Gemotions

The notification buzzed, a tiny, insistent vibration against Elias's thigh. He snatched his phone from his pocket, heart rate immediately picking up. His English teacher, Ms. Periwinkle, had followed him on Instagram. He tapped the notification, eyes flitting over her profile. He’d never posted anything particularly embarrassing, but still… A coldness settled in his stomach.

He quickly scrolled through his recent posts, mentally cataloging the content. The picture of him eating a messy burger. The meme about cats. The one where he'd complained about the essay due next week. His cheeks flushed with heat. Why now? Why did she need to see this?

He closed his phone, the screen reflecting his uneasy expression. He was trapped in the library, pretending to study, but now he was utterly unable to focus. Each time he saw her in class, he’d feel the need to hide. He considered blocking her, but he worried about the implications.