Gemotions

The late afternoon sun slanted through the dorm window, painting stripes across Leo's face as he hummed, practically skipping into the room. He'd just aced the organic chemistry quiz, a feat that, a week ago, he’d thought impossible. He swung his backpack onto his desk, a grin plastered across his face. He caught sight of Liam, his roommate, who was sitting hunched over Leo's desk, looking intently at something. "Hey man! What's up?" Leo called, his voice bright, brimming with an energy that felt like a fizzy drink bubbling over.

Liam jumped, dropping the small, leather-bound book he was holding. It landed with a soft thud on the floor. Leo froze, a shadow of something flickering across Liam's face. He knew that book, it was his journal. A jolt, a current of something akin to joyous electricity, ran through him, even as a chill settled in his stomach. He didn't say anything, just watching.

"Uh, nothing," Liam mumbled, his cheeks flushing. He quickly moved to pick up the book, then stopped and stood there, awkwardly. Leo just kept smiling, feeling a strange lightness. The ache of this violation was there, but the happiness was a tidal wave.