THE CURSED LUNA
Chapter 52

Emily

pov

I felt the urge to hit the gym since it's been ages since my last visit. I can tell I'm gaining weight daily, and I sometimes wonder if my eating habits are to blame. I can't stand it anymore, especially since Tris has started complaining about it.

"Hey Tris, can you grab me two bottles of yogurt and three crackers? I want to take them to the office for lunch later," I said casually, not caring about what he might be thinking. "Emily, what did you say you wanted again?"

"Yogurt!" I snapped, feeling frustrated by his teasing. I rolled my eyes and stared out the window, avoiding his gaze. He chuckled softly, but I noticed and brushed it off. "Alright, I'll get those for you, but Emily, you really need to watch your weight; it's not good for you."

I felt a wave of defensiveness rise at Tris's remark, but deep down, I knew he was right. I had noticed the extra weight myself, and the worry on his face was hard to overlook.

"I get it, I get it," I sighed, facing him again. "That's why I'm trying to eat better, okay? Yogurt and crackers are a step up from junk food, right?"

Tris nodded, his face softening. "Absolutely, Em. I just want you to look after yourself. You've been under a lot of stress lately, and I don't want it to take a toll on your health."

I smiled wryly, grateful for his concern. "I'll do my best, Tris. I'm actually planning to hit the gym tonight after work."

Tris's eyes brightened. "That's awesome! I can join you if you'd like."

I paused for a moment before agreeing. "Yeah, that would be great. Thanks, Tris."

As Tris went out to get my lunch, I reflected on how my weight gain had impacted my self-esteem. I made a mental note to start monitoring my food and exercise, determined to get back on track.

The day flew by, and soon enough, Tris and I were stepping into the gym, greeted by the familiar sounds of weights clanking and lively music.

"Okay, let's get started," Tris said, flashing a grin at me.

I took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination. It was time to take charge of my health, and I was thankful to have Tris by my side for support.

I jumped to my feet and headed toward the wine cellar, briefly looking at the labels on the bottles. Suddenly, I felt a hand wrap around my waist, sending a shiver down my spine and leaving me unsure of how to react. "Tris?" "Yes, Emily?" He whispered softly into my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

I shut my eyes, my heart doing a little dance at the unexpected closeness. Tris's touch sent butterflies fluttering in my chest, and I couldn't help but ponder if this was crossing the line from just friends to something more. "What are you up to?" I stammered, attempting to sound composed while my insides were a chaotic mess.

Tris's grip tightened just a smidge, his fingers teasing the hem of my shirt. "Just making sure you don't take a tumble," he murmured, his lips barely brushing my earlobe.

A delightful shiver raced down my spine at that soft touch. I opened my eyes, my gaze wandering to the bottles in front of me, but my thoughts were miles away. Was Tris actually flirting with me?

I turned to him, our bodies a breath apart. His eyes were locked onto mine, sparkling with mischief, but there was something deeper there-something that made my heart race.

"Tris, I think I can manage the stairs without a bodyguard," I quipped, trying to keep it light even though the air was thick with tension.

Tris laughed, his hand lingering on my waist for just a moment before it fell away. "My bad, just a reflex," he shrugged.

But I knew better. The glint in his eyes said it all. I was left wondering if our friendship was teetering on the edge of something exciting. "Did you replace the wine you were hunting for?" Tris asked, shattering the silence.

I nodded, my throat feeling parched. "Yeah, I think I did."

As we made our way back upstairs, the bottle firmly in my grip, I couldn't shake the feeling that everything had changed between us.

We poured the wine in silence, the tension thick enough to cut. I handed Tris his glass, our fingers brushing for a heartbeat. "Thanks," he said, his gaze locking onto mine.

The connection was undeniable now. It felt like the air was buzzing with anticipation, just waiting to see what would unfold next.

"Tris, we have some tasks to tackle at the office, and you'll be the one behind the wheel. The truth is, I'm not in a good place to contribute much today, so all the responsibility and energy will be on your shoulders." Tris's face shifted to serious mode as he gave a nod. "Chill, Em. I've got this. What's up? You've been acting all weird this morning."

I paused, caught in a web of uncertainty about how much to spill. But Tris's genuine concern was like a warm hug, easing my tension.

"Honestly? I'm just feeling swamped. The weight gain, the gym grind, and now work... it's all crashing down on me. And your comment earlier..." I trailed off, heat creeping into my cheeks.

Tris's gaze softened. "Hey, I'm really sorry if I hurt your feelings. That was not my vibe at all. You know I'm here for you, right?"

I nodded, feeling thankful for his understanding.

"Let's just survive today, and then we'll tackle that never-ending to-do list together, cool?" Tris said, his voice dripping with reassurance.

As we made our way to the office, Tris took the reins, breezing through the morning chaos like a pro. His confidence was like a soothing balm for my frazzled nerves.

Throughout the day, Tris kept checking in on me, making sure I was holding it together. His thoughtfulness only made me more aware of the spark growing between us.