Gemotions

She caught him staring again, he knew it. He flushed, pretending to be engrossed in his computer screen. The promotion, a coveted Senior Analyst position, was the only thing anyone in the office was talking about. He and Maria, his colleague, were the frontrunners.

He found himself constantly trying to outdo her, not just in work, but in every small interaction. He’d arrive earlier, leave later. He’d bring in the best coffee, always offering her a cup first. He’d jump to answer every question in meetings, hoping to impress, the thrill of her acknowledging his contributions, worth more than a bonus. He found he cared less about the promotion, and more about her approving glance.

The way her brow furrowed when she was thinking, the way her lips curved when she laughed—he was memorizing every detail, lost in a silent study of her.