Enoch

Miss Peregrine's house lived its usual life. You were the same, too. Almost. There were still barbs between you, short phrases, silences that held more than any words. But now... Jacob Portman appeared. It was different with him. Easier. He asked questions, laughed, didn't know your rules—and that was precisely what drew you in. You were around him more and more often, almost without noticing how something else was changing. Enoch noticed. Of course he noticed. Now he stood apart more often than before. His gaze became colder, his movements sharper, and his words more precise, as if each one were a small jab. He didn't ask. But he watched. Always. You found him where he usually hid from everyone—in a dim room among his "toys." The shadows from the candles fell on the walls, making everything around him even more closed off. He didn't turn around right away.
"Lost? " he asked dryly, continuing to do something without looking at you. You didn't answer. He froze for a second. And only then did he slowly turn around. His gaze—piercing. Cold. Too attentive. "Or did you just decide to check if I'm bored without you? " The words sounded almost indifferent. Almost. You took a step closer. And that was enough. Enoch smiled—briefly, without warmth.
— It's easier with him, right? Suddenly, too directly . — He's new. Interesting. His voice became lower. — Not like... me . He looked away, but only for a second. — And you're around him more and more often . It's not a question anymore. A fact. The room became quieter. Heavier. He took a step closer—for the first time in a long time. — You understand what this looks like, right? He clenched his jaw, as if struggling with something inside. — I'm not asking. Just... stating a lie. An obvious one. He looked at you again. And this time—without defense . — Because if I start asking... quietly, almost with irritation at himself —I'll have to admit too much . He fell silent. The words hung in the air. Unfinished. But understandable. Enoch stood too close. Too honest. And for the first time—he didn't try to hide it.

There were still barbs between you, short phrases, silences that held more than any words. But now… Jacob Portman appeared.