Familiar in the Darkness | +18 | TEXTING

06 | I Wanna Learn

My conversations with Noah were becoming more intriguing with each passing day. However, the more I realized how little I actually knew about him, the more my curiosity grew. I didn't really know who he was, what he did, or what kind of person he was. Yet, talking to him and being part of this game excited me.

My daily life was usually quite orderly and predictable. I'd wake up early, make my coffee, and start my day. I worked as a creative director at an advertising company. Before heading to work, I'd take a short walk to clear my mind. At work, I had a busy but satisfying routine, filled with meetings, projects, and an endless stream of emails. But no matter how busy I was, the most exciting moments of my day were always waiting for Noah's messages.

The dating app I had started using at my friends' insistence had quickly become an indispensable part of my daily life. Talking to Noah allowed me to step outside my routine, giving me a different kind of thrill. However, the more I thought about him, the more I realized how superficial my knowledge of him was.

Noah's profile... I had examined those photos countless times. Successful, confident... but there was more to him. For instance, there was a photo of him at the gym. In that picture, Noah's muscular physique was truly impressive. His strong arms, broad shoulders... Every time I saw that photo, I felt a flutter inside me. Noah's physical attractiveness made him even more appealing. But was it just his appearance, or was there something deeper behind those muscles?

I opened that photo once more and got lost in thought as I stared at the screen. Noah's strong build and confident stance suggested that he wasn't just physically strong but also mentally strong. But what else? What was hiding behind this attractive exterior?

I tried to review what I knew about Noah. He was a successful businessman who had made a big splash with the dating app he created. He was a famous figure known around the world. I had done a lot of research on him online, but aside from how famous and successful he was, I couldn't find much else. Especially not about his past. All I found was the name of the high school and university he attended in England. Was he British? I didn't know; I could have guessed from his accent, but I had never actually spoken to him on the phone.

But being successful in business didn't fully explain who he was. Noah was mysterious. He shared very little about himself. What I knew was limited: strong, intelligent, confident... But what about his past? What had he experienced? What lay in the heart of this man?

The attraction I felt toward Noah wasn't just physical. I wanted to learn more about him, to touch his inner world. But I wasn't sure how to ask these questions. I didn't want to scare him away, but I also wanted to take the next step in this relationship.

I picked up my phone and stared at the screen for a while. I thought about what question I should ask him. I wanted to know what he thought about his previous relationships. Maybe this would give me a clue about his past and help me discover his emotional depths.

Finally, I gathered my courage and sent him a message: Emma: "So, Noah... I've been wondering. You seem like a guy who's got it all together, but what about relationships? Ever been in love? Or had your heart broken?"

After sending the message, my heart began to race. I was curious about how he would respond to this question. This was a step beyond the usual flirting between us. I wanted to learn something about Noah's past, to really get to know him.

After a while, my phone buzzed. As I opened the message from Noah, I tried to calm the excitement bubbling inside me.

Noah: "That's a deep question, Emma. I've had my share of relationships, some good, some not so much. But love... that's a tricky one. I guess you could say I've been close, but never quite there. How about you?"

As I read his message, I realized that Noah was, as always, direct but also distant. There was something in his past, but he wasn't ready to fully share it. Still, he had cracked open a door for me. Maybe this relationship could help him open that door completely.

Emma: "Love is tricky, for sure. I've had my ups and downs too. But I believe that when the right person comes along, it all makes sense. Maybe that's why it's so elusive."

As I waited for Noah's reply, I felt that our conversation was becoming deeper than I had anticipated. This game wasn't just for fun anymore. I was starting to get to know Noah, but I was also curious about what he was hiding.

Noah: "Maybe you're right. Or maybe it's all just a game until someone makes you want to play for keeps."

This message heightened the tension between us. Once again, Noah had challenged me, but this time it was different. This time, I sensed that he was feeling the same thing. I was eager to see how this game would end, but I was also thoroughly enjoying the journey.

I put my phone down and took a deep breath. Noah was more complicated than I had thought, and I knew I needed to learn more about him to truly understand who he was. But this journey was both exciting and a little daunting. Noah wasn't just a game to me; maybe he was someone who could really change something in my life.