**The Watcher**

Alex's eyes scanned the office, his gaze lingering on the cubicles as he waited for the clock to tick closer to 5 PM. He worked as a data analyst in a large corporation, a job that allowed him to blend into the background. His coworkers were a faceless crowd, except for one person – Emily. She was the marketing manager, with piercing green eyes and long, curly brown hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Alex had harbored a secret crush on her for months, watching her from afar as she effortlessly commanded attention and respect. As he packed his belongings, Alex couldn't help but sneak a glance at Emily's desk. She was typing away on her computer, her fingers flying across the keyboard with a speed and accuracy that left him in awe. He had often found himself wondering what she was working on, who she was talking to, and what she did outside of the office. The daily routine was the same: wake up, go to work, come home, and repeat. But Alex's thoughts were always occupied with Emily. He would catch himself staring at her during meetings, admiring the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed or the way her smile could light up an entire room. As the office emptied, Alex lingered behind, pretending to finish some last-minute work. He waited until Emily packed up her things and headed out the door before following her at a distance. His heart pounded in his chest as he trailed her through the crowded streets, his eyes fixed on the swaying of her hips and the gentle bounce of her ponytail. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the city as Emily turned into a residential neighborhood. Alex quickened his pace, his curiosity getting the better of him. Where did she live? What was her life like outside of the office? As he turned the corner onto her street, Alex caught sight of Emily's apartment building. He slowed down, his eyes scanning the exterior of the building until he found her window. The curtains were open, and he could see her moving around inside, her silhouette a dark shape against the fading light. Without thinking, Alex crossed the street and approached the building. He hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should turn back, but his feet seemed to move of their own accord. He stepped into the lobby, his eyes fixed on the elevator as it whisked Emily up to her floor. The door slid open, and Alex stepped out into the hallway, his heart pounding in his chest. He stood outside her apartment, his hand reaching out to knock on the door. But something held him back. Instead, he found himself peering through the peephole, his eyes drinking in the sight of Emily's apartment. What he saw made his blood run cold. There, in the center of her living room, was a shrine dedicated to him. Photos of him, notes about him, and personal items he had lost or discarded were all meticulously arranged and displayed. Alex's mind reeled as he stumbled backward, his eyes wide with shock and his heart racing with a mix of fear and fascination. He had been followed. And now, he was faced with a choice: turn back and leave, or knock on the door and confront the stranger who had been watching him. Alex's hand trembled as he raised it to his mouth, his mind racing with questions. Who was this woman? What did she want from him? And how had she known so much about him? As he stood there, frozen in uncertainty, the door creaked open, and Emily's bright green eyes locked onto his. A slow smile spread across her face, and Alex felt his world tilt on its axis. He was no longer just the watcher; he was now the watched.