Gemotions

The words echoed in Leo's head: "Impractical," "Messy," "Too much responsibility." He picked at the corner of the worn-out sofa, the threads unraveling like his composure. They’d been friends for so long, and yet, this felt like the first real disagreement.

His roommate, Mark, was lounging on the other end of the couch, seemingly unaffected. He’d gone back to reading, a casual indifference that felt like a deliberate jab. Leo excused himself and retreated to his bedroom, closing the door softly.

He found himself pacing the small space, each step a measure of his frustration. The scent of Mark's cologne, which usually brought comfort, now felt cloying and irritating. He kicked at a stray sock on the floor, the action a testament to his mounting disquiet.