Gemotions

He knew he was being overly eager, but the possibilities blooming in his mind were impossible to ignore. He’d been chatting with “BookwormBoy” for months, and now, a message: “Just moved to the city! So excited!” His heart hammered against his ribs. He immediately messaged back, suggesting a bookstore meet-up.

He found himself wandering the aisles of the bookstore, a strange anticipation fizzing through him. His palms felt clammy. He’d brought a first edition of BookwormBoy’s favorite author, carefully wrapped in tissue paper.

He spotted a figure browsing the poetry section, a shock of unruly brown hair, a favorite tweed jacket he remembered from a profile picture. He approached, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Hey," he said, his voice softer than he'd intended, "I, uh, I think I know you."