Gemotions

He’d always imagined her voice differently. In his mind, it had been a melodic soprano, warm and inviting. The actual sound, a low alto, was… more. More nuanced, more grounded, and in the bustling coffee shop, somehow, even more intimate. He toyed with the sugar packets, their crinkled surfaces mirroring the nervous energy churning within him.

It had been so easy online. He could craft the perfect responses, edit his thoughts, present himself as the witty, charming version he aspired to be. Now, sitting across from Chloe, he was just… him. A slightly awkward, undeniably human him.

A blush crept up his neck, and he quickly looked away. He felt a sudden, inexplicable need to disappear into the anonymity of the crowd. This whole thing was a terrible idea, wasn't it? He suddenly longed for the comforting glow of his monitor.