THE CURSED LUNA

Tris pov

I observed her as she slept peacefully, her legs tucked into the duvet while the rain pattered softly against the roof, creating a soothing melody that lulled her deeper into slumber. I cautiously moved my hand to the sole of her foot, tracing the fine hairs on her skin. It was clear that Emily was not yet awake.

Suddenly, she broke the silence with a question that caught me off guard. "Hmm... What are you doing?" My heart raced with a flurry of thoughts.

"Hey, why did you do that? You scared me," I managed to stammer, my voice trembling with anxiety. She had no idea that I had been gently massaging her leg before her unexpected interruption sent a jolt of fear through me. Emily's eyes narrowed, her gaze sharp in the dim light of the room. "You were staring at me, and... and touching me," she accused, her tone a blend of fear and irritation.

I swallowed hard, striving to steady my racing heart. "I-I was just checking to see if you were alright," I replied, attempting to minimize the gravity of the situation.

Emily remained unconvinced. "At my foot?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow.

I faltered, uncertain of how to clarify my actions. "I... I thought you were asleep. I was merely giving your leg a gentle massage. You appeared tense," I explained, trying to sound persuasive.

The ensuing silence was palpable. Emily's gaze remained fixed on mine, as if she were searching for sincerity. Gradually, her expression softened, and she sat up, the duvet slipping down her form. "Next time, please ask before you touch me, alright?" she said, her tone now more gentle.

I quickly nodded, a wave of relief enveloping me. "I apologize. I did not intend to frighten you."

Emily held my gaze for a moment longer before diverting her eyes, her hair cascading down like a veil between us. "It's alright. Just... exercise more caution next time."

The atmosphere in the room lightened, giving way to an uncomfortable silence. I cleared my throat, attempting to ease the moment. "Would you... like me to prepare some tea or something similar?" Emily nodded, a slight smile gracing her face. "Yes, that would be lovely."

As I rose to get dressed, I contemplated making coffee instead, hoping to make amends with her over a warm cup. However, I was hesitant to provoke any further irritation. She had seemed quite serious when she noticed my touch. I turned to her with a smile, adjusting my dress. Should I add some crackers?

Emily's demeanor softened as she observed me, her gaze lingering on my smile. "Yes, crackers would be wonderful," she replied, her tone now infused with a touch of warmth.

I nodded, feeling a renewed sense of relief. Perhaps this was a chance to alleviate the tension. "What type would you prefer? We have wheat things or..."

"Surprise me," Emily interjected, a subtle smile dancing on her lips.

I smiled softly as I made my way to the kitchen to prepare our snack. While I focused on brewing the tea and arranging the crackers, I found myself glancing at Emily. She was now sitting upright, her hair slightly disheveled, and her attention absorbed by her phone.

What thoughts occupy her mind? Was she still feeling upset? I pondered.

Upon returning with the tray, our eyes met, and for a brief moment, we simply regarded one another. The atmosphere was charged with unexpressed inquiries.

"Here you are," I said, breaking the stillness as I handed her the cup and saucer.

Emily took a sip, her eyes fluttering shut in appreciation. "This is perfect," she murmured.

I settled beside her, extending the plate of crackers. "I truly apologize for what happened earlier," I said, my voice barely audible.

Emily opened her eyes, her gaze steady on mine. "I understand," she replied gently. "I may have overreacted."

Her straightforward apology caught me off guard. "No, I should have inquired first," I countered.

As she reached for a cracker, her fingers brushed against mine, igniting a spark within me.

"Let's just move past it, shall we?" she proposed, her eyes glimmering.

I acknowledged her presence with a nod, overwhelmed by a sense of appreciation. My gaze remained fixed on her as I blinked repeatedly, captivated by her smile. She was preoccupied with her crackers and coffee, her beauty and innocent demeanor overshadowing the anxiety that stirred within me.

The sound of Emily's laughter resonated throughout the room as she attempted to balance the cracker and cup, her eyes sparkling with delight. I found myself entranced by her untroubled moment.

As I continued to observe her, my mind began to explore the enigma that surrounded her. What lay hidden beneath her calm exterior? What secrets might she conceal?

When Emily's eyes met mine, our gazes intertwined for a fleeting moment. Her smile wavered, and she averted her gaze, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.

"Hey," I spoke gently, wishing to maintain the enchanting atmosphere. "Are you alright?"

Emily nodded, her response barely above a whisper. "Yeah."

The ensuing silence was laden with unspoken tension. Tentatively, I reached out and delicately tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Emily's gaze returned to mine, her pupils widening. For a brief moment, it felt as though time had frozen.

She then leaned closer to my touch, her face mere inches from my own. "Thank you," she murmured softly.

My heart raced. Was this merely an expression of gratitude, or did it signify something deeper?

As I searched her eyes, Emily's face inched nearer, her lips almost brushing against mine.

Our lips hovered, the atmosphere charged with expectation. I could feel the warmth of Emily's breath against my skin, sending tingles throughout my body.

Just as our lips were on the verge of contact, Emily withdrew, her eyes reflecting uncertainty. "I... I shouldn't have done that," she faltered.

I leaned back, attempting to comprehend the moment that had nearly transpired. "No, it's alright," I assured her. "I wanted to."

Emily's eyes searched mine, as if looking for permission to delve into this unexpected bond.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, breaking the spell of intimacy. Emily hesitated before answering.

"Hey, what's the issue?" she asked, her expression serious and focused, while I maintained my gaze to discern the situation.

Her brow furrowed as she listened intently to the call. Abruptly, she stood up. "I have to go."

"Where are you headed?"