Gemotions

The arcade buzzed with the chaotic energy of flashing lights and electronic beeps. "GhostlyGamer" had suggested this place. Liam, usually comfortable in his own skin, felt like an alien. He felt the need to apologize for things he didn’t do.

He wandered through the throngs of people. Every movement felt clumsy. The smell of popcorn and stale pizza was overpowering. He couldn't shake the feeling of being in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

Then he saw her. A girl with bright purple hair, her face illuminated by the glow of a game screen. She looked up, saw him, and her jaw dropped. Liam froze, a strange prickling sensation running down his spine. The world blurred a bit at the edges.