“Ivan?” I ask.
“Probably shouldn’t be trusted.”
“You don’t even know him.”
“I know enough,” he says. “You really don’t see it.”
“See what?”
I have to tilt my head slightly to keep looking at him.
“That something’s off with him,” he says, quieter now. “And you’re just… standing next to him like it’s nothing.”
I let out a short, disbelieving laugh. “Since when do you care who I stand next to? You don’t know me either.”
“I’m just telling you to pay attention,” he says.
My grip tightens on the paper. “Fine.”
I drop my gaze back to the article, more to avoid looking at him than anything else.
Behind us, the door creaks and I turn.
Ivan is standing in the doorway, a stack of books clutched to his chest as he watches us.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
He shifts his grip on the books. “I… came to watch,” he says softly. “Again.”
Jax’s posture goes rigid.
“Ivan,” I say carefully. “I need privacy to practice, okay?”
“Oh.” His shoulders dip, face flushing. “Sorry. I—I didn’t mean—I just thought—” He stops mid-sentence when he seesthe clipping in my hand. He moves closer and his glasses slide slightly down his nose as he leans in.
“Is that…?” His voice lowers. “…her?”
Jax steps subtly between us. Ivan’s eyes dart from the picture… to Jax… to me—then the books slide out of his grip, his mind clearly somewhere else.
“I didn’t know you two were… talking,” he says, stepping over them.
“We’re friends,” Jax snaps.
Ivan barely reacts, his attention is already back on the clipping. “Can I see it?” he asks, holding out his hand.
I hesitate, then pass it to him.
Jax watches my hands like he wants to snatch it back.
Ivan scans it quickly. “This is—this is the same girl. This has to be the same girl.”
Jax doesn’t wait. “What stained your fingers?” he demands.
Ivan stiffens. “I told you! Silver nitrate.”
“You think I’m dumb?” Jax steps closer. “I might not be a straight A student, but I’m not stupid.”
Ivan backs up a little. “It was silver nitrate. I—I needed it for?—”
