Gemotions

He leaned back in his chair, the squeak a sharp contrast to the quiet of the library. David was working on a philosophy essay, meticulously crafting each sentence. Across the table, his roommate, Ben, was buried in a textbook, apparently oblivious. David knew better. He knew about the late-night snacks, the secret video game addiction, the anxieties that Ben never admitted aloud.

He allowed a small, almost imperceptible, grin to grace his lips. After all, he'd read all about them.

Later, in their dorm room, David stretched, arching his back. He deliberately left his journal open on his desk, the cover facing outward. Ben walked in, glanced at the journal, and then immediately looked away, feigning disinterest. David, pretending to focus on his essay, could feel the rising heat in his cheeks. He enjoyed the thought that Ben was fighting the urge to pick up the journal.