Gemotions

"The choice is yours," Leo's mom had said over breakfast. "Emily's karaoke night or Connor's video game tournament. What do you *want* to do?" Want. The word echoed in his mind. He wasn't sure. His hands were damp. He'd gone to Emily's events many times, and they'd been a blast. But Connor's? It was something different.

The thought of Emily, her voice, her presence, made his pulse quicken. The karaoke night, the chance of being close. He could almost smell her perfume. He crossed his arms, the action feeling suddenly tight and restrictive.

Later, the idea of sitting next to Connor, the sound of the controller clicking against his palms, the feeling of shared victory or loss in the game — it was intoxicating. He pictured Connor's easy smile, the way he'd laugh. Leo's legs felt weak. He had to go.