Your fingers hover over your phone's keyboard, a sly smile on your lips as you type out the message. “You look nice today. I like the way you’ve done your hair.”

You hit send and lean back against the tree, watching from a distance as Tom pulls out his phone. A small smirk tugs at his lips as he reads your message.

His response is quick, as always. “If I had a Galleon every time you complimented me, I’d be rich. What do you want today then?”

You can almost hear his voice. You type back, fingers moving swiftly over the screen. “Me? Nothing. I just like to admire you, is all.”

You watch him glance around, his eyes sweeping over his surroundings with practiced nonchalance. His gaze briefly touches on the shadows where you’re hiding, and your pulse quickens. Tom isn’t easily fooled, and you know he’s aware that someone is watching him. You’re just not sure if he knows it’s you.

“So, what are you doing, Tom?”

He types back, eyes still scanning the area. “Gone for a walk around the forest, but I suppose you already know that.”

You grin, feeling a thrill of satisfaction at his words. He’s right, of course. You always know where he is. It’s become a bit of a habit, this quiet surveillance, this need to know his every move.

Your phone buzzes again, interrupting your thoughts. “I know you’re watching me again.”

His text makes your heart skip a beat. He’s good. You’ve managed to keep your identity a secret, despite his attempts to uncover you. “Funny, yet you’ve never been able to find out who I am though.”

You watch as he reads your message, his eyes narrowing slightly. He pockets his phone, a calculating look crossing his face as he stands, his movements fluid and deliberate. His gaze sweeps the tree line once more, lingering for a moment before he turns and heads deeper into the forest.

Your phone vibrates with one last message as he walks away: “I will find you, eventually.”