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Chapter 36 - Chapter 35:Flustered Moonlight

**Ryan:** (nervously) "So, uh, how's your week been? Busy with work?"

**Emily:** (smirking) "You know me, always juggling a million things. But I did manage to squeeze in some downtime. How about you?"

**Ryan:** "Same here. Just trying to keep my head above water." (glances at her outfit) "You look… comfortable."

**Emily:** (playfully) "Is that a compliment or a distraction?"

**Ryan:** "Maybe a bit of both?" (swallows hard) "I mean, it's just… nice to see you relaxed."

**Emily's internal thoughts:** *Mira, focus! He's right there, and you're just sitting here in these shorts. What if he notices?*

**Mira:** *Relax, Em. He's not looking at you like that. Just breathe.*

**Ivy:** *Oh, please. He's definitely looking. Just look at the way he's fidgeting!*

**Remy:** (Swapping with Emily)"You know, Ryan, if you keep staring, you might just get caught. Just saying."

**Ryan:** (blushing) "I wasn't staring! Just… admiring the view."

**Emily:** (smirking) "Well, I hope it's a good view."

**Mira:** *Oh no, now he's flirting. What do we do?*

**Ivy:** *Let it happen! This could be fun!*

**Ryan:** "Definitely a good view." (heart racing) "So, what's next for you?"

**Emily:** (leaning in slightly) "Well, I was thinking of catching up on some shows. Want to join?"

**Ryan:** (heart pounding) "I'd love that. But, uh, what are we watching?"

**Emily:** (playfully biting her lip) "Something light, or maybe something a little… steamy?"

**Ryan:** (gulping) "Steamy sounds good. I mean, as long as it's not too distracting."

**Emily's internal thoughts:** *Mira, this is getting intense. What if he leans closer?*

**Mira:** *Just go with it, Em. You can handle this.*

**Ivy:** *Oh, this is getting good!*

**Remy:** (grinning) "You two are practically radiating heat. Just saying."

**Ryan:** (nervously laughing) "Yeah, well, it's just… cozy in here."

**Emily:** (smirking) "Cozy, huh? Or is it just us?"

**Suddenly, the door swings open, and Kia bursts in.**

**Kia:** "Hey! Sorry I'm late! Did I interrupt something?"

**Ryan:** (jumping back) "Uh, no! Just… talking!"

**Emily:** (sighing) "Yeah, just catching up. What's up, Kia?"

**Kia:** (raising an eyebrow) "You two look like you were about to start a movie… or something else."

**Ryan:** (flustered) "Nope! Just… planning our next move."

**Emily:** (smiling) "Right, totally innocent."

**Kia:** (grinning) "Sure, sure. I'll just grab some snacks."

**Ryan:** (exhaling) "Thank goodness for snacks."

**Emily:** (whispering to Ryan) "We'll pick this up later." **Kia:** (returning with snacks) "So, what are we watching? I hope it's something good!"

**Emily:** (trying to regain composure) "Just a little something to unwind. You know how it is."

**Ryan:** (nervously) "Yeah, just a casual hangout."

**Kia:** (teasingly) "Casual, huh? You two were practically glowing before I walked in."

**Emily:** (rolling her eyes) "Kia, come on. We were just talking."

**Ryan:** (chiming in) "Yeah, just catching up on life, right?"

**Kia:** (smirking) "Sure, life. But I can see the tension. It's like a movie waiting to happen."

**Emily's internal thoughts:** *Great, now Kia's in on it. This is so embarrassing!*

**Mira:** *Just breathe, Em. It's fine. We can handle this.*

**Ivy:** *Let them think what they want. It's fun!*

**Kia:** (grinning) "You know, if you two need a moment alone, I can always step out."

**Ryan:** (quickly) "No, no! We're good. Right, Emily?"

**Emily:** (forcing a smile) "Absolutely! Just a fun night in."

**Kia:** (grinning) "Alright, let's get this movie started then. But I'm keeping an eye on you two!"

**Ryan:** (relieved) "Sounds good to me."

**Emily:** (whispering to Ryan) "We'll definitely have to continue this later."

**Ryan:** (smiling) "Looking forward to it."

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