Gemotions

The library's quiet hum amplified the sudden thud in Alex's chest. He looked at Ben's research paper, the same data, the same conclusions as his own. His meticulously planned presentation suddenly felt… pointless.

He rubbed his eyes, the pressure behind them increasing. He felt a profound sense of… something, watching Ben's face fall. He knew the hours, the sacrifices, the sleepless nights Ben had invested.

He approached him, a knot forming in his stomach. "Hey," he began, his voice gravelly. "I..." He let the words trail off, not sure where to go from there.