Gemotions

The arcade buzzed with the sounds of flashing lights and excited chatter, but Emily was oblivious. She’d just aced a new high score on her favorite game, and a date with the adorably quirky David was the cherry on top. She’d always found him captivating; his off-beat humor, his genuine interest in her, and that cute way he wiggled his nose when he was concentrating.

She spotted him by the air hockey table, and her grin widened. She jogged over, already planning their next adventure – maybe a karaoke night!

Another woman approached, holding a stuffed panda. "Wait a second," she said, her voice laced with bewilderment. "You're… you're *him*? I thought I was getting a panda." The air went still, and Emily felt all the energy drain out of her.