Gemotions

The pristine, modern art gallery felt stifling, the sterile air thick with unspoken accusations. Liam, hands jammed in his pockets, kept darting glances at the other man, a sharply dressed individual named Daniel. They were supposed to be attending a gallery opening together. Instead, they were united in a shared state of… what, exactly? Betrayal? Annoyance? Liam couldn’t quite label the feeling, but it was potent.

He'd spent weeks, *months*, believing he was special. He'd trusted, he'd opened himself up, and now... this. Daniel, equally stunned, kept stammering apologies. Apologies for what? For being equally played?

Liam’s jaw tightened. He wanted to shout, to make a scene, to expose the man's lies to everyone present. He could feel his pulse hammering against his temples. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. The abstract paintings on the wall seemed to mock his vulnerability.