Run With The Devil

Understanding Flirting

Lyras pov

Days had blended into a routine of constant sessions and self-discovery. The work was grueling, but I could feel the slow, steady progress in learning how to control my emotions. Every session was a mix of breakthroughs and setbacks, and it seemed like there was always something new to learn about myself.

Amidst all this, I had started to notice something about Deon. Sometimes, he would do or say things that seemed different from his usual demeanor-small gestures or remarks that seemed to carry a different kind of weight. I couldn't quite place what it was, but it made me feel uneasy and confused.

I decided to approach Harper about it. She had become a reliable source of information, especially on topics I had never encountered before. One afternoon, after another long session, I found Harper in the living room and decided to ask her about what I had been noticing.

"Harper," I began tentatively, "I've been observing something in Deon. He's been doing these things that I don't quite understand. It feels different, like he's trying to get closer to me in a way I'm not used to. Can you explain what's going on?"

Harper looked up from her book, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of things are you talking about?"

I described a few instances where Deon's actions had seemed unusual. He would lean in a little closer when talking, make prolonged eye contact, and sometimes he'd smile in a way that felt oddly intimate. I wasn't sure how to interpret these behaviors, and it was causing me some distress.

Harper listened attentively, her expression thoughtful. "It sounds like Deon might be flirting with you."

I furrowed my brow, unsure of what that term meant. "Flirting? What's that?"

Harper chuckled softly, sensing my confusion. "Flirting is when someone tries to show romantic or personal interest in another person. It's a way of expressing that they're attracted to you, often through subtle hints or behaviors. It's not always straightforward-it can be a smile, a touch, or even the way someone talks to you."

I listened carefully, trying to understand the concept. "So, when Deon does those things, he's trying to show he likes me?"

"Yes," Harper said with a nod. "It's a way of letting you know that he's interested in you beyond just being friends or colleagues."

The realization hit me, and I felt a mix of emotions-surprise, confusion, and a hint of something I wasn't quite ready to define. I had never considered that Deon's actions could be motivated by romantic interest. Given my background and limited experience with relationships, the concept was entirely new to me.

"I see," I said slowly, absorbing the information. "But how am I supposed to respond to this? I don't know how to handle these kinds of interactions."

Harper gave me a reassuring smile. "You don't have to rush into anything. Just take your time to figure out how you feel and what you want. It's okay to be honest with Deon about your confusion or lack of experience. Communication is important in any relationship, especially when you're still learning about your own feelings."

I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thank you, Harper. I'll think about it and try to understand my own feelings better."

As I walked away from the conversation, I felt a new sense of clarity. Understanding Deon's behavior gave me a new perspective on our interactions and allowed me to approach them with more awareness. It was one more step in navigating the complexities of my emotions and relationships-an important step toward finding balance in my life.

---

A few days later, I found myself in the living room with Deon. We were discussing some plans for the upcoming weeks, but I couldn't help noticing how close he was standing to me. His proximity made me nervous, and I tried to focus on the conversation, but my mind kept drifting.

"You know," Deon said, his voice low and casual, "I've been thinking a lot about our conversations lately."

I glanced up, only to find him looking at me with a warm, somewhat intense gaze. He reached out and gently touched my arm, his fingers brushing lightly against my skin.

"I really appreciate how open you've been with me," he continued, his tone almost soft. "It's not easy to talk about personal stuff, but you're doing great."

I felt my heart race, unsure of how to react. His touch was unexpected, and his words felt more personal than usual. I tried to focus on his eyes, searching for clarity, but I found myself distracted by the warmth of his hand on my arm.

"Thanks," I managed to say, though my voice was shaky. "I'm just trying to figure things out."

Deon smiled, his eyes flickering with a mix of affection and amusement. "You're doing more than just figuring things out. You're making real progress, and that's something I admire."

As he spoke, I could sense the underlying meaning behind his words, the way his gaze lingered on me. It was different from how he usually spoke-more intimate, more personal. I felt a mix of confusion and curiosity about what his intentions were, and it made me realize that I needed to explore these feelings further.