to a piece of gauze and gently pressed it against the wound. Wednesday didn't react, except for a blink.
"Maybe we should injure ourselves more often to take advantage of your skills," Wednesday remarked.
"I'd rather be the one causing the wounds than receiving them," Luke said, and Wednesday nodded, sharing the same sentiment.
He then took an antibiotic ointment and began applying it. Once finished, he took a band-aid from the kit and carefully placed it over the cut on Wednesday's forehead.
'A few minutes ago, he was so ruthless against his opponent in fencing. And now, here, so careful and gentle. It's... intriguing. That duality,' Wednesday thought as she looked at Luke's face, which was very close to hers. She rarely saw this careful and delicate side of Luke, who was usually rude and had a tough demeanor. She had only seen him act this way with Enid, and now with her.
"All done," Luke said, making sure the band-aid was securely in place.
He noticed a gaze and lowered his eyes from Wednesday's forehead. The girl's dark, deep eyes were staring directly at him.
At that moment, Wednesday took the initiative. Without warning, she leaned forward slightly and kissed him. Luke was taken aback by the sudden move, but he didn't move from his spot.
He closed his eyes and savored the kiss. It would be dishonest to say he didn't have feelings for Wednesday. For months now, they had spent time together, solving the mystery and discussing topics they both had in common. He had realized how many similarities they shared.
The kiss was brief but intense. Luke enjoyed it as much as he could. For a long time, he had wondered what it would be like to kiss Wednesday's lips. Today, he finally knew.
After a few seconds, they parted and looked at each other. Luke noticed a subtle shine in Wednesday's eyes. Her expression remained stoic, and there was no blush, but something was different from her usual look.
Luke didn't know what to say. He knew anything he said could be used against him, and cheesy lines that worked with other girls wouldn't work here. So, he began tidying up the first aid kit. Wednesday stayed silent, still in the same spot.
Luke had never experienced such an odd moment after kissing a girl, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Both of them were like that. Neither would make a sappy comment.
"Did you have any visions about me? Am I destined for a horrible death or something like that?" Luke asked with a slight smile, putting the first aid kit back in the cabinet.
Wednesday's visions usually occurred when she touched an object or a person. Kissing would also count as touching.
"No. Maybe it should have lasted longer…" Wednesday replied.
Luke, who was facing away from Wednesday as he put away the first aid kit, raised an eyebrow—this was a clear insinuation. He turned and looked at Wednesday, who was watching him from the bed.
"We should make sure," Luke said, standing in front of her. This time, he took the initiative and kissed her. Wednesday accepted the kiss, closing her eyes.
The kiss was much longer, lasting almost two minutes. They both opened their eyes and pulled away. "Now?" Luke asked.
"Nothing. You'd notice, since I'd pass out," Wednesday replied, shaking her head. Her anger from the earlier loss to Bianca had vanished, leaving her confused by these new emotions.
"We could try for another minute," Luke suggested, leaning in again, but this time Wednesday stopped him.
"That's enough, Luke…" Wednesday said, standing up from the bed. She was at her limit. It had been her first kiss, and she had never experienced such intimate contact with another human in general. She enjoyed the kiss, which also troubled her, as she had always criticized human relationships.
Wednesday walked toward the exit, opened the door, and paused before leaving. Without turning around, she said, "We need to talk about the new murder tomorrow. Meet me at the cafeteria?"
"Yeah, sure. I'll find you at breakfast," Luke replied. It was a good sign that she still wanted to see him after this and wouldn't start ignoring or pushing him away.
Wednesday nodded and left the infirmary. Luke remained silent, staring at the floor as a deep feeling of guilt washed over him. Just one wall separated him from Enid, who was resting nearby.
'What did I do?' Luke thought, scratching his head as he walked toward the area where Enid was sleeping. It wasn't hard to find the bed where she lay. Seeing her face filled him with even more guilt, but his concern for her outweighed everything else, so he sat down and waited for her to wake up.
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lessEnid woke up and told Luke that she was fine. It was just fatigue and overtraining. Luke didn't inquire much further and let her rest peacefully. It's hard to look her in the face when just minutes ago, you kissed another girl. He went back to his room and collapsed onto his bed.
'Why did I kiss her again?' Luke thought, burying his face in his pillow.
The first kiss came from Wednesday. That was explainable, he couldn't do anything to dodge it, although he actually could, but it's better not to talk about that... The second one was completely his fault. He leaned in and kissed Wednesday. He even asked for a third round.
'Enid and I haven't gotten back together yet... It doesn't count as cheating, right?' Luke thought, trying to ease his guilt. Another thing that bothered him was that he couldn't stop thinking about Wednesday. It wasn't like with the other girls he had been with, who didn't affect him in the slightest. It was easy to forget them.
With Wednesday, he felt the same sensation as when he kissed Enid, though with its differences.
'Is it possible to be in love with two people?' Luke thought with a strange expression.
'No... I shouldn't rush. It might just be fleeting feelings. The girl I love is Enid,' Luke thought, getting up from the bed. It's strange for him to use such a cheesy word, but that's how he felt about Enid. Besides, the feeling was mutual.
With Wednesday, he didn't know. She's a shell, and it's a miracle they kissed, but talking about feelings? Luke considered that unlikely.
Most likely, she would isolate herself and wouldn't want to be controlled by her emotions. That's why she always avoided friends and relationships. Luke didn't know how their relationship would progress in the future, and the most probable outcome was that it wouldn't lead to anything. She would start ignoring him or something similar.
…
The next morning, Luke had breakfast with Wednesday to talk about the latest murder that occurred. The Hyde had obtained another mutilated part for the ritual. Fewer parts were left to gather, and Wednesday was likely the next target.
"We can't let him keep collecting parts for the ritual. We have to stop him," Wednesday said. As for the kiss from yesterday with Luke, she decided not to bring it up, and Luke didn't want to talk about it either.
"Yeah. The problem is that we can't leave Nevermore, and if we do get out, where would we even look?" Luke asked, taking a sip of his coffee. He knew where to look, and it was a bit exhausting having to pretend he didn't.
"The original pilgrim worship house. It was built in 1625, and the building we visited at Pilgrim World is inspired by that house. From what I've heard, it's in deplorable condition, but there might be something useful," Wednesday replied.
This was what Luke had been aiming for from the start. To lead Wednesday here, where Atlas, Sabrina, and the others were staying. Take pictures to gather evidence, and then go back. But he wasn't too thrilled to hear that Wednesday wanted to head there.
He felt like he was using her and manipulating her to get here. Why was he feeling this guilt again?
'Stupid feelings,' Luke thought with a grimace.
"Alright, we'll go there," Luke nodded. He would take his camera and get the best quality photos. He needed the evidence. He was at war with the Spellmans; he had to set his feelings aside.
"In three days, I have to go to therapy. I'll sneak out from my therapist's house, and we'll head to the original worship house. It's about 25km away from Jericho," Wednesday said with a plan in mind.
"That'll take time. They'll realize you're gone. How long can you take in the bathroom?" Luke asked.
"It doesn't matter. I don't care about the punishment. You could say you have a meeting with your editor. That way, they'll let you out," Wednesday said. Luke had already told her that he had gone to Jericho several times to meet with his editor, and the school allowed him to leave.
"I have a better idea," Luke said.
"What is it?"
"In two weeks, it's Outreach Day. It'll be much easier to sneak out that day. Besides, it's not that easy to fake a meeting with my editor," Luke responded.
Wednesday thought about it. She knew what Outreach Day meant. It's a day of awareness in Jericho. The students of Nevermore visit the town of Jericho and meet their normie neighbors.
It's meant to create a sense of community with the normies. To improve their relationship, the students help the citizens of Jericho with their businesses, like volunteer work.
"Alright, we'll do it that day," Wednesday said after a few seconds.
They'd have more time to sneak out, and it would be easier to blend in with so many students. Luke could use his mind control on a normie so they wouldn't be reported, and act as if they were always there working.
…
Three days later, as usual, Wednesday headed to the town of Jericho for her boring and useless therapy session with Dr. Valerie Kinbott. A normie and local therapist in the town.
As usual, she was driven to Jericho by Principal Weems in her car, and as usual, Weems wanted to chat with her about her life at Nevermore. Wednesday only responded with monosyllables to make her stop bothering her.
Upon arriving, Dr. Valerie opened the door and let her in. Wednesday sat on the white sofa and waited for Dr. Valerie to open her mouth and say the usual nonsense.
"Well, Wednesday. How was your week at Nevermore? Any interesting news? Any new friends?" Dr. Valerie asked with a slight, kind smile.
The progress she had made with this stubborn girl was minimal, but she didn't give up. It was her job to get her patients to open up and feel comfortable talking about their feelings and emotions.
The memory of kissing Luke came to Wednesday's mind. Maybe, for the first time, she could ask this therapist something. Although she doubted she could help her, there was no harm in asking.
Since that day, the thoughts she had about Luke had increased. She didn't like it. She needed to think logically and solve the mystery, not dwell on love and that kind of nonsense.
"How do I stop thinking about a person?" Wednesday asked.
"Oh…" Valerie said, surprised by the question. Was there someone capable of causing this?
"Why do you want to stop thinking about that person?" Valerie asked.
"It's affecting my routine. I can't do what I used to with the same ease because I'm constantly thinking about this person. Now tell me how," Wednesday demanded, expecting an answer.
"In your daily life, do you have constant thoughts about this person?" Valeri asked, and Wednesday nodded.
"Do you have a desire for proximity to this person?" Valeri continued, and Wednesday nodded again.
Wednesday was very good at controlling her feelings and emotions. She knew that lately, she wanted to be around Luke, whether in the cafeteria talking about the mystery or elsewhere discussing other topics where only he provided interesting insights.
"Do you feel a mix of nervousness and excitement when you're near this person?" Valeri asked.
'Why so many questions?' Wednesday thought.
"Not nervousness. But a mix of intriguing restlessness and disturbance," Wednesday replied, causing Dr. Valeri to give her a strange look.
"I see... Based on what you're telling me, you feel an attraction toward this person, am I right?" Valeri asked, and Wednesday said nothing. She had kissed Luke yesterday, so of course, she felt attracted to him.
"If that's the case, the symptoms you're experiencing are quite predictable," Valeri added.
"What?" Wednesday asked, growing impatient.
"You are in love," Valeri responded simply. A grimace formed on Wednesday's face. Her, in love?
"Let's assume your theory is true. How do I stop having these thoughts about this person?" Wednesday asked.
"It's easy," Valeri said with a slight smile.
"How?" Wednesday asked again.
"Remove him or her from your life. Stop seeing that person. Tell them not to seek you out anymore. That way, the feelings you have will gradually fade. Depending on the person, it might take more or less time," Valerie replied.
Wednesday was surprised by this answer. She had expected a lecture about accepting feelings, love, and all that nonsense—not this.
She imagined the next few days, weeks, or months at Nevermore without ever speaking to Luke again, cutting him out of her life. For some reason, she felt a pain in her chest. It felt both good and bad at the same time.
"If you don't want that, you can accept that person into your life. Are you afraid they'll change your routine and influence you? Just control your feelings and align them so that person becomes another gear in your life, another part of your routine. That way, you'll keep doing what you always do, with their addition," Valeri said with a smile.
'Another gear in my life? I didn't think this therapist would say something like that,' Wednesday thought, looking at Valeri's smile.
"As I said, just structure your life, your routine, or whatever with that person in it. If you already have so much interest and intrigue about that person, he or she should be part of your life. Just align it so that it doesn't affect your other habits. Besides, if you get along well, it'll just make a better version of yourself, won't it?" Valeri said, and Wednesday pondered.
She was right. Luke was already part of her life; she just needed to control her new routine and make sure it didn't influence the things she wanted to remain unchanged. On the other hand, she and Luke made a good team. She advanced much faster on the mystery, and when they fought together, they could defeat Hyde easily—something that would take much more effort if she acted alone.
"Was my advice helpful?" Valeri asked.
Wednesday looked at her. Her opinion of the normie therapist had increased. She hadn't expected useful advice. She had been bracing for the usual cheesy comments about accepting feelings and not wanting to control everything in life—typical hippie speech.
So far, it had been the most fruitful session she had ever had.
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