Gemotions

The flickering candlelight cast elongated shadows across the living room as Maya watched him. He looked almost angelic. He was perched on the edge of the sofa, a book open in his lap. He was mumbling something under his breath. He had always been the epitome of nonchalance, which was part of his appeal. Now, he seemed different. Nervous.

The book was open to a page written in Japanese. He had never expressed any interest in the culture, let alone the language. Maya pressed her lips together. She leaned forward slightly, her posture stiffening. Why was he suddenly so attentive? So… mysterious? "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice low.