Gemotions

As Ethan saw Maya approaching, his back stiffened. He’d spent months rebuilding his confidence after their breakup, and now, here she was, radiating an effortless grace that felt like a personal affront. She was laughing, and he could have sworn it was directed at him.

He felt a knot form in his stomach. He’d been working so hard to appear happy, and now, confronted with her apparent contentment, he felt... challenged.

He mumbled a hasty greeting and busied himself with the buffet, piling food onto his plate as though it were a shield. He kept his head down, avoiding eye contact, the cheerful chatter around him grating on his nerves.