Gemotions

The small, cluttered apartment felt like a pressure cooker. The air was thick with the scent of old books and stale coffee, amplifying his internal unease. He avoided making eye contact with David, his roommate and rival for the coveted position, who was sitting across the table. They’d always been competitive, but this was different.

His stomach churned, a knot of anxiety twisting tighter with each passing minute. He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it even more dishevelled. He felt a constant need to pace, to move, to burn off the energy coursing through him.

He picked up a pen and clicked it repeatedly, the sound echoing in the small room. He looked at David, and a silent plea passed between them. A shared struggle.