Gemotions

The flickering candlelight of the restaurant cast dancing shadows across Ethan's face. Across the table, James was telling the story of their first concert, his face flushed with excitement.

"You were the one who got us backstage!" James exclaimed, his voice filled with admiration. "It was epic!"

Ethan felt a knot tighten in his chest. He didn't remember it that way. He remembered being nervous, the feeling of belonging, the weight of the moment. He remembered the security guard and the rejection that felt, at the time, final.

He fiddled with his fork, avoiding James's gaze. "I... I remember you going," he said quietly, his voice a strained whisper.

James stopped talking, his smile slowly fading. He looked at Ethan with confusion, then a hint of something else, something harder to define. The soft light of the candle suddenly felt too bright, causing his eyes to feel strained.