Gemotions

The sunlight seemed to pierce Leo’s skin like needles. He avoided eye contact with anyone as he crossed the campus quad. Inside the dorm room, the air hummed with a tension he couldn't name. He slammed the door, the sound echoing around the small space.

His roommate, Ben, was sitting on the floor, surrounded by textbooks. Leo's journal sat innocently on the bed, closed. Leo’s chest was tight, his breathing shallow.

“Anything interesting?” he blurted out, the words escaping before he could stop them. He regretted it instantly.

Ben looked up, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He said nothing, but a slow grin spread across his face. Leo felt his face flush. He needed to be alone.