Gemotions

The brightly lit gym felt sterile, the smell of sweat and rubber overwhelming. "You're… Ben?" Alex asked, looking at him with a puzzled expression. The old friendship felt like a heavy weight, and Alex felt so very small. He’d hoped to impress Ben. Now, it was clear that his carefully constructed façade had fallen apart.

He’d spent weeks working out, wanting to surprise his friend, wanting to show him how much he’d changed. But Ben just blinked at him, as if confronted by a stranger. Alex felt the muscles in his jaw clench, his hands balling into fists. He muttered something about needing to leave, the words catching in his throat.