THE CURSED LUNA

Tristan pov

I agreed to accompany Emily to the playground, as she was enthusiastic about spending time there with the children she had grown fond of.

As I was still packing some chocolate and orange juice, I heard the door creak open. I paused to determine who might have entered without knocking. "Who's there?" I inquired softly, my tone rising as I prepared for the worst.

"It's me, Emily. Were you expecting someone?" she replied with her sweet, high-pitched voice. I turned to her, momentarily taken aback by her radiant smile, which caused me to halt in my tracks and gaze at her intently. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

She laughed lightly, counting her steps as she playfully poked my stomach, making me giggle. I stepped back, holding the pack of chocolate.

"Chocolate!" she exclaimed, her excitement infectious.

"Can I have one? Please, Tris?"

"No, Emily, it's not for you; it's for someone special," I said, turning to walk away.

"Someone special? Do you have someone more important than me, Tris?" she asked, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity.

I stopped in my tracks, feeling a pang of guilt for making Emily feel like she wasn't important. "No, Emily, it's not like that," I said, turning back to her. "I just promised someone else I'd bring them some chocolate, that's all." Emily's expression softened, and she nodded understandingly. "Oh, okay. I get it. You have a secret friend, huh?"

I chuckled, feeling a bit relieved. "Something like that."

Emily's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Well, can I meet this secret friend?"

I could detect a hint of jealousy in her tone; doesn't that suggest she has feelings for me?

I can't, Emily; we need to focus on preparing for the playground activities, I replied in a composed manner. I anticipated her refusal to go. I can't go to the playground; my plans have changed, which is why I'm here, she said tersely, turning to leave.

I chose to ignore her without calling her back. The door isn't going to open for you, I scoffed, my hands carefully rummaging through the fridge, feeling the chill against my skin. She grasped the doorknob, twisting it repeatedly, but it was futile; it wouldn't budge.

"Tris, I have important matters to attend to at the office," she growled in frustration, glaring at me with her eyes rolling in exasperation.

"I can't let you leave, sweetheart; I have important things to discuss with you as well," I blurted out, grabbing a kitchen towel and squeezing it to dry my hands.

"What do you mean by that, Tris?"

"Nothing!" I gestured for her to come closer, her body pressing against mine.

"What..." she began to say when I interrupted her.

"Shhh... you're not allowed to talk, Emily. Let's create our own playground right here," I whispered in her ear, my breath brushing against her hair as I gently tucked a strand behind her ear.

Emily's eyes widened in astonishment as she attempted to retreat, but I kept her firmly in place. "Tris, what are you doing?" she murmured, her voice quivering slightly.

I flashed a smile, my heart pounding with exhilaration. "I'm building our own playground, remember?"

Her cheeks flushed, and she made an effort to push me away, but I held my ground. "Tris, please stop. This isn't amusing."

I leaned in closer, my lips nearly touching her ear. "Oh, I'm only just beginning."

In an instant, Emily's demeanor shifted, and she gazed up at me with a spark of intrigue. "What are you planning, Tris?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

I beamed, feeling a surge of anticipation. "Let's just say it will be a playground unlike any other."

With that, I lifted Emily off her feet, carrying her toward the living room, eager to create our own hidden playground, away from the prying eyes of the outside world.

She fought to escape, but I remained resolute, committed to bringing her in, as it was her long-held desire. I positioned her on the mattress and then stepped back.

"So, do you want to know who owns that chocolate?" I inquired, but she crossed her arms, still upset about being carried to the bedroom. "I apologized for lifting her, but I assured her that the chocolate was meant for her."Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

Emily's demeanor softened a bit; although her arms remained crossed, her eyes sparkled with intrigue. "So, who is the chocolate intended for?" she inquired, her tone still tinged with a trace of defiance.

I felt a wave of relief as I noticed her easing up. "It's for you, Emily. Remember, I promised you'd get some?"

Her expression brightened, and she uncrossed her arms, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "Really? I thought you were just joking with me earlier!"

I laughed, feeling a sense of ease envelop me. "I was merely trying to create a little suspense. I knew you would be thrilled."

Emily eagerly grabbed the chocolate, tearing open the wrapper and quickly tasting a piece. Her eyes fluttered shut in delight as she enjoyed the flavor.

"Thank you, Tris," she said, her words slightly muffled by the treat. "This is the best surprise I've ever had."

I beamed, pleased to have brightened her day. Yet, as I watched her, I came to the realization that my feelings for her had deepened beyond mere friendship. I was falling for her, and I was uncertain how to navigate those emotions. "Tris, come here; you truly deserve a warm embrace," she said with a radiant smile. I was taken by surprise that she brought it up. With a heart full of peace and joy, I rushed to the bed and enveloped her in a tight hug.

As I held her close, I felt a sense of comfort and tranquility wash over me. Emily's arms wrapped around me, holding me tight, and I felt like I was home. We stood there for a moment, swaying gently, our hearts beating as one. "I'm so glad we have each other, Tris," Emily whispered, her voice barely audible.

I smiled, feeling a sense of contentment. "Me too, Emily. Me too."