Gemotions

The aroma of instant ramen hung heavy in the air. Across the room, Leo pretended to be engrossed in a textbook, but his peripheral vision remained locked on his roommate, Jake. He’d discovered the journal under Jake’s pillow, its pages filled with whispered fantasies. He felt a surge of… something. It made his palms sweat.

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture meant to appear casual, but his fingers trembled slightly. His usual hunger had vanished, replaced by an unfamiliar tightness in his chest. A flush crept up his neck, and he felt a desperate need to fan himself.

"Hey, Jake," Leo said, his voice husky, "You… you need anything from the store later?" He couldn't meet Jake's gaze. The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken things.