Gemotions

He found the journal lying open on his bed, the familiar blue cover mocking him. Liam’s fingers itched with the desire to grab it, to shove it back in the drawer and pretend this never happened. But he didn't. Instead, he started sorting his dirty laundry, each movement deliberate and exaggerated.

The air in the dorm room felt heavy, charged with unspoken accusations. His roommate, Mark, was at his desk, pretending to study, but Liam could practically feel the man's furtive glances. He could almost hear the thoughts racing inside Mark's head.

Liam pulled his phone from his pocket, scrolling aimlessly through social media. He would not give Mark the satisfaction of a reaction. The longer he delayed acknowledging the transgression, the more it would hurt him. He’d make Mark wait, stew, and squirm until the silence became unbearable. This was the way.